TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Pearson]

I felt HSF’s report was way off, especially compared to other SJT results I’ve had - similar to you I chose answers that contradicted the report so not sure how they rate answers 👎🏻

I was thinking the same thing. Because I got a moderate fit in all the competencies except one. Is that good or bad? I finally passed their benchmark after failing it last year 😭 but I don't know if it's the sjt and personality test are weighted equally.

 

[l789]

I was thinking the same thing. Because I got a moderate fit in all the competencies except one. Is that good or bad? I finally passed their benchmark after failing it last year 😭 but I don't know if it's the sjt and personality test are weighted equally.

Oh my lord!

I think I’d rather HSF just use a WG test after hearing all these comments.

Is there any way to practice?

Grad rec at the open day made the SJT to be a rather trivial impediment and not a huge barrier in the application process.

 

[yasmars]

I was thinking the same thing. Because I got a moderate fit in all the competencies except one. Is that good or bad? I finally passed their benchmark after failing it last year 😭 but I don't know if it's the sjt and personality test are weighted equally.

Have HSF changed their test from last year?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I completed the Dechert assessment today and it was quite challenging with the time constraints but I had the thought that maybe some individuals might have used AI to help since there wasn't a camera feature. I didn't but I wonder do firms detect that thoroughly?

Honestly, I think it'd be a mistake. AI gets this kind of stuff wrong all the time. Plus even I can tell when something is ChatGPT written, I bet grad rec can too

 

[l789]

Honestly, I think it'd be a mistake. AI gets this kind of stuff wrong all the time. Plus even I can tell when something is ChatGPT written, I bet grad rec can too

Do people actually use chatgpt to write a whole 250 word answer to why law or why this firm. Or just partially?

I’m personally anti AI because I used it to ask a question regarding an apostrophe placement and it got it wrong and I had to correct it. I was not impressed and couldn’t imagine using it for any sort of online test, considering it could get something so minor as an apostrophe placement wrong.

 

[Tintin06]

King & Spalding open day PFO. I was attending the Goodwin virtual open day but applied for the in-person one since it's nice to actually meet people face to face and also firms often give you free food at open days.

Still nothing from Covington & Burling, Dechert or White & Case - I have a feeling all of these will be a PFO.

 

[Apple]

Do people actually use chatgpt to write a whole 250 word answer to why law or why this firm. Or just partially?

I’m personally anti AI because I used it to ask a question regarding an apostrophe placement and it got it wrong and I had to correct it. I was not impressed and couldn’t imagine using it for any sort of online test, considering it could get something so minor as an apostrophe placement wrong.

not successful applicants lol. AI is pretty useless in trying to write effective responses that detail your experiences, as you are the only one who knows them. So you just get a pretty generic, and thus bad answer. Also some firms will just have tools that immediately flag the answer as AI written.

 

[Jo05]

Anyone received Cleary AC yet?

I have got yesterday

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Do people actually use chatgpt to write a whole 250 word answer to why law or why this firm. Or just partially?

I’m personally anti AI because I used it to ask a question regarding an apostrophe placement and it got it wrong and I had to correct it. I was not impressed and couldn’t imagine using it for any sort of online test, considering it could get something so minor as an apostrophe placement wrong.

I meant the Dechert assessment but I agree

I asked it a question about Pokemon type effectiveness and it got that one wrong so...

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I have got yesterday

When did you apply/do the WG? A bit anxious about this one sorry

 

[lolasparks]

Just to add to @Jessica Booker's great response here, since I ended up being progressed by DLA last year, I thought it might be useful to copy here the answer I wrote. The first paragraph illustrates Jessica's point about connecting the key challenges to your experiences and profile, while the second illustrates the point about using the firm's specific terminology when mentioning resources.

The first challenge I anticipate is delivering high-quality work even when I must simultaneously manage multiple workstreams with tight deadlines. Firstly, to prioritise effectively I would ask the assignor of any work how long it should take me to finish it and how strict the deadline is. Secondly, I would ask for the support of my trainee buddy to learn how to complete routine tasks more efficiently. In my summer internship I finished my Legislative Update email quicker by using (lawyer's name)’s tips, which enabled me to focus on research for a presentation I delivered in front of the entire firm. Consequently, I received positive feedback from my supervisor for the many cases and academic sources I cited.

The second challenge I envisage is starting from the beginning with each rotational cycle, which can be difficult after finally gaining some experience in the previous seat. I would attempt to make the transition easier by anticipating and preparing for the usual trainee work in that practice area, using resources like the Internal Knowledge Hub. I would also invite trainees from that seat for a coffee, where they can share advice and experiences in adapting to the style of the supervisors.

Hi, this is great! I was wondering whether it would be possible to get any examples on the first application questions, I'm really struggling to fit two examples in 200 words. Thank you

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

have u done the written assessment or AC? I did mt written assessment three weeks ago and nothing since

Yeah I did my written two weeks ago

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

Does anyone know anything about the Mishcon video interview? I submitted my application a couple days before the deadline but haven't received any news from them as to where/when this will happen - I thought it would be another part of the initial process before assessment centres. In fact they sent an email saying they would be reviewing my application so I am confused/slightly worried

Hey,

It seems that the next step in the application process will be a video interview, assuming they’re satisfied with your written submission. There is no need to worry just yet—the deadline only just closed, so there’s still plenty of time for them to review everything.

 

[studentdelaw786]

Hey guys,

After I applied for Davis Polk’s Insight Day, I got an auto email saying the following: “If you are successful, you will be invited to an assessment day in January. Dates will be confirmed nearer to the time.”

I assume this refers to the vac scheme apps, but does this indicate that the vac scheme deadline is rolling? And should I draft the vac scheme app before I know the result of my Insight Day app?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hey guys,

After I applied for Davis Polk’s Insight Day, I got an auto email saying the following: “If you are successful, you will be invited to an assessment day in January. Dates will be confirmed nearer to the time.”

I assume this refers to the vac scheme apps, but does this indicate that the vac scheme deadline is rolling? And should I draft the vac scheme app before I know the result of my Insight Day app?

I don’t think it indicates anything beyond that if you secure a place on the open day you will automatically receive an assessment centre spot.

I would wait until you know the outcome of your open day application before applying to the vacation scheme.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Yeah I did my written two weeks ago

yeah I did my written exercise for dechert over two weeks ago and they said I would hear soon when I emailed this week so I'm really hoping I hear something today about a possible ac next week idk tho am losing hope tbh.

 

[Soprano]

I have got yesterday

is this for winter?spring?summer?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi, this is great! I was wondering whether it would be possible to get any examples on the first application questions, I'm really struggling to fit two examples in 200 words. Thank you

Hi @lolasparks I have copied my answer bellow (with the names of some lawyers redacted). It is mainly based around my previous work experience with DLA, but I hope it might still be helpful. Also, feel free to post your thoughts on how you think of approaching the question or a draft answer for it - I would be glad to give you some high-level feedback!

The principal reason I want to join DLA Piper is the firm’s supportive and collaborative culture, since during the Summer Associates Programme at DLA Piper Dinu I benefited from the entire team taking an active interest in my development. As I was the only first-year student and the only intern who had not studied Romanian law, senior associates like (lawyer name) spent additional time to explain each task in detail. Another instance was when Counsel (lawyer name) invited me for lunch to discuss my future career goals and allocated me tasks that involved multi-jurisdictional research, enabling me to leverage my English contract law expertise. This continuous support allowed me to perform at a high standard and earn a letter of recommendation from the country’s managing partner.

While attending the ‘A day in the life at DLA Piper’ online presentation, I became convinced that the English offices place just as much emphasis on these values. Natalie Dalton explained that during the pandemic, the firm encouraged people to join periodic online meetings to play social games. The fact that DLA cared about making their employees feel connected further confirms my conclusion that the firm’s culture is aligned with my personal values.

 

[bella98]

Hill Dickinson application
As a firm, we operate across a number of sectors and specialisms, and offer sector-specific training contracts in each of our business services, health and marine groups. Which of our teams would you be most interested in completing a seat in and why?

I think the word "seat" confuses me here. Are they asking whether I want to pursue the Business Services, Health, or Marine training contract?

I started my answer by saying I’m especially interested in the Business Services TC and explaining why. Then, I talked about a specific seat I’d like to experience within that.
Just want to make sure I'm on the right track.

@Andrei Radu 🙏

 

[Rosscarr08]

How long does it take to receive Arctic Shores test?