TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[legaldruid]

My report was a complete surprise to me, especially the strengths. I now feel really defeated after working so hard to prepare for it. Trying not to overthink/ try and quantify the feedback but I doubt that I have got through to AC. So much room for improvement 🥴 I also found it tough to distill everything that they wanted answering in 500 words!

I'd say dont lose hope because its not been long since we had to submit the SJT! The team obviously has to go through a ton of applications but we'll be hearing some good news soon!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@vschemer hi! could i know when DPW got back to you? thanks!

 

[zq522]

HFW AC - although its on the day after my FLK2 exam! Have asked for alternate options!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do you think they had the wrong set of questions for me then as a non law student? They asked about 5 actual legal questions relating to law rather than commercial awareness or even legal process and really specific questions rather than broad concept type questions. I have done Warranty type stuff previously and stages of M&A deals etc in ACs but this was actual law.

Not necessarily - some firms will ask technical questions more generally. I just think most don't - it may have just been that particular firm (or even interviewer's) approach to the process.

 

[legalxp2]

Reed Smith AC!

Akin Telephone Interview.

Literally shaking. Please anyone with tips on interviews and what questions to ask partners and GR, I will gladly appreciate @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker

hey congrats! when did you apply to akin?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

HFW AC - although its on the day after my FLK2 exam! Have asked for alternate options!

Congrats! Is this the stage after the initial app or is there a test/ VI?

 

[jacksollaf]

Sadly adding Eversheds ❌ to the list of PFOs!

to this I add Gowling PFO, just came in 🥂

 

[Tclarocks123]

Reed Smith AC!

Akin Telephone Interview.

Literally shaking. Please anyone with tips on interviews and what questions to ask partners and GR, I will gladly appreciate @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker

IDK you but I feel proud. All the best !

 

[JessicaTC27]

Willkie written exercise!!!!!

Congrats! If you don’t mind me asking, when is it set to take place? Also is the written exercise and partner interview done together or is the partner interview the next stage after the written exercise?

 

[pepsicola96]

A bit of a sneaky question, but does anyone think it is worth withdrawing their linklaters application if still on hold/ 66% and applying for the TC instead? That way at least we have a shot.

I think even if you withdraw it would still count as an application unfortunately, and you can only make one application per year.

 

[Cool pigeon]

Congrats! If you don’t mind me asking, when is it set to take place? Also is the written exercise and partner interview done together or is the partner interview the next stage after the written exercise?

We haven't been given much detail yet. Just told there will be slots at end of jan and beginning of feb. and it is done online solely as a written exercise. if successful then you do the partner intreview.

 

[jta227]

In terms of preparing for legal questions, do people reckon the only modules worth revising are Contract, Tort, Land Law and Trusts?

 

[kokoprep]

Any insights into W&C AC? this is for spring

hey when did you do your VI, can you please tell?

 

[legal18]

Congrats! If you don’t mind me asking, when is it set to take place? Also is the written exercise and partner interview done together or is the partner interview the next stage after the written exercise?

Thank you! And it's what @murm said and we will be given more info towards the end of January.

 

[zq522]

Congrats! Is this the stage after the initial app or is there a test/ VI?

I only sent in an application form in October - so i guess after the initial app

 

[EA95]

Reed Smith AC!

Akin Telephone Interview.

Literally shaking. Please anyone with tips on interviews and what questions to ask partners and GR, I will gladly appreciate @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker

Congrats on Akin and Reed Smith 🥳🥳, you got this for sure!!

 

[kokoprep]

Hey anyone received W&C Spring AC invite today?

 

[crt1s]

Reed Smith AC!

Akin Telephone Interview.

Literally shaking. Please anyone with tips on interviews and what questions to ask partners and GR, I will gladly appreciate @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker

Congrats on both!

Would you mind sharing how you scored on the pillars for the RS SJT?

 

[AlegalA]

I did fine in property law as a module but i think i would burst out laughing/crying if i was asked that 🤣

NRF said they'll ask about your modules most likely and that you should revise contract law pre-interview if you're a Law student. That being said the trainee I spoke to on their open day said she didn't actually get asked about it. One of the partners said he also likes to ask "what's your favourite case" and it catches lots of people out because they didn't expect it and they just start waffling. Also for their negotiation exercise, Law students are grouped together and non-Law are grouped together, so the level of knowledge expected is different.
Linklaters have asked "what is an indemnity" "what is a warranty" before
Lots of firms don't ask any legal knowledge Qs at all.

Not really, but they are often included in AC tasks to provide a clearer perspective on the case study problem. For instance, think of it like understanding the mechanics of a car—you don’t need to be a mechanic to drive it, but knowing how the engine works can help you identify warning signs or inefficiencies. Similarly, understanding these terms can help you spot technical red flags. That said, firms are more focused on your ability to identify broader issues and demonstrate a natural grasp of the business landscape in commercial law. Hope this helps!

Can happen but tends to be rare. When it does happen, its usually because you have experience, whether it be work experience or academics related to the topic included in your application though.

At A&O Shearman AC I was asked the difference between a warranty and a representation, and how I would apply each one to the case study problem.

Yes Just had the worst interview ever end of last week. Legal questions asked of a non law student! Legal not commercial. Proper waste of everyone's time. Explained I was non law and therefore hadn't undertaken any form of legal education yet.

Thank you all! Bit f mixed responses, it seems it might be mostly magic/silver circle firms asking? Fingers crossed for me anyway 😅

 

[AlegalA]

Also, if anyone's done the Kennedys VI would you mind sharing how long the questions were?
Thank you!!