TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

is asking the lawyers where they would choose to go on secondment if they were trainees now a stupid question at the end of an interview ahah

Hiya @member7830

I just wanted to add to what @Jessica Booker rightly said. I don't think it’s a stupid question at all, but how you frame it can make a big difference. I think the key is to give it some context so that it feels more like a thoughtful discussion rather than just a curiosity-driven question.

One way to approach it is by tying it to the firm’s broader strategy. Think, for instance, about why a partner might be interested in answering this question. You might get them to speak to the type of work done in certain offices or the type of pressures particular offices face, and get a sense of what they think it would be valuable for someone who is a trainee to experience. You could say something like: "I know that secondments can offer really valuable exposure, and given the firm’s strategy and the way client work varies across different offices, I’d be really interested in your perspective on where a trainee might go to do work that is very different from what's done in the London office?" This makes it clear that you’re thinking about the bigger picture rather than just where might be a fun place to go (lol). As long as you show that you’re trying to engage with the firm’s approach (and the partners' insight) in a meaningful way, it can absolutely be a well- received question!

 

[wantatc]

anyone heard anything from bbc after the written task?

no not yet

 

[laurenn42]

For the OC research task what sort of questions would be asked in the Q&A? Would they be about the topic in general outside the scope of my presentation or would they be more based upon that I have said?

 

[sb04]

Hi, has anyone gotten or previously done an AC with Mills & Reeve? Would love to trade insights or prepare for it together!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

just got the NRF interview!! really nervous about it and don’t know how to prep any advice would be great!! pls pm me i would appreciate it so much!! i’m definitely willing to share insights on other firms i have had success with!!!

Hiya @tcla02

Congrats on getting the NRF interview! I think with the right prep, you’ll be in a strong position. The video interview (which used to be a telephone interview) usually involves graduate recruitment asking a set list of questions. I think the key is to answer in a clear, structured, and succinct way.

You can expect a mix of motivational and competency-based questions, along with some that test your commercial awareness. To prepare, I’d recommend thinking carefully about why you want to pursue a legal career, why NRF specifically appeals to you, and how your skills align with what they’re looking for. As always for competency questions, the STAR method will help keep your answers structured and impactful.

It’s also worth taking a close look at NRF as a firm, including its key sectors, international reach, and key competitors. I'd also encourage you to have a think about how NRF positions itself in the market and what else it could do here.

If you focus on these areas, you should be well-prepared! Best of luck with the interview!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Just catching up on the conversation regarding Freshfields - I have contacted the firm as I have been contacted by a number of people with similar concerns regarding not being able to complete the assessment. If I get an update, I will let everyone know.

 

[rapunzel]

They did this shit on purpose!!! As I also emailed 5 mins after I got the email asking for adjustments and they never responded I had to do the test 1 hour before it was due. Just a way to cut down the numbers. It’s ridiculous.

finding new ways to discriminate against applicants really ☹️

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Just catching up on the conversation regarding Freshfields - I have contacted the firm as I have been contacted by a number of people with similar concerns regarding not being able to complete the assessment. If I get an update, I will let everyone know.

THANK YOU @Jessica Booker

 

[Jessica Booker]

I am thinking about applying for Baker's direct TC and would love for some advice when approaching the first application question Discuss a topic that you are passionate about. How did you become interested in it, and how has it influenced your personal or professional life. (300 words max) *

What is the best recommended structure for this question? I am also not sure what topic I can passionately discuss whilst also linking it back to professional skills

You don't have to link the answer back to professional skills - it is important to focus on what the question is asking of you first, although often naturally skills can come out of the "how has it influenced your personal or professional life".

There won't be a set structure for this - there are different ways in which you can approach it, but I would suggest that you at least cover the following:

• A short explanation of the topic
• Details/context as to how you became passionate about it
• How your involvement/exploration of the topic has benefitted you or shaped your journey experiences

 

[loe]

These are Russell Cooke's application questions:

Discuss a news article that interests you and why.
Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility (or something you are proud of) and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application.
Please tell us about something which did not turn out as you expected.
If you couldn’t work in law, what do you think you would do and why?

None of them specifically relate to the firm, so does anyone have advice for how I should tailor my answers to explain my specific interest in Russell Cooke?

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman Wondering if you could help me with this

 

[Jessica Booker]

Taylor Wessing AC whoooo 🎉

Question- they offer both in person and online ACs. I theoretically could do both. I do think in person ACs allow you to show your personality more but I feel that online interviews are less nerve wracking and I'm able to keep more calm and deliver better answers.
Do you think it is better to do in person or online? do they take in consideration the fact that we might have notes if we're online and therefore perform less well in person?
Any advice/opinion is welcome!!

I think you should do the method that works best for you - for some people that will be online and for others that will be in person. I really don't think there is one better way and that its more about what would work best for your at that time.

 

[PFOenthusiast]

CMS Virtual Interview (Bristol office, applied on the day of the deadline).

If anyone can share any insights then I would be very grateful, and happy to share insights into other interviews and ACs.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman Wondering if you could help me with this

I wouldn't actually try to fit in "why Russell Cooke" into these questions. The firm clearly does not need this information at this stage and is likely to assess it at a later stage of the recruitment process.

 

[Legal Wizard]

Morgan Lewis phone interview invite 👌

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Guys should I email withers for an update? I applied for March scheme (17th) and haven't heard back post online test. I feel like I am on the rejection pile maybe but it's ridiculous, like tell me my outcome

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

I just realised that we all got individually assigned numbers for the Willkie Written Exercise.

Suddenly realised that “Weds 20” is not in fact Wednesday 20th February, but my personal ID number 🤣

 

[TC129129]

tbh was quite time rushed but not too bad hbu?

Found it pretty hard

 

[thelegalstudent]

Hi, would it be possible to ask for a training contract in an earlier intake than the one applied for if offered a training contract after the vacation scheme?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, would it be possible to ask for a training contract in an earlier intake than the one applied for if offered a training contract after the vacation scheme?

Yes - you can ask. Whether the firm can offer this will be dependent on a load of variable factors though.

Some firms offer waiting lists for people who want to move intakes though.

 

[Cats688]

Guys should I email withers for an update? I applied for March scheme (17th) and haven't heard back post online test. I feel like I am on the rejection pile maybe but it's ridiculous, like tell me my outcome

I'm the same, it's been ages !