TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Lizzy]

Hi, I have an AC coming up and one of the exercises requires an in-depth knowledge of the firm, understanding how it works etc. This may be a dumb question, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to research the firm. I’ve gone through the website and found a few deals, but I’ve not really been able to gain an understanding of the firm’s operations. Any insights will be greatly appreciated. For context, it’s a US-headquartered international law firm @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu

 

[Toomanypfo]

Oh, sorry idk, I did it end of Jan but idk if it's rolling or not

Hi, I have just got the test a few days ago. Could you please share what is the format of it like is it like WG and timed? It would be really helpful! Thanks

 

[trainee4u]

was this the first round of ACs or the LevFin ACs? Cuz I thought the Levin ACs were all summer

1st round. I applied for either scheme but appeared to be on the standard ACs.

 

[Ali2020]

Howden VI !

Me too! no idea what this arctic shores assessment is about....also wondering what they could possibly ask in the VI as the email syas it will only take 5-10mins

 

[applebunny]

If asked in an interview why some of my module marks are lower than others, what should I say?

 

[legallycece]

I tried and got ghosted... sent a follow-up, ghosted again 😂 😂

Gotcha ! Thanks 😂

 

[Ricky]

If asked in an interview why some of my module marks are lower than others, what should I say?

Try and be honest about it, take accountability, say what you learnt from it etc.

Don't do what I did with my Travers Smith interview several years ago and say the completely honest (Autistic) truth:

"Yeah, I never went to any of the lectures or tutorials as it didn't suit my learning style and the exam ended up being on specific things mentioned in the tutorial rather than what was accurate and current law. I wasn't wrong, I just didn't repeat the tutorial material how the lecturer wanted".

My feedback was that I should have taken accountability lol.

 

[jacksollaf]

Gibson Dunn PFO post-first stage interview

 

[TonyStark]

If asked in an interview why some of my module marks are lower than others, what should I say?

I recently had this in an interview and it took me by surprise! So well done for preparing for it now. I would be honest about the reason why but the most important thing will be how you’ve learnt from it. I spun my lowest grade in second year by saying how I adjusted to the teaching style, took additional steps to improve and that led me to receive one of my highest marks in third year which was of a similar teaching style.

(my initial thought was to say the material was too dense and text heavy - this wouldn’t have landed well I presume so glad I caught myself before saying this!)

 

[trainee4u]

If asked in an interview why some of my module marks are lower than others, what should I say?

I have an application answer where I address this.

I say "in term 1 I scored a Commendation in one of my modules after a weak performance in my oral. After speaking to peers I found I had missed university-supplied material as I had revised independently. For my second term I addressed this issue by thoroughly reviewing all provided materials. In addition, I prepared exhaustively for the oral, drafting possible questions and practising interview technique with friends. My efforts paid off as I received 89% in the corresponding module in the second term."

 

[Katy12345]

Yes I’ve been waiting a month so assumed PFO but not seen anyone from my office get an AC. What office was this?

Which office are you waiting to hear back from?

 

[BillSikes]

For why the firm question at an interview - I want to make three points. 1.) How I am interested in their practice areas 2.) Their international outreach and secondment (particularly Middle East presence).

I'm struggling for a third if anyone can help. Culture/diversity is all I can think of but I personally believe this is a weak point - do people really talk about this at interview?

How long should my 'why firm' answer be also?

 

[RVD23]

Has anyone heard back from HFW post AC?

 

[pepsicola96]

If you get an offer for a SVS but have already accepted a scheme with dates that clash, would the other firm ever consider moving you to winter (assuming that you have a Spring VS too)?

You have nothing to lose by asking, but I don't think that would be very likely. Next winter is a different recruitment cycle, so you'd have been assessed differently to everyone else on the scheme, but like I say, if the alternative is not doing the scheme at all then definitely ask!

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

the silence is driving me insane

 

[marisachr]

Hello @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam, was wondering how you can incorporate talking about a firm's growth strategy in an interview! Unsure how to incorporate this in my upcoming AC

 

[pepsicola96]

I

Hello everyone.
I am currently getting ready to make applications for direct training contracts.
I am graduated with an LLB from a Dutch university where we did a comparative study between EU law jurisdictions and England & Wales, and finished my LLM in London this year.
I know the PGDL is not a regulatory requirement anymore if you have an LLB, however, some firms still require people to do the PGDL if they didn't do an LLB in the UK.
Does anyone know of any firms that don't require the PGDL if one has the LLB? I don't want to waste one year doing the PGDL and it'll help me prioritise certain firms. I am aware Baker Mckenzie has such an arrangement, but I'm unsure about any other firms.
Does anyone have any insights? Thanks

As a non-law student I'm in a similar position, I haven't done that much research but so far the only firm I have seen that doesn't require the PGDL is Baker McKenzie, somebody told me that was the case with BCLP but I don't think that is true. It's possible there are others, but ultimately I would just expect that you will have to do one

 

[M_m]

Does anyone know when we’ll hear back from OC post the virtual AC?

I just finished mine today and I think it was one of the last slots. So a week from now should be a good bet.

 

[yasmars]

For those interested in NRF:

They won’t be opening their direct training contract applications this year

 

[Willgetthere]

Does anyone know how long Goodwin will take to get back after AC stage ?