TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Chris Brown]

Quick question for @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else:

Which firms do not use at least one of the following in their screening:
- Watson Glaser
- SJT/Arctic Shores/other behavioural test
- Video Interview

I vaguely recall that Slaughters(?) doesn't use any of the above, instead just relying on CVs for invites to ACs. Are there any other similarly streamlined application processes? I'm guessing the corollary of not having the above is a stricter focus on grades and/or written 'why X' questions.

Thank you!

By video interview (VI), do you mean like a pre-recorded style VI, or any kind of VI? I think Travers Smith have a similar process to Slaughter and May, except the partner interviews are conducted virtually. People who pass that interview get the VS offer, and do the AC during the VS. I think I read somewhere once that Sidley Austin have a similar process but idk if it’s changed for this cycle.​

 

[VacSchemer]

Are there any firms other than NRF that use Arctic Shores?

 

[APGCA]

should I assume PFO post OC virtual AC- did it two weeks ago today? thought it went quite well but haven't heard since and ik the next round is an in person AC. Based off the forum around this time last year people got progressed

The last day of the virtual ACs was friday so give it some time

 

[ashwright]

By video interview, do you mean like a pre-recorded style VI, or any kind of VI? I think Travers Smith have a similar process to Slaughter and May, except the partner interviews are conducted virtually.​

More so the pre-recorded ones (especially those without preparation time/no opportunity to re-record - looking at you, Bakers + A&O Shearman!)
An interview with a human being online is hopefully alright with me
Thank you 🫶

 

[jacksollaf]

BCLP rejection post-(hour-long) interview 🥂 🥳

 

[Maddy]

Do you think Paul Weiss will send out a third round of invites ? As few received today should I just loose hope for PW? My scores were 21/36 and my answers were above average.

 

[cwhite233]

should I assume PFO post OC virtual AC- did it two weeks ago today? thought it went quite well but haven't heard since and ik the next round is an in person AC. Based off the forum around this time last year people got progressed

They were having virtual ACs until the end of last week so wouldn't assume PFO at all. I think they are still reviewing decisions.

 

[allenpopi]

Hey,

This is a really good question. I just wrapped up a module on it last semester which was really interesting.

When applying to law firms, competition law often comes up in case studies. One of the key issues is whether a deal can go through without violating competition rules. If a company is too dominant in the market or if an agreement between businesses reduces competition, regulators might step in to stop the deal.

Competition law in the UK and the EU is designed to make sure businesses compete fairly so that consumers get better prices, more choices, and high-quality products. Without these rules, big companies could take over entire markets, push smaller businesses out, and charge higher prices without any real competition.

There are two main areas where companies can break competition law. The first is anticompetitive agreements. This is when businesses make deals that reduce competition, like fixing prices or agreeing not to compete with each other. In the UK, this is covered by Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998, and in the EU, it falls under Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

The second is abuse of a dominant position. A company that is much stronger than its competitors has to be careful not to use that power unfairly. For example, it cannot force customers to buy only from them or sell at a loss just to drive competitors out of business. This is covered by Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998 in the UK and Article 102 of the TFEU in the EU.

When companies try to merge, regulators (like the CMA or EC) check whether the new business would become too powerful and reduce competition. If that happens, they might block the deal or ask the companies to change it to protect consumers. This is why competition law is a big part of M&A case studies in law firm applications.

Thank you so much! this is very insightful

 

[CG_101]

Goodwin post-VI rejection at 09:45, 41 days later 😔 This one was important to me, so I shall indulge in a small morsel of a rant.

I could've sworn I nailed it, but now, it feels like I wasn't worth speaking with a real person. I don't even get told why. I went to a world-class business school and understand high-innovation clients like the back of my hand. I have four years of legal experience and a plethora of activities demonstrating commitment to the field. I go out of my way to speak with those at all levels, from lawyers and their clients to literal presidents. I get it's competitive, but if I could just talk with those hiring over a coffee instead of having to play these games - I'd make light work of a real conversation. I even had some practice with a former recruiter. Ah, well. I'll get over it soon enough.

Does anyone have advice for those struggling to get past the VI/TI stage? Especially when you think you'd perform well in a proper back-and-forth interview. What is that trying to tell me? Man, it's so hard to decrypt everything. Maybe I also need to just keep playing the numbers game as this was only my third VI, plus one TI. Is this stage even worth giving myself any credit? I did improve upon last year's post-app rejection, though... unless that was just because they fabricated a new stage this year 😭

My honest opinion on VIs [please feel free to dispute this] is that they don't measure the actual substance of your answers to the same extent as your ability to manage your time well, think on the spot, structure your answers and perform under pressure. I see VIs not as a time to show off general interview answers, but to show I can craft clean, coherent and balanced answers under time pressure in an uncomfortable environment. When I made that switch, I instantly started passing. [2 rejections, switched my focus, 3 passes]

 

[Chris Brown]

Do you think Paul Weiss will send out a third round of invites ? As few received today should I just loose hope for PW? My scores were 21/36 and my answers were above average.

Most of us who got invited to interview scored between 20-24 on the SJT. I think scoring anything above 20 will be fine. However, since Paul, Weiss assess test scores alongside written application, I think it would also depend on the quality of the application as well. I’m sure you’ll hear back positively soon! Best of luck. 🤞​

 

[g.cl.2020344]

They were having virtual ACs until the end of last week so wouldn't assume PFO at all. I think they are still reviewing decisions.

thank you

 

[NJS]

My honest opinion on VIs [please feel free to dispute this] is that they don't measure the actual substance of your answers to the same extent as your ability to manage your time well, think on the spot, structure your answers and perform under pressure. I see VIs not as a time to show off general interview answers, but to show I can craft clean, coherent and balanced answers under time pressure in an uncomfortable environment. When I made that switch, I instantly started passing. [2 rejections, switched my focus, 3 passes]

Genuinely, look dead in the camera, smile, say "really interesting question or I love this question", speak clearly with structure and you'll pass (mainly because people are scared of talking to a camera so likely crumble in the moment, so by doing the aforementioned you immediately look better)

 

[x_lauren112]

Thank you for your optimism even after getting your interview!! Fingers crossed for the rest of us 🤞🏻

Most of us who got invited to interview scored between 20-24 on the SJT. I think scoring anything above 20 will be fine. However, since Paul, Weiss assess test scores alongside written application, I think it would also depend on the quality of the application as well. I’m sure you’ll hear back positively soon! Best of luck. 🤞​

 

[Joey green]

I had 18/36 for PW, probably pfo then… did anyone here back from Morgan Lewis past TI

 

[Tclarocks123]

Very good question and honestly, it depends on my mood. Some days I feel super optimistic and other days I feel a bit down and question my abilities.

I think the key thing for me is celebrating the little wins. This is my 2nd cycle and for a few applications I managed to progress to the next stage as opposed to 100% rejections post app from my first cycle. I can see I am improving and that is giving me the motivation to keep going and I will get better and eventually land a VS/TC.. although I’d like it sooner rather than later.. like everyone else!

Also being part of this forum has helped me a lot as I don’t know anyone in “real life” going through the same process as me so it’s lovely to be part of a community on the same journey and helping each other out.

On a practical level, I set myself weekly targets as in “I’ll do 2 applications this week after I finish work and complete the reading for uni” and that’s kept me on track with the applications. I really need to do some more though as there’s only a couple of firms I’m waiting to hear back from so need to get back into it. Thinking about everything at once is so overwhelming, and I’m a massive overthinker so I try to keep it as simple as I can (mentally) for myself!

There’s a reason why we’re doing this, and we should not stop until we achieve our dreams! I’ve seen so many people on this forum receiving their dream offers after years of trying and that keeps me going.. if they can do it then so can we!

Thank you for this response. I am quite resilient and I do want this. But have been out of commission for weeks. Definitely will try to get one out this week as well.

 

[Amma Usman]

Quick question for @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else:

Which firms do not use at least one of the following in their screening:
- Watson Glaser
- SJT/Arctic Shores/other behavioural test
- Video Interview

I vaguely recall that Slaughters(?) doesn't use any of the above, instead just relying on CVs for invites to ACs. Are there any other similarly streamlined application processes? I'm guessing the corollary of not having the above is a stricter focus on grades and/or written 'why X' questions.

Thank you!

There’s a relatively recent (2023) thread on the forum regarding this. I have linked it here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/firms-that-do-not-require-the-wg.8071/

 

[SamiyaJ]

I had 18/36 for PW, probably pfo then… did anyone here back from Morgan Lewis past TI

It’s not over until it’s over. If you haven’t received a PFO yet (like myself and others) then we all have a chance of progressing… hang in there 😭

 

[berocca567]

Were all Mishcon Vi invites sent out at the saame time then? No hope for those who havent received?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Quick question for @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else:

Which firms do not use at least one of the following in their screening:
- Watson Glaser
- SJT/Arctic Shores/other behavioural test
- Video Interview

I vaguely recall that Slaughters(?) doesn't use any of the above, instead just relying on CVs for invites to ACs. Are there any other similarly streamlined application processes? I'm guessing the corollary of not having the above is a stricter focus on grades and/or written 'why X' questions.

Thank you!

Off the top of my head:
- Slaughter and May
- Travers Smith
- Debevoise & Plimpton
- Winston & Strawn
- Jones Day

Checks out, as they are known to be a little more traditional generally, which seems to reflect in their recruitment methods.

 

[Star Light]

@Andrei Radu
Hi Andrei, your posts have been so helpful through my application process - thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it.
I was wondering if you could help my with Sidley Austin and its competitors. I understand that they have big focus on finance and private equity - especially given their growth of private equity practice. Would I be right in saying their competitors would be Kirkland, Simpsons, Weil and Paul Weiss?
What is their wider reputation?
Thank you.