TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Kakaboo]

Hi guys! I’ve just finished a VS which I think went ok. I had a partner tell me I’m a good fit personality wise and I think my interview went ok ish. My feedback on my work was that there was a lot of mistakes but they think it’s just from lack of experience. 2 members of my team have said to message them about a paralegal role once I find out if I’ve got the TC. I’m a bit mixed about this and can’t tell if there’s any hope? Can someone please enlighten me haha

 

[Kakaboo]

to prepare for next year's app season, i was thinking of writing responses to this year's and previous year's application questions. does anyone know if A and O, HSF, HFW, Milbank, Clyde and Co, WFW, and DLA keep their q's the same year on year?

I can’t answer your question but for DLA go to the open day as they say their video interview questions at that!

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi guys! I’ve just finished a VS which I think went ok. I had a partner tell me I’m a good fit personality wise and I think my interview went ok ish. My feedback on my work was that there was a lot of mistakes but they think it’s just from lack of experience. 2 members of my team have said to message them about a paralegal role once I find out if I’ve got the TC. I’m a bit mixed about this and can’t tell if there’s any hope? Can someone please enlighten me haha

I think making mistakes is inevitable on a VS. It would defeat the purpose of a TC entirely if the firm expected otherwise. If someone was able to complete all their work with zero mistakes, they could be hired as an NQ instead. 🥲

I made some mistakes during my Spring VS and even now during the first week of my Summer VS. It hasn’t affected my chances of conversion (TC offer post Spring VS). I’m sure you will be fine and will convert the VS into a TC! 🐐​

 

[ohnoselim]

bit of a jump but does anyone know a rough estimate of when NRF typically holds their winter vs dates

early dec? mid december?

 

[BillSikes]

Browne Jacobson saying they will get back to applicants next week

 

[BobThebIlly]

Hi guys,

I have reached the interview stage for Perkins Coie’s VS. I would be so appreciative for any tips. From what I have been told, it is a 30-minute competency based interview. I haven’t reached a single interview stage in a VS application cycle (this is my first one) and am honestly looking for guidance.

Also, I would be so appreciative of any resources you guys can recommend (e.g TCLA mock interview???)

P.s: I received the email at 00:02 today

Thanks guys 🙏

 

[User5678]

Hi guys, I’ve had an email from Beale and co HR saying i will be sent a link to a questionnaire and should’ve received it by now but I haven’t gotten it (checked my junk folder as well)

Can anyone confirm if they’ve received it?

Many thanks

 

[Parsorandini]

So after trying for VS for a few years, I have landed a role as a paralegal in a criminal defence firm. Obviously this is very different and so far I’m loving it and not even sure I’d want to switch anyway, but does anyone know if having this on my CV will be a help or hindrance to VS applications?

 

[chlawstudent]

So after trying for VS for a few years, I have landed a role as a paralegal in a criminal defence firm. Obviously this is very different and so far I’m loving it and not even sure I’d want to switch anyway, but does anyone know if having this on my CV will be a help or hindrance to VS applications?

I worked part-time for a criminal defence firm alongside my final year studies this year and I got a VS at a commercial firm - I think if you focus on how you have learnt a lot of transferrable skills and gained experience working in a professional environment with fee earners and communicating with clients it can really help your applications!

 

[TortillaTC]

Can anyone that has previous experience with Dorsey or specific knowledge of the firm DM me please? I’d really appreciate it and can offer advice about SH and Hogan Lovells (reached AC before with both). It’s literally impossible to research the firm due to its size in London and very limited info online (trying to make the most of their website)

 

[floral.tcla]

If you haven't secured a VS/any internship and you're heading into your final year, and you already have extra-curriculars, a part-time job, a diss and other exam papers (which make up 100% of the degree's final grade), realistically is it best to put forward most focus on the uni/degree work? I can always reapply and ideally I would have had something lined up before graduating but I won't be able to retake my final year papers or anything like that? I'm a first-gen student so I really do need to have something lined up, but I don't want to overstretch myself.

Edit: this is my first application cycle as a second-year non-law student and I'm strongest at tests eg the Watson Glaser and I got an AC at Linklaters but I tend to struggle more with written answers and video interviews/anything that requires more research and tbh more subjectivity.

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Just to thank you all on this forum (especially @Ram Sabaratnam and @Amma Usman and previously Jessica Booker) for the help and the chat over the past year or so and to let you know that following my vac scheme I have received a training contract offer at the London office of a US law firm and will therefore start my PGDL/SQE this September!

Hang on in there! My advice is to keep plugging away. I think the advice of 10 or so targeted applications no longer stands good in today's ultra competitive market unless you are lucky. Do the research but apply for as many as you can. And definitely refine your answers to match the values they admire and skills they seek in their employees. This strategy worked for me. In the true random nature of the competitive nature of these applications I got this offer the same day as being rejected first round for a regional firm!!

Please don't message to ask which firm. The intake is small enough that it would be quite outing and I do want to retain the anonymity this forum brings.

I may hang around a while longer to throw in my gems of wisdom for what they may be worth!!

 

[Amma Usman]

Just to thank you all on this forum (especially @Ram Sabaratnam and @Amma Usman and previously Jessica Booker) for the help and the chat over the past year or so and to let you know that following my vac scheme I have received a training contract offer at the London office of a US law firm and will therefore start my PGDL/SQE this September!

Hang on in there! My advice is to keep plugging away. I think the advice of 10 or so targeted applications no longer stands good in today's ultra competitive unless you are lucky. Do the research but apply for as many as you can. And definitely refine your answers to match the values they admire and skills they seek in their employees. This strategy worked for me. In the true random nature of the competitive nature of these applications I got this offer the same day as being rejected first round for a regional firm!!

Please don't message to ask which firm. The intake is small enough that it would be quite outing and I do want to retain the anonymity this forum brings.

I may hang around a while longer to throw in my gems of wisdom for what they may be worth!!

Aww this makes me extremely happy! This is all you… huge congratulations! You soo deserve this and I hope you celebrate well!

 

[Amma Usman]

Can anyone that has previous experience with Dorsey or specific knowledge of the firm DM me please? I’d really appreciate it and can offer advice about SH and Hogan Lovells (reached AC before with both). It’s literally impossible to research the firm due to its size in London and very limited info online (trying to make the most of their website)

Hiya. I’ve replied to this in the VS thread. From my view, the best way to approach this is by messaging people that work at the firm on LinkedIn and coming in with insightful questions after they give you the go ahead to ask any questions via chat/ or a coffee chat if their schedule permits this.

 

[Amma Usman]

So after trying for VS for a few years, I have landed a role as a paralegal in a criminal defence firm. Obviously this is very different and so far I’m loving it and not even sure I’d want to switch anyway, but does anyone know if having this on my CV will be a help or hindrance to VS applications?

I’m sure you’ve heard of this before, but any experience is valuable experience! Criminal defence is indeed a very interesting area of law. When applying to commercial law firms, you could easily link that role to the white collar defence practice of a firm, or litigation/ intl arbitration, and those sort of areas. This will make a really good application and a compelling case if the firm you’re applying to has a strong contentious practice. Best of luck! Paralegal experience is great and I know you’re gonna do great. This is even due to the soft skills (as well as many other skills, of course) that such roles bring, such as oral communication, email etiquette, and so on.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi guys! I’ve just finished a VS which I think went ok. I had a partner tell me I’m a good fit personality wise and I think my interview went ok ish. My feedback on my work was that there was a lot of mistakes but they think it’s just from lack of experience. 2 members of my team have said to message them about a paralegal role once I find out if I’ve got the TC. I’m a bit mixed about this and can’t tell if there’s any hope? Can someone please enlighten me haha

From what you’ve written, I think there is much hope. I would say in the future be mindful of little mistakes like even spelling, grammar, or structural mistakes when submitting work as attention to detail is a key skill for a lawyer. However, mistakes are a part of life so I do not presume you will be penalised heavily at VS stage for this. Another truth is that it will be difficult to know exactly how well you did in all areas as a lot of the feedback will be looked at holistically. It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly overthinking when you’re yet to hear back from the firm, but please try to distract yourself by doing things you enjoy, spending time with loved ones, etc. I know this is easier said than done, but please just be positive and optimistic about the outcome and you will feel a bit lighter. Best wishes, I’m really rooting for you on this.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi guys,

I have reached the interview stage for Perkins Coie’s VS. I would be so appreciative for any tips. From what I have been told, it is a 30-minute competency based interview. I haven’t reached a single interview stage in a VS application cycle (this is my first one) and am honestly looking for guidance.

Also, I would be so appreciative of any resources you guys can recommend (e.g TCLA mock interview???)

P.s: I received the email at 00:02 today

Thanks guys 🙏

Yay. This makes me soo happy! HUGE CONGRATS!

In terms of preparing for competency based interviews, it’s important to first acknowledge that it differs from a motivational interview. Competency interviews, quite literally, test certain competencies - organisational management, commercial acumen, etc. However, I also want to let you know that I’ve done interviews that were called “competency”, but still “motivational“ in some respects - so, asking the basic questions like “why the firm, why commercial law”. The competency part will likely cover “why you”. Prepare for the full spectrum just in case.

You can also book mock interviews with TCLA via here. If you have an existing membership, I recommend logging in first to the TCLA courses page - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/mock-interview-2/

In terms of general tips:

• I always say this: know your experiences in and out. That way, whatever question you’re asked, you’ll be able to ace it. The reason this works is because you’ll naturally be able to pick out the key skills and competencies you acquired through knowing each individual task you did.
• Know the core practices at the firm and weave into some answers (as is relevant) why you want to complete a VS there.
• Ask thoughtful questions at the end. I say thoughtful because you don’t want to be the person that asks really generic questions. My approach with this is always to ask interviewers something about their own work and experiences - that way, you learn a lot about the firm and the role at large.
• A great guide by @Andrei Radu to help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/
• Vocal intonation and eye contact - a given, but worth flagging still.
• Professional attire - even if it‘s an online interview, I recommend putting over a formal blazer.

 

[Amma Usman]

bit of a jump but does anyone know a rough estimate of when NRF typically holds their winter vs dates

early dec? mid december?

Last year, it was 2-13th December. More information here - https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-gb/graduates/apply

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

How do firms measure success on a vacation scheme ?

 

[L177]

Hi everyone, first time posting on here! I've just received an email to say I've been invited to take the Reed Smith virtual assessment and interview - if anyone has any tips I would be extremely grateful for any replies or DMs. I am pretty nervous as I've never done a virtual interview like this before!