TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu
Hi Andrei, I had two quick questions about Davis Polk application form.

First, in terms of why we are attracted to the work DP carries out, how would you go about it to make sure your answer is persuasive enough?

I was told that DP requires a CV for partners to use during interview, but I cannot see anywhere in the application form a section for uploading our CV. Is this something you prepared later?

Thank you

To make sure your answer about Davis Polk's work is persuasive enough, after you finish writing you should ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is my description of Davis Polk's work very specific to the firm, or is it general enough to apply to many other firms? Am I being specific in mentioning the firm's main practices, their structure, client base, market recognition, and past mandates?
2. Does the substantive reasoning I am providing to explain my interest seem like a genuine statement of my motivations? Am I clear in explaining what specific features of the work attract me and how that connects with my more general professional and intellectual interests?
3. Am I connecting and reinforcing this reasoning by mentioning actual examples of my experiences which illustrate my points?

If the answer is 'yes' to all of those questions then I think your answer will be persuasive.

As for your second question, I know last year partners looked over my CV in the interview, but I was asked to provide the CV at application stage. Back then you would apply by simply sending your CV and cover letter to the firm via email, the application form system was introduced this cycle. As such, I would not worry too much. I suspect the partners will use the information in the application form or you will be asked for a CV later on if this is necessary for the interview.

 

[User5678]

It is not timed. The first part is rank order situational/behavioural questions, the second part is where they give you a statement like: "Knowing that I am trusted by those I work with is..." and then you have to slide the bar towards one end: "important in everything I do" or the opposite end: "not important to me". The final part is very Watson Glasseresque- assumptions, conclusion made/ not made etc. Edit: you will get a feedback report in 24 hrs but it will not include the WG part.

I just gave the AG test. It was just 8 timed Watson Glaser questions and no SJTs. Can someone confirm this because I’m freaking out now😭

Edit: I was talking about addleshaw Godard not akin gump!

 

[User5678]

It is timed and I found it rather hard as it is similar to the WG tests. The practice tests are VERY helpful but still challenging. Best of luck!

Hi, thank you for letting me know . It was just 8 Watson Glaser ques right and no sjts? I also got no confirmation email!

Edit: I was talking about addleshaw Godard not akin gump!

 

[yasmars]

I just gave the AG test. It was just 8 timed Watson Glaser questions and no SJTs. Can someone confirm this because I’m freaking out now😭

I think they’re talking about Akin not Addleshaw Goddard

 

[xMontmorency]

It still feels a long shot. But at least they’re being honest. They’re one of my favourite firms. Applied last year and got nowhere. Hopefully with another VS, that changes. Direct TC apps trigger imposter syndrome. Sure I’m not the only one.

I don't think the direct TC route for Sully Crom is a long shot. With 12 vac schemers and 8 TCs to offer, I doubt they will fill many spaces from the vac scheme. Not everyone will be offered a TC and not everyone will accept one. Just browsing Linkedin you can see a number of people who did the S&C scheme and went somewhere else. In fact, doing a direct TC might be easier because you're not competing with the people who were not accepted onto the vac scheme.

 

[User5678]

I think they’re talking about Akin not Addleshaw Goddard

Omg hahaha😂😂 just realised they could be talking about akin gump😭

Thanks for your confirmation, I can sleep in peace now!

 

[futuretrainee!]

Hi, thank you for letting me know . It was just 8 Watson Glaser ques right and no sjts? I also got no confirmation email!

Edit: I was talking about addleshaw Godard not akin gump!

Correct!

 

[Rus]

Does anyone have any advice for the Withers VS application form? The word count is like 60 words and questions are very vague. so do i choose 1-2 points to talk about in fair amounts of detail....? Not sure if there's a specific format that is recommended.

thank u

I got an interview last year. What I did was pretty much give the gist of each answer i.e. Withers excels in the practice areas I'm most interested in, whilst also having a personable environment. My experience at this place made me value these things in this way.

Obv not a word-for-word answer, but you get the idea.

 

[jta227]

drop the forage to ease the workload, they aren't that important

You're probably right. It's just that when Links rejected me from their Open Day their email said "we would strongly encorage you to complete the Forage programme if you have not already done so". I'm not anticipating that they'd check my answers but maybe they check whether you've done it, like Clifford Chance do. But you're right that I should just prioritise the applications, I just find it hard to neglect those programs when it feels like almost everyone else would've done them for the firm

 

[cjwx]

Anyone heard from eversheds London office yet?

 

[JessicaTC27]

When is your VI set to take place?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Anyone heard from eversheds London office yet?

No, even tho they said we would hear yesterday!

 

[SonghaivAngel]

Wow congratulations! When did you do the Willkie VI if you don't mind me asking?

Hi, I did the VI on the 2nd of December and heard back around 2 weeks later!

 

[noahsmiit01]

You're probably right. It's just that when Links rejected me from their Open Day, their email said, "We would strongly encourage you to complete the Forage programme if you have not already done so". I'm not anticipating that they'd check my answers, but maybe they will check whether you've done it, like Clifford Chance does. But you're right that I should just prioritise the applications, I just find it hard to neglect those programs when it feels like almost everyone else would've done them for the firm

Yeh true forage is useless in terms of application boost like it’s a good thing for you to get some knowledge but recruitment team wouldn’t care much about it. What they all care the most are those shitty WG and motivation questions along with your uni grades.

 

[lawstudenttt2003]

HSF Spring AC, just in case anyone is still waiting for outcomes.

(also guys for the love of god please stop messaging me about the Mayer Brown tests. I've received eight messages in the past week alone. You don't need any special insight, you'll be fine)

hiii congratss! When did you apply?

 

[suhana]

anyone done dentons vi yet? any tips on the kind of questions that are asked? i have looked through their practice q's already

 

[Tintin06]

I don't think the direct TC route for Sully Crom is a long shot. With 12 vac schemers and 8 TCs to offer, I doubt they will fill many spaces from the vac scheme. Not everyone will be offered a TC and not everyone will accept one. Just browsing Linkedin you can see a number of people who did the S&C scheme and went somewhere else. In fact, doing a direct TC might be easier because you're not competing with the people who were not accepted onto the vac scheme.

It might be worth checking this. How many VSers get TC offers? How many of those accept them? Then we'd know what's left afterwards. I'm glad you're optimistic about it. They are an awesome firm, honestly. Best of luck if you're applying.

 

[Shandy101]

Good luck to those doing Skadden's written assessment today!

 

[andreilover01]

They did say to address the letters to the training principal

So i attended a couple of their recent webinars (the one on energy and the one on their CCL dept) and both presentations had scott as the training principal, I would assume that even if it has since factually changed, they would accept the name that was on their presentations

 

[sapphireoreos]

Do Latham or Taylor Wessing let you know if you fail their test?

Well they gave me a PFO the day after I took mine so I think that's a good indication. Otherwise they don't give you your results.

(Edit: I'm only talking about Taylor Wessing here. Didn't apply to Latham so I have no clue what they do).