TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Alessio1642]

how many people do freshfields take from the direct process?

Supposedly over 50% of the TCs they offer yearly!

 

[legallymindedlauren]

Has anyone heard back from birketts or knows of anyone who has? Apparently some received an email last Friday saying it was being reviewed by partners however I didn’t receive such an email myself. Feeling a Pfo is heading my way.

I just got a generic holding email that my application is still under review but an outcome will be sent as soon as possible. Hope it comes through tomorrow

 

[BreadandButter]

The firm gives an overview of the typical AC structure: https://earlycareers.addleshawgoddard.com/careers/placement-schemes-internships/

Hope that helps!

Helps a lot thank you

 

[corporatelore]

Does anyone have an idea of what evidence I should provide when requesting adjustments for the watson glaser test? I have an email from my university confirming the adjustments I received while at university, so I'm wondering if this would be sufficient. I don't really want to share the diagnostic report for my condition unless absolutely necessary.

 

[Amakaa]

S&C PFO😍

 

[rapunzel]

Does anyone have an idea of what evidence I should provide when requesting adjustments for the watson glaser test? I have an email from my university confirming the adjustments I received while at university, so I'm wondering if this would be sufficient. I don't really want to share the diagnostic report for my condition unless absolutely necessary.

In the past I have provided an ss of my adjustments made to my online student portal at university, so I'm sure that's fine. I did also send a diagnostic report but only the first page which had the psychologist's signature alongside a summary of my condition and I omitted any sensitive information.

 

[sooae]

S&C PFO😍

Aa sorry to hear! I honestly don’t understand their system. It’s like they’re sending PFOs in v small batches every week. 🥲

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi @Jessica Booker

Hope you are well. I am applying to Morgan Lewis and they have two example-based questions out of five, one on client service and another on teamwork. I have used the same work experience to answer both. I am worried that it may not reflect my well-roundedness as an individual. They have another catch-all question asking about extra-curriculars where I have mentioned my committee positions. Do you think I should use another work experience or extra-curricular postion for one of the example based answers?

Thank you

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hi @Jessica Booker

Hope you are well. I am applying to Morgan Lewis and they have two example-based questions out of five, one on client service and another on teamwork. I have used the same work experience to answer both. I am worried that it may not reflect my well-roundedness as an individual. They have another catch-all question asking about extra-curriculars where I have mentioned my committee positions. Do you think I should use another work experience or extra-curricular postion for one of the example based answers?

Thank you

@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman would also be really grateful if you could share your thoughts as well!

 

[NCTC2025]

Eversheds (London) SVS offer! If anyone else has gotten an invite please reach out!

 

[Steakbake]

Has anyone heard anything regarding Dechert Summer Vac post app?

 

[Hskajab]

Has anyone done a Jones Day vac scheme before? Would love some insight if anyone's willing to give

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

BCLP AC 🎉🎉

Congrats! May I ask when you applied and for what scheme, and when was your interview?

 

[Hskajab]

Cooley WG

Congrats! If you don't mind me asking did you get this today or yesterday?

 

[tomsmitg]

Hi, if asked about a commercial news story that will affect a firm in an interview, is it okay to talk about a news story in the US which might primarily affect a firm’s US offices (if they are a US firm)? And how in depth should we go into what kind of work the firm might see e.g. just saying the corporate team might see some more acquisitions to work on vs explaining in detail what they might do in these sales? Thanks !

 

[paralegaltotrainee]

It’s worth keeping in mind that the personal statement is a little different from a cover letter, so you don’t need to worry about formatting it in the same way. Make sure you stick to the 850-word count, but you can dive straight into answering the three main questions: why commercial law, why Freshfields, and why you. Stylistically I’d also suggest avoiding filler words or overly general phrases, as these can sometimes come across as a bit clichéd. Instead, focus on being specific and personal, especially by using examples that really show who you are and what excites you about the firm and the work they do.

When writing about why you’re interested in commercial law, try to think about what first got you interested and what keeps you motivated. Was there a specific experience, like an open day, a case study, or even just something you read, that made you realise commercial law was the right path for you? The best answers include an example and explain why it confirmed that this is the career you want to pursue.

Similarly, for “Why Freshfields,” I'd encourage you to be specific. Various candidates mention the eight-seat training contract, but I'd also recommend being more specific about their work in particular areas like corporate finance, anti-trust, tax, etc. Have a good think about why their specific practice area strengths matter to you personally.

Finally, for the “Why Me” section, make sure to back up what you say with examples. Please, please avoid generic statements about your time management or skills. You want to show the reader, rather than tell them, that you have certain skills. The more specific you are, the more your personality and skill set will actually come across through your statement.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Thank you so much, that is super helpful!

 

[coolpanda]

Did the people getting Cooley WGs apply to Spring or Summer VC?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker

Hope you are well. I am applying to Morgan Lewis and they have two example-based questions out of five, one on client service and another on teamwork. I have used the same work experience to answer both. I am worried that it may not reflect my well-roundedness as an individual. They have another catch-all question asking about extra-curriculars where I have mentioned my committee positions. Do you think I should use another work experience or extra-curricular postion for one of the example based answers?

Thank you

Are the two examples very different experiences within your work experience?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, if asked about a commercial news story that will affect a firm in an interview, is it okay to talk about a news story in the US which might primarily affect a firm’s US offices (if they are a US firm)? And how in depth should we go into what kind of work the firm might see e.g. just saying the corporate team might see some more acquisitions to work on vs explaining in detail what they might do in these sales? Thanks !

I would recommend trying to find something that has more of a U.K. angle to it if you can. It’s not going to be an absolute issue if you choose the US topic, especially if you can talk about the broader commercial implications or if you can explain how it may also impact the work the U.K. office does, even if this is indirectly.

You don’t need to go into detail about the processes teams undertake to do the work, just more about the trends that may impact that work (will there be more/less of it, does it change the way things are structured etc).

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Anything from Goodwin post-VI?