TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[SteinsGate]

Hiya @SteinsGate

If the interview is still similar to previous years, it will likely be with two senior fee earners and cover a mix of commercial, motivational, and competency-based questions. When preparing, I think it’s worth thinking about the key sectors that Goodwin’s London office is particularly well known for (i.e. private equity, real estate, life sciences, tech, and finance). If you can, I'd encourage you to reflect on the intersections between these areas, such as prop tech and fintech, which are also where the firm has developed strong capabilities. In my interview, I was also pressed on Goodwin’s place in the broader London legal market, so it’s worth thinking about that as well.

There was also a short case study, though it didn’t require much legal knowledge. Still, it’s useful to have a basic grasp of the kind of contractual issues and commercial factors that can affect business transactions. The exercise itself was quite straightforward, but I initially overthought some of the questions, and it took me a few prompts to get to one of the answers. My advice would be to approach it methodically and not to second-guess yourself too much. It’s more about demonstrating a logical, commercial approach rather than coming up with a technically perfect response.

Overall, I'd recommend getting comfortable discussing Goodwin’s sector strengths, considering how they fit into the London legal market and speak to your motivations. As always, if you approach it with a clear structure and a focus on practical reasoning, you should be in a good position. Hope that helps, and best of luck with the interview!

Thank you so much, that is incredibly helpful!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Does anyone know whether the Paul Hastings PHirst Steps Into Law work experience programme leads to a TC offer, or whether everyone who wants a TC with the firm needs to submit a direct TC application? I want to apply but I don’t know which one to apply to (or if I can apply for both in the same application cycle).

If someone does apply for PHirst, are they then ineligible to apply for the DTC? Also, does Paul Hastings recruit on a rolling or non-rolling basis? Any insight would be appreciated. 🙂​

Hiya @Chris Brown

Based on discussions with Paul Hastings future trainees, last year was the first time they ran the work experience scheme. I'm told they interviewed a lot of direct TC applicants as well. It seems like they may allow people to reapply for the direct TC if they weren’t successful via the vac scheme, since the work experience scheme was more geared towards candidates with less legal work experience. It's also possible they could like you but decide to interview you straight for the TC instead.

Historically, they've reviewed applications on a non-rolling basis. However, this might have changed and I’d recommend contacting the graduate recruitment team for confirmation.

Hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Does anyone know if Simmons have sent out ACs for Bristol?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Does anyone have any insights into the Burges Salmon AC? Any help would be much appreciated

 

[laurenn42]

Does anybody have any insight on the research task for OC's virtual AC? Is the topic they give us more broad or narrow? And do they give pointers to present on or is it completely up to us how we present our research on the topic?

 

[Chris Brown]

Hiya @Chris Brown

Based on discussions with Paul Hastings future trainees, last year was the first time they ran the work experience scheme. I'm told they interviewed a lot of direct TC applicants as well. It seems like they may allow people to reapply for the direct TC if they weren’t successful via the vac scheme, since the work experience scheme was more geared towards candidates with less legal work experience. So, it’s possible they could like you but decide to interview you straight for the TC instead.

Historically, they've reviewed applications on a non-rolling basis. However, this might have changed and I’d recommend contacting the graduate recruitment team for confirmation.

Hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

Thank you so much @Ram Sabaratnam this was super helpful! 🙂🙂​

 

[hel]

Hello, does anyone know what to expect from the Kennedys AC? Like I can't seem to find much information. Is there a group exercise? A written task? Any insights would be greatly appreciated

 

[Emmakate18]

Hi! I also applied for the spring vacation scheme at HSF, if I haven't heard anything from them is it safe to assume that it's a rejection? I know they've held a fair few AC's already.

I think they are still doing AC's im not sure? I had my invite 31st Dec but I wouldn't assume rejection as someone else on this forum got an invite 3 days before their HSF AC!

ok thank you, that's good to know. I'm currently studying abroad and will have to book a flight so I'm hoping for more than three days notice aha

 

[avocadob]

has anyone heard back from Harbottle & Lewis?

 

[tosin4774]

Is anyone planning to apply for the open day at Kirkland and Ellis?

 

[jacksollaf]

Has anyone heard back from Howes Percival?? I applied in November, they're on rolling basis, in Cambridge, smaller firm, haven't seen anyone on the forum even mention them; has anyone else heard back?

 

[jojo23]

I dont suppose anyone has tips or advice they can share about the CRS VI. The reed smith vi gave me ptsd💀

 

[plshireme]

Has anyone had VI invites from Addleshaw Manchester office? Should I assume it's a PFO at this point?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is HL still sending out SVS invites?

 

[Gday33]

Is HL still sending out SVS invites?

I hope so 🫣😭

 

[ysr567]

Random but has anyone done a VI with VWV. Not sure if anyone in the thread has applied to them but I have no idea what the format will be

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu

I trust you are well.

I am working on my upcoming VI and was wondering how you would answer the question 'Why should we hire you'?
Thank you in advance for your help.

Hiya @AS24

Great question! I'm sure @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman could add more here, but I tend to approach this question much like I would "Why Me?" in a cover letter. I think the key is to make your response personal, specific, and relevant to the firm. I'd also try to incorporate vivid or compelling examples, ones which really demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and interests make you a great fit for the firm.

One way to approach this is by identifying your key strengths and connecting them to the firm’s "USPs". For instance, if the firm is known for work in certain practice areas or client sectors, mentioning your own experience with these sectors can be a real asset. I worked in a very research intensive university hospital for several years and gained a strong understanding of developments in life sciences as a result, and this was something I highlighted when applying to firms like Cooley and Goodwin.

Similarly, my experience of managing international development projects while living overseas allowed me to highlight not just an interest in international work but a genuine understanding of what can go wrong in project finance matters that occur in other countries. Alternatively, if a firm has very lean teams, think about the particular skills that would be in demand for trainees joining such firms, and any experiences you have which demonstrate those types of skills.

Overall, I think the strongest answers will be able to (1) identify certain aspects of the firm (e.g. practice areas, lean teams, nature of their work or clients) and (2) potentially identify certain skills you have that will be a real asset for a firm with those specific features.

Hope this helps and good luck with the video interview!

 

[User24]

Anyone have any HSF or BCLP AC insights? Would really appreciate it!

 

[User24]

HSF vac scheme offer but they’ve only given me 3 days to respond, including this weekend, and I have to notify S&M who I interviewed with to see if they can speed up my outcome - any advice?

Hi,

Congrats on the offer! That’s a really tight deadline—hope it all works out. Do you have any insights on the HSF AC or anything that helped you during the process?

 

[User24]

Hi! I did the HSF AC in 2022 and 2024 and would love to help - started a conversation

Hi,

Would you be willing to share any insights on HSF's Ac? would really appreciate it!