TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Emmakate18

New Member
Feb 4, 2025
2
1
Im reminded of a quote: “A bird in the hand is better than 2 in the bush!” Accept the HSF offer and wait to see what happens with S&M. No point in trying to rush them to make a decision- it can come across as somewhat manipulative if you think about it. You can use your HSF offer as leverage once you accept if you’re a creative thinker.
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.
 

lawgirlintheworld

Standard Member
Premium Member
Oct 14, 2024
6
6
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!
 
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Katy12345

Distinguished Member
Jan 25, 2024
64
101
Girls who have been to AC’s did you wear a full suit or just a formal blouse and pants? I’d feel more comfortable in a blouse and pants but would not want to be the only one taking this approach if it comes across as not formal enough!
 

Jessica Booker

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Aug 1, 2019
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Girls who have been to AC’s did you wear a full suit or just a formal blouse and pants? I’d feel more comfortable in a blouse and pants but would not want to be the only one taking this approach if it comes across as not formal enough!
I'd say the latter is far more common than the former for most firms. If the firm you are interviewing with is known to be traditional/conservative, you may want to edge towards a full suit but these days a more "business casual" (albeit on the smarter side) is more common for professional meetings in law firms.
 
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Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
560
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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. 🙂​
 
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Ram Sabaratnam

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Sep 7, 2024
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Any help/insight into the Goodwin interview would be greatly appreciated!

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 pressed on Goodwin’s place in the broader London legal market, so it’s worth thinking about that as well.

Towards the end of the interview there was also a short case study. This didn’t require much legal knowledge, but 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, even though I initially overthought some of the questions (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!
 
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AS24

Legendary Member
Apr 16, 2024
135
111
Bristows invited me to complete a written case assessment but I have no idea how to approach it.
The deadline is on Tuesday but I have only one opportunity to complete the test, so I have to finish it in one go. I was wondering if you guys know how long they give you and if they consider the time you spend. I am honestly anxious!
 

tosin4774

Esteemed Member
Jun 6, 2024
94
61
I was thinking of applying to SH but I didn’t know they used amberjack…

Paul, Weiss test has traumatised me. I’m trying to avoid this amberjack test at all costs now. 😂

Looks like I won’t be applying to SH at all. 🥲
Is the amberjack test for Paul, Weiss not the 12 situation judgement questions, 5 Applied Verbal Reasoning questions
5 Applied Numerical Reasoning questions?
 
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