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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

bbbbbb

New Member
Nov 11, 2024
2
2
Hi everyone! This is shot in the dark but I wanted to get advice. After facing three rejections following assessment centres, I would really appreciate any advice on the AC process. I have an upcoming AC with Shepherd and Wedderburn (including presentation and panel interview) this week and would be incredibly grateful for any insights if you interviewed with the firm/ or general AC tips.
 
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MilkMaid

Active Member
Premium Member
Oct 1, 2024
11
15
@Jessica Booker do the same rules apply for accepting a VS offer then reneging on it at a later date in the Scottish system? I've got an offer I'd like to accept but also waiting to hear back from some other firms before making a final decision, so just wanted to ask before I sign anything!
@Jessica Booker sorry to tag you again on this but looking for some advice before I have to respond to the offer I have! Do you happen to know the answer to the above?
 

The-PFO-Collector

Legendary Member
Oct 27, 2023
159
489
This is actually incredible! I was thinking about how I could structure and articulate an answer to questions like ‘who are Paul, Weiss’ competitors and how does Paul, Weiss compare to them’ or ‘what are Paul, Weiss’ USPs when compared to its competitors’ and then I see this post, which discussed quite similar things. Once again, the GOAT @Andrei Radu has come in clutch! You are an actual superstar! 🐐

I do have a question though. Since Paul, Weiss is relatively new in London, if I were to be asked about Paul, Weiss’ position in the City of London specifically, how could I navigate my approach to this kind of question? Would firms like Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Skadden, Davis Polk, etc. be considered its close competitors in the UK as well, since Paul, Weiss’ clients in London are mainly PE firms? Or would it be more likely that Paul, Weiss wants to target other US law firms in the city? I guess this part of the question is asking about Paul, Weiss’ strategy and future plans in London.​
"Since Paul, Weiss is relatively new in London"

They have been in London over 20 years...
They have been working as a satellite office
 
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icebear

Star Member
Nov 10, 2023
47
51
Quick question: I accept that I did not secure a vacation scheme, but I still want to give this recruitment cycle my utmost effort. Therefore, my question is: which firms should I apply to, considering the following?

  • Ultimately, I do not mind which firm I join; my primary goal is to secure a training contract. I want to focus on firms that offer a realistic chance of obtaining a TC, rather than those where securing one is virtually impossible.
  • I am from mainland Europe, so I would require visa sponsorship. Therefore, I need to target firms that offer sponsorship, unlike, for example, Shoosmiths.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
pretty sure shoosmiths offers (or atleast could offer) visa sponsorship:

1739701335423.png
 
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Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
630
1,752
Since Paul, Weiss is relatively new in London

They have been in London over 20 years...
They have been working as a satellite office
Since late 2023 - early 2024 they have been rapidly expanding and now they have over 200 lawyers, 40-50 of which are partners. I think it’s relatively new in London because it opened its London office in 2003 but has only really began focusing on growing its London presence since 2023. Some US firms have been in London for over 50 years, like White & Case (1971).​
 
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The-PFO-Collector

Legendary Member
Oct 27, 2023
159
489
Since 2023 they have been rapidly expanding and now they have over 200 lawyers, 40-50 of which are partners. I think it’s relatively new in London because it opened its London office in 2003 but has only really began focusing on growing its London presence since 2023. Some US firms have been in London for over 50 years, like White & Case (1971).​
I've been to abut 3 events with Paul, Weiss...and they quite clearly state they are not 'new'...
I think your use of the word 'new' is incorrect... Perhaps, expanding their UK operations or something or other would be better... but, each to their own...
 

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
630
1,752
I've been to abut 3 events with Paul, Weiss...and they quite clearly state they are not 'new'...
I think your use of the word 'new' is incorrect... Perhaps, expanding their UK operations or something or other would be better... but, each to their own...
Fair enough perhaps the word new isn’t the best to use, although I did put relatively as it isn’t literally brand new in London. Neel Sachdev has emphasised how they are building something from scratch in London. 🙂

To be fair though, I did refer to Paul, Weiss as “relatively new in London” in my application and I still got invited to the interview stage so I don’t think it’s ‘incorrect’… but, each to their own I guess…​
 
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Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,178
21,175
@Jessica Booker sorry to tag you again on this but looking for some advice before I have to respond to the offer I have! Do you happen to know the answer to the above?
Yes - there is no different in the systems. You can renege a job offer. Employers are not going to seek any breach of employment contract for an internship.
 
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londonlawyer

Active Member
Dec 17, 2024
15
23
I will list resources here for some of the principal trainee tasks in PE:
Thank you Andrei
 
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theruleofno

Distinguished Member
Jan 5, 2024
56
129
Currently facing a dilemma and would really appreciate any insight.

Between Cleary, Weil, Davis Polk, and Sullivan & Cromwell where would it be best to accept a training contract. Thinking in terms of quality of work, ability to lateral in the future if need be, and calibre of training.

Thank you in advance!
Wow! This is a good position to be in. Of the four I would choose Weil, the hours will be long but the training, calibre and variety of work is amongst the best in the city. The other firms are far smaller and I have heard S&C is entirely a satellite office.
 
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xMontmorency

Active Member
Dec 24, 2023
16
64
Wow! This is a good position to be in. Of the four I would choose Weil, the hours will be long but the training, calibre and variety of work is amongst the best in the city. The other firms are far smaller and I have heard S&C is entirely a satellite office.
Weil is a good choice. If you have nothing but a general interest in commercial law Weil/Cleary have the broadest practices and most solid training programmes. Cleary heavier on competition, litigation and public M&A, Weil on finance, restructuring and PE. Weil arguably a bit more prestigious in London but has been a bit lacklustre recently tbh: Michael Francies is retiring, it lost its Band 1 PE ranking, no notable recent mandates, partner losses in the US etc.

If you want to do top-shelf high-end complex M&A and finance Davis Polk is very good. Its US practice is popping off, and despite being tiny in London it packs a punch. Lateral opportunities arguably better than Weil/Cleary.

S&C is a bit crap in London (respectfully).
 

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