TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

CRS PFO after VI

its so hard to continue pushing more applications especially with how much effort goes into researching a firm and writing an app, idk where my legal career is going hasnt moved one bit since graduation lol

congratulations to the people who got through to the next stage!! hoping to learn from you guys yall are doing something i am not 😭

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep going Xx..!!!

 

[tosin4774]

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep going Xx..!!!

What websites could one use to thoroughly research a firm and what questions should I be asking myself when researching @Amma Usman

 

[Jessica Booker]

Would it seem weird to schedule """coffee chats""" (as people call them) and then drink water/another non-coffee beverage?

Definitely not - a coffee chat does not have to involve any coffee. In fact, you don't have to drink anything - its just an informal meeting.

They just get called coffee chats as they sometimes happen in coffee shops - e.g. away from the office, or in the firm's coffee bar, or break out area (if its a make it yourself deal in the office).

Although a lot of people will offer to buy you a drink (and feel free to take them up on this offer), if you have instigated the coffee chat the rule is be prepared to make/buy them a coffee (or other suitable drink they want to drink). Many people will decline your offer and will buy their own, and may even buy yours.

 

[ohnoselim]

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep going Xx..!!!

thank you so much !

 

[BillSikes]

My email says by the end of the week starting 17 March.

My bad. I’ll be here to ask again on Friday!

 

[BBsharkk]

FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL WAITING FROM PAUL, WEISS POST-INTERVIEW:

Not sure if this is considered inappropriate but I just thought it would be nice for all of us if we do a simple 'experiment'... I'll explain.

For context, I know that PW has sent more interview invites that are now being held that extend at least until next week. They have filled all Spring places for sure and a few on the Summer scheme, so these interviews are going to be the ones that make up for the last couple of spots for Summer.

A few of us have sent emails to chase for a timeline for the outcome, based on legitimate personal reasons. As far as I'm aware, they haven't replied to any of us, nor sent out any PFOs post-interview.

Here's what I'm proposing:
- We can all react to this post that indicates whether we selected only Spring, only Summer, or both for our scheme preference. (Wow emoji for Spring, sad emoji for Summer, and angry emoji for both)
- We will wait until we eventually hear back from PW.
- We can then come back to this post and check if any of us have actually been offered a place on the Summer scheme.

Purpose of this 'experiment':
- To see if we are really being ghosted here or if we are basically being placed on something like a waiting list.
- To get a better understanding of how PW is reviewing interviews, e.g. whether they have basically decided to reject those who applied for Spring and are only deciding between those who chose Summer or both Spring and Summer.

I believe this is something we can do in our very limited power to get ourselves a clearer picture of how recruitment works for PW, albeit retrospectively, particularly when clarity is not offered to us.

 

[Legal Wizard]

Anyone doing the Skadden March scheme?

 

[KBanana]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu!

Apologies if this is a bit of a silly question 😅 but if a firm asks you to write a bio for a VS (which will be added to a doc for the whole office to see) - how do you recommend structuring this? Thank you!

 

[STEM Student]

Hi, has NRF gotten back to anyone yet (post AC)?

 

[VMS]

I hope people who’ve got other schemes take themselves off the CRS waitlist

I don’t think this is a fair thing to say. Just because you get a VS, there’s no guarantee you’ll actually get the Training Contract. Often, less than half do. So, I don’t think it’s kind to guilt people for wanting to take the opportunities offered to them.

Regardless, I wish you all the best with getting off the waitlist.

 

[Amma Usman]

What websites could one use to thoroughly research a firm and what questions should I be asking myself when researching @Amma Usman

HOW TO RESEARCH A LAW FIRM - A SHORT 3-STEP APPROACH:​

I completely understand how overwhelming all the information on law firms can be, and having a good research strategy truly helps with navigating that. I have included one approach below.

The first step is understanding the structure of law firms in London. There are the Magic Circle, the Silver Circle, the US law firms, and the national/regional law firms. Knowing which firms fall under each category will help with general industry awareness, especially since the nature of work differs depending on the type of firm. For example, US law firms like Kirkland tend to focus more on large-scale private equity deals compared to national firms like TLT, due to their greater US client base. If you are more interested in an area like public inquiries and public law, for example, then TLT is a firm worth considering for training as this is a core seat offered during their training contract. The first hurdle is understanding that many firms, including both Kirkland and TLT, do both private equity and public sector work. However, some firms will focus more heavily on one area than another firm. Thus, research here means not only understanding what these firms do in their own right, but also how they differ from other law firms in the market. To aid your research, TCLA’s ‘Law Firm Application Guides’ and ‘Law Firm Practice Areas’ courses will provide a greater understanding of the City. Your interested law firm’s website will also have more information on their operations- so this is another starting point!

The second step involves researching on yourself more, which I appreciate may sound a bit surprising. Understand which practice areas appeal to you and consider any experience you have in them, including any open days you have attended. This self-awareness of your own demonstrated interest will then help with the third step.

The third step is tailoring your application to law firms that have a strong presence in your areas of interest or whose core work aligns with your experience/passions. For example, if you have a passion for energy work, you are more likely to apply for a vacation scheme at Vinson & Elkins than at Clifford Chance, which has banking and finance as core practice areas. Again, it is also worth being mindful that CC also has a well-established energy practice too. Good research sources for this are the TCLA “Law Firm Profiles” and “Applications Database”.

So that’s it. This three-step approach should give you a good head start.

Jaysen had also published a flyer in the forum back in 2019 titled, “How Do You Differentiate A Law Firm?”. I have linked this here for more information:

https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/attachments/becoming-great-entrepreneurs-1-png.1148/

Feel free to pop any more questions in the forum, and we’ll be happy to answer them.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! Could I DM you about a personal issue wrt applications?

 

[thelawstudent]

Hi, has NRF gotten back to anyone yet (post AC)?

i don't think so - i did ac over 3 weeks ago and haven't heard back yet

 

[F2020202]

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu , and anybody who wishes to help!
I hope youre well!
When applying for the next cycle for a firm where you got rejected (but u feel the issue was the firm-specific questions rather than the work experience section) , how much do you suggest I should change my work experience? I usually use a set paragraph for most of the applications while tailoring it a bit.
I also wanted to ask for your guidance here, I'm very unsure what to do. I got rejected after AC for FF for summer. I was thinking of applying to the next winter one (as I wont be eligible for the next summer one as its only for 2nd years), and wanted to ask whether I should, in the personal statement , in some creative way (no clue how, yet) mention that I made it to the application stage of Freshfields, and perhaps speak about my positive experience at the AC to show interest In the firm, as well as mention ive taken into account their advice on how to improve(which was commercial awareness)? not sure if im having a creative moment which will stand out or whether its a horrible idea ahahaha

Also, any tips on improving commercial awareness? There's a wide range of things like M&A, financing, etc and im not sure how someone can "learn" all of this because I'm not too sure 1. where to look 2. what to look for as I feel it's so vast

thank you!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! Could I DM you about a personal issue wrt applications?

Yes, you can.

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu , and anybody who wishes to help!
I hope youre well!
When applying for the next cycle for a firm where you got rejected (but u feel the issue was the firm-specific questions rather than the work experience section) , how much do you suggest I should change my work experience? I usually use a set paragraph for most of the applications while tailoring it a bit.
I also wanted to ask for your guidance here, I'm very unsure what to do. I got rejected after AC for FF for summer. I was thinking of applying to the next winter one (as I wont be eligible for the next summer one as its only for 2nd years), and wanted to ask whether I should, in the personal statement , in some creative way (no clue how, yet) mention that I made it to the application stage of Freshfields, and perhaps speak about my positive experience at the AC to show interest In the firm, as well as mention ive taken into account their advice on how to improve(which was commercial awareness)? not sure if im having a creative moment which will stand out or whether its a horrible idea ahahaha

Also, any tips on improving commercial awareness? There's a wide range of things like M&A, financing, etc and im not sure how someone can "learn" all of this because I'm not too sure 1. where to look 2. what to look for as I feel it's so vast

thank you!!

You don't need to change your work experience unless it is a role you are still in and there are additional experiences/responsibilities you have gained since your last application. You could obviously just to a quick check to see whether you would explain things slightly differently. For instance, the last time I reviewed my CV I thought on several points "why the hell did you write it like that, would be better if you said it like this instead" and so changed my CV ever so slightly to what I felt was a better worded version of the same experiences.

For Freshfields personal statements, I have seen enough people state having come through to assessment centre last cycle they are more determined to apply to the firm again. It can work very well to be clear that you go to that stage, but I do think you need to have a significant development somewhere in your application for them to warrant bringing you through to interview again. If you can particularly show how you have worked on the feedback they provided, then this can also be helpful in convincing them to interview you again.

Commercial awareness is not really about learning stuff. Instead, see it as an opportunity to show how you are generally interested in commercial matters and pursuing opportunities to learn more. This could be with actual learning (courses, training etc) or could be by taking on responsibility to work on commercial topics (blogging, writing articles, taking part in commercial awareness competitions, taking more more BD/research task or other activities that deal with more commercial topics at work). Its not really about going "I now know about M&A", its more about demonstrating you have actively sought opportunities to think more commercially in the things you do.

 

[a1024]

Hi! Just wondering what do students normally do if they fail to secure a TC or VS in their Final Year. Do they self-fund the SQE or do most take a gap year and spend the year applying to all firms? What would you suggest for an International Student (considering they need to apply for the Graduate Visa and also universities).
I would like to hear your thoughts on this. A friend of mine is a Final Year and he is wondering what to do next, considering that he is graduating this summer and he is an International Student.

Thank you so much!! @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[thelegalstudent]

Will the Accelerator programme still be up on the portal during the summer to prepare for the summer vacation schemes? ☺️

 

[User123654]

Has anyone heard from DWF post AC?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi! Just wondering what do students normally do if they fail to secure a TC or VS in their Final Year. Do they self-fund the SQE or do most take a gap year and spend the year applying to all firms? What would you suggest for an International Student (considering they need to apply for the Graduate Visa and also universities).
I would like to hear your thoughts on this. A friend of mine is a Final Year and he is wondering what to do next, considering that he is graduating this summer and he is an International Student.

Thank you so much!! @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Plenty of people do both. So there isn’t really a right path to take or one where more people do one over the other.

I think you have to weigh up a lot of personal choices in this decision and therefore I wouldn’t say there is one recommended path to take.