Search results

  1. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @aspiringlawstudent123 - I think this is actually a great question. Part of the reason why I cannot give you a very simple answer is that I do not think firm's organizational structure can be broken down in a dichotomy practice area vs sector based grouping - rather, I think it is more of a...
  2. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    There's an interesting Law.com article (which you can access here) arguing that Latham is struggling with a lack of clear strategy. Essentially, over the last couple of years the firm has struggled in keeping up with the increased profit margins of rivals like Kirkland and Skadden. The firm's...
  3. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @AS24! I think the starting point when answering this type of question is the same kind of structure and line of reasoning you would use for a general skills and experience answer. However, instead of merely linking the identified skill/attribute with what would make you a great commercial...
  4. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I recently made a list with some free practice WG tests: Clifford Chance Free Practice Test The Lawyer Portal Free Practice Test Pearson Free Practice Test Practice Aptitude Tests Free Practice Test Assessment Day Free Practice Test
  5. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Generally, I advise people to put all of their past vacation schemes in the work experience section. As you mention, it gives a clear indication to the recruitment team at any firm that you were among the very based candidates of a very high number. Recruiters are also quite aware that since the...
  6. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would expect this not to be the case for most firms - the general rule is you cannot reapply for a VS/TC in the same cycle, but Open Days are considered independently. I actually know @Ram Sabaratnam got rejected for an Open Day and then got accepted for a VS by the same firm in the same...
  7. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    If possible, I think it is best to do both. When asked the same question in an interview, I specifically stated that this can be interpreted as both as (i) which firms cover the same segment of the market, in that they have the most similar 'types' of firms; or (ii) who is the firm's toughest...
  8. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I am not sure about the A&O's specific policies about this but I think the general rule is that firms will be fine with you writing in prose. I know some have a slight preference for bullet points, but it is unlikely this will have a significant impact on your progression chances. However, I...
  9. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    This sounds like a good answer to me. The only thing I would chance is maybe trying to emphasize more the points regarding legal research and what you think may be particularly worth looking into, such as: different regulatory frameworks for employment and consumer contracts, the different...
  10. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I think whether these assessments can be said to be 'easier' depends on your particular strengths and preferences. In my case, I did enjoy my Davis Polk AC more than those with firms who also had written exercises, group discussion or presentation-based assessments. However, I think that was...
  11. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    For this year the firm announced they expect to take on up to 9 trainees.
  12. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @Tintin06 this is a somewhat controversial question and the responses you get will vary according to people's different personal experiences. My view here is that there is no set number you should aim for, but simply that you should make as many high-quality applications as you can. If...
  13. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Just to add to @Ram Sabaratnam's great advice, I copied here my most important tips from a longer guide I wrote about general VI and competency interview preparation (which you can access here). Looking out for the issues I listed bellow is a think a big part of the reason I managed to get past...
  14. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @Tintin06 just to add to some of the great responses from other members: 1. I truly do not think there is a 'successful' type - and the reason for that is my personal experience. In the past, I used to think such a type of person did exist, and I would imagine them having all the qualities...
  15. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi, just to add some of the more specific W&C AC preparation resources available on TCLA: A short thread discussing W&C AC experiences An in-depth post written by people who did the AC in previous cycles - this type of post was very useful for me when preparing for other ACs.
  16. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @bella98 the question uses slightly ambiguous phrasing but I think you are going for the right approach. Having taken a quick look across Hill Dickinson's website, I think it's clear you have to choose only one of the three broad groups for your TC. However, then you get to choose between a...
  17. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @lolasparks I have copied my answer bellow (with the names of some lawyers redacted). It is mainly based around my previous work experience with DLA, but I hope it might still be helpful. Also, feel free to post your thoughts on how you think of approaching the question or a draft answer for...
  18. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    This TCLA post about the Slaughter and May interview experience was really useful for me when preparing for my own - you can access it here. Although it is an older post (I think from 2018) I have found my own experience in the VS and TC interviews to be very similar to the one described there...
  19. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Just to add to @Jessica Booker's great response here, since I ended up being progressed by DLA last year, I thought it might be useful to copy here the answer I wrote. The first paragraph illustrates Jessica's point about connecting the key challenges to your experiences and profile, while the...
  20. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    From what you are telling me the answer sounds completely fine, I would be really surprised if any firm would have an issue with it simply because it is related to the world of politics.

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.