TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Jessica Booker]

For Weil vacation scheme application on the question why Weil is it okay to talk about pro bono work as they do count pro bono work as billable work. I know it is good not to talk about pro bono work in the why this firm question as it is not billable work for most firms.

I wouldn’t make it your main point, but a supplementary point to include.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I wouldn’t make it your main point, but a supplementary point to include.

Thank you for this and that is what I did.

 

[Rob93]

Hi Asil,

Good question. The way I see it is that pro bono is the icing on the cake when it comes to conveying your motivations for applying to the firm. The large bulk of your answer should focus on the work that you’re going to be doing. Although pro bono will consist of some of your billable hours like you say, it won’t be what you will be doing for the majority of your time. Mention it by all means but it shouldn’t take up the majority of your answer.

Happy for others to provide their input, of course!

I agree with the above, and would just add that to the extent that you *do* talk about pro bono, frame it with some specificity - ex. 'I like [X] initiative and the opportunity to make [Y] impact because of [Z] reason.' I would also be careful about the framing of any mention of pro bono counting towards targets - it is ultimately something the lawyers do on top of their fee-earning work.

 

[M1999]

Has anyone had any experience with NRF applying to a scheme and then if unsuccessful applying to the direct TC? Last year I managed to apply to both winter and spring vs without any problems (got a lot further in the spring vs) therefore I am thinking it’s possible

 

[miniboucher]

From their website-

Particular areas of strength include:

• Commercial litigation
• Corporate
• Employment, pensions and private wealth
• Finance
• Marine and international trade
• Real estate and projects

Shipping is just *one* of their areas of strength, and one of their many areas of sector expertise. I think you should be just fine talking about the areas that genuinely interest you while being generally aware of their work in sectors of strength 😊

thank you @AvniD this is so reassuring

 

[M777]

Anyone else heard akin? I applied 2nd October and have heard nothing.

 

[jv1999]

Can anyone advise whether Hogan Lovells AC require you to re-do the WG test?

I was successful at AC a couple of weeks ago for the Winter VS and there was no requirement to do the WG test. However, from what others have said, it sounds like they have had this requirement in the past.

 

[tc.la.vs]

Hogan Lovells PFO 🥳

 

[letmeintolaw]

DLA piper PFO

 

[S30]

Hogan Lovells PFO 🥳

Sorry to hear this! Was this for the summer vac scheme?

 

[GXA123]

Hogan Lovells PFO 🥳

I am sorry about that! is this for summer or winter?

 

[S30]

Hi @Jessica Booker - is it possible to apply to direct training contracts despite not having completed a vac scheme, what are my chances? Thinking it’s a slim one but would like your opinion!

 

[CFG1409]

Does anyone know how long it usually takes for CMS to get back after sending off the application form?

 

[hannaheshaw04]

Has anyone had any experience with NRF applying to a scheme and then if unsuccessful applying to the direct TC? Last year I managed to apply to both winter and spring vs without any problems (got a lot further in the spring vs) therefore I am thinking it’s possible

Do you know if they are rolling please?

 

[anon123456789]

HL BASE Gold PFO- knew it was coming really!

 

[5678]

Hi! Has anyone heard back from AG post-application regarding the video interview? Thanks!

 

[5678]

they did

Hi! Has anyone heard back from AG post-application regarding the video interview? Thanks!

 

[miniboucher]

If asked to discuss how a firm competes with its competitors, does anyone have any pointers in terms of what to research? With Stephenson Harwood for example, I know the firm has specialist areas, and also invests in legal tech, but don't most city firms invest in legal tech, and surely, if a client has a particular issue, they'd want to go for a firm with specialist experience, so i'm not sure how you'd discuss this question? All I can think of is the firm isn't as big as larger city law firms so it might offer more competitive prices (but i don't want to assume!)

Just to add, if discussing its international offices which may be a differentiator for clients, surely, large law firms generally have a wide international presence, and whilst SH may have offices in a region another firm doesn't, the same can be said for the other law firm, which may have offices in other areas! Sorry if i'm overcomplicating this question

 

[John Travoni]

HL BASE Gold PFO- knew it was coming really!

So sorry to hear about this. Did you just hear back rn?

 

[M991]

HL BASE Gold PFO- knew it was coming really!

Same :/