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

[S87]

Hi @S87,

So I can only speak from my experience interviewing with them. I did not take up my vacation scheme offer.

My interviewers were memorably lovely, enthusiastic and welcoming. Knowing a few trainees/future trainees at the firm now, Willkie is one of those firms that will facilitate opportunities for you if you are self-motivated and are willing to put yourself out there.

I saw a crazy statistic that within the past few years they have grown 90%+ in London(?!) which is a little terrifying.

Strong insurance and White Collar crime practices when I applied.

@James Carrabino did a vacation scheme there so he is better placed than me to answer. However, overall my feeling is that it is a firm that will respect you as a candidate and allow you to accelerate your career if you put in the work 🚀

Willkie's London office is a very friendly, rapidly growing place! Private Equity and Disputes are the office's two main focuses but the other teams definitely feel like fully fledged teams as well and are growing by a lot each year. I really enjoyed my seat in Competition, for example, which was doing a lot of its own work unrelated to the firm's corporate clients. Let me know if you have any other more specific questions

Once again, thank you guys!

However, I think that my profile/background is not interesting enough for the firm. I checked the profile of some future trainees and am literally running away.

 

[George Maxwell]

Once again, thank you guys!

However, I think that my profile/background is not interesting enough for the firm. I checked the profile of some future trainees and am literally running away.

@S87 all I can say on this is focus on yourself.

I felt the same looking at the others on my vacation schemes. Don't count yourself out of the race before it has started! You have something to offer that others do not.

Believe in yourself and give it your best shot! 💪

 

[TcApp97]

Glad to hear it went well for you! It is also my first VI and I was wondering how long it was - ie how long for each question? I was also wondering if the questions are direct questions or if they give you scenarios? Thanks so much!

One minute to think, two minutes to answer. There were not any detailed scenarios but they may ask for your view on how you would handle some situations. Considering the skills they look for in trainees and looking at some of the examples on the links shared on the forums here I found to be useful. A lot of the questions you can't really prepare for but being able to come up with logical answers quickly to the examples gives a good impression of the vi.

 

[avaelle42]

for an application question: 'tell us about open days and events you've attended in the legal sector' can you repeatedly mention other firms' events/workshops or should you avoid name-dropping them? thank you

 

[James Carrabino]

Here goes...look at this string of successes in the last three days alone 😮 CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!!!!! It makes all of us at TCLA so proud to see our members passing application stages, SJTs, VIs, ACs and VSs!! Keep up the excellent work and I am sure that this serves as inspiration for everyone If I have missed out anyone who is proud of their progression then let me know and we would love to celebrate you as well!!

Ah, just got the email to say I reached the benchmark

Good start to this cycle so far - VI invites from Irwin Mitchell, Simmons & Simmons, Mayer Brown and Clyde & Co!

only VI's for Simmons, Clyde and Reed Smith so far. No rejections yet though

I got an email today saying my application was under review then about an hour later that i had passed the online test. that's all though. i applied on deadline and did the test thursday last week. i have a feeling because applications arent rolling it will take a while before they send out more info

Yeah same here! I think that too, maybe in the New Year. Best of luck with your application review

I received Baker WG invite yesterday, has anyone been given the link to the test yet?

I completed my WG on 28th Nov and got a VI invite on 8th Dec.

OH MY GOD DLA Piper AC I ACTUALLY BURST OUT CRYING MY FIRST AC!!!

AC DLA Piper Edinburgh! my first AC ever so blessed

BUT it falls on a date where I will be flying to another country to see family. Is there any way to reschedule?
Edit: nvm thankfully I would've landed by then haha panicked a bit

DLA AC here as well!

Weil Gotshal and Taylor Wessing test invites this week!

Very strange situation for me. Just got a WG invite from Akin Gump but just checked my application and realise both my work history and my answer to one of the application questions didn't save on my application! Have I somehow passed the app stage even with missing info and I should just leave it, or is the WG automatically sent out and should I email them anyway and explain? Thanks

I was invited to an interview (taking place in January). I received the invite in late November.

Nah, don't. I was getting a metric ton of rejections in september-october and now I'm flying through applications. There's a huge number of firms still recruiting- often it'll be the firms you least expect who decide to take you on. I got Weil VI and Baker WG this cycle after being rejected by them like 3 times previously, so you really never know. Equally, the firms you've put your money on can be the ones who unexpectedly tell you to PFO. I did NRF AC last cycle and in my feedback, they were keenly telling me to re-apply this cycle - got rejected without even a WG test.

Point is this process is unpredictable. You do need to read over your unsuccessful applications though, and see which points are redundant/lacking impact/irrelevant to the question asked - the first question you always have to ask is "What did I do wrong" and "How can I improve this application next time!. It helps to keep a stiff upper lip and remember that rejections are inevitable.

Baker McKenzie VI invite!!

Baker McKenzie VI invite and Akin Gump WG

Reed Smith VI invite (includes link to do it too)

VI for Reed Smith!!!!

Just got the Reed Smith VI invite with the link attached!

Reed Smith VI invite finally came through!

Just receive Reed Smith VI invite as well!

Reed Smith VI invite ✨

Reed Smith VI!

reed smith finally sent VI

Reed Smith VI!!!! Whoop, only three days to complete though and I'm working all weekend 😅 😅 😅 😅 😅 😅

Same 😅😅

Just received the Reed Smith vi invite as well! Sorry if this a silly question but if the deadline is three days from now, does that mean Sunday is the last day we can complete it?

does anybody have any tips for Kirkland & ellis's video interview?it's my first one and would really appreciate any insights

Reed Smith VI !!! 😍🥰 First time ever I get some positive news

CC 2024 AC!!!

Slaughter and May interview invite + Reed Smith VI !!

congrats. same here. i love how far in advance we have to prepare. will be my first ever AC

Reed Smith VI and Akin WG invite! Really positive week tbh

CC 2024 AC as well! My first ever AC can't believe it

Same here! My first ever AC!

CC 2024 AC!!!!!!

CC AC for 2024 TC!

CC 2024!!!

got a Slaughters interview!! first ever law firm interview, any tips would be so appreciated

Hey guys, just got the AC for Clifford Chance (2024 TC). I also got the Dentons WG invite.

Hogan Lovells AC! If anybody has any advice on how to prepare, I’d really appreciate it. First ever AC so crazy nervous

Passed the A&O SJT..well now need to wait for the review!

Does anyone know how many questions are in Reed Smith VI, and how long do we get to prepare / answer?

Reed smith VI! Does anyone know what it involves?

Does the Irwin Mitchell test have a video interview component or is it like Linklaters Capp test (SJT + WG)?

Hey guys- need some tips on NRF telephone interview- could someone please help on how long should my answers be, and what are they trying to test? I was rejected last time from this stage even though I thought I had a good interview- if someone could guide me, it'll be v helpful!! thanks

RPC WG invite + IM VI! But PFO from Reed Smith post SJT - you win some, you lose some !

RPC test invite 🥰

Jones Day interview! Can someone give any tips and insight to how it goes? Thank you

CMS AC!!! Anyone who did VI in Nov, check your emails! ✨✨

CMS AC 😭😭😭😭😭 NEVER have I passed a VI before, have faith everyone 😭😭😭

CMS AC!!!

CMS AC YAYYYYYYYY!

CMS AC!
VI sent Nov 19

CMS AC😱😱😱

Sorry to hear this. They use the WG as a pass/fail, so how high your WG was doesn't matter to them as long as you met the benchmark for application review. Like yourself, I have no legal work experience whatsoever and my WG was (much) worse than yours and I got an AC despite this. It is really difficult to guess what they're looking for and there is probably a huge element of luck involved - which is why it's important to not be disheartened and to not give up trying.

Can anyone provide insight into how much time you are given to prepare for and answer the Reed Smith VI questions? TIA!

Any tips for NRF telephone interview?

Can someone guide me on how to prep for CMS AC?

Does anyone know how long you have between each question on the simmons & simmons video interview to prepare?

TW test invite ! Applied end of November if anyone was wondering!

NRF TI!

Dentons AC !!!
Phone Interview on Dec 10

Having applied 20+ places and no AC offers last year, this is extremely exciting

Have a CC Ac coming up (2024 stream) does anyone have any advice for preparing? It’s my 3rd AC and I can’t handle another rejection 😭

Does anyone have any advice for the Reed Smith VI? e.g. how many qs etc?

That's great, hopefully you get progressed to the AC! This is my first ever VI so I was wondering whether you could share how many questions you were asked? And when you say points about the firm do you mean your reasons for why Reed Smith? Thanks!

 

[James Carrabino]

I wanted to write a separate post to highlight our members' recent Training Contract offers. Leaping that final hurdle is a phenomenal achievement and one which I am sure is on the horizon for the rest of the TCLA community, if my above post is anything to go by! Nevertheless, it is almost impossible to imagine what it's like to be a future trainee until you get that phone call - so let's give a virtual round of applause for these outstanding accomplishments 👏

Hi everyone I’ve accepted a TC with Clyde’s and I wanted to write to thank everyone on the forum for all their help.

I finished my first cycle without getting through the application stage at any firm I applied to. I’ve now finished this cycle with two vac scheme offers, two training contract offers and assessment day offers from DLA Piper, BCLP and CMS. This forum has been great in getting advice on applications and just generally being able to talk to people going through the same process.

If anyone has any questions about Clyde’s, NRF, EY, CMS, BCLP or DLA Piper or their assessment processes, or just for a general chat please message me and I’ll be happy to talk to anyone!

Thank you all again

Bonjour all!! I just wanted to drop a line to say I just got the call offering me a training contract!😭 I’m over the moon, and I really could not have done it without this forum, anyone who’s interacted with me knows, the journey has been HARD. Rejections have really got to me at times, I’m a graduate who felt like it was never going to happen, but it has!! I’m over the moon!! Anyone with any questions, let me know, my messages are always open. I just want to remind you all it’s worth it, this feeling right now? It makes all the stressful nights, teary phone calls and sinking feelings worth it.

And here is a link to a post from the direct TC thread: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....s-discussion-thread-2021-22-1.4199/post-95057

Received an A&O TC offer this afternoon!!! Still can't believe it. I seriously couldn't have done it without the support of the TCLA community (or the TCLA mock interview practice!!) 🥰

Congrats to the three of you - what a successful last two days!!

 

[George Maxwell]

Here goes...look at this string of successes in the last three days alone 😮 CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!!!!! It makes all of us at TCLA so proud to see our members passing application stages, SJTs, VIs, ACs and VSs!! Keep up the excellent work and I am sure that this serves as inspiration for everyone If I have missed out anyone who is proud of their progression then let me know and we would love to celebrate you as well!!

Completely agree! You guys are killing it.

I should say though, for those who have not yet progressed past the application stage, keep hustling. We are here to support you just as much (if not more than) we are to recognise the successes of our other members. We have not forgotten about you and are always here if you need anything.

Remember, that an application season can all change with a single firm spotting something interesting in your application. It really is still to play for.

In the lead up to Christmas put your best foot forward and grind. Then make sure to give yourself a break, at least for a few days (this really is so important). Look after yourself and prioritise your mental health always. At the very least, make sure that you are fresh to come again in early January!

Tag me, @James Carrabino or @AvniD if you ever want our thoughts on things!

 

[James Carrabino]

Completely agree! You guys are killing it.

I should say though, for those who have not yet progressed past the application stage, keep hustling. We are here to support you just as much (if not more than) we are to recognise the successes of our other members. We have not forgotten about you and are always here if you need anything.

Remember, that an application season can all change with a single firm spotting something interesting in your application. In the lead up to Christmas put your best foot forward and grind before giving yourself a break at least for a few days (as this really is so important). Make sure that you are fresh to come again in early January!

Tag me, @James Carrabino or @AvniD if you ever want our thoughts on things!

Absolutely!!! When I recognise the successes of others I am certainly not trying to make those of you feel bad whose successes are yet to come - this is rather to serve as an inspiration. Look how many members have written that they just received their first ever AC!! 😊

I remember when I was applying I did start feeling a little bad when I saw everyone else having success but me (or so it felt at the time)... until many months into the application process I got my first AC invite (I still remember the date and what I was doing at the time - around 5pm on January 29th, 2021 - meaning that there is still plenty of time for all of you)!

I was immediately so excited to post anonymously on TCLA that I had just received an AC invite!! I was more enthusiastic to share this success with the forum than with my family 🤣 @Jaysen congratulated me (having no idea who I was at the time since I was using an anonymous account) and I simply could not have been prouder. After months of toiling away at applications I finally had proof that I was not doing something completely wrong. The system was exceptionally tough to navigate, but it was not broken. It's impossible to overestimate how much confidence that moment gave me and I know that that moment is awaiting all of you.

As @George Maxwell says, keep hustling. If you have not received a VI or AC yet, then your turn will be soon. Use the first-time successes of our fellow members as inspiration going forward and have a lovely holiday

 

[F99]

Those who have applied to DLA Piper, for the recent business story qu how much did you link your answer to the firm and its prominent practice areas? It doesn't say to link it explicitly but I assume this is what they are looking for? Any tips on how best to answer this qu would be really appreciated!

 

[caitlinayre]

Thank you for replying! If you don't mind me asking how many questions are there and how long do you have to prepare/answer?

I found it to be really enjoyable, probably one of the better video interviews I have completed. They are definitely generally the worst part of application processes for me as I essentially forget how to speak and start babbling every time. As long as you know your strengths and points about the firm you should be fine.

 

[xtinew]

Those who have applied to DLA Piper, for the recent business story qu how much did you link your answer to the firm and its prominent practice areas? It doesn't say to link it explicitly but I assume this is what they are looking for? Any tips on how best to answer this qu would be really appreciated!

Talk about the news with some analysis, why you're particularly interested in it, and why it's relevant to the firm (expansion plans? Client opportunities? Challenges? etc.)

 

[F99]

Talk about the news with some analysis, why you're particularly interested in it, and why it's relevant to the firm (expansion plans? Client opportunities? Challenges? etc.)

Thank you!

 

[AvniD]

Those who have applied to DLA Piper, for the recent business story qu how much did you link your answer to the firm and its prominent practice areas? It doesn't say to link it explicitly but I assume this is what they are looking for? Any tips on how best to answer this qu would be really appreciated!

Definitely link it back in some way! Think about sector expertise and practice areas in the firm that may be getting engaged in similar future deals- along with expansion plans, client opportunities and challenges that @xtinew mentioned in their brilliant reply to your post!

 

[F99]

Definitely link it back in some way! Think about sector expertise and practice areas in the firm that may be getting engaged in similar future deals- along with expansion plans, client opportunities and challenges that @xtinew mentioned in their brilliant reply to your post!

Thank you!

 

[GXA123]

@George Maxwell Hi George! I realised that as soon as I accept the cookies for Taylor Wessing's website it blocks me from viewing it, this is really confusing and working with only half of the screen is not convenient. Should I email grad recruitment? I am not sure if they can help with their cookies issues?

 

[S87]

Good Lord, here in London not catching Covid has become the new Squid Game!
Stay safe out there guys!

 

[George Maxwell]

@George Maxwell Hi George! I realised that as soon as I accept the cookies for Taylor Wessing's website it blocks me from viewing it, this is really confusing and working with only half of the screen is not convenient. Should I email grad recruitment? I am not sure if they can help with their cookies issues?

Ah that is strange! This does sound like more of a technical issue. I would perhaps alert them that this is a technical issue you are facing just in case it means you cannot see updates/receive communications from the firm. They may then be able to troubleshoot for you or to make allowances in any case. Just letting them know in advance will mean that they are more likely to make allowances/adjustments if you are progressed further in the process (if you require usage of the website after you are progressed)!

When you say that you work with only half of the screen after accepting cookies, what do you mean?

 

[GXA123]

Ah that is strange! This does sound like more of a technical issue. I would perhaps alert them that this is a technical issue you are facing just in case it means you cannot see updates/receive communications from the firm. They may then be able to troubleshoot for you or to make allowances in any case. Just letting them know in advance will mean that they are more likely to make allowances/adjustments if you are progressed further in the process (if you require usage of the website after you are progressed)!

When you say that you work with only half of the screen after accepting cookies, what do you mean?

I can only access the website if I don't accept cookies (and the cookies banner takes half of the screen). I will email them now, thank you

 

[Veep9]

I used an example of a time I tried to give back scholarship money because I felt that I had not been able to adequately fulfil my terms of the grant (due to the pandemic/circumstances outside of my control). The foundation then insisted that I keep it as I had been upfront with them and had still gone out of my way to complete the course of study that I had outlined in my proposal, despite having to modify it somewhat.

Integrity is about being honest with yourself first and foremost. That will then percolate into your interactions with others and your approach to your work. Being an officer of the law requires you to have the utmost integrity given the potential for abuse of your position. Think of an example that will convince the reader of your unflinching commitment to upholding the law.

This is such a great example @James Carrabino! I think you've broken this down really well 👏 👏 👏

In my mind, you display integrity when you do what's right, despite it being the harder option to choose or you being under pressure to do the wrong thing. James' example fits really well into this definition.

I can think of a few more in the legal context- alerting about and deleting confidential emails that you may have mistakenly received from opposing counsel, returning excess funds you have may receive from your client, calling out any bullying/harassment that you may be witnessing at your workplace. I hope these help @Veep9?

Thank you, @James Carrabino and @AvniD ! This is super useful.

 

[ZaraB]

Those who have applied to DLA Piper, for the recent business story qu how much did you link your answer to the firm and its prominent practice areas? It doesn't say to link it explicitly but I assume this is what they are looking for? Any tips on how best to answer this qu would be really appreciated!

I was invited to AC, I didn't link mine at all explicitly, but one of my news stories was on a prominent practice area DLA focus on so I guess it was implicit, but I went in depth with the story giving predictions on what I thought would happen going forward with it, I also had very strong motivations for choosing that topic in particular and could link it to myself well, I think motivation behind the story is a particularly important component here, to me linking this question back to the firm seemed slightly artificial (although ofc it might be great in your answer) as for me it didn't flow naturally within the points I was making