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

[x0.nora98]

Has anyone done the VI for Gowling? If so would really appreciate any advice!

 

[AvniD]

Has anyone done the VI for Gowling? If so would really appreciate any advice!

Hi @x0.nora98! Congratulations!! 👏👏👏 @George Maxwell and I drafted posts today with our best advice for VIs (they aren't Gowling specific though!)- you can find them here and here. All the best!! Let us know how you get on 😇

 

[kmax301]

Is it a just a yes/no option or can you select yes or no and then provide detail?

It’s only a yes/no. I checked the register and the firm does sponsor visas

 

[Jessica Booker]

It’s only a yes/no. I checked the register and the firm does sponsor visas

Technically I would assume a visa is an obligation, so unfortunately I think the answer is still yes. It is a shame you can’t clarify what the obligation is though.

 

[Zubin]

How long have Bird and Bird given summer VS applicants to complete the VI?

Hi! I completed my WG on December 24. Did you receive an invite shortly after that? Or did it take a few weeks? Thanks and happy holidays!

 

[Rob93]

Opened the forum today to such good news!!! 🥳🥳🥳
Well done all- you've made us so proud!👏 👏 👏




My best tips for VIs-

1. TCLA Q BANK- Practice using this question bank, which was my holy grail during the application process. Trust me, there isn't a more exhaustive resource with interview questions out there.
2. LOOK INTO THE CAMERA- You can glance at the timer now and then to structure your answer, but always look into the camera while speaking. It takes the focus off of yourself and helps the interviewer feel like you're directing your answer to them, rather than at some random point on the screen.
3. TONE, CONTENT, DELIVERY- Maintain an even tone, structure your content with a pen and paper into 2-3 points and deliver it at a relaxed, confident pace. This will come with practice (I suggest tagging on to a friend/family/careers service/TCLA VI simulator for help with practice.)

P.S. Would highly recommend y'all to also check out @George Maxwell 's post on preparing for VIs!


Congratulations @Vacationschemeapps! It was a classic WG in my experience (I took it over a year ago though and don't remember who the provider was). Let me know if you need any help prepping for your test!

Thank you for that!

 

[RkRk0681]

I hope everyone is enjoying the festive period!

I have just received my CMs VI invite and I wanted to ask those who have done it how they found it and what a good way to prepare would be.

Thank you!

 

[RkRk0681]

Is anyone else still waiting for an update from Bird & Bird post WG? I applied for the Spring Scheme and did the test quite a while ago so I'm a little worried.

 

[Haris]

Are applicants for a vacation scheme or training contract generally expected to list all of their university modules in an application, even if they haven't sat exams for them yet? @Jessica Booker

 

[F99]

Does anyone have any general tips for the L&W application questions? As a reminder, they are:

- Why do you want to become a commercial lawyer? (300 words)
- Why would you choose to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm? (300 words)
- Please give details of your extra-curricular activities, and any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility, or noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (300 words)

 

[Jessica Booker]

Are applicants for a vacation scheme or training contract generally expected to list all of their university modules in an application, even if they haven't sat exams for them yet? @Jessica Booker

You can include your modules you will sit for the year you have started, and just leave the grades TBC, but it’s not an issue if you don’t include them. It can just be interesting to include them (especially if your elective modules are aligned to the work the firm does).

 

[Slawrelated]

Is it wrong to include a firm won an award in 2019 for a practice area? is that too far back?

thanks

 

[21wajsz]

Has anyone who applied for BCLP 30th November and onwards received anything (rejections/next stage invitation) after receiving their feedback report?

 

[Rob93]

Does anyone have any general tips for the L&W application questions? As a reminder, they are:

- Why do you want to become a commercial lawyer? (300 words)
- Why would you choose to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm? (300 words)
- Please give details of your extra-curricular activities, and any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility, or noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (300 words)

On the second one, there are two things that I think are very important to bear in mind. This Q is framed differently to q lot of other 'why this firm' Qs, both with its focus on training and with the comparative element.

So firstly, you're looking at specific features of training at Latham - seats, structure, exposure, etc.

Secondly, you're looking at what that training offers you that other firms don't. I'd take this in two steps. One is the broad differences between US & MC/SC firms - intake size, level of formal training, responsibility at junior level. Two, what makes training at Latham different from its most directly comparable peers? The standard comparisons here are Weil and Kirkland, though you could look at other PE-heavy firms like Ropes as well. Standout points on Latham are that its banking team is top-tier for both lender and sponsor work and juniors get experience on both sides of the table (cf. I think Kirkland(?) is all sponsor-side on leveraged finance); Latham is more present in VC/early stage PE than Weil and Kirkland, though you could possibly compare with a firm like Orrick on this point.

These are just a few examples, I'm sure there are plenty of others - the important thing is to flag up a couple of things that you consider significant, explain them credibly and, most importantly, articulate why they matter to you and why they would lead you to choose Latham over another firm.

 

[AvniD]

Is it wrong to include a firm won an award in 2019 for a practice area? is that too far back?

thanks

It depends- are you using the award to justify your motivation to apply to the firm/train or practice in that area? You may want to consider mentioning something recent as well as the award in that case so that you're able to demonstrate that you've followed/researched the firm's progress.

 

[Aga123+]

DLA Piper PFO 👍
(applied on the 6th September)

 

[bananak]

Got a Clyde & Co VI! Does anyone have any tips pls? any help is greatly appreciated x

 

[F99]

On the second one, there are two things that I think are very important to bear in mind. This Q is framed differently to q lot of other 'why this firm' Qs, both with its focus on training and with the comparative element.

So firstly, you're looking at specific features of training at Latham - seats, structure, exposure, etc.

Secondly, you're looking at what that training offers you that other firms don't. I'd take this in two steps. One is the broad differences between US & MC/SC firms - intake size, level of formal training, responsibility at junior level. Two, what makes training at Latham different from its most directly comparable peers? The standard comparisons here are Weil and Kirkland, though you could look at other PE-heavy firms like Ropes as well. Standout points on Latham are that its banking team is top-tier for both lender and sponsor work and juniors get experience on both sides of the table (cf. I think Kirkland(?) is all sponsor-side on leveraged finance); Latham is more present in VC/early stage PE than Weil and Kirkland, though you could possibly compare with a firm like Orrick on this point.

These are just a few examples, I'm sure there are plenty of others - the important thing is to flag up a couple of things that you consider significant, explain them credibly and, most importantly, articulate why they matter to you and why they would lead you to choose Latham over another firm.

Thank you, this is so helpful. It is often difficult to know where to start but this has provided a really useful structure! So I guess they are expecting you to actually name-drop other firms given the comparative element of the qu?

 

[anon123456789]

Got a Clyde & Co VI! Does anyone have any tips pls? any help is greatly appreciated x

One thing I would say, and something a lot of us have found on here, is to allow yourself a fair bit of time to do it and do it when you're feeling energised i.e. maybe in the morning- there's a fair amount of info to process and there are three big motivational questions asked right at the end so make sure you can maintain the same level of enthusiasm throughout. Keep a tea or coffee nearby!

That aside, there's little you can prepare for apart from the classic: why clydes, why commercial law, those kind of things- make sure you answers are well researched as the qs are very specific to the firm.

Aside from the video bits the rest is a blend of situational judgement written and multiple choice questions. Best of luck!

 

[bananak]

One thing I would say, and something a lot of us have found on here, is to allow yourself a fair bit of time to do it and do it when you're feeling energised i.e. maybe in the morning- there's a fair amount of info to process and there are three big motivational questions asked right at the end so make sure you can maintain the same level of enthusiasm throughout. Keep a tea or coffee nearby!

That aside, there's little you can prepare for apart from the classic: why clydes, why commercial law, those kind of things- make sure you answers are well researched as the qs are very specific to the firm.

Aside from the video bits the rest is a blend of situational judgement written and multiple choice questions. Best of luck!

Thank you so much!! xx