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

[Adrian_S]

Meanwhile my application cycle is increasingly looking like an Olivia Rodrigo music video.

 

[John Travoni]

All those that got an AC for Reed Smith, was it for the spring or summer scheme ?

 

[AspiringTrainee]

Has anyone heard back from Gibson Dunn, Davis Polk or Debevoise?

I saw on LinkedIn someone get a Gibson Dunn summer VS

 

[Anoned]

Reed Smith AC Invite!

 

[Rob93]

Will someone give this man a training contract already!

Gonna start referencing my prolific TCLA posting on apps as a community involvement activity, yolo

 

[elizabeth_98]

Congrats! Did you also receive the holding email today?

Thank you! I got the holding response earlier this week and then just the invite today

 

[elizabeth_98]

All those that got an AC for Reed Smith, was it for the spring or summer scheme ?

Mine is for the spring scheme so they might be handing those invites out first

 

[CorporateLaw101]

Mine is for the spring scheme so they might be handing those invites out first

How about everyone else?

I think it’s important to mention whether people are getting spring or summer offers as this makes a big difference in my assumption of a PFO from todays holding email!

If only spring schemes are being handed out today then us summer VACers have nothing to worry about.

massive congratulations to everyone who’s received an AC for RS thus far though! Great work seriously ❤️

 

[JunLee2808]

Hi everyone! Firstly, thank you to everyone who responded to my question about repeating examples from an application to an interview.

Secondly, I'm not sure whether to mention this in the interview. I am planning to do the Bar next year due to it being an international qualification and recognition (I'm an international student). I really want to be a commercial solicitor but the Bar teaches me valuable skills that I won't get under the LPC/SQE, which is also another reason I'm doing it.

Should I mention this in my interview for a VS? I'm worried that it will show lack of passion or seriousness in being a solicitor when in reality, it's the opposite. Will this make me 'stand out'?

Thanks!

 

[Parsorandini]

Reed Smith every time after they get our hopes up with a random email.

 

[sxw517]

Have HSF started handing out invites to AC for summer vacs?

 

[GXA123]

Have HSF started handing out invites to AC for summer vacs?

yes

 

[sxw517]

yes

balls

 

[lawstudent12345]

Does anyone know what the Dechert Written Exercise is like? (the one at the VI stage, before the AC)

 

[Tony Stark]

Hi guys, I have an AC at Freshfields. I was wondering if anyone has some experience with them and can offer an insight into the process. Thank you

 

[Laurenbt2110]

does anyone have any advice for Evershed VI? I know its a short one but other than that I havent heard anyone else's experience

 

[refy]

Hi guys, I have an AC at Freshfields. I was wondering if anyone has some experience with them and can offer an insight into the process. Thank you

Hi congrats! Is this for summer?

 

[ozza989]

Does anyone know/can estimate how many people may be invited to an AC for Reed Smith? I heard they usually take around 22 people on their vacation scheme but this may be off.

 

[James Carrabino]

Not to beat a dead horse, but if you first came to law to do good, even if the question asked is 'why law' the question you need to answer rapidly becomes 'why commercial law'

This is maybe a bit different at a firm with a big public administrative practice like Mishcon where you could wax poetic about the Miller case but I'd still be cautious.

In all seriousness, if you came to law to do good why are you now looking for employment as a hired gun for big corporates? The answer cannot be 'because it's where the money is' (even if that is true). Maybe you think, well, lawyers are in a privileged position to keep corporations honest and accountable. Maybe you think, well, a bunch of economists say dealmaking is good for efficiency, creates value, that's good for society, and I want to use my particular skills and knowledge to contribute to that.

Mind, don't say those things if you don't believe them - you have to at least somewhat buy into the premise. It's perfectly fine imo to say 'well, I was drawn by public interest considerations but realised that that's not where my skillset really lies and I think I'd be better suited to a commercial career, and do a bit of pro bono on the side, I got really interested in business law because etc. etc.'

This is a great point @Rob93 and it has been an interesting conversation to follow. The one area where I say that 'doing good' can come into your motivations is if you are asked 'Why law over finance?' The pro bono focus in law (especially at US firms) is such that, whilst it is still a small part of the firm's overall work, it is definitely significant and can help to draw lawyers. Often 'doing good' is not even the primary motivation for lawyers I have met who love Pro Bono - they just value the exposure to something very different and interesting.

There is an even more significant point here as well, which is that law is very multi-faceted. Pro Bono aside, the work you have the potential to do at a law firm is just so broad and your training contract will give you the opportunity to really explore what is right for you!

 

[Rob93]

This is a great point @Rob93 and it has been an interesting conversation to follow. The one area where I say that 'doing good' can come into your motivations is if you are asked 'Why law over finance?' The pro bono focus in law (especially at US firms) is such that, whilst it is still a small part of the firm's overall work, it is definitely significant and can help to draw lawyers. Often 'doing good' is not even the primary motivation for lawyers I have met who love Pro Bono - they just value the exposure to something very different and interesting.

There is an even more significant point here as well, which is that law is very multi-faceted. Pro Bono aside, the work you have the potential to do at a law firm is just so broad and your training contract will give you the opportunity to really explore what is right for you!

Very good point!