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

[George Maxwell]

@George Maxwell I do have one more question about HSF - how do you go about working out competitors of full-service firms like HSF and what makes HSF different as it’s more obvious with firms who specialise in something so i’m a bit lost😭

Hi @gracelaw_,

Always happy to answer questions!

So I would take a look at Chambers & Partners for this one. Look at firms who are ranked in similar bands in key departments for the firm (e.g., litigation, international arbitration, corporate etc.). Off the top of my head, broadly similar firms would be Hogan Lovells, Ashurst, Freshfields, Linklaters (this list is non-exhaustive). These firms are all British (or the result of mergers with British firms), have legacy training programmes with large trainee cohorts, are full service, are strong in similar areas (broadly energy and contentious work although this is again non-exhaustive) and all have a strong international base.

With regards to differentiating between firms, I would take a look at @Alice G's tips on this. Chambers Student is also fantastic.

This post also details some of the links that I consulted when I was preparing for an interview (albeit the links are for Macfarlanes as this is where the user I was replying to was applying). However, I would use many of the same resources when I was writing my applications too!

Hope that helps! 🚀

 

[Commerciallaw]

I got my percentile back after asking, but only after the deadline for you doing it is passed.

Yes and did you reach the AC.

I thought that them sending the WG meant we had passed the application stage no...? So technically it shouldn't take them long to see if someone reaches their benchmark or not. Or is their initial view of our application superficial and they actually review our application in light of our WG score.

I am really confused about their procedure tbh. Do you guys, or anyone, know what the pass mark for Akin Gumps WG is?

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I thought that them sending the WG meant we had passed the application stage no...? So technically it shouldn't take them long to see if someone reaches their benchmark or not. Or is their initial view of our application superficial and they actually review our application in light of our WG score.

I am really confused about their procedure tbh. Do you guys, or anyone, know what the pass mark for Akin Gumps WG is?

I have heard that their WG benchmark is really high compared to other law firms but I could be wrong as a friend of mine told me this.

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Does anyone know in WBD are opening vacation scheme applications this application cycle.

 

[MillyWills]

Anyone know when Weil will start replying post AC?

You have been asking this for a while now so just wanted to say I’m not sure but have you tried asking grad rec? If not, maybe you can shoot them a quick email? 🤗

 

[Parsorandini]

I thought that them sending the WG meant we had passed the application stage no...? So technically it shouldn't take them long to see if someone reaches their benchmark or not. Or is their initial view of our application superficial and they actually review our application in light of our WG score.

I am really confused about their procedure tbh. Do you guys, or anyone, know what the pass mark for Akin Gumps WG is?

I honestly think they review the app with the WG score - maybe they just initially screen your app before sending the WG just to ensure 2:1 etc? I say this because I'm still waiting yet I scored very highly on the WG.

 

[average_jo123]

Thank you for this! Just got a response inviting me for their AC despite feeling like I messed up the WG

Hi @art , is this for Freshfields summer vac scheme?

If you don't mind sharing , when did you complete the WG and how many days did it take for them to invite you to AC post-WG? Been seeing a few people on this forum get a Freshfields AC with a quick turnaround after WG

I did my WG over a week ago and I still haven't heard back, so am starting to lose hope

 

[chi.c]

Has anyone heard back from Dechert post VI and written exercise?

 

[summer207]

Anyone know when Weil will start replying post AC?

I’m not sure how their recruitment is post-AC but I don’t have mine till Feb 3rd so maybe they’re waiting to review all candidates? I could be wrong though!

 

[RS31]

W&C is probably one of the most diversified US firms in London so they have a lot, but when I think of them I think of M&A and project finance - bearing in mind I come from a very transaction-focused bent, so I haven't looked at their disputes practices at all. They're also definitely a major player across the broader range of finance practice but their projects work really stands out in my mind.

International arbitration is one of their most elite practice areas (and one that they are very proud of) both globally and in London, if that is helpful to know!

 

[RS31]

When discussing why you want to work for an American law firm, is it ok to mention work that the American offices are involved in (but the london office isnt involved in it) or should you only mention work pertaining to london office?

Preferable to mention work involving the London office

 

[Ambs123]

Does anyone know in WBD are opening vacation scheme applications this application cycle.

I’m waiting on them too! I emailed grad Rec in December and they said they were opening them in the new year, but didn’t specify when

 

[Slawrelated]

I emailed Dechert about when I want to sit my written exercise but i haven't gotten a response
for people who have completed it, do they send it to you on the day and time you requested? or should I email again

 

[Stacey O'Connor]

Has anyone heard from Willkie re booking written exercises yet?

I havent heard anything yet...

 

[skmx]

This wait from DLA is pain 😵‍💫

 

[lawvc2021]

This wait from DLA is pain 😵‍💫

Tell me about it!

 

[Rob93]

International arbitration is one of their most elite practice areas (and one that they are very proud of) both globally and in London, if that is helpful to know!

This is good to know!

 

[LEL]

I emailed Dechert about when I want to sit my written exercise but i haven't gotten a response
for people who have completed it, do they send it to you on the day and time you requested? or should I email again

I didn't get a response when I said my preferred time, they confirm later on

 

[JunLee2808]

Hey guys! I just have a question for an upcoming interview.

I'm not sure whether I should repeat my examples that I talked about in the online app in the interview.

For example on the online app, they asked what were my hobbies and interests. I wrote about meeting new, diverse people, learning about their experiences/perspectives and engaging in discussion. Then I spoke about my experience being a Student Ambassador.

What if, in the interview, they ask me 'what energises you?'. Because what really energises me is a team-working setting and being able to learn from different/fresh perspectives. I genuinely enjoy the exposure. Do you think it is ok for me to repeat my example? I just don't want to be a broken record that regurgitates the same things. But at the same time I'm not sure whether my interviewer has read my online app and remembered parts of that.

Also, does anyone have any advice on how to sell myself well, or any specific structure/guideline I should follow that works well? I struggle with this due to self-criticism :')

Any tips would be appreciated! Would also appreciate if @Jessica Booker or any of the TCLA moderators could advise me on this!

 

[Hele25]

Hiii everyone,

Firstly, anyone else nearly pee themselves after getting that very nice update email from Mishcon yesterday? 💀

Secondly, I’ve decided to apply for Walker Morris again, and I still don’t know how to answer “What connections do you have to the area?”
- what are they looking for?
Is it to confirm your committed to staying post training?, or that you know about the businesses in the area/the commercial trends etc?
thaaanks