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

[jv1999]

If you have to list prizes/scholarships/awards in a VS application, would it be a bad idea to list that I got a scholarship from Inner Temple to do the GDL? I originally considered becoming a barrister but have now decided on the solicitor route. It was part of my journey to deciding to become a solicitor (which I have spelled out) but I also don't want to give the wrong impression that I may go down the barrister route or am unsure/undecided.

 

[M777]

Has anyone completed a VI for Dechert before? If so, could you pls pm me and give me any advice as to what it consists of and how I can prepare

PM me
Was it for spring, summer or winter?

 

[John Travoni]

Winter

 

[Imababysolicitor]

Has anyone who’s applied to Clyde & co received the video interview yet? From their website I thought it was automatic...

 

[M777]

Has anyone who’s applied to Clyde & co received the video interview yet? From their website I thought it was automatic...

Nope! applied 27th sept

 

[Imababysolicitor]

Nope! applied 27th sept

Oh, glad I’m not alone then

 

[PM2021]

In case one gets through two winter vacation schemes and the dates clash, is it possible to request one firm to shift for spring/summer scheme?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

In case one gets through two winter vacation schemes and the dates clash, is it possible to request one firm to shift for spring/summer scheme?

Absolutely no harm in asking. Be prepared for the firms to say no though.

 

[33c]

In case one gets through two winter vacation schemes and the dates clash, is it possible to request one firm to shift for spring/summer scheme?

Definitely worth asking. Alternatively, you could ask the firm to transfer you VS app to a direct TC app. I was allowed to do this with 2 firms last year.

 

[PM2021]

Definitely worth asking. Alternatively, you could ask the firm to transfer you VS app to a direct TC app. I was allowed to do this with 2 firms last year.

Actually, one of my apps has been transferred from the TC to VS, and I have been invited for the assessment. However, the winter vacation scheme dates do not suit me because they clash with my university exams. So I do not know how to go about this. Any recommendations would be very helpful

 

[Ooshmate]

For the Latham & Watkins Open Day Application Q:
“What area(s) of law are you interested in learning more about, and why?” (250)

I was thinking I could focus on Data Protection Law by expanding on these examples:
a. Completed a Introductory Course on the GDPR - scoring 93%
b. Studied Data Protection Law at Uni - scoring 68%
c. HSF Innovation Open Day
d. Clifford Chance Cybersecurity Virtual Internship
e. That I am studying Advanced Topics in Data Protection Law this year

For this question, is it about tailoring your interests to the firm as well as explaining why you enjoy the area of law. Or, in your answer do you need to make reference to a current event related to the area of law?

Any recommendations would be so helpful!

 

[John Travoni]

Actually, one of my apps has been transferred from the TC to VS, and I have been invited for the assessment. However, the winter vacation scheme dates do not suit me because they clash with my university exams. So I do not know how to go about this. Any recommendations would be very helpful

What firm is this if you don’t mind me asking ?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

For the Latham & Watkins Open Day Application Q:
“What area(s) of law are you interested in learning more about, and why?” (250)

I was thinking I could focus on Data Protection Law by expanding on these examples:
a. Completed a Introductory Course on the GDPR - scoring 93%
b. Studied Data Protection Law at Uni - scoring 68%
c. HSF Innovation Open Day
d. Clifford Chance Cybersecurity Virtual Internship
e. That I am studying Advanced Topics in Data Protection Law this year

For this question, is it about tailoring your interests to the firm as well as explaining why you enjoy the area of law. Or, in your answer do you need to make reference to a current event related to the area of law?

Any recommendations would be so helpful!

I think they want you to frame this more about what you are hoping to learn from the open day, not what you have done previously. You can reference your previous interests/activities, but you need to frame it more in how the open day will help you learn more about those topics if you are going to do this. There would be no need to make reference to a current event in this answer, unless it can be closely linked to what you would learn on the open day.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Actually, one of my apps has been transferred from the TC to VS, and I have been invited for the assessment. However, the winter vacation scheme dates do not suit me because they clash with my university exams. So I do not know how to go about this. Any recommendations would be very helpful

Contact the firm and tell them you can't attend the VS due to examinations and ask whether you can be put forward for a later vacation scheme or reverted back to a TC applicant.

 

[Ooshmate]

I think they want you to frame this more about what you are hoping to learn from the open day, not what you have done previously. You can reference your previous interests/activities, but you need to frame it more in how the open day will help you learn more about those topics if you are going to do this. There would be no need to make reference to a current event in this answer, unless it can be closely linked to what you would learn on the open day.

Thank you for your response. I guess I am still slightly confused though as to how I would make my answer to this question different to the question below:

“Why do you want to attend an open day at Latham & Watkins specifically?” (250)

In this question I have focused on the culture of the firm and a certain practice area.

Moreover, the information regarding the agenda for the open day itself is very limited so I am unsure where to start as far as avoiding saying the general content e.g. meeting trainees, and networking

 

[M777]

Thank you for your response. I guess I am still slightly confused though as to how I would make my answer to this question different to the question below:

“Why do you want to attend an open day at Latham & Watkins specifically?” (250)

In this question I have focused on the culture of the firm and a certain practice area.

Moreover, the information regarding the agenda for the open day itself is very limited so I am unsure where to start as far as avoiding saying the general content e.g. meeting trainees, and networking

I went to the L&W open day in december 2019. There was a LOT of structured networking, including a networking lunch and a speed networking session. They also talked a lot about their diversity & inclusion initiatives, more so than anything you'd find about it online. I'd say learning about culture, day to day work, life as a trainee and getting a unique perspective on latham's D&I policies are good things to talk about.

Basically, you go to open days to get insight into the firm that you wouldn't otherwise find yourself- so I'd keep that in mind

 

[33c]

For the Latham & Watkins Open Day Application Q:
“What area(s) of law are you interested in learning more about, and why?” (250)

I was thinking I could focus on Data Protection Law by expanding on these examples:
a. Completed a Introductory Course on the GDPR - scoring 93%
b. Studied Data Protection Law at Uni - scoring 68%
c. HSF Innovation Open Day
d. Clifford Chance Cybersecurity Virtual Internship
e. That I am studying Advanced Topics in Data Protection Law this year

For this question, is it about tailoring your interests to the firm as well as explaining why you enjoy the area of law. Or, in your answer do you need to make reference to a current event related to the area of law?

Any recommendations would be so helpful!

I applied last year and was successful! In my app, I wrote about their PE practice - detailed what I founded interesting about the area and what I wanted to learn more about latham's expertise in this particular area. I concluded by stating how learning about the area at latham would help me understand latham / the kind of work undertaken by a law firm.

You definitely don't have to write about something you have experience in/have studied at university!

 

[refy]

Does anyone have any tips for the A&O SJT? It'll be my first one and I'm super nervous !

 

[Rob93]

A&O winter PFO - had applied early Sept.

 

[B A]

Have just submitted my HSF Winter VS application - does anyone know how long it takes to receive their online test and how long are you given to complete this?