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

[gg332dd]

It depends what your motivations are. I realise this is vague but say as much as you need to, and no more.

Also AFAIK WC are the ONLY firm to guarantee/require an overseas secondment - this is very different from a firm that runs them but maybe only 20% of trainees get to go in any given year. Apart from the fact that going abroad is cool and fun, also think about what it might mean about the firm's values - is WC committed, in a way others aren't, to training truly international lawyers, to building a truly international brand, to running a truly integrated global operation underpinned by strong relationships between offices?

I didn't think of it this way, this helps so much thank you!!

 

[Ks36]

Does anyone know how long it takes Mayer Brown to send the online tests post-application form?

I got mine the next day

 

[anon123456789]

I understand the love, I actually read it when I feel am failing at everything. I feel good knowing I can understand something about the commercial world lol

this is such a mood for me right now 🤣

 

[Imababysolicitor]

Just received a rejection from Dentons. I applied on 03/01

 

[Jessica Booker]

Complete noob here -- im writing my white & case cover letter, and in the 'why W&C' paragraph I mentioned their global reach and training structure (guaranteed overseas secondment + mix of contentious/non-contentious. -- just wondering if this is too generic, or if there's a way to elevate at all?

Dig a level (or two deeper):

Why does the firm offer a guaranteed overseas secondment?
What is the benefit to you of a secondment?
Why is a mix of contentious and non-contentious work important to you?
What is it about the firm's global reach that is different to other firm's that also have a global reach?

 

[vacschemeapss]

I spoke to a future Pinsents trainee from my uni and he said that he only heard back and got invited to take the psychometric test at the end of January, so I wouldn't worry too much about not hearing back yet now. His application was with the Leeds office though so idk if the timeframe is any different for other offices.

I also emailed grad rec to ask a few questions before I submitted my application and they said this:

"Of the 1500+ applications received approximately 200 will be invited to undertake an online psychometric test, with those who pass being invited to an assessment centre where they will have a one to one commercial/behavioural interview with a Partner and a business simulation exercise. The assessment centres are conducted in February, virtually and/or in house".​

Thanks for the info! Any clue on whether this test is the same as WG, or is it tougher/easier??

 

[iamJW]

Do you receive confirmation or an email once you complete the BM WG? My screen went black after I pressed finish and I am really hoping I do not have to do it again 🤣

 

[Emily K]

Bird & Bird rejection post app this morning, sad after getting to the WG last year!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Bird & Bird rejection post app this morning, sad after getting to the WG last year!

I feel you last year I reached the WG and this year I did not get past the application stage but I did make some changes to my first question only a bit.

 

[average_jo123]

Thanks for the info! Any clue on whether this test is the same as WG, or is it tougher/easier??

The last time I checked, Pinsent Masons doesn't use the WG - they use the Graduate Managerial Assessment Abstract test (GMA). If you get invited to take the test they'll probably give you more info about this. There are very little practice tests replicating the GMA out there (compared to WG). I've never taken it myself so I don't really know what to expect either. But the future trainee I spoke to said that he just did as many free practice tests (with elements similar to the GMA) that he could find online and eventually he passed the real thing and progressed to AC. Whether it's easier/tougher than the WG is subjective I guess, since WG is pretty much only testing your critical thinking and verbal reasoning but the GMA also tests non-verbal/abstract reasoning. But whatever it is you'll definitely get better at it with practice.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

If people want to boost commercial awareness and have fun doing it, read Barbarians at the Gate. Essential reading for anyone interested in PE but also touches on M&A more broadly, corporate governance, finance, all kinds.

A slightly more esoteric companion piece I've been enjoying lately is The Predators' Ball, which revolves around the development of the junk bond market which fuelled the 80s takeover boom.

Barbarians at the Gate was a brilliant read! Read more like a thriller than a business book. I’m not even interested in PE (nor did I really understand it before reading) and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

 

[A92167!8]

Good morning! Has anyone heard from Addleshaw Goddard post application? I believe they are non-rolling right?

Haven't heard and I thought it was rolling, not sure?

 

[YUKI1201]

For those who received BM VI, how long did it take for them to send the VI post WG?

 

[kmax301]

Bird & Bird rejection post app this morning, sad after getting to the WG last year!

I have not received a rejection though I applied in October. I had issues with apply4law, so maybe they just have not received my application at all lol

 

[AAA_a]

Has anyone heard from Gibson Dunn or Akin (post w-g)

Can I ask when did you apply to Akin and when did you get sent the WG? Thanks

 

[gg332dd]

Dig a level (or two deeper):

Why does the firm offer a guaranteed overseas secondment?
What is the benefit to you of a secondment?
Why is a mix of contentious and non-contentious work important to you?
What is it about the firm's global reach that is different to other firm's that also have a global reach?

Thank you Jesicca, this helps a lot!

 

[golden99]

hi @Jessica Booker @AvniD, I have been invited to video interview by Simmons and have 7 days to do the interviews. However, my exams begin in 2 days and do not finish until the 19th. Is this a good enough reason, to request an extension ?

 

[alice_28]

hi @Jessica Booker @AvniD, I have been invited to video interview by Simmons and have 7 days to do the interviews. However, my exams begin in 2 days and do not finish until the 19th. Is this a good enough reason, to request an extension ?

I have the same problem! My exams started today and run until the 20th but would they agree to such a long extension? I probably could do the VI this weekend but this is the first one I've got so I want to spend enough time preparing.

 

[elizabethjo123]

I have the same problem! My exams started today and run until the 20th but would they agree to such a long extension? I probably could do the VI this weekend but this is the first one I've got so I want to spend enough time preparing.

I had the same issue with Irwin Mitchell and requested a week’s extension because the 7 days completely coincided with my exam period but they said no because their application deadline had already passed I’m not sure what Simmons’ approach would be but just a heads up. Worth asking though!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

hi @Jessica Booker @AvniD, I have been invited to video interview by Simmons and have 7 days to do the interviews. However, my exams begin in 2 days and do not finish until the 19th. Is this a good enough reason, to request an extension ?

I think they will allow an extension. I remember last year I had exams and had to do Kennedys online test and they gave me an extension so they might allow it.