TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[F12M34L]

In a 'why X' question - do we solely mention about the firm? The word limit is 200 words and I'm confused as to how much i need to link it back to my experience..

 

[Jessica Booker]

Anyone know who the Gibson Dunn cover letter should be addressed to? Also, the CL is quite short (650 words), so do we need to include an introductory sentence/two and sign-off?

@axelbeugre - if I am not mistaken, I read that you completed a GD VS interview. Can you please advise?

I would include a welcome and sign off where they explicitly state it’s a cover letter, but you don’t need to include all the formalities like addresses and dates.

I don’t think an introductory sentence or two is ever needed in a cover letter - I just think many people use them as they think they are needed or because of their writing style. However, I’ve seen plenty of cover letters not have them and work just as well (and sometimes better).

 

[Jessica Booker]

In a 'why X' question - do we solely mention about the firm? The word limit is 200 words and I'm confused as to how much i need to link it back to my experience..

Do you mean why X firm?

 

[F12M34L]

Do you mean why X firm?

Yes, sorry - Why X firm**

 

[Jessica Booker]

Yes, sorry - Why X firm**

There will need an element of you in this answer. By just focusing on what the firm can offer you, you are only telling them firm what it already knows about itself. What they don’t know is why the elements you identify are important/relevant to you.

However, I think a lot of people get quite descriptive of their past experiences to try and make that connection and you generally don’t have to do this and even more so when that evidence might be elsewhere in your application. It can often be the case that a brief reference is sufficient given the detail could be included elsewhere.

 

[F12M34L]

There will need an element of you in this answer. By just focusing on what the firm can offer you, you are only telling them firm what it already knows about itself. What they don’t know is why the elements you identify are important/relevant to you.

However, I think a lot of people get quite descriptive of their past experiences to try and make that connection and you generally don’t have to do this and even more so when that evidence might be elsewhere in your application. It can often be the case that a brief reference is sufficient given the detail could be included elsewhere.

Thanks, Jessica! The word limit poses a challenge. I'm considering highlighting three key points and efficiently tying them back to my experience, emphasizing their relevance. As you suggested, the evidence is embedded in my work experience, so I'm leaning towards explaining why I would be a strong candidate rather than delving into a detailed description of my experience. Hope that is okay?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks, Jessica! The word limit poses a challenge. I'm considering highlighting three key points and efficiently tying them back to my experience, emphasizing their relevance. As you suggested, the evidence is embedded in my work experience, so I'm leaning towards explaining why I would be a strong candidate rather than delving into a detailed description of my experience. Hope that is okay?

You don’t need to explain why you are a strong candidate in this answer.

This question is not about your abilities, it is about your motivation.

Trying to explain your abilities is only needed in a “why you” question.

 

[Aliceczernia]

It looks like quite a lot of people have heard back from TS, has anyone not heard back? And should we be expecting a PFO at this stage?

 

[s9111]

It looks like quite a lot of people have heard back from TS, has anyone not heard back? And should we be expecting a PFO at this stage?

I’ve not heard back yet—but I haven’t seen more than four(ish) people receive interview invites. Holding out hope, if even for a few more days.

 

[Aliceczernia]

I’ve not heard back yet—but I haven’t seen more than four(ish) people receive interview invites. Holding out hope, if even for a few more days.

Good shout - I’ve seen about four too!

 

[aspiringlawyer47]

It looks like quite a lot of people have heard back from TS, has anyone not heard back? And should we be expecting a PFO at this stage?

Wouldn’t mind a PFO at this point since they’re giving people just a day to prepare 🤣

 

[F a v o u r]

Has anyone received an open day invite from White & Case?

 

[Flutterbyx303]

Has anyone got a PFO from either TS or Simmons for the WVS before the AC? Trying to gauge if they just don’t let you know at all for PFOs at that point. I know people have been getting ACs….

 

[bella98]

How common is it to be applying for vacation schemes as a law student in your final year because you couldn't secure a TC as a penultimate? Its hard not to feel inadequate when you're approaching graduation and you know others who managed to get a TC yet its still uncertain for you😅

From what I've seen, it's quite common. As a graduate who attended several ACs, I noticed that most participants were either in their final year of university or had already graduated. Don't let this deter you! Furthermore, many firms I've interacted with offer the chance to begin your TC earlier if you've finished your studies. While this isn't a sure thing, it's definitely an option. This allows you the opportunity to qualify at the same time as those who secured their TC in their second year of university. And if that's not the case, just focus on your path!!

 

[pb15]

Has anyone got a PFO from either TS or Simmons for the WVS before the AC? Trying to gauge if they just don’t let you know at all for PFOs at that point. I know people have been getting ACs….

Haven’t heard anything from Simmons for the WVS after doing the VI, I think they’re just gonna send a bunch of PFOs at once

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker Hi, How do you access the video interview simulator? I tried emailing, but didn't receive a response. Thank you

Hi @flower1 - we no longer have this service. We recommend booking a 1-2-1 interview instead as this allows us to provide much clearer feedback to people.

 

[S87]

@Jessica Booker, do you have any thoughts on when it is appropriate to get in touch with GR regarding the outcome of your application?

 

[sxw517]

Holding myself accountable (again):

Willkie Farr & Gallagher ✅📼📝
Covington & Burling ✅
Shearman & Sterling ✅
White & Case ✅📼
Milbank ✅
Ropes & Gray ✅
Arnold & Porter ✅
Sullivan & Cromwell ✅
Latham & Watkins ✅
Kirkland & Ellis ✅
Skadden Arps ✅
Vinson & Elkins ✅
Weil Gotshal & Manges ✅
Akin ✅
Gibson Dunn ✅❌
Goodwin ✅
Cleary Gottlieb ✅
Paul Hastings ✅
Ashurst ✅ 📝❌
Macfarlanes ✅📝
Mayer Brown ✅📝
King & Spalding?
Winston & Strawn?
Morgan Lewis ✅
Fried Frank (1st January)
Orrick ✅
Dechert ✅
Cooley ✅
Morrison Foerster ✅
Slaughter and May ✅❌

✅ = application; 📝 = test/written exercise; 📼 = VI, ❌ = PFO.

Three PFOs, but honestly, the excitement you get even just getting an open-day invite or a VI makes it all worthwhile.

This is very impressive, considering it's not even mid-November yet! Bravo!

 

[Deleted member 31263]

A&O summar vac scheme PFO - I didn't want it anyway

 

[Kodak123]

W&C Open Day PFO but completed VI for WVS. Has anyone else still not heard back after VI for W&C WVS?