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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Ram Sabaratnam

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Has anybody applied to RWK Goodman? If so could you tell me the email address for grad recruitment? I can’t submit my app because I need to verify my email address, but when I request a link to do so I never receive one through the automated system setup.

Hiya @Aspiringsolicitor01

I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with the system - sounds annoying to say the least! I've just taken a quick look at their recruitment page and if you're still having issues receiving the verification email, I think you can reach out to RWK Goodman’s Careers team directly at [email protected]. They should be able to assist you with the problem.

Best of luck with your application!
 

Aspiringsolicitor01

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Hiya @Aspiringsolicitor01

I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with the system - sounds annoying to say the least! I've just taken a quick look at their recruitment page and if you're still having issues receiving the verification email, I think you can reach out to RWK Goodman’s Careers team directly at [email protected]. They should be able to assist you with the problem.

Best of luck with your application!
Thanks Ram, I also found the email on their page after a while of searching.
 
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Ram Sabaratnam

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Anyone have any tips on key areas to discuss for Freshfields personal statement. Am thinking of focusing on (1) cross-border expertise with focus on success in US market, (2) cross-functionality of corporate and litigation practices, and (3) uniqueness of training programme?

Hi @DulyDiligent

I think you're definitely heading in the right direction with the points you've chosen. I think to really elevate your discussion of these answers, it's important to be as specific as possible. This will be important in helping you differentiate Freshfields from, say, Clifford Chance.

For example, when discussing their cross-border expertise and success in the US market, try to highlight how Freshfields sets itself apart from other firms like Clifford Chance, which also have a strong cross-border presence and have made strong inroads in the US. What has made Freshfields distinctive in this respect and why is that motivating your application? I think this level of detail will help your personal statement stand out by showing that you can distinguish between firms in more nuanced ways. Similar points apply when discussing the cross-functionality of the corporate and litigation practices, as well as the firm's training programme (obviously on the last point you can mention the 8-seat training contract and other USPs).

Additionally, you might want to check out an article/podcast in The Lawyer from this week, which touches on Freshfields' position compared to its competitors. I think it could be helpful in allowing you to frame more nuanced points into your personal statement!

Good luck!
 

Ram Sabaratnam

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"Describe how you think the innovative developments taking place in the legal industry will change the role of a commercial lawyer at Dentons. Please outline your research and reference the sources you used to inform your opinion." - in what way should we reference or outline sources? I was thinking Harvard style?

Hiya @jojo23 :)

I don’t think formal referencing (like Harvard style) is as crucial in this type of application question. What’s more important is to show that you’ve done your research and can back up your points with reliable sources. Simply mentioning the report and giving a rough idea of when it was published should be enough. I used this approach in my Ropes & Gray application during the 2022-23 cycle, where I was specifically discussing data around retaining legal talent.
  • "In December 2023, The Lawyer published a report highlighting the significant increase in associate attrition. Similarly, a 2022 report from Thomson Reuters estimated that the loss of even a single associate could cost firms upwards of $400,000 USD."
I think keeping it brief while acknowledging where the information came from worked really well for me - and allowed me to use the word count more effectively.

When answering this type of question on innovation, I'd also recommend going beyond the usual discussions around AI and developments. Many applicants have a tendency to answer these sorts of questions in vague ways, often relying on resources or links that aren't very recent. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more specific examples or feedback!

Best of luck with the application!
 
Last edited:

jojo23

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Sep 15, 2024
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Hiya @jojo23 :)

I don’t think formal referencing (like Harvard style) is as crucial in this type of application question. What’s more important is to show that you’ve done your research and can back up your points with reliable sources. Simply mentioning the report and giving a rough idea of when it was published should be enough. I used this approach in my Ropes & Gray application during the 2022-23 cycle, where I was specifically discussing developments in data around retaining legal talent.
  • "In December 2023, The Lawyer published a report highlighting the significant increase in associate attrition. Similarly, a 2022 report from Thomson Reuters estimated that the loss of even a single associate could cost firms upwards of $400,000 USD."
I think keeping it brief while acknowledging where the information came from worked really well for me - and allowed me to use the word count more effectively.

When answering this type of question on innovation, I'd also recommend going beyond the usual discussions around AI and developments. Many applicants have a tendency to answer these sorts of questions in vague ways, often relying on resources or links that aren't very recent. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more specific examples or feedback!

Best of luck with the application!
Thank you, I appreciate it! I'm just in the process of doing research around it although, my go-to answer was ai related🤣
 
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Ram Sabaratnam

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White and Case VI invite !! Not sure if it’s automatic or not , but I’ll take it😂 Any tips would be much appreciated!!

Howdy @thelawstudent2000!

Well done on getting through to the VI stage! I used to struggle quite a bit with VIs but the following threads really helped me improve with this part of the application stage. This first one is by the legendary user Alice G, and the second one is by the equally fab Erin. A lot of what they say in these threads will be relevant in helping you prepare for White & Case's VIs. Hopefully, you'll find them helpful too! Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!
 

Ram Sabaratnam

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Sep 7, 2024
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If I send off my application for Hogan WVS, do you guys think it's rather late considering its rolling and the deadline is 31st October?

Hi @sufianwm101 :)

Many firms receive the majority of their applications around 2-3 weeks before the deadline, so you're definitely not alone in submitting at this stage. What matters most is whether you believe it's a strong application. If you think you could improve it further with just a bit more time, it might be worth considering applying for the spring or summer schemes instead. But if you feel it's as strong as it can be and you're confident in it, there's no harm in sending it through before the 31st October deadline. Trust your instincts! Best of luck with the application!
 
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Ram Sabaratnam

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i applied for the hogan lovells life off on the 4th and haven’t received anything after, should i email or wait a bit?

Hiya @lolololol

I know the waiting process can feel a bit uncertain, but I’d suggest giving it a little more time, especially since it’s only been a couple of weeks since the 4th of October. Many firms take a bit longer to review applications, especially if there’s a large volume. If you haven’t heard back in another 2 weeks or so, it could be worth sending a polite follow-up email to check on the status of your application. Best of luck, and I hope you hear back soon!
 
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