TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Tsitsipas10S]

I think they’ve screen on a rolling basis we will heard be after the deadline with outcomes asap I assume. I could be wrong.

That's good to know - thank you!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

In no more than 850 words, tell us all about who you are. As part of your personal statement you should demonstrate that you have the potential to be a great trainee. We also want to know why you want to work at Freshfields and what excites you about a career in commercial law. You may wish to mention any positions of responsibility held at university, as well as work experience or employment, achievements, interests and personal qualities you think are relevant.

hey does anyone have any tips on how to structure the personal statement for freshfields?

Hey @a1024


For structuring your statement, I think you can take the more traditional approach: focus on (1) why commercial law, (2) why Freshfields, and (3) why you. When I wrote my personal statement, I also aimed for an equal split across these sections, ensuring each part was distinct and well-developed.

I think one common pitfall to avoid is making the “Why Freshfields” section too generic. Try to really think about those aspects that set Freshfields apart from competitors, like Clifford Chance. I found it helpful to centre my answer on what drew me specifically to Freshfields and why their experience in more advisory matters was appealing to me. Additionally, if you mention a widely noted USP (e.g. their 8-seat rotation, something that many, many applicants end up discussing), try to make the point more personalised to you. For instance, explain why the exposure to diverse practice areas genuinely excites you and how it complements your own professional goals.

When it comes to the “Why You” sections of the statement, I would really try to identify things that are distinctive about you as an applicant. I've met many applicants who've successfully discussed their experiences with things like mooting, competitions, or prior vacation schemes. In my case, I chose to discuss my passion for improvised comedy and also development projects, not just legal work. I think that sort of approach allowed me to vividly illustrate my collaborative skills and adaptability in ways that would have been more difficult if I had just stuck to more traditional legal and academic experiences.

Good luck with the application!

 

[mfuturetrainee]

did W&C change their VI from 3 to 5 qs?

 

[Simi.O]

OMG, W&C WVS offer!!!!

Hey pls, could you put me through everything that you did, lmaoo

 

[Leveraged]

Goldman Sachs VI invite - any tips and insights (could be from any investment bank or firm with a focus on finance) would be much appreciated!

They are competency based except for Q1 (walk me through your CV) and the final question (for the investment banking division this was tell me about a recent deal, no clue for legal/compliance).

Hope this helps

 

[crt1s]

When was the last batch of DLA VI invites sent out? I got confirmation of passing the WG on Monday but have not heard anything since. Thanks

 

[Deleted member 37508]

When was the last batch of DLA VI invites sent out? I got confirmation of passing the WG on Monday but have not heard anything since. Thanks

I passed 2.5 weeks ago 🦗🦗🦗

 

[Simi.O]

Any White and Case VI tips ?

 

[bella98]

I passed 2.5 weeks ago 🦗🦗🦗

Same. Passed 2 weeks ago - guess they didn't like our application (?)

 

[annalisekeating]

Has anyone heard from Cleary Gottlieb for the Winter VS?

 

[AveragePoster]

Has anyone had a first stage interview with BCLP and has heard back yet?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Same. Passed 2 weeks ago - guess they didn't like our application (?)

They saw we were strong applicants and gave others a chance before inviting us 😂 or not

 

[gilo]

Not heard anything from HSF for winter vac after passing SJT - not sure what to make of this…

 

[VMS]

Has anyone had a first stage interview with BCLP and has heard back yet?

Not yet, I only had mine on Wednesday though. When did you have yours?

 

[AveragePoster]

Not yet, I only had mine on Wednesday though. When did you have yours?

Tuesday! How did you find it? Just thought it would be a quicker turnaround as it is only one interview, as opposed to an entire AC. Less feedback to collect, I suppose.

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

Sometimes firms ask people not to publicise they have offers until they have informed every candidates.

That would make some sense! If GR is waiting for feedback though, and others on the AC have been rejected or accepted shortly after, how will the person providing the feedback one week later for one candidate (with presumably a less fresh memory of the interview) be fair?

 

[Jessica Booker]

What do you mean by this bit here please? "I am unclear as to why it would also stop someone from completing an assessment too"?

I was curious whether not completing this section (i.e. opting out of answering the Rare contextual questions) because I don't think it will positively impact me given my background (no free school meals, not carer at young age etc), would impact my chances of moving forward in the application process?

Someone earlier mentioned they were told they could not complete an assessment because they had not completed the form. I don’t understand why this would be the case. The systems are generally not connected and even if they are, should not be.

Not completing the form is a choice - it won’t negatively impact your application if it is not completed.

 

[Jessica Booker]

The only firm I know that does this is Linklaters, but there may be others - maybe @Jessica Booker can tell you more. I also know that in the last cycle Latham reviewed applications from open day attendees separately from normal VS applications, but they did not guarantee an AC.

I don’t know specifics unfortunately. I would generally say that being fast tracked is something quite rare unless there has been a formal recruitment process for the open day.

 

[unknownnn7372]

how did people's ashurst's AC go

 

[ashwright]

Just to spread some good news on W&C - when asked about WVS applicants who haven't heard back yet post-app, GR said they'd still be looking at apps over the next few weeks. Combining this info with the post I vaguely remember where someone said W&C don't have a formal cap, people should still be in the running.
If anyone has any updates on HL Lift Off or Latham's Open Days, please share!
Bonus - if anyone knows of any success stories for CC's direct TC without participating in their first/second year schemes & no prior VS, I'd love to hear them.