TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Lastseasonwonder]

Is it just me or are Davis Polk absolutely not interested in hiring graduates (VS/TC)? Zero mention of "graduate" on their website or recruitment brochure, and having had a quick look on LinkedIn it seems all future trainees/trainees were offered TCs whilst being students.

I am a graduate, but despite all these red flags I feel tempted to apply (as I'm really interested in corp fin and the style of the firm). Please can someone with insight or knowledge of the matter advise. Is it worth applying in my situation/as a graduate?

Looping in @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it just me or are Davis Polk absolutely not interested in hiring graduates (VS/TC)? Zero mention of "graduate" on their website or recruitment brochure, and having had a quick look on LinkedIn it seems all future trainees/trainees were offered TCs whilst being students.

I am a graduate, but despite all these red flags I feel tempted to apply (as I'm really interested in corp fin and the style of the firm). Please can someone with insight or knowledge of the matter advise. Is it worth applying in my situation/as a graduate?

Looping in @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

This can be a side effect of running open days for very specific groups.

Their open days only seem to be for first years or penultimate year undergraduates/penultimate year postgraduates - this is likely to then influence their vacation schemes cohorts, who are more likely to be made up of their open day attendees, and then if they only recruit around 5 trainees a year from 24 vacation scheme students, it's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I don't know enough about the firm to comment whether this is the reality though!

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

This can be a side effect of running open days for very specific groups.

Their open days only seem to be for first years or penultimate year undergraduates/penultimate year postgraduates - this is likely to then influence their vacation schemes cohorts, who are more likely to be made up of their open day attendees, and then if they only recruit around 5 trainees a year from 24 vacation scheme students, it's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I don't know enough about the firm to comment whether this is the reality though!

Thanks @Jessica Booker

Do you advise I email grad rec?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

My university is holding an exclusive open day with a firm. And a few dinners with others. We have to apply through our law society but they are corrupt and take all the places for themselves and their friends.

Besides this would a firm be taking notes of students and looking out for their application if they showed good prospect at these events. I am keen to attend but uncertain as to whether I should leave it and apply for standard open days and vacation schemes.

@Jessica Booker any advice

 

[Zi48]

Thanks @Jessica Booker

Do you advise I email grad rec?

Last year at the Legal Cheek law fair, I asked if I could apply during my final year, and they said I could, as long as I clearly explained my plans for the gap year in my cover letter. So I assume as a graduate, if you can show what you’re doing in the meantime, you can apply.

But I’m not 100% sure, so maybe email to confirm?

 

[Tangcy]

@Andrei Radu and @Ram Sabaratnam,

I trust you are well.

I am currently applying to Reed Smith and I am struggling with one specific question 'Focusing on one of Reed Smith`s sectors, what current issues do you think will impact this sector? What opportunities or challenges could this present Reed Smith or our clients?'

I have identified the industry and two issues, however, I feel that they present many opportunities to Reed Smith and their clients. Do I need to identify a challenge too?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Hi, May i ask if final year law student can apply for its' vacation scheme? It doesnt specified on the website though

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Any insight on the Jones Day interview from people who have had it already? (dm me please!) I'm interviewing for Spring ty

 

[AlegalA]

Howdy @AlegalA

I'm pretty much in agreement with what @Jessica Booker said. If you really want to, there's no harm in trying to ensure there's some flow or continuity between the separate paragraphs. You could, for instance, add small, connecting sentences between the sections. For example, in the ‘Be Better Together’ section, you can mention how DWF's collaborative culture is something you'd be well-suited to and then discuss your particular example for that section. These short transitional sentences can give your statement a cohesive feel, but again it's not entirely necessary.

Best of luck!

Hi! Thanks so much for the advice. I did end up going with a separation, purely because the word count isn't high and I didn't really want to take away from actual content, but I'm glad I have confirmation that this was an okay choice so thank you!

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Latham rejection for their open day.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Has anyone taken the Deloitte test, and if so, does it include a VI component?

 

[BM99]

Goodwin open day invite

 

[studentdelaw786]

Is it just me or are Davis Polk absolutely not interested in hiring graduates (VS/TC)? Zero mention of "graduate" on their website or recruitment brochure, and having had a quick look on LinkedIn it seems all future trainees/trainees were offered TCs whilst being students.

I am a graduate, but despite all these red flags I feel tempted to apply (as I'm really interested in corp fin and the style of the firm). Please can someone with insight or knowledge of the matter advise. Is it worth applying in my situation/as a graduate?

Looping in @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

I spoke to Grad Rec at the Legal Cheek Law Fair, who confirmed that grads can apply for the Insight Days (closing on 12th November). I’ve drafted my application for them, you have nothing to lose by applying.

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Has anyone taken the Deloitte test, and if so, does it include a VI component?

I have and it does yes.

 

[F a v o u r]

My university is holding an exclusive open day with a firm. And a few dinners with others. We have to apply through our law society but they are corrupt and take all the places for themselves and their friends.

Besides this would a firm be taking notes of students and looking out for their application if they showed good prospect at these events. I am keen to attend but uncertain as to whether I should leave it and apply for standard open days and vacation schemes.

@Jessica Booker any advice

Are you at Warwick by any chance? No shade to them but I completely relate😂

 

[F a v o u r]

Has anyone taken the Deloitte test, and if so, does it include a VI component?

The job simulation assessment includes a VI component

 

[helloj]

Sidley Austin Winter Interview - I was sure it was a rejection!

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Are you at Warwick by any chance? No shade to them but I completely relate😂

No I’m not, it’s sad to see other universities go through the same thing. Most of the exec are non law coasting away with their English and History degrees. As I rough it with law.

 

[Victor87]

Has anyone that did their W&C VI on the 14th or later received an AC invite or PFO?

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

Anything from A&O post AC?

 

[LexNavigator]

Has anyone that did their W&C VI on the 14th or later received an AC invite or PFO?

Did my W&C VI a week ago, nothing yet