TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

Hey guys,

Thought I’d post this here as a little cycle recap so far.

11 WVS applications, 1 direct TC.

Six ACs, One WVS offer (Simmons), TC offer from Slaughter and May.

This was my first cycle, and this forum has been invaluable in helping me to prepare for applications. I’ve really enjoyed talking with and meeting many of you over the last few months.

If anyone wants any advice, tips, or anything at all, please send me a message! I’m happy to help others in the same way that so many of you have been so useful for me throughout this cycle so far.

Best of luck to you all!

Congratulations on the offers @HelpAStudentOut , we are extremely pleased to hear this! Hope you celebrate well!

 

[Shandy101]

Anyone done W&C's written Ex and have any tips?

 

[sophieclaire24]

For DLA's WG, would these results mean I am guaranteed to have failed?
Recognising assumptions= strength to leverage (above average)
Critical thinking= further exploration (average)
Evaluating arguments= strength to leverage (above average)
Drawing conclusions= opportunity for development (below average)

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Im curious why DLA Piper choose who to give the WG to, but then even when they pass the test don't necessarily invite to VI.

I would guess they benchmark both application and WG first. And then go through a ranking process for combined scores to decide who to take forward.

 

[lolololol]

Hi @lolololol,

I completely understand how hard those rejections can hit—it's normal to feel disheartened. But remember to keep going. Your performance on one test or assessment isn’t a true reflection of your potential to succeed in this journey. Just being here, navigating the law firm application process, is a testament to your ability and determination. You've got what it takes. Take the time you need to recharge, but don’t let setbacks hold you back. Keep going—you’re closer than you think!

that’s very kind thank you!

 

[cjwx]

For DLA's WG, would these results mean I am guaranteed to have failed?
Recognising assumptions= strength to leverage (above average)
Critical thinking= further exploration (average)
Evaluating arguments= strength to leverage (above average)
Drawing conclusions= opportunity for development (below average)

I only got one above average and the rest was average and I still passed the benchmark. I think your application answers are also important.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Does anyone know Mayer brown values/what they look for in trainees. The website is awful in terms of information.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Finished the Mayer brown testing. Very long. However, the tests are definitely a great source of identifying the qualities of a lawyer. I would do these tests 100 times over a Watson Glaser.
I spoke to graduate recruitment and although the email states the first section is untimed they do indeed take time into consideration.

 

[NJS]

Anyone know what good scores are for the Mayer Brown test to get to the AC?

 

[Gday33]

Finished the Mayer brown testing. Very long. However, the tests are definitely a great source of identifying the qualities of a lawyer. I would do these tests 100 times over a Watson Glaser.
I spoke to graduate recruitment and although the email states the first section is untimed they do indeed take time into consideration.

I much prefer these types too, so much better than WG. Fingers crossed for you 🤞🏻

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Anyone know what good scores are for the Mayer Brown test to get to the AC?

Did you get a feedback report. I’m not sure what my score is.

I much prefer these types too, so much better than WG. Fingers crossed for you 🤞🏻

Good luck to you also. Although I don’t think I performed well happy to have completed it.

 

[Walon290]

Anyone heard back from the White and Case VI?

 

[studentdelaw786]

Can anyone kindly provide advice on how to approach the following question for Freshfields’ Graduate Workshop application:

“In no more than 400 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 in university, as well as work experience or employment, achievements, interests, and personal qualities you think are relevant.”

 

[Tintin06]

Can anyone kindly provide advice on how to approach the following question for Freshfields’ Graduate Workshop application:

“In no more than 400 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 in university, as well as work experience or employment, achievements, interests, and personal qualities you think are relevant.”

It's about showcasing a narrative really. What's your story? How did you come to be applying to this open day?

 

[Andrei Radu]

Can anyone kindly provide advice on how to approach the following question for Freshfields’ Graduate Workshop application:

“In no more than 400 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 in university, as well as work experience or employment, achievements, interests, and personal qualities you think are relevant.”

I think this basically asks you to answer the usual 'Why you?' 'Why commercial law?' 'Why the firm?' questions. However, given the short word count limit and the framing of the question in terms of explaining "who you are", I agree with @Tintin06 that you should try to showcase a narrative. Thus, instead of separating your answer between three distinct paragraphs addressing each issue, you may want to focus on the series of experiences that led you to where you are today. This way, when discussing each experience you can also discuss the commercial law, Freshfields and 'why me' connections.

 

[V2002]

Has anyone completed the Dechert written exercise and could you share any tips? or opinions?

 

[ashwright]

Hey guys,

Thought I’d post this here as a little cycle recap so far.

11 WVS applications, 1 direct TC.

Six ACs, One WVS offer (Simmons), TC offer from Slaughter and May.

This was my first cycle, and this forum has been invaluable in helping me to prepare for applications. I’ve really enjoyed talking with and meeting many of you over the last few months.

If anyone wants any advice, tips, or anything at all, please send me a message! I’m happy to help others in the same way that so many of you have been so useful for me throughout this cycle so far.

Best of luck to you all!

You're an absolute legend - massive congratulations!! You should be super proud of yourself 👑👑
I'd appreciate if I may ask a question about your approach to the direct TC app for Slaughters. You mentioned that it was your first app cycle - how did you find applying for a direct TC when you (if I understand correctly) had not done a VS? I'm interested in Clifford Chance but (like Slaughters) they don't offer traditonal vac schemes + i haven't done a VS anywhere yet. I was a bit worried about applying for a direct TC without any experience so I'd really appreciate any insights/advice on how you approached it.

Thank you

 

[Andrei Radu]

hi, i hope you guys are good. i wanted to ask if there is anyone who passed the app stage with willkie, skadden, goodwin, weil or watson farley that could tell me what they think made their app successful, maybe with an example sentence if that's okay? i believe my apps are better this cycle but ofc i want them to be good enough to move past the app stage. massive thank you in advance

Last year I passed the application stage with Willkie. I think what made my application progress was that I made sure to include all the elements of a good written answer. In particular, for the 'why the firm' question, I focused on:

1. Identifying the firm's unique selling points (USPs)
2. Demonstrating more in depth research into USPs while also showcasing my interaction with the firm.
3. Connecting the USPs and interactions with the firm with substantive considerations that are relevant for me from the perspective of a prospective trainee.
4. Connecting these substantive considerations and motivations with my experiences and achievements.

I have also copied here my answer to Willkie's 'Why the firm' question for illustrative purposes:

The first reason why I am applying to Willkie Farr & Gallagher (Willkie) is its unique position as a US firm with strong transactional and contentious practices. Having enjoyed learning about businesses in two M&A-focused Virtual Experiences, I am attracted by the firm’s PE expertise. In an Open Day Philip Coletto explained that the sector-agnostic approach means trainees are exposed to a diverse range of transactions, developing into more versatile and commercially aware lawyers. However, in my summer internship at DLA Piper I also enjoyed conducting research into niche areas of the law to construct arguments for commercial litigations. Training at Willkie would enable me to also explore my interest in disputes and thus to make an informed decision when qualifying.

I am also attracted by the possibility to develop faster by seeking growth through challenge in Willkie’s lean teams. In a reading comprehension competition, I was the chosen to lead my high school’s team because of my proactive involvement in coordinating trainings. I took on the responsibility of submitting final answers in time-pressured circumstances, obtaining a rank of 4/34 – the highest ever achieved by my school. As an ambitious individual, I am therefore attracted by the opportunity to earn high-responsibility work. At Willkie this is also facilitated by the supportive culture. Hearing how associates always sent Hiral Jain follow-up emails with instructions for tasks, and how Willkie integrates trainees early through social events, I know the firm would provide me with the necessary support to thrive.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Is this what Latham does too?

Last year Latham may have had a different application review policy for open day attendees and normal applicants, in that the former received a response much sooner than the latter. Anecdotally, it also seems like the open day attendees group was overrepresented (even when accounting for the normal CV advantage of an open day) in Latham's AC.

That said, as opposed to Linklaters, Latham does not guarantee you an AC place just because you were accepted on an open day. There were enough open day attendees last year who did not get an AC invite. Latham also allegedly had some administrative problems in their graduate recruitment department which has apparently been at fault for much of the delay in response for people who did not attend an open day.

Long story short, I would say that while Latham likely places more emphasis on open days when assessing VS applications than most firms do, the firm does not have a straight open day-to-AC path.

 

[Andrei Radu]

For anyone with knowledge of Sullivan & Cromwell, they have a generalist approach. Is this another term for “full-service” or is there a difference?

I have no experience applying for Sullivan & Cromwell, but on a quick read of a few US and UK-based legal press sources, it seems to me that the 'generalist approach' concept is very close to Slaughter and May's 'multispecialist approach'. Essentially, at Sullivan & Cromwell lawyers will be encouraged to work across different practice area subgroups and sectors. Instead of being slotted into a more niche team, the firm would probably expect a corporate lawyer to be able to work on public and private corporate M&A, PE transactions and equity issues without rotating seats. Arguably, this leads to one becoming a more well-rounded lawyer and provides a more natural path towards specialization.