TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[ayiiii05]

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.

Thank you, Andrei! I can see why you passed the application stage. It really helps to see successful answers, and this has truly helped me with how to write my application.

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

I was initially rejected for Linklaters' WVS, but received an email on Friday saying that, because I had a strong application, they wondered whether I would be happy to be reconsidered for their Spring or Summer VSs.

Did anyone else get this?

 

[legally.brown]

Anyone who applied to HL summer vac scheme receive a WG? I applied 22/10 and also emailed them no response..

 

[Unknowncabbage]

MB feedback report received today (applied VS 17/09, test received 29/10, taken 01/11)
- strengths: initiative, social adaptability, work ethic
- Verbal: dexterity (average), comprehension (above), adaptability (above), reasoning (average), interpretation (above)

Will this cycle be my lucky one? 🤞🏻🤞🏻

Would you say the test is quite similar to other SJ and verbal reasoning tests you have done?

 

[asplawyer100]

Simmons PFO

 

[helloj]

Simmons PFO

On a Sunday?!!

 

[Unknowncabbage]

for this question ‘tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application’ can I talk about my role as a committee member for ‘non-academic achievements and interests’ if I talk about an event I organised?

 

[Apple]

On a Sunday?!!

Im trying to relax over here thinking im safe from any PFOs.

 

[asplawyer100]

On a Sunday?!!

Yep… no days off for their recruitment team I guess haha

 

[Gday33]

Would you say the test is quite similar to other SJ and verbal reasoning tests you have done?

Yes all fairly standard

 

[medy]

Hiya, does anyone know what is the deadline to completing an Amberjack assessment for A&O Shearman? Do i need to do it immediately after receiving it?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

MB feedback report received today (applied VS 17/09, test received 29/10, taken 01/11)
- strengths: initiative, social adaptability, work ethic
- Verbal: dexterity (average), comprehension (above), adaptability (above), reasoning (average), interpretation (above)

Will this cycle be my lucky one? 🤞🏻🤞🏻

That’s a great report wow! Routing for you.

 

[studenttolawyer]

Has anyone received the Watson Glaser from Hogan Lovells Lift Off scheme? How long did it take for them to send it?

 

[cjwx]

Does Mayer Brown accept VS applications on rolling basis?

 

[bibss]

Simmons & Simmons PFO

 

[VMS]

Would you say the test is quite similar to other SJ and verbal reasoning tests you have done?

It's pretty different. The practice test they provide on the email will give you more insight

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Anyone who applied to HL summer vac scheme receive a WG? I applied 22/10 and also emailed them no response..

So......you submitted your application for a SUMMER SCHEME on 22/10 and emailed less than two weeks later to ask where your WG is? 😂😂😂 Does that seem reasonable and rational to you? Some firms do not automatically send assessments. They review the application before sending it; HL is a firm that does this, and with 2-3 people reviewing hundreds of applications, it may take longer than a week. Moroever, they are still presumably working on WVS applications. Please, guys, get in the habit of talking yourselves down in your head. It's easy to get anxious about the process, but you cannot let that get the best of you. It demonstrates emotional immaturity and lack of self-control when you react without patience and thought, and you end up doing more harm to your chances than good, not because you are not a worthy candidate (which I'm sure you are) but because your actions are annoying and inconsiderate to people working incredibly hard to get through applications. Remember you are not just being assessed at ACs; interactions with grad recruitment, who are the gatekeepers of the process, matter most of all.

 

[l789]

So......you submitted your application for a SUMMER SCHEME on 22/10 and emailed less than two weeks later to ask where your WG is? 😂😂😂 Does that seem reasonable and rational to you? Some firms do not automatically send assessments. They review the application before sending it; HL is a firm that does this, and with 2-3 people reviewing hundreds of applications, it may take longer than a week. Moroever, they are still presumably working on WVS applications. Please, guys, get in the habit of talking yourselves down in your head. It's easy to get anxious about the process, but you cannot let that get the best of you. It demonstrates emotional immaturity and lack of self-control when you react without patience and thought, and you end up doing more harm to your chances than good, not because you are not a worthy candidate (which I'm sure you are) but because your actions are annoying and inconsiderate to people working incredibly hard to get through applications. Remember you are not just being assessed at ACs; interactions with grad recruitment, who are the gatekeepers of the process, matter most of all.

I agree with your point on keeping calm and not going crazy with sending emails.

However, I thought HL sent the WG in due course and then if you pass this, they read your application.

 

[legally.brown]

So......you submitted your application for a SUMMER SCHEME on 22/10 and emailed less than two weeks later to ask where your WG is? 😂😂😂 Does that seem reasonable and rational to you? Some firms do not automatically send assessments. They review the application before sending it; HL is a firm that does this, and with 2-3 people reviewing hundreds of applications, it may take longer than a week. Moroever, they are still presumably working on WVS applications. Please, guys, get in the habit of talking yourselves down in your head. It's easy to get anxious about the process, but you cannot let that get the best of you. It demonstrates emotional immaturity and lack of self-control when you react without patience and thought, and you end up doing more harm to your chances than good, not because you are not a worthy candidate (which I'm sure you are) but because your actions are annoying and inconsiderate to people working incredibly hard to get through applications. Remember you are not just being assessed at ACs; interactions with grad recruitment, who are the gatekeepers of the process, matter most of all.

It was a normal question I had cuz last year they never sent me the WG and my efforts went to waste

I followed up once and I came here to understand if anyone is going through the same thing. I understand your point but this is a forum to help and support

 

[LawyerUpPal]

I agree with your point on keeping calm and not going crazy with sending emails.

However, I thought HL sent the WG in due course and then if you pass this, they read your application.

Some sites, like the lawyer portal, say within 48 hours; however, I attended an open day there last week and asked Jasmine Uppal this specific question. She mentioned that they do not send WG until they read your application, and they review apps on a rolling basis.