TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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.

 

[elizabethkate]

I applied to Bird&Bird and Mayer Brown on the 29th and 30th, respectively, but haven't received any WGs or SJTs to complete. Should I follow up or just expect them next week?

 

[studentdelaw786]

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.

this is very helpful and confirms my interest in applying to the firm. Thank you kindly, Andrei.

 

[sammm10101]

I applied to Bird&Bird and Mayer Brown on the 29th and 30th, respectively, but haven't received any WGs or SJTs to complete. Should I follow up or just expect them next week?

Bird & Bird's WG isnt automatic I dont think, its the next stage of the process

 

[studentdelaw786]

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.

Thank you again, this makes it clearer and i’ll adopt this structure.

 

[tomsmitg]

Any reason why i could be rejected for linklaters‘ winter scheme but then accepted onto the open day? can you still apply for the summer scheme ??

 

[Gday33]

I applied to Bird&Bird and Mayer Brown on the 29th and 30th, respectively, but haven't received any WGs or SJTs to complete. Should I follow up or just expect them next week?

I applied to MB 17/09 and only got the online test last week

 

[Gday33]

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? 🤞🏻🤞🏻

 

[helloj]

Hi guys! Does anyone have any insights or tips into the Sidley Austin interview for the Vacation Scheme? Thank you in advance!

 

[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