TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

ashwright

Distinguished Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
  • Jul 10, 2023
    50
    57
    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
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Amma Usman

    Andrei Radu

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 9, 2024
    298
    489
    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

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 9, 2024
    298
    489
    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.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: far

    Andrei Radu

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 9, 2024
    298
    489
    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.
     

    studentdelaw786

    Distinguished Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2019
    73
    72
    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.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Andrei Radu

    studentdelaw786

    Distinguished Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2019
    73
    72
    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.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Andrei Radu

    ayiiii05

    Valued Member
    Nov 10, 2023
    105
    224
    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.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Andrei Radu

    Unknowncabbage

    Star Member
    May 18, 2024
    35
    41
    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?
     

    Unknowncabbage

    Star Member
    May 18, 2024
    35
    41
    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?
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Bread

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.