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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- vacation scheme
US aint the one for you my brother/sister/them in Christ.
At Bakers (an intl firm with US headquarters) everyone emphasised they are not US in culture. From the trainees to associates, to partners and Business Development. HOWEVER, when you dug further, they all said they weren't leaving the office before 8 pm. They strongly reiterated to us that you shouldn't expect yourself to be leaving before 8pm. They do respect you completing things outside of work as long you communicate clearly in advance
This massively depends on department culture, but from the experience of asking different staff at different firms, the hours tend to match across the board (bar corporate/transactional work which is bonkers). From IP to Disputes and Employment, trainees all discussed regularly working to at least 8 pm and beyond at BM. The difference (compared to the US firms) is that their weekends are more often untouched and their holidays are respected completely. However, don't expect to not work during the holiday, even if you are in a traditionally seeming "easy" or "less stressful seat" (the employment trainees were disgruntled about working during easter!)
A general rule of thumb I received is that if they're a top 20 UK firm in terms of revenue and/or they're paying you over 100k as an NQ, it is highly unlikely you will have the WLB you're seeking. Make of that what you will, but checking this against Legal Cheek's reported timings, the advice does hold some weight.
Exclusive research: What time do lawyers finish work at the UK's top 100+ law firms? - Legal Cheek
Junior lawyers face long days, late finishes, and an 'always available' culture, highlighting the demanding nature of a life in corporate lawwww.legalcheek.com
The Firms Most List - Legal Cheek
Another recommendation was that if they are Tier 2 and above for Corporate deals at the premium level (like 750 mil and above), then just know...it's a rough one. Bare in mind we all have to complete a transactional seat as per the SRA guidelines, so choose your fate carefully!
M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ > London
Market-leading analysis, rankings and editorial commentary - see the top law firms & lawyers in M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ in Londonwww.legal500.com
So, to conclude, I'd focus on less elite transactional-driven firms if you want comparatively good WLB - typically US, MC, and SC firms - regardless of their size and "unique culture", they will all expect the same of you in terms of output/WLB. Instead, go after firms that are recognised for a wide range of non-transactional services and practices that stand out as their USP. Or they may be sector-driven (Bird n Bird, Osborn Clarke, etc.).
That is unless you are focused on being a transactional solicitor. If so, why not go for the big ticket because you will be working the same amount of hours as solicitors on the opposite end of a transaction? Might as well get paid the same or more...
In the long term, you might earn higher bonuses, and it is easier to reach the billable hours target in private equity, corporate and transactional seats. Although it's a concern for post-qualification, I would check the billable hours targets of each firm on Legal Cheek. You'll find more accurate working hours (for instance, 2200 hours is an insane target typical of US firms - 2200/260 = 8,5 billable hours per day).
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For sure. But that also depends on if your firm has billable targets - a lot don’t have them. Of course the US places a greater emphasis on this.
I also imagine they’d differ between departments slightly - the market activity affects the work rate of departments differently and so do other unique demands from clients/sectors.
Also, higher bonuses come with the most obvious price - more of your time! I’m not against it tho.
I feel like these are quite difficult to prepare for but also relatively straightforward. Try to contribute a few substantive points, do not be overbearing, include other people. You can also volunteer to keep time or refer the group back to remaining time if it doesn't look like you are on track.
Has anyone here done a Hogan Lovells AC? I saw it was 4 hours long, and I'm a bit confused as to the structure
hahahah exactly in the same position except replace W&C and Covington with Cleary and Burges. Waiting for Winter schemes is so painful
Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon today about the Assessment Center?
is it a bad thing to prioritise vs/tc apps over open days rn? my time off from work is finite and i’d rather prioritise vac schemes/interviews over open days? i’ve done some online events and met a lot of firms during uni last year, but i’m worried im putting myself at a disadvantage by not doing lots this year?!
From my experience, it was a pretty standard Watson Glaser test!! I scored averagely and made it to the next round!
Have you received an AC for the winter vac scheme? Sorry for asking!
Latham & Watkins Open Day Invite, the fact we had to do a test, application questions and VI. I'm about to make the most out of this😂
In case anyone is wondering, got my invite today. For the test I got strengths in analytical/complex thinking and self motivation, weakness in effective communication
In case anyone is wondering, got my invite today. For the test I got strengths in analytical/complex thinking and self motivation, weakness in effective communication
Following on from this post, does anyone know the resit policy for the SQE at firms you’ve applied to?
I’ve not applied to S+M but I know of a friend who has been allowed to resit.
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
I’ve not applied to S+M but I know of a friend who has been allowed to resit.
SQE Resit Policy by Law Firm
Hi everyone, One of our members started this thread and were a little worried to keep it up in case there was any risk for them as an applicant. I'm taking it over as I appreciate the concern. I know there is a lot of worry about how law firms view the SQE (and what happens if you don't pass)...
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Hi everyone 
has anyone received the link for the Freshfields application masterclass, i received an email confirming my registration but not the link to the call, would anyone be able to help ?
has anyone received the link for the Freshfields application masterclass, i received an email confirming my registration but not the link to the call, would anyone be able to help ?
same here - can't find any joining link.Hi everyone
has anyone received the link for the Freshfields application masterclass, i received an email confirming my registration but not the link to the call, would anyone be able to help ?
Same here!Hi everyone
has anyone received the link for the Freshfields application masterclass, i received an email confirming my registration but not the link to the call, would anyone be able to help ?
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