TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[IneedaTCASAP]

When will the next TC application open for Clifford Chance? for some reason TC applications have closed already?!

Next Autumn. It’s nearly December it is not odd for them to be closed now.

 

[Amjaya]

Next Autumn. It’s nearly December it is not odd for them to be closed now.

Do you know when TC applications closed for 2024?

 

[Jessica Booker]

For the TW application I am struggling to write 2500 characters (around 350 words) using just one example: 'Taylor Wessing has its core values (Excellence, Creativity, Responsibility, Teamwork, Integrity and Respect). Tell us, through an example, how you have displayed one of these. {provide answer of 2500 characters' Would it be ok to write around 1200 characters instead? Or should I just try to bulk it out

I wouldn't "bulk" it out for the sake of it, but I sense there is probably more detail you can build into the example to ensure it is closer to the character limit. Are you using the STARR format to structure your answer?

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

Do you know when TC applications closed for 2024?

20th November

 

[legal18]

I wouldn't "bulk" it out for the sake of it, but I sense there is probably more detail you can build into the example to ensure it is closer to the character limit. Are you using the STARR format to structure your answer?

Not the final R! I will add some reflection, thank you!!

 

[a1024]

Hi @a1024 the basic answer is that you should still deal with the same 3 big questions (why commercial law, why the firm, why you) in the cover letter but that you should also (i) employ a more narrative structure - walk the reader through your journey and decision-making rather than giving pointed paragraph answers for each; and (ii) focus on personal experiences more. I have wrote a longer post discussing this in more depth, I have quoted it bellow

thank you so much! this is definitely really helpful!

just wanted to know if you would recommend putting my address and the firm's address in the start of the cover letter or directly starting it with "Dear Graduate Recruitment"?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

I am applying to Kennedys and the deadline is on the 29th, I would really appreciate it if you could provide any guidance on how to answer the questions below as they both are very similar. (Please note that I have not interacted with the law firm before at all) Thank you!!

1. Reflecting on your research and any interaction you may have had with the firm, what has encouraged you to apply to Kennedys? 1500 characters

2. What specific aspects of Kennedys' culture, values, or work have inspired you to pursue a training contract with us, and how do you see yourself contributing to our firm? 1500 characters

Hey @pleasepleaseplease , great questions. I remember having the same questions when I was applying as well.

I have a few thoughts on each question.

1. This is essentially the ‘why X firm’ question. I always fell into the trap on talking about things that didn’t matter here. For example, I would talk about things like an international reach or pro bono. This was a horrible approach, as it could easily apply to many firms. I would talk about things like the opportunity to work on Windrush initiatives, which many international firms do. Here, the best way to show demonstrated interest is by focusing on the work - the practice areas. Now, it‘s also not enough to talk about practices for the sake of them, because again - many firms have the same practices. I remember once being asked at an AC why I wanted to work at the practice I mentioned in my application. I expanded on this, but the next response was ‘okay.. many firms have this practice - what is it about our practice that appeals to you’?. This got me thinking, and made me realise that I didn’t do enough research. Of course, I didn’t get the vac scheme offer because I didn’t have industry awareness then. So, within each practice at a firm, deeper research will make you find out more about their niches- this is what makes them stand out. Let me give you an example below;

Latham, White & Case, and HSF are among a class of firms with a strong presence in emerging markets, particularly within Africa and the energy/project development sector. Now, it’s funny because many firms have energy and project development practices. However, these firms have a strong presence in emerging markets in Africa - this is their niche. If you have an example of how this resonates with you as a candidate, you’ve not only showed demonstrated interest - you’ve showed specific interest. This is what’ll make your application stand out. Adopt a similar approach to your research on Kennedys, finding a niche in their practices which appeal to you and I’m sure you’ll nail this question.

2. I was a bit surprised seeing this question at first. Most firms I’ve been to shy away from asking candidates to talk about their culture, or frown on it when included in an application. The reason is because it’s difficult to know a firms culture unless you’ve experienced it. However, for this to be asked in their application, you know it matters to the firm - so take your time with this. Have a skim through their website to see the values. If you can schedule a quick chat with a future trainee (note I didn’t mention associates as future trainees will often be more responsive on LinkedIn), then you can talk about these values and cultures in a strong and specific way. This is cause you’ve spoken to someone that’s seen it. Then, link it to an experience where you’ve thrived in a similar environment as this will show them you can thrive in theirs too. I believe this will just make your answer way stronger. Next point is on how you see yourself contributing to the firm - focus on the skills which could be transferred from your past roles, any of your passions, etc. See the firms existing strategy - how can you improve on this/build it/ make it better/ make it revolutionary!

Hope this helps, and I’m sure @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu will have more ideas.

 

[Gday33]

RPC VS WG invite 😁 applied 24/10

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

How long does it take for Jones Day to update on the outcome of the first stage interview?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I got rejected from White and Case post app, but I know you can re apply for a direct TC in the same cycle (I think), might be an absolute reach, but I have completed 2 vac schemes and work in a firm, do you think I may have been rejected because the firm may think that I don’t need to do a vac scheme as I’m fairly experienced, or is that one big reach? lol @Jessica Booker

This could be the case, especially if you are working in a law firm currently, firms can know that getting through conflict processes means it might not even be possible to get you on their vacation scheme anyway.

Particularly for firms like W&C that have a fairly healthy direct TC hiring process, it isn't unknown for recruiters to just think it would be better for you to apply to a TC, although I would hope that they would tell you this rather than just reject you.

 

[Spearlz]

Has anyone been told they have successfully passed the test for Trowers & Hamlins?

I'm waiting to hear from them too

 

[Jessica Booker]

Not the final R! I will add some reflection, thank you!!

Consider whether there were more actions you could highlight and try to be specific with details to help your reader understand context (how many people, timelines, volume of process etc).

 

[g.cl.2020344]

RPC VS WG invite 😁 applied 24/10

Amazing! Was this for their summer vac scheme?

 

[Amma Usman]

General question for anyone who has been to an interview/AC:

Did you feel being interviewed by a lawyer quite daunting? The idea of me (a rookie!) talking at length with a partner is pretty intimidating to me. Especially when the whole exercise is to see whether I’m what they’re looking for. (i.e. am I good enough or not?)
I’d love to hear how people frame the dynamic in their minds.

Thank you in advance ☺️

Hey @ashwright ,

This is a very good question for sure. I had the same thoughts, and I suspect everyone that has gone through the process/is going through it, will have similar inquiries.

It certainly feels interesting at first. At my first partner interview, I was really scared.. I thought woah, these people are literally ruling the city! What do I say? What‘s right to say? Truth is, we make it more complicated than it is. At the core, they are people just like us. If you take away the internal thoughts and let loose, you will find that you can have amazing conversations where you’re able to share your thoughts on a topic, and even gain knowledge from them. Partners are more approachable than candidates think. So, enjoy the process and you will find that it becomes less daunting with time.

The key? Confidence…

It certainly took me a while to build this, but the more interactions you have, the more natural it becomes.

 

[axele]

No it does not include the application questions - just the answers.

I submitted the application, but i did not get an email confirming this. Is this normal?

 

[wordyversus]

Gibson Dunn Open Day Invite ! This is my first open day, and was wondering if y'all had any advice and tips as to what to expect, whether I need to prepare for any workshops, how to leave a good impression and whether It can lead to a Vacation Scheme. Coming from a non-law degree

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Hey @pleasepleaseplease , great questions. I remember having the same questions when I was applying as well.

I have a few thoughts on each question.

1. This is essentially the ‘why X firm’ question. I always fell into the trap on talking about things that didn’t matter here. For example, I would talk about things like an international reach or pro bono. This was a horrible approach, as it could easily apply to many firms. I would talk about things like the opportunity to work on Windrush initiatives, which many international firms do. Here, the best way to show demonstrated interest is by focusing on the work - the practice areas. Now, it‘s also not enough to talk about practices for the sake of them, because again - many firms have the same practices. I remember once being asked at an AC why I wanted to work at the practice I mentioned in my application. I expanded on this, but the next response was ‘okay.. many firms have this practice - what is it about our practice that appeals to you’?. This got me thinking, and made me realise that I didn’t do enough research. Of course, I didn’t get the vac scheme offer because I didn’t have industry awareness then. So, within each practice at a firm, deeper research will make you find out more about their niches- this is what makes them stand out. Let me give you an example below;

Latham, White & Case, and HSF are among a class of firms with a strong presence in emerging markets, particularly within Africa and the energy/project development sector. Now, it’s funny because many firms have energy and project development practices. However, these firms have a strong presence in emerging markets in Africa - this is their niche. If you have an example of how this resonates with you as a candidate, you’ve not only showed demonstrated interest - you’ve showed specific interest. This is what’ll make your application stand out. Adopt a similar approach to your research on Kennedys, finding a niche in their practices which appeal to you and I’m sure you’ll nail this question.....

Thanks Amma, that is a very useful explanation. I submitted my application yesterday and I think when asnwering the first question I did largely do what you recommend but in the second answer, I did not focus as much on the culture but more on their business strategy like aiming for more women partner. Fingers crossed I get to the next stage though!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Gibson Dunn Open Day Invite ! This is my first open day, and was wondering if y'all had any advice and tips as to what to expect, whether I need to prepare for any workshops, how to leave a good impression and whether It can lead to a Vacation Scheme. Coming from a non-law degree

Congrats! Not Gibson Dunn specific, but honestly, all you need to prepare for an Open Day is questions that you actually want to find out about. It's really difficult to "impress" anyone on an Open Day, so just enjoy the workshops and try to learn from them. Note down information that you might want to use in your application. Think about what about this Open Day might personally motivate you to apply for a vacation scheme.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I submitted the application, but i did not get an email confirming this. Is this normal?

Very normal - you don’t get confirmation until someone checks the system and this is likely to be not until sometime after the 4pm deadline.

 

[NJS]

This could be the case, especially if you are working in a law firm currently, firms can know that getting through conflict processes means it might not even be possible to get you on their vacation scheme anyway.

Particularly for firms like W&C that have a fairly healthy direct TC hiring process, it isn't unknown for recruiters to just think it would be better for you to apply to a TC, although I would hope that they would tell you this rather than just reject you.

Interesting, I’ll give it a crack anyway