TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

Some potentially stupid questions about the TW cover letter:
Who is it addressed to?
Do I need to put my address and the firm's address?

Hi @emma.d ,

1. If the firm doesn’t specify, then I tend to include ‘Dear Graduate Recruitment Team’. I know some firms specify this on their websites. For example, Slaughters require it to be addressed to Janine Arnold.

2. This also depends on the firm’s policy. Generally, for cover letters you have to upload, I see no harm in doing so. However, with cover letters on application portals, I tend to not include any addresses, especially if the word count is short. If you want to include an address, I‘d say include the firm’s only. However, I have been past the application stage when I only included the requisite formalities; ‘ Dear Graduate Recruitment Team’ and ‘Yours Sincerely’.

 

[Amma Usman]

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

Well done on getting the open day @wordyversus ! I would say to just be yourself and enjoy the day! Also come with questions prepared beforehand on any topics you’d like to learn more about. I know you’ll have a fantastic time at GDC

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone! My HL WVS is next week, and I am a bit nervous, as I don't know what to expect. This is my first ever VS, and I am hoping to convert it to a TC so any guidance/advice anyone has will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hey @_shims_ , huge well done on securing the WVS! I’ve included some tips below from a past post I made.

Hey @Chelsea101 , just before @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker jump in, I’ve included a few pointers below:

1. Be Proactive from the Start: Law firms value self-starters who can anticipate needs and take initiative without waiting to be asked. On your first day, introduce yourself to your team, ask how you can assist, and familiarise yourself with the work. Offer to help with smaller tasks, such as proofreading, researching, or preparing documents, even if they are not explicitly assigned to you. If you find yourself with downtime, politely ask your supervisor if there’s anything additional you can assist with.



2. Understand the Work Beforehand: Familiarity with the firm’s work areas shows preparation and allows you to contribute meaningfully. Research the firm's key practice areas, landmark deals, and recent cases before starting. Pay attention to client industries, market trends, and legal developments. If you know your practice area placements in advance, review introductory resources, articles, or deals related to those areas. If not, be prepared to adapt by understanding the firm’s general focus areas.


3. Schedule coffee chats with lawyers from practice areas you’re genuinely interested in. During a VS, you’ll be surrounded by a plethora of legal talent - make the most of the learning opportunity!


4. Show a Genuine Interest in Learning: Firms look for trainees who are curious and eager to grow professionally. Approach tasks with an open mind and ask intelligent questions to deepen your understanding of the legal and commercial context. For example, instead of just editing a document, ask how it fits into the broader transaction or case.


5. Exceed Expectations in Your Work: Exceptional work leaves a lasting impression and demonstrates your potential as a trainee. Take your time to ensure accuracy and quality in your work. Proofread carefully, double-check details, and ask for clarification if unsure. Submit your work on time or, ideally, ahead of deadlines. If feedback is provided, take it constructively and implement it immediately—this shows you can learn and adapt quickly.


6. Show Commercial Awareness: Commercial lawyers are not just legal experts—they are also business experts. Keep up with current events and consider how they impact the firm’s clients. During tasks, think beyond the legal issue and consider the broader business or strategic implications.


7. Maintain professionalism at all times.


8. Gather feedback and reflect.


Final Advice: Beyond technical ability, demonstrate qualities like adaptability, resilience, and teamwork. These are essential skills for a trainee.


By implementing these strategies, you’ll position yourself as a standout candidate for a training contract. Good luck—you’ve got this!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi! @Andrei Radu

I applied for the Davis Polk open day and was successful, and now I am writing my application for their vac scheme. Both the open day and the vac scheme have this exact question:
"Please give details of your interests, extracurricular activities, positions of responsibility, skills and achievements. Please also include any other information that you feel is relevant to your application (300 words)"

Is it okay to write the exact same answer that I wrote for the open day given the answer was met with success? (and in the time between writing the open day application and now the vac scheme, not much as changed regarding the answer anyway).

If not, how would you suggest I improve/change it for the vac scheme application?

Many thanks

Hey @Legalgirl , just before @Andrei Radu jumps in..

My general approach is to always change each application answer, even if it’s been successful. Ideally, you would want to touch on areas you learnt from the open day to solidify your passions for the firm. Through the open day, you would have gained first-hand insights into the work; you would have spoken to lawyers and other members of the firm, to know the culture sufficiently well; you would have more knowledge on the firms key specialties and clients - all of these and more need touching on in the motivational questions of the application form for the vacation scheme.

It‘s also a chance to reference anybody you’ve spoken to at the firm, including what they told you about the firm that particularly stood out. Then, touch on why these appal to you given your interests and experiences. However, ensure to ask for their permission first on whether you can use their name in your application form.

 

[Smart water 0403]

When have you delivered a piece of work where quality was an important factor? As part of your answer, please describe why quality was important to you, what approaches you took to help you deliver and what you enjoyed?​

this is a Q from the eversheds' application? would I have to talk about an academic piece of work ? or can i talk about making a product as part of my own business?

 

[Amma Usman]

When have you delivered a piece of work where quality was an important factor? As part of your answer, please describe why quality was important to you, what approaches you took to help you deliver and what you enjoyed?​

this is a Q from the eversheds' application? would I have to talk about an academic piece of work ? or can i talk about making a product as part of my own business?

Hey @Smart water 0403 ,

Honestly, your approach to the question is solid, and you can certainly use either an academic piece of work or an example from your business experience. The key is to focus on the quality of the work you produced and your approach to ensuring it was of the highest standard.

For reference, I’ve drafted a response to this question below:

In my experience, quality has always been a priority for me, whether in academic work or professional settings. I believe that delivering high-quality work is crucial because it builds trust, demonstrates reliability, and ensures that the outcomes are valuable and actionable. One example of this is when I interned at a financial services company, where I was tasked with producing a memorandum on the requirements of an unfair dismissal claim under relevant UK legislation.

Quality was especially important in this instance because the memorandum was intended to assist senior lawyers in advising clients on the viability of their claims. I understood that any inaccuracies or lack of clarity could result in faulty advice being given, potentially impacting the client’s case. To ensure the quality of my work, I approached the task systematically. First, I thoroughly researched the relevant legislation and case law to ensure I understood the nuances of the legal requirements. I then carefully organised the information, drafting the memorandum in a clear, logical structure, with concise and precise legal language. After completing the draft, I reviewed it multiple times to ensure there were no errors or omissions, and I sought feedback from my supervisor to ensure the analysis was robust and met the expected standard.

What I enjoyed most about this process was the sense of satisfaction that came from delivering a well-researched and well-written piece of work that I knew would have a real impact on the team’s advice to clients. The attention to detail required and the opportunity to learn more about employment law were both rewarding and motivating for me. Ultimately, the quality of the work was important not just for the sake of producing a final product but also for its potential to contribute meaningfully to the legal work of the firm.

 

[Smart water 0403]

Hey @Smart water 0403 ,

Honestly, your approach to the question is solid, and you can certainly use either an academic piece of work or an example from your business experience. The key is to focus on the quality of the work you produced and your approach to ensuring it was of the highest standard.

For reference, I’ve drafted a response to this question below:

In my experience, quality has always been a priority for me, whether in academic work or professional settings. I believe that delivering high-quality work is crucial because it builds trust, demonstrates reliability, and ensures that the outcomes are valuable and actionable. One example of this is when I interned at a financial services company, where I was tasked with producing a memorandum on the requirements of an unfair dismissal claim under relevant UK legislation.

Quality was especially important in this instance because the memorandum was intended to assist senior lawyers in advising clients on the viability of their claims. I understood that any inaccuracies or lack of clarity could result in faulty advice being given, potentially impacting the client’s case. To ensure the quality of my work, I approached the task systematically. First, I thoroughly researched the relevant legislation and case law to ensure I understood the nuances of the legal requirements. I then carefully organised the information, drafting the memorandum in a clear, logical structure, with concise and precise legal language. After completing the draft, I reviewed it multiple times to ensure there were no errors or omissions, and I sought feedback from my supervisor to ensure the analysis was robust and met the expected standard.

What I enjoyed most about this process was the sense of satisfaction that came from delivering a well-researched and well-written piece of work that I knew would have a real impact on the team’s advice to clients. The attention to detail required and the opportunity to learn more about employment law were both rewarding and motivating for me. Ultimately, the quality of the work was important not just for the sake of producing a final product but also for its potential to contribute meaningfully to the legal work of the firm.

thank you so much, this is really helpful!

 

[axele]

Struggling to understanding what makes Bird & Bird different? I know they specialise in IP and technology but does this have anything to do with their sector-focused approach?

 

[lilymawe1]

Weil, Gotshal & Manges Insight Evening invite!! finally something positive in this cycle

Congrats! If you don't mind me asking, which insight evening was this for? I applied for the women's one, but I know the date has been changed for that so wasn't sure when I should expect to hear back.

 

[Lawlife5]

Is anyone going to apply to Bird & Bird? i went to an event with them and they said that if we submit now we might not even get screened, don't really want to waste my time...

 

[lolasparks]

When answering a 'why this firm' question, is it better to state the name of a different firm or just say 'open day'. So 'I attended X's Open day in which …' or 'During an open day I …'

I hope that makes some sense😂

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

When answering a 'why this firm' question, is it better to state the name of a different firm or just say 'open day'. So 'I attended X's Open day in which …' or 'During an open day I …'

I hope that makes some sense😂

Imo, always say the name of the other firm. It grounds the experience and gives it credibility. Bonus points if it's a similar firm (but no minuses if it isn't- it's still law).

 

[studentdelaw786]

Congrats! If you don't mind me asking, which insight evening was this for? I applied for the women's one, but I know the date has been changed for that so wasn't sure when I should expect to hear back.

Thank you! this was for the AccessAbility one, which is next week!

 

[lolasparks]

Imo, always say the name of the other firm. It grounds the experience and gives it credibility. Bonus points if it's a similar firm (but no minuses if it isn't- it's still law).

I agree, thank you very much!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

When answering a 'why this firm' question, is it better to state the name of a different firm or just say 'open day'. So 'I attended X's Open day in which …' or 'During an open day I …'

I hope that makes some sense😂

Generally being specific as to which firm it is will be far more persuasive and impactful than a vague reference.

 

[member7830]

does anyone know if the HSF test deadline is also the 1st?

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

does anyone know if the HSF test deadline is also the 1st?

I’m 99% sure the deadline will be 7 days after you receive the test.

If you apply on the deadline, for example, HSF won’t send the test out until Monday 2nd Dec (so it’s impossible to complete it before the written app 1st Dec deadline).

 

[Star Light]

Hi - I had a question in regards to talking about deals on applications. If the firm is international, is it okay to mention cases from another country, especially if the firm has a one global firm approach? Or is it better to focus on a deal that involves the office you are applying to? Thank you so much.

 

[Nick03]

Anyone know roughly how long the Taylor Wessing Cover Letter should be? I'm trying to keep it to a page but am struggling abit

 

[ohnoselim]

hey everyone, for this question for mischon: Please detail any activities and achievements

do the following count? (im trying to rack my brain to think of anything)
- mentoring schemes, workshops
- forage
- if i charity fundraised as an extra responsibility within my part time job


any help would be great as i haven't really 'won' any fancy awards