TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[BobThebIlly]

Has anyone heard back for the HL Lift Off Programme

 

[Jaysen]

You need to add UK firms. Most if not all the firms you have left all take under 20 applicants on for a TC with most of them taking under 10. You need to apply to different firms then move laterally or you’ll be here for another cycle.

I don't agree with this. I'm not sure why you're telling someone they need to apply somewhere else and move laterally nor why your tone is so hostile.

@Tintin06, this is a really good number of applications and very helpful to see your progress. Plenty of people get training contracts without adding in UK firms, so don't feel like you need to do this unless you are actually interested in those UK firms.

It's fair to say that you can 'diversify' by applying to a few 'less competitive' firms, but it doesn't mean you have to do this, and I would find some of the more mid-sized firms that you are interested in (whether US/UK/global) if that's what you wanted to do.

 

[Jaysen]

I just got the call that I made it to the the A&O Shearman Summer Vac!!!!!🤯

Congratulations!! Me too, got the call at 15:23 and it still feels surreal 🥹 Looking forward to meeting you!

Well done both of you!

 

[plshireme]

I did not and still progressed to the AC stage, as did a number of other people I know who progressed past the application stage. If you particularly like DLA and have the time to invest into writing a high-quality cover letter, it will definitely not hurt your chances. However, if there are many other firms that you are currently applying or intending to apply to, and if you think you might struggle to complete them by the relevant deadlines, I would simply focus on writing high-quality responses to the mandatory questions.

Thanks! I sent it off without as I still have a fair few applications to do

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

Hey which nbc universal internship did you apply to and when did you hear back from the VI?

It was for the immigration intern, I got the call yesterday.

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Hi, I've been invited for a second stage interview with Gibson Dunn in January. This is the time i've progressed to something other than a video interview and am quite nervous on what to expect. Does anyone have any advice on how to prepare/expect?

 

[doglover123]

CMS PFO

Sorry to hear! Was this post app, test or VI?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Hi, I've been invited for a second stage interview with Gibson Dunn in January. This is the time i've progressed to something other than a video interview and am quite nervous on what to expect. Does anyone have any advice on how to prepare/expect?

Huge congrats! Is this for the vac scheme?

I would say prepare to be pushed in directions you maybe didn’t expect- so be prepared but also make sure you are comfortable with questions you haven’t even thought of!

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Huge congrats! Is this for the vac scheme?

I would say prepare to be pushed in directions you maybe didn’t expect- so be prepared but also make sure you are comfortable with questions you haven’t even thought of!

Yeah, GD only recruits through vac schemes. I'm just really nervous tbh, i know they test more commercial awareness and general abilities but then also some of the questions on glassdoor are stressing me out. Someone said they got asked "what makes GD different to Cleary and Linklaters?" Is this likely to be cos that applicant said they also applied to those firms, or just randomly? Because I could answer that compared to other firms i applied to but definitely not with random ones. Does anyone have advice?

 

[Tintin06]

Is the Paul Hastings work experience assessed? It doesn't sound like your standard VS. Is it worth applying for that or the direct TC? Any know where they mostly hire from?

 

[svb risk management intern]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman!

I was hoping to understand what might be the most optimal discussion point for why you choose this firm's levfin practice area. This is for the Latham app, which I am unsure of what I should talk about.

Trawling through the forums, I know to talk about (a) client focus, (b) industry focus, or (c) market focus, but Latham's levfin team is quite similar to other firms in all three of these markets. For example, they are similar to K&E, P,W, and Weil for their large-cap deals, but similar to DLA, HL, Macs for their mid-market work as well. They are similar in their market focus to Weil and CC as they target IBs, private credit, and PE sponsors, so that also makes them similar, and finally, all of these firms' London office works on multi-jurisdictional deals specifically in the EMEA region.

So it seems to be difficult to answer "why train at Latham over its competitors?" if the firm is similar to others. I understand it is asking specifically why I would train at the firm, but it seems very difficult to clearly explain why Latham does different work to its competitors when the levfin market seems to be highly commoditised.

Appreciate the help!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Yeah, GD only recruits through vac schemes. I'm just really nervous tbh, i know they test more commercial awareness and general abilities but then also some of the questions on glassdoor are stressing me out. Someone said they got asked "what makes GD different to Cleary and Linklaters?" Is this likely to be cos that applicant said they also applied to those firms, or just randomly? Because I could answer that compared to other firms i applied to but definitely not with random ones. Does anyone have advice?

I would assume they were asked to compare to those firms cos that’s where they applied to. When did you apply to GD?

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

I would assume they were asked to compare to those firms cos that’s where they applied to. When did you apply to GD?

I applied on 08/09, got an invite for a first stage interview 22/11, had it on Tuesday, then got a response today.

 

[emma.d]

Could attending a competitive open day go under this: Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility. (500 words)

 

[Deleted member 37508]

if anyone has the done the Dechert written exercise and is able to provide any tips, please PM me! Applied 4/11

Have you been invited for the spring?

 

[jta227]

Could attending a competitive open day go under this: Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility. (500 words)

It could but consider the types of things people will be writing about here and think about whether that will be a competitive achievement to write about. In addition there's probably other places to write about your open days too

 

[emma.d]

It could but consider the types of things people will be writing about here and think about whether that will be a competitive achievement to write about. In addition there's probably other places to write about your open days too

Thanks for your reply I'm just struggling because I have mentioned a lot of my other achievements and positions of responsibility in the other two application questions and so do not want to repeat myself. Anyone have any advice?

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Thanks for your reply I'm just struggling because I have mentioned a lot of my other achievements and positions of responsibility in the other two application questions and so do not want to repeat myself. Anyone have any advice?

What were the two other application questions. I’m sure you can take those examples out or refine them so that you can use them in the question you’re struggling with.

 

[studenttolawyer]

Sorry to hear! Was this post app, test or VI?

post app!

 

[plshireme]

anyone applying to Eversheds, how much work experience did you enter? every job you've ever done?