TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lolasparks]

Do they invite only open day participants?

No, but they review their applications first

 

[parslawyer]

anyone know how the Skadden written exercise is marked? is it positive marking or negative marking

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Has anyone received a link from Weil post being invited to the VI?

It’ll most likely be after Christmas now. They’ve still got applications to review and they’ll send out all the VIs in one batch

 

[tarty23]

Is it worth bringing up a failed AC for a non-legal role in a relevant industry to demonstrate interest?

 

[Andrei Radu]

just realised i made a grammatical error in my DPW cover letter... how likely am i to be rejected on the basis of this?
@Andrei Radu

If it is only one it's highly unlikely you will be rejected only on this basis. I remember reviewing my cover letter before starting my VS and to my surprise I discovered two or three typos/grammar mistakes in my writing. Thus, in my experience the general rule that if the application is on the whole strong enough a small number of errors can be overlooked also applies at Davis Polk.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Is it worth bringing up a failed AC for a non-legal role in a relevant industry to demonstrate interest?

I would say yes if (i) you have learnt about and developed your interest in the industry during the application process and/or the AC itself; and (ii) getting to that AC was highly competitive, to the effect that this can be seen as an achievement worth mentioning. However, even if both conditions are met, if this is in an interview, I would take care to only bring it up in a context in which this feels natural - you do not want to look as if you are doing too much to try to brag.

 

[Andrei Radu]

So this is an interesting hypothetical. I submitted an application for a firm, then when I read it back I noticed I made a really dumb typo in one of the answers. It honestly makes me cringe and I can't imagine that if it was noticed (it's very easy to notice) it left a good impression. However, the firm progressed me to WG (not automatic), then I made it to VI after that and AC. Is it right to assume that at this point that one typo won't affect my chances of an offer? Or is it possible that I get rejected and they use that as one piece of feedback (if they noticed it)

As @RSK mentioned, most successful applications will have at least one minor mistake or typo, and I can tell you this was the case for me for 3/4 of the firms that gave me a VS offer. Moreover, from my experience it is highly uncommon for firms to review written applications again when deciding on VS offers post-AC. Even if they do, the written application will play such a minor part of the decision-making process when compared to the actual AC performance that I see virtually no chance of the typo mattering at all. Since it was consider minor enough to be overlooked when they were only assessing you based solely on the application, and the written application as a whole is now itself a minor factor in the weighing process, I think you should not worry about this at all !

 

[RonRod13]

Pm me if you’ve done the bakers vi, willing to trade for any other firm

 

[jta227]

I'm not a recruiter but even if the typo was really noticeable they still might not have picked on it. I think Jess mentioned on the forum that most of the applications that have been progressed will have minor errors but will show strength elsewhere in the application. Don't worry about it honestly

As @RSK mentioned, most successful applications will have at least one minor mistake or typo, and I can tell you this was the case for me for 3/4 of the firms that gave me a VS offer. Moreover, from my experience it is highly uncommon for firms to review written applications again when deciding on VS offers post-AC. Even if they do, the written application will play such a minor part of the decision-making process when compared to the actual AC performance that I see virtually no chance of the typo mattering at all. Since it was consider minor enough to be overlooked when they were only assessing you based solely on the application, and the written application as a whole is now itself a minor factor in the weighing process, I think you should not worry about this at all !

Thanks for the reassurement

 

[Shandy101]

Ok, that Skadden exercise was time-crunched. Not to toot my own horn, but I am definitely in that 120 cut...beep beep 😂😂😂😂

 

[g.cl.2020344]

PWC VS offer!! Thank you to everyone on here for creating such a supportive group!

 

[m12]

Thanks! I went to the Open Day and applied through the fast track form on the 21 November.

hey congrats! Could i ask what your report said were your strengths and weaknesses? Thank you

 

[Amma Usman]

For Reed Smith, it asks about their sectors. Is this the same as their industries? Sorry if this is a dumb question!

Hey there @helloj ,

There are never any silly questions ! In fact, it's a good one because the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, which adds to the confusion.

Sectors and industries are closely related but slightly different. Industries generally refer to broad categories of businesses or organizations that share similar activities or products (e.g., healthcare, finance, energy). Sectors, on the other hand, are often narrower or represent specific sub-divisions within industries or areas of focus for a company.

I did a bit of research and found out that Reed Smith follows a sector-focused approach: this means their work is organised around specific client needs and markets rather than just general industries. Reed Smith operates in five key industries:

1. Financial Services

2. Life Sciences & Healthcare

3. Energy & Natural Resources

4. Entertainment & Media

5. Transportation

I believe this approach allows them to develop deep expertise and tailor their legal advice to the unique challenges faced in these industries. Here's the link where I found more information - https://www.chambers-associate.com/reed-smith/true-picture/66079/1

Hope this helps!

 

[Amma Usman]

PWC VS offer!! Thank you to everyone on here for creating such a supportive group!

Yayyy! Huge congratulations !

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been invited to a Clifford Chance assessment centre for a training contract.

I’ve read that a significant number of training contract offers go to Spark scheme students. Out of the 100 Clifford Chance offers each year, does anyone know how many are typically left for direct applicants?

What do you think are the chances of success for those of us who didn’t come through Spark? Would appreciate any insight or advice.

Cheers!

Hey there @anonymousowl64 ,

I totally get where you’re coming from, but I don’t think you need to worry about that. I know several people that have gotten the direct TC without being from the SPARK scheme, one of which is my very good friend from Leicester.

Best of luck on the AC!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @futuretcholder . First of all, congratulations on securing the AC. You have done very well to get to that step.

With negotiation exercices, I would say the first tip is being mindful of how one comes across. It’s a negotiation -you‘re trying to meet a middle ground, so ensuring that the discussion is fruitful and not argumentative is a key skill. This is quite difficult to master, but with the right tone, approach, and demeanor, you’ll do great on this area.

The next is acknowledging both sides of the argument. A lawyer needs to understand their client, but also the client on the other side. This makes you appear as a well-rounded candidate. Briefly throw in a few pointers which show that you acknowledge and understand the other side too.

Structure, structure, structure! I can’t emphasize the importance of this enough. You need a clear structure to appear as a candidate with well-organized thoughts. This does so many things. For example, it shows the interviewer that the set preparation time for delving into the facts was more than enough for you to come back in with a reasoned position.

Above all - confidence. The more confident you are in your position as a negotiator, the more confident your answers will come across. This aspect of an AC tests things beyond your commercial acumen - it tests those soft skills that are often unspoken about.

Hope this helps, and let us know if you have any more questions

Hey @FLOWERYELLOW2002 , thanks for your question. I haven’t had any experience with Simmons in particular, but here are a few tips from the specific points you’ve mentioned:

Inbox Exercise

The inbox exercise simulates a real-life work scenario where you'll be managing multiple tasks and deadlines, often under time pressure. Typically, you'll be reviewing emails and responding appropriately. This could involve prioritizing client queries, drafting responses, and even summarizing complex information into clear, actionable advice.

In some cases, you might also be asked to write an electronic memo summarizing your thoughts and findings based on attached documents or client instructions. It’s important to maintain a professional tone and address client concerns clearly. I would suggest focusing on being concise yet thorough—clients value clarity and precision in legal advice.

In my experience, law firms want to see how well you manage your workload, respond to client needs, and communicate effectively. A good way to prepare is by practicing drafting succinct emails and memos, perhaps even setting a timer to simulate the time pressure you may face on the day.


Client Discussion

A client discussion exercise could involve advising a client on the surrounding circumstances of their case, often in the presence of a senior lawyer or partner. This task will test your ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and efficiently. The key here is to ensure you fully understand the client’s objectives—what they want to achieve from the matter—and provide tailored advice that addresses those concerns.

The client may ask questions on the spot, so it’s important to stay calm and think on your feet. They’ll be assessing your commercial awareness and understanding of how legal principles apply to business situations. Therefore, brushing up on recent commercial cases or trends in the sector can be beneficial. Whether you're discussing contract negotiations, regulatory issues, or disputes, having a broad understanding of the legal and business implications will help you shine.

If you’re preparing for a transactional firm, expect more corporate-focused discussions—think mergers, acquisitions, and private equity. For more contentious firms, the discussion may lean towards litigation or dispute resolution. Being aware of both areas is crucial, as even transactional clients will appreciate your awareness of potential disputes, and vice versa.

Case Study

Case studies at law firm assessment centres tend to focus on contemporary issues in the commercial world. You might be given an article on a specific industry, like energy, or a broader topic such as private equity or mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The task will usually involve analyzing the situation and advising on potential legal or business solutions. Firms are testing your ability to digest information, think critically, and apply your legal knowledge to real-world scenarios.

For example, in a case study involving M&A, you may need to advise on due diligence, regulatory concerns, or the structure of the deal. In a case centered around energy, you might need to discuss environmental regulations, contract risks, or the impact of geopolitical events. Be sure to structure your analysis logically: identify the key issues, consider possible solutions, and weigh the pros and cons of each option.

In my experience, transactional firms tend to center their case studies on corporate law issues, while contentious firms will have case studies focused more on litigation or regulatory concerns. However, showcasing knowledge of both will help you come across as a well-rounded candidate. It’s essential to demonstrate that you can consider both corporate and contentious aspects—this will highlight your versatility and make you a more attractive prospect.

General Tips

• Research the firm: Know their major practice areas, recent cases, and key clients. It helps to tailor your responses and demonstrate your commercial awareness.
• Time management: These exercises are often time-pressured, so practice managing your time effectively.
• Attention to detail: Commercial law demands precision, so take care in reviewing documents, drafting emails, and delivering advice.
• Clear communication: Whether in written tasks or discussions, make sure your points are clear, concise, and business-oriented.

Hope this helps!

Hey @sjr22 , well done on getting the AC. In terms of preparations, I remember fishing out several articles when I had ACs coming up. After reading them, I’d make a summary of the main issues and their impacts on law firms and their clients. The reason this is a good starting point is because any written element will essentially require you to demonstrate an understanding of those two core elements, as well as an ability to summarise information adequately. You may not necessarily be asked about the legal and commercial implications in a written assessment, but this knowledge will serve you well one way or another.

So, practicing using random articles on the FT, for example, would aid your preparations. Hope this helps!

I also understand all the nerves, so take a moment before your assessment to recharge

Hey @jfb. Well done on getting the AC! I’ve included a few tips below;

• As the type of interview isn’t specified, I’d say prepare for the whole lot. This includes competency questions, motivational, situational, and commercial. Within any of these interviews, including the group presentation mentioned, commercial awareness will guide you through. Let me give a brief example using the motivational interview. Say you’re into private equity. You could link a motivation for your passion for PE to be the rising demand of investments within retail and healthcare. Provided you have an interest in one of those two industries, your motivations are better emphasised. Simultaneously, you would have showed a good understanding of current affairs.
• For the timed written assessment, you could try practicing summarising an article and highlighting the key commercial/legal aspects under timed conditions. This will help boost your stamina in similar commercial scenarios, eventually preparing you for the actual day.
• With regards the group assessment, ensure to be a good team player. Work well with your team and ensure everyone gets a fair chance of speaking/relaying their points. This will be for the benefit of the whole group.

I have also included some other points from a past post I made below;

Yay! Great news! I’ve included a few tips below. It’s a mix of technical and soft tips, and I believe both are equally important for success;

• Relax the night before. I don’t recommend preparing hefty content the day before as it tends to stir one‘s nerves up before the assessment.
• Research on how to ace the key components of the AC. Usually, this tends to be motivational, competency, and situational interviews, as well as commercial awareness interviews (CA). CA should be weaved in at any of the other interview types I mentioned, as it‘s a skill that should be highlighted naturally. Law firms value this heavily, as you can imagine. Lawyers in the commercial world are business advisors as well as legal advisors. Notice how the commerce part comes first in the term ‘commercial lawyer’ ?
• As a transactional focused law firm, I suspect the case study to be a corporate one. I also know this has been the case at A&O in the past. However, I am not completely certain about this. On tips to prepare for corporate case studies, see the two links below;

(NEW) Corporate Case Study Analysis

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all having a wonderful Sunday. As we get closer to more interviews and assessment centres (AC’s) I thought it would be helpful to include a new fictitious Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) case study analysis. Hope you enjoy the read, and feel free to pop any questions...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Mock M&A Case Study: Analysis

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all having a fantastic day. We’re entering the season of assessment centres (ACs) at law firms, and a hot topic for many of these ACs is Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)! So, in this thread, I’ll be guiding you through a short fictitious M&A case study and highlighting...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

• Confidence. I appreciate this may sound a bit flowery, but if you’re confident on your abilities to excel at the AC, it will reflect in the responses you give. You didn’t get the AC by chance, they saw potential in you. All that’s left to do now is to calm yourself and showcase those abilities.
• Know your motivations. When I was applying, I fell into the trap of only knowing what I put in my application form. As you can imagine, this is very bad as your motivations for why law, or why X firm, shouldn’t be solely contained in 300 words or less. I took time out to understand what was driving me and why. This solid understanding made communicating those passions at length in an interview very easy. So, understand these drivers of yours. On this, avoid talking about personal experiences too much. By personal, I mean attributing your passion for Big Law to rather generic things like a person, or the international reach, etc. Focus on being specific to your experiences. For example, started a business or worked in one? Done legal work experience? Why the business side of law, and not family or immigration? Literally differentiating between the various forms of law in the interview to say ‘I liked this cause.. I didn’t like this cause..’, helps craft a solid answer. Basically.. show your journey. Nobody woke up one day and decided to go into the profession - there would be drivers. Some will be more specific and professional than others, so focus on those.
• Presentation. This is a given, but coming in professionally dressed in a smart suit goes a long way. At the end of the day, it’s a clientele role.

Again, very well done on getting to this stage. I’m sure you’ll ace it!

Hi again @anonymousowl64 ,

I’ve provided a few tips below to prepare for your AC above. This is a culmination of many posts on the general topic of ACs. I hope you find them useful!

 

[evianmineral]

Just did MDR VI, did anybody get a confirmation email when submitting? I did not.

 

[cjwx]

Still wondering if anyone has actually had a Eversheds London VI

 

[T_03]

Did anyone else find the Dentons VI unnecessarily hard this year? Well sigh going to firm that rejection now

 

[lawgal1908]

If I haven't heard back from Bird & Bird summer vac scheme for the WG can I assume it's a rejection?