TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[lolololol]

any insight into wfw vi?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

When a firm says that during an interview they will be looking for "knowledge of current affairs and ability to apply this knowledge to the benefit of a discussion" in a case study exercise, what exactly do they mean by this? Does this mean that, for example if the case study is related to an M&A and has a specific element to it, I should be able to discuss a similar M&A with that element that has been in the news lately? Apologies for a clumsy question.

I wouldn’t expect you to be able to talk about another M&A matter. It’s more about thinking about how general macro level trends, as well as things changes in things like regulation might be changing or influencing clients’ business operations or concerns.

 

[LawJourney101]

Has anyone not received the Baker test after completing their application for summer vac scheme?
(near deadline)

 

[LB24]

Kennedys VI invite! Anyone have any tips or have any idea as to what the questions may be?

 

[AI212121]

I wouldn’t expect you to be able to talk about another M&A matter. It’s more about thinking about how general macro level trends, as well as things changes in things like regulation might be changing or influencing clients’ business operations or concerns.

would thing like the increase in scrutiny from the CMA and EU Commission towards digital markets or increase in investments into technology be examples of this?

 

[futuretrainee8482]

Has anyone not received the Baker test after completing their application for summer vac scheme?
(near deadline)

Summer Baker tests out?

 

[jacksollaf]

Summer Baker tests out?

No I don't think so; I once asked them about the application process and they said: "We hope to have test invites out by 10 January 2025".

 

[jacksollaf]

REMINDER: Clyde & Co will be sending out their Cappfinity digital assessment tomorrow, or at least are supposed to, as confirmed by the email I received stating: "If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be sent a link to complete our Cappfinity digital assessment on Tuesday 7th January. You will then have 5-days to complete this. Please note, we are unable to extend this deadline as we have a short timeframe to shortlist for all our roles."

Good luck!!!

 

[APGCA]

Pinsent AC London!!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

would thing like the increase in scrutiny from the CMA and EU Commission towards digital markets or increase in investments into technology be examples of this?

Yes.

 

[lookingforaTC]

Is Addleshaw closed? it says its still open but I'm not seeing anything?

There apps shut at 17:00

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Just bombed a VI. Worked so hard on the app, so really hoping a miracle happens here ...

 

[LegalSara04]

Just bombed a VI. Worked so hard on the app, so really hoping a miracle happens here ...

So sorry to hear this. Honestly VI’s are the worst part of any application.

Do you mind saying what firm it was for?

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

When a firm says that during an interview they will be looking for "knowledge of current affairs and ability to apply this knowledge to the benefit of a discussion" in a case study exercise, what exactly do they mean by this? Does this mean that, for example if the case study is related to an M&A and has a specific element to it, I should be able to discuss a similar M&A with that element that has been in the news lately? Apologies for a clumsy question.

If you were able to add value to your analysis by discussing how a certain element has been dealt with in another deal that would definitely be impressive, but you are certainly not expected to do that. As Jessica said, firms are looking to test (i) the level of your commercial awareness - just how much you know about what is going on in the business world; and (ii) the extent to which you can analyze the relevance of that in the context of the particular case study you are completing. For (i) I think general commercial awareness includes both trends (like the growth of private capital, antitrust enforcement, declining inflation) and relevant events (like the US elections, new regulations and laws, wars). For (ii) firms are looking to see if you can use your knowledge for the purposes of commercial analysis.

For instance, say at one point in an M&A case study you are looking at competition law compliance concerns. Besides using the information given in the exercise, you can bring in the fact that in the US, UK and EU in recent years antitrust authorities have been a lot more active and assertive when doing merger control assessments, which is potentially a cause for concern. To make for a more nuanced take, you can then say that with the new US administration having a significantly more relaxed attitude towards antitrust enforcement and with recessions in the EU bringing back a more business-friendly attitude in Brussels, it is not that problematic. Finally, though not necessary, you could integrate some prior transaction knowledge and conclude that in a worst case scenario the issue could be dealt with by negotiating with the regulators and either carving out parts of the acquired business or proposing behavioral remedies (as was done in the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal).

 

[yasmars]

Just bombed a VI. Worked so hard on the app, so really hoping a miracle happens here ...

I thought I bombed a VI I did recently and made it through to the next stage. I stumbled sooo badly and paused for like 7 secs. Honestly we judge ourselves much harder than GR. you probably did so much better than you think!

 

[legal18]

No - it is the next stage

View attachment 6579

Has anyone done the Willkie written exercise yet? My first time getting through their VI and would appreciate any insights

Congrats on the Willkie written exercise!! When did you submit your VI and when did you hear back??

 

[Andrei Radu]

hello im going to apply for White & Case and HFW but their deadlines are the end of this week, and they're rolling deadlines - should i just apply straight for their TCs instead or still worth a shot? @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam

If you can write a high quality application during this time, I think it is definitely still worth a shot for the VS. Last year I also only submitted my White & Case application in the last week before the deadline and I was still progressed.

 

[legallyfurball]

Agreed - it's not even on the application process part of their website 😅 guess we'll all just have to give it a go!

Has anyone who's done the Goodwin VI give insight on the types of questions they ask?! Mine's due tomorrow and I'm scared to attempt it

 

[Andrei Radu]

Is it always advisable to find out who the head of graduate recruitment is then address the cover letter to them personally? Or, if the firm hasn't advised on this just refer to the graduate recruitment team?

I think it it is perfectly fine to address it to the graduate recruitment team unless instructed otherwise - I was progressed in multiple applications in which I did that. Even if for some reason a particular recruiter might have a preference regarding to whom the cover letter is addressed to, it is quite unlikely this consideration will have any real weigh for the decision on your progression.

 

[chrisbrown]

I’m working on an application at the moment which asks for a cover letter (1000 words)

There are two other separate questions which ask for (1) extra curricular activities and leisure interests and (2) positions of responsibility and key achievements. Both questions have a word count of 500 words.

I’m struggling to think of things that I can add for the first question since almost everything I could mention will have already been covered in the work experience section, cover letter or the second question.

Does anyone have any advice or ideas? Any help would be appreciated