TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Chill_solicitor]

does anyone know what Freshfields benchmark is for their WG test?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Amma Usman , just bouncing off this thread- is there a similar thread on TCLA elsewhere that talks about emails and memos? Thank you very much!

Hey @hfbjsdhfbhf ,

With regards emails and memos for written exercises in ACs, I found it helpful also applying those same tips. Overall, you want to ensure you’re adhering to the right structure and formalities, whilst also answering the specific question and not going off tangents.

From my experience, emails tend to be more straight to the point, than memos. With memos, you need to go into detail on a specific topic, sometimes including your own advice and recommendations to the client (where prompted). That said, this does not mean that you may not need to expand in as much detail on an email response - it depends on the needs of the task/questions.

Knowing your recipient is also key. For example, if it’s a piece of info to a client, you will need to avoid legal jargon or explaining obvious things they already know about their industry. For example, there is no need putting return on investment (ROI) in that exact same format, within an email drafted for an investment banking client CEO. Similarly, you do not need to define warranties or indemnities or explain other little legal stuff when addressing your supervisor, for example. Again, all this depends on the needs of the question and whether you are asked to do the counter as I know this also does happen.

Another thing worth mentioning, albeit a granular point, is SPAG. In such short time contraints, you still need to make out time to cross-check your work. Are the commas and dashes in the right place? Have you appropriately used something like its instead of it’s?

There are also different formats to use for both memos and emails, although they are largely similar.

Lastly, headings do help structure out your answer! This is especially helpful when you’re asked multiple questions to respond to within the same email/memo.

 

[Amma Usman]

Anyone have insights regarding reed smith vi?

Hi there @WiddyJ , I’ve linked Andrei’s wonderful thread here to help with your VI prep - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know any firms that are still open for Vac scheme applications and are not rolling?

Hi there @hawkins19 ,

I’ve linked our deadlines calendar here. From what I’ve briefly skimmed through, CRS and Ropes are open and non-rolling, among others - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....4-25-with-rolling-non-rolling-checklist.8957/

Hope this helps and best of luck on the apps!

 

[Cool pigeon]

People applying to Paul, Weiss - how are you researching the firm?

Their website is pretty limited and as they are new to offering a TC not heaps out there. Any advice?

 

[legal18]

People applying to Paul, Weiss - how are you researching the firm?

Their website is pretty limited and as they are new to offering a TC not heaps out there. Any advice?

Open Day and TCLA thread

 

[legal18]

Macfarlanes report

strengths: personal responsibility, analysis + drive.

weaknesses: adaptability.

thoughts?

 

[Cool pigeon]

Open Day and TCLA thread

Yeah I also went to their Open Day in October, just trying to broaden my answer with some more hard facts

 

[EA95]

freshfields WG 🥳

Congrats, did you get this after completing the Law Online Assessment? And if so, can you let me know what that is like?

 

[kokoprep]

Congrats, did you get this after completing the Law Online Assessment? And if so, can you let me know what that is like?

did you complete the law online assessment- can you please dm me insights

 

[kokoprep]

freshfields WG 🥳

is this for DTC?

 

[jojo23]

Reed smith feedback report is just odd
But that vi was unpleasant to say the least. if I get an ac someone remind me to buy a lottery ticket🤣

 

[Cool pigeon]

My main source of research was the Paul, Weiss Dec Open Day. 🙂

I also used the firm’s website, LinkedIn page and TCLA threads among other things. 🫡

There isn’t an awful lot of information out there so it’s a bit harder to research. 🥲

I just submitted my application 15 minutes ago. 😭

Best of luck! Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[cjwx]

Is it worth mentioning a firms 96% retention rate as way to suggest they invest in their trainees and foster an environment where trainees want to stay on board? I’m not sure if that is too generic.

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

I have an AC coming up with a Magic Circle firm, and was wondering how I should go about be able to explain the difference between each firm? I have done research on the various departments they lead in and some other elements such as diversity initiatives, global strategies, etc, but was wondering if there was usually specific elements interviewers want to see?

Interviewers at Magic Circle firms will be well aware of the fact that the firms in the group have a lot in common and that most of the differences will be marginal. However, I think each of them has certain points of pride which it would perhaps be well to mention in an interview - ie. Slaughter and May arguably has an edge in public M&A and with UK corporates generally; Clifford Chance has an edge in PE and finance; Freshfields is arguably leading the race in establishing an elite New York presence and becoming part of the 'international elite' etc. Nonetheless, these selling points do tend fall within the scope of the elements you mentioned; the main differentiators being a slightly superior reputation in one or two practice area/sector or a difference in global strategy resulting in an edge in certain jurisdictions.

 

[sameers1603]

It seems like Kirkland have already given out their AC invites from what im seeing on this thread. Such a shame because i attended their open day and did their VI. Oh well....

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi @Jessica Booker, @Andrei Radu, @Amma Usman

I am applying to Paul Weiss and for the first question that asks "As a premier law firm, how do you think Paul, Weiss maintains its competitive advantage?", do you think I should focus just on the work of the London office or would it be good to include some of the work they do internationally and particularly in the US?

I definitely think you should consider writing about the firm globally and as a whole, as their serious presence in London has just been established and thus there will not be much historical work you can reference. Moreover, I think this question is inviting you to discuss Paul, Weiss' broader strategy as a firm and how the London expansion features into it. Thus, I think it would make for a more insightful analysis if you also mentioned its origins as a white show litigation specialist who has already undergone a revolution post-2008 by heavily investing into becoming a leading player in transactional sphere as well. Since this transformation has been widely recognized as a remarkable success, that could fit well within a broader narrative about Paul, Weiss' entrepreneurial edge. On that point, for a more detailed analysis of the firm's history, strategy, and expansions, take a look at the Paul, Weiss profile I wrote during the summer.

 

[Jessica Booker]

can i abbreviate squire patton boggs to squire or SPB? the word count is tight so want to save as much space as possible

SPB is okay if you shorten it after the first instance.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it worth mentioning a firms 96% retention rate as way to suggest they invest in their trainees and foster an environment where trainees want to stay on board? I’m not sure if that is too generic.

I would just check the firm has historically high retention rates and that this was not an anomaly. You can then reference the retention rates generally rather than one specific intake.

 

[Anonymousxyz]

did you complete the law online assessment- can you please dm me insights

Hi I'm not sure what that is- no I haven't completed it