TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[mulan0]

From the SPB applications I have seen, it is best to avoid the repetition and just focus on other aspects of the firm's opportunities outside of practice areas. This can include things like sector expertise, the structure of their training contract/trainee supervision, cultural aspects of the firm, or things like their approach to CSR/pro-bono/client relationships etc. I think you can often still find things that are very SPB specific for these and then focus on the practice areas in the other question, especially as you also have to cover "why commercial law" in this question too, which means you don't have a lot of word count to dedicate to these other factors.

Thank you so much!!

 

[81104]

They gave me mine today and I applied around mid December

Well done! Do you know if their applications are rolling?

 

[Anonymousxyz]

freshfields WG 🥳

 

[chrisbrown]

freshfields WG 🥳

Congrats 🥳

 

[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!

 

[murm]

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?

 

[murm]

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?

 

[chrisbrown]

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?

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. 😭

 

[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🤣

 

[murm]

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.

 

[xanderlawyer]

For those who did Trowers (automatic) test - what is the spelling mistake in this section?

Am I thick cus it’s driving me insane:
View attachment 6611

The second 'covenant' (spelt 'covenent'). Even spelt it correctly in first instance to make it easier for you!