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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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has anyone still not heard from Davis Polk? thinking about emailing grad rec.. but not sure if that’s advisable
I just got an AC invite for LL, and mine was at 66% on hold last time I checked. I know sometimes it is said that 66% means rejection, but in my experience this is not the case necessarily! I also applied a long time ago, I would say mid October from memory.
AC invite 2 hours ago
Congrats! Please could you share when you did the VI and how long they took to come back to you?
Thanks and no problem! I applied mid October (not sure exact date) but a long time ago, for spring too!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey there,
There’s a common misconception that commercial awareness needs to be shown all through for successful written applications. Now don’t get me wrong, it certainly is important, but some questions and some stages will require you to show this more, than others. For example, if the question asks for a recent development and its impact on X firm‘s clients, this clearly requires more commercial awareness than why you want to be a commercial lawyer. You may also find that this skill is tested more in interviews, than actual written applications (dependent on the firm’s application questions). That said, it is always beneficial to find a way to weave this in, though this requires less effort than is typically perceived by applicants. For example, adequately explaining why you are drawn to X firm’s corporate practice, backed up by specific life examples, is a clear demonstration of commercial awareness because it shows you understand the core foundational aspects of corporate law work. The ability to not make this generic and tailored to the firm is, in my opinion, already showing an understanding of the commercial world and how law sits within it.
The problem with including deals is to ensure you don‘t just drop it, but fully explain why that solidifies your interest in the firm. As you can imagine, many firm’s will work on similar deals so this needs to be really strong.
These few tips should help if you decide to name a deal:
Focus on the why and impact: If a firm worked on a big deal, mention why it’s significant (e.g., its impact on the market or industry) and connect it to broader trends like ESG, tech innovation, or market consolidation.
Link it back to the firm’s strengths: Talk about how the deal or trend aligns with the firm’s reputation, strategy, or expertise. For example, “This reflects the firm’s strength in X sector and its ability to navigate complex cross-border matters.”
Engage with trends that interest you: Highlight your genuine curiosity about a key industry trend the firm is working on and why it resonates with you. E.g., I’m particularly interested in how the firm is advising clients on adapting to ESG regulations, a topic I explored during X experience.
Tie it to your goals: Show how the firm’s work inspires you or aligns with what you want to do in the future. This makes your application personal and authentic.
Best of luck! You’ll do amazing!
White & Case AC invite! Does anyone have any insight?
Im in exactly the same situation - still waiting to hear back from Freshfields (direct TC), Hogan Lovells (VS) and White and Case (VS)
I applied for Hogan Lovells at the start of Nov, was sent WG at the start of Dec and have not heard anything since. Someone else on here did an AC last wee and was told that they have only invited 12 people to AC so far and haven't got back to most people yet.
Freshfields doesn't send WG to everyone, only those whose applications they like so there's nothing to do but wait
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