TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Hskajab]

Cooley WG

Congrats! If you don't mind me asking did you get this today or yesterday?

 

[tomsmitg]

Hi, if asked about a commercial news story that will affect a firm in an interview, is it okay to talk about a news story in the US which might primarily affect a firm’s US offices (if they are a US firm)? And how in depth should we go into what kind of work the firm might see e.g. just saying the corporate team might see some more acquisitions to work on vs explaining in detail what they might do in these sales? Thanks !

 

[paralegaltotrainee]

It’s worth keeping in mind that the personal statement is a little different from a cover letter, so you don’t need to worry about formatting it in the same way. Make sure you stick to the 850-word count, but you can dive straight into answering the three main questions: why commercial law, why Freshfields, and why you. Stylistically I’d also suggest avoiding filler words or overly general phrases, as these can sometimes come across as a bit clichéd. Instead, focus on being specific and personal, especially by using examples that really show who you are and what excites you about the firm and the work they do.

When writing about why you’re interested in commercial law, try to think about what first got you interested and what keeps you motivated. Was there a specific experience, like an open day, a case study, or even just something you read, that made you realise commercial law was the right path for you? The best answers include an example and explain why it confirmed that this is the career you want to pursue.

Similarly, for “Why Freshfields,” I'd encourage you to be specific. Various candidates mention the eight-seat training contract, but I'd also recommend being more specific about their work in particular areas like corporate finance, anti-trust, tax, etc. Have a good think about why their specific practice area strengths matter to you personally.

Finally, for the “Why Me” section, make sure to back up what you say with examples. Please, please avoid generic statements about your time management or skills. You want to show the reader, rather than tell them, that you have certain skills. The more specific you are, the more your personality and skill set will actually come across through your statement.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Thank you so much, that is super helpful!

 

[coolpanda]

Did the people getting Cooley WGs apply to Spring or Summer VC?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker

Hope you are well. I am applying to Morgan Lewis and they have two example-based questions out of five, one on client service and another on teamwork. I have used the same work experience to answer both. I am worried that it may not reflect my well-roundedness as an individual. They have another catch-all question asking about extra-curriculars where I have mentioned my committee positions. Do you think I should use another work experience or extra-curricular postion for one of the example based answers?

Thank you

Are the two examples very different experiences within your work experience?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi, if asked about a commercial news story that will affect a firm in an interview, is it okay to talk about a news story in the US which might primarily affect a firm’s US offices (if they are a US firm)? And how in depth should we go into what kind of work the firm might see e.g. just saying the corporate team might see some more acquisitions to work on vs explaining in detail what they might do in these sales? Thanks !

I would recommend trying to find something that has more of a U.K. angle to it if you can. It’s not going to be an absolute issue if you choose the US topic, especially if you can talk about the broader commercial implications or if you can explain how it may also impact the work the U.K. office does, even if this is indirectly.

You don’t need to go into detail about the processes teams undertake to do the work, just more about the trends that may impact that work (will there be more/less of it, does it change the way things are structured etc).

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Anything from Goodwin post-VI?

 

[legallady123]

Did the people getting Cooley WGs apply to Spring or Summer VC?

I applied to the summer intake

 

[az1k099]

congrats! could I ask when you submitted the VI?

6th Jan

 

[plshireme]

DLA Manchester PFO they said they recruit on a rolling basis and had limited spaces for VI which are filled - I applied on the deadline so is it wishful thinking to believe it was just my timing or is that them being polite and my application wasn't good enough? 😂

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

Are the two examples very different experiences within your work experience?

they are two different instances from the same work experience, one around delivering excellent client service (which was an example of me doing some independent work) and another around being a value member of a team.

 

[MR218]

Has anyone else who did the Latham open day not heard back for summer, or should I assume pfo?

 

[Kakaboo]

Did the vi last week, AC invite 2 days ago

What office was this sorry? I also did my VI last week but fear pfo

 

[Kakaboo]

Anyone heard from Burges Salmon? We were meant to hear by tomorrow

 

[Jessica Booker]

they are two different instances from the same work experience, one around delivering excellent client service (which was an example of me doing some independent work) and another around being a value member of a team.

I think this is fine then if your other aspects of your application are demonstrated elsewhere.

 

[tomsmitg]

Hi, if anyone has done a first-stage interview with MoFo before any tips would really be appreciated!

 

[coolpanda]

I applied to the summer intake

Ah what time did you receive the cooley WG invite?

 

[NJS]

Is the Freshfields online test sent after the deadline? (for direct TC)

 

[BreadandButter]

What office was this sorry? I also did my VI last week but fear pfo

London

 

[Diana54]

Is there a word Limit for the Freshfields personal statement? - I can’t see a reference to it but want to double check in case I have missed it.

My statement is 871 words and I am finding it difficult making it shorter.