TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

SB01

Standard Member
  • Jan 19, 2025
    5
    14
    Hi all! Anyone knows if I still have a chance should i decide to apply for Cleary Gottlieb VS? I saw their applications are still open but that they review it on rolling basis... Don't know how competitive it is and whether they would even still have spots? (saw they did around 60 a year though, which seems quite considerable).

    Thank you in advance for any input!
     

    badmintonflyinginsect

    Valued Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 26, 2023
    107
    92
    From what I remember, I think Paul mentioned during an application workshop that we would hear back from the firm in February and those who passed the spelling and grammar review stage would do the online SJT.

    Not entirely sure though tbh because it depends on how many applications they have received.

    Best of luck for Paul, Weiss! 🙂🙂
    would having a few (2-3) errors mean a rejection?
     
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    Chris Brown

    Legendary Member
    Jul 4, 2024
    560
    2,011
    would having a few (2-3) errors mean a rejection?
    I’m not too sure tbh. Guess we will have to wait and see. I have a few errors on my Paul, Weiss application so I’m preparing for the immediate PFO. 🤣💀

    If I get past the first stage it’ll be a miracle and I guess it would indicate minor errors are not dealbreakers. 🥲🙂

    Best of luck for your application to Paul, Weiss for the VS!! 🙂​
     
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    wqueens8

    Star Member
    Jun 28, 2024
    49
    63
    Does anyone know if CMS's 5 day deadline includes day sent? Got the invite to VI on the 22nd, told to complete within 5 days, not sure if that is today or tomorrow.

    I much prefer when firms give a time deadline, e.g. 23:59 on Monday 27th.
     

    zoobla20

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Mar 15, 2023
    42
    50
    Hi there! Just before @Andrei Radu get’s back to you, I often had the below in mind when answering such questions in interviews.

    The way I see it, when it comes to law firms making a profit, it boils down to how they monetise their expertise, reputation, and operational efficiency. The primary revenue stream is, of course, billing clients for legal services, which can take the form of hourly billing, fixed fees, or contingency fees. With hourly billing, firms charge based on the time lawyers spend on a matter, and seniority often dictates the hourly rate, with partners charging significantly more than associates. Fixed fees, on the other hand, are pre-agreed amounts for specific tasks, like drafting a contract or handling a merger. Contingency fees, which are common in litigation, allow firms to take a percentage of the financial award if they win a case.

    Beyond billing structures, law firms maximise profitability by improving internal efficiency. This involves managing overhead costs, like office space, technology, and staff, while ensuring high utilisation rates among lawyers. Utilisation rate refers to the percentage of time spent on billable work versus non-billable tasks. Many firms also invest in technology, like legal research tools or contract automation, to streamline processes and reduce the time spent on routine tasks. Additionally, firms aim to retain clients for the long term because repeat business is far more profitable than constantly acquiring new clients. Building a strong brand and a reputation for excellence is equally critical, as it allows firms to command higher fees and attract high-value clients.

    Another thing I think is important to discuss here is how a law firm’s clients make profit too. Now, as for how law firms help their clients make a profit, the relationship is symbiotic. For corporate clients, profitability often hinges on the firm’s ability to identify and mitigate legal risks, structure deals favourably, and navigate complex regulatory frameworks. Take M&A as an example. A law firm might assist with due diligence to ensure the transaction is financially sound, negotiate terms that limit liability, or advise on tax-efficient structures. In doing so, the firm helps the client secure a deal that’s more profitable or less risky. Similarly, in disputes, a law firm can protect a client’s assets by securing favourable settlements or court judgments, preventing financial losses.

    Law firms also play a critical role in enabling growth. For instance, they might help a start-up secure venture capital by drafting investor agreements, ensure a company’s intellectual property is protected to maintain its competitive edge, or advise on compliance with international trade regulations, allowing a client to expand into new markets without legal complications.

    Best of luck in the apps!
    Thank you so much Amma - this was extremely helpful!
     
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    jojo23

    Legendary Member
    Sep 15, 2024
    174
    396
    This is what is confusing me as well tbh. 🥲🥲

    I saw some people discuss on the forum that we need to use personal examples. I also saw people saying we don’t need to do that and just focus on the question.

    It would make sense for it to be the first one considering there isn’t a work experience section. 🥲🥲
    I've just started the ropes application and I'm genuinely staring at it in confusion 😭
     
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    Chris Brown

    Legendary Member
    Jul 4, 2024
    560
    2,011
    I've just started the ropes application and I'm genuinely staring at it in confusion 😭
    I think at this point we’re all as confused as each other for the Ropes & Gray application. 😭💀

    I was staring at it for at least 2-3 days straight thinking where tf do I even start lmao. 🤣

    I’ve ended up following the advice that @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman gave on this forum.​
     
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    cwhite233

    Star Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Dec 26, 2020
    44
    44
    Does anyone know Winston & Strawn is known for / what the firm specialises in (London office specifically)? I read something on here that said it's quite a niche / specialised firm and it seems they may be most known for litigation but my research suggests they are also pretty strong in more transactional / advisory areas like finance, M&A, I&R etc?

    Also, one of the questions on their application for is 'what motivates you?' Seems quite simple but also quite wide so any tips on how to approach this question would be much appreciated! :)
     

    jojo23

    Legendary Member
    Sep 15, 2024
    174
    396
    I think at this point we’re all as confused as each other for the Ropes & Gray application. 😭💀

    I was staring at it for at least 2-3 days straight thinking where tf do I even start lmao. 🤣

    I’ve ended up following the advice that @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman gave on this forum. 🙂
    Sometimes you've just gotta throw on an incredibly toxic playlist and start writing. It'll either help you or get you blacklisted 🤣
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    15,360
    21,451
    When referring to an individual in a general sense, do you use "his or her" or "their" as the possessive pronoun(s)?
    I generally recommend using their these days from a gender neutral perspective but in some cases making clear someone’s gender might be suitable.
     
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    Amma Usman

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 7, 2024
    974
    1,190
    Hi all! Anyone knows if I still have a chance should i decide to apply for Cleary Gottlieb VS? I saw their applications are still open but that they review it on rolling basis... Don't know how competitive it is and whether they would even still have spots? (saw they did around 60 a year though, which seems quite considerable).

    Thank you in advance for any input!

    Hi! Honestly in situations like this I still apply regardless as you never really know what could be! This is because from the outside it is unknown whether spots have been filled by now, regardless of the rolling stance.
     

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