TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

kelisi88

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Dec 26, 2022
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Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I attended their virtual open day where Paul heavily implied that the first stage is strictly a spelling/grammar check and those who pass it get sent the test. It is highly likely that they review applications one by one and send the test following every application review. I wouldn't worry about it just yet as I am sure they received plenty of applications and are just working on checking them all.

I really hope so. If not then they hated me for abbreviating Paul, Weiss to PW after the first time. I swear I saw some of the associates/Paul using that in the AMA but it is what it is.
 
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I really hope so. If not then they hated me for abbreviating Paul, Weiss to PW after the first time. I swear I saw some of the associates/Paul using that in the AMA but it is what it is.
I did the same abbreviation and got the test so don't worry about that. I was feeling the same way about an hour ago when I saw people receiving the test so instead I tried to put my mind off of it by watching youtube :)
 

Amma Usman

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Sep 7, 2024
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@Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman
when law firms ask "why the firm" questions in interviews, is it alright to say the same thing you have written in your application form or make it different and consider new reasons?

Hey!

This is totally fine, though I would be mindful. This is because, in applications of like 200-300 words, you are limited in how much you can say to express your desire for a firm. Thus, you are naturally resricted in expressing your full passions for a firm - and should certainly very much be! In interviews, you will need to expand in more detail on why that firm appeals, going into greater detail on practices, your past experiences, specific deals (that aren’t so easily applicable to other firms), including even more reasons, and so on. Another issue with relying too heavily on application answers becomes particularly relevant when the interview isn’t CV blind. Expect your interviewers to certainly probe you on what you have mentioned, and it also becomes risky when you rely verbatim on just the information contained in such a short word limit.

In short, what I’m trying to say is that mentally, you should have like 2000+ words of reasoning for why a firm appeals.This is ofcourse an exaggeration on my part. If you can demonstrate a solid understanding why that firm appeals to you, through adding new details or expanding more on what you wrote, then repeating points is not an issue.
 
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Amma Usman

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WHAT IS LEVERAGED FINANCE?

Leveraged finance is when a company or investor borrows a lot of money to buy something big, like another company. They use that borrowed money to make the deal happen, but they promise to pay it back later using the money the new company will earn. The reason they borrow so much is because they believe the new company will do well enough to pay off the debt.

Now, to understand the other terms in this sphere:

1. High-yield bonds
are a type of loan where the borrower has to pay a higher interest rate because they are a bit riskier. Think of it like lending your friend money, but since they don’t always pay you back on time, you charge them extra money as a "thank you" for lending.

2. Syndicated loans are loans where many banks or lenders join together to give a big loan to one company or person. It’s like a group of friends putting their money together to help one friend buy something expensive, and each friend shares a part of the risk and the reward.

In short, leveraged finance is borrowing a lot of money to buy something, and high-yield bonds and syndicated loans are ways people borrow that money, sometimes from a group of lenders and with a higher cost because the loan is riskier.

Money In The Bank GIF by Pudgy Penguins
 

Amma Usman

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Hi @Amma Usman,

I hope you are well. This question is particularly for yourself, given your connection to Gibson Dunn as a future trainee, I thought you might be able to help with a slight dilemma I have.

I have a VS offer at Gibson Dunn which I have accepted, however, I am a paralegal at another firm and have not yet asked for the time off - I am nervous about doing this given it is three weeks and I handle my own cases at work, so it feels like I'm just walking away from the responsibility and gives the firm more of a reason to say no. I ordinarily don't think they would, but given the length of the VS it is slightly problematic and I don't know how I should approach asking for this time off- I had applied to GDC VS in September before my paralegal job began in November. How would you approach this?

I note that Gibson Dunn had a direct TC route that was open, as seen on the Gradallhires website, but from memory, this link never seemed to work when I tried clicking, and it was confusing because I was under the impression that everyone at GDC, at least externally, got a TC through the VS? Could you advise how this works, and whether there was in fact a direct TC route available?

Finally, I have seen on the firm's VS brochure that "To secure a training contract you should first apply for our vacation scheme but training contract will be open for those unable to participate in the programme". Do you know what this means? Based on how this sounds, I am thinking about calling grad rec, and asking to potentially be considered for a TC another way, perhaps through a direct route if this does in fact exist, as this would bypass having to take three weeks off which I may not be afforded by my current employer. However, I don't know if this is the right thing to do, and whether it disadvantages my chances of a TC. Could you also give your opinion on this?

Thank you so much for your help!
Hi there! I do know that the firm recruits mainly from its vacation schemes. I also know of Paralegals who have done vacation schemes, at other firms, whilst still having a job to come back to, so I would personally not view it as you walking away from your responsibilities. Further, I presume you can just take days off from your annual leave to partake in a scheme. However, I am not entirely sure of this. In any doubt, feel free to contact grad rec and your paralegal firm for more information.

I have also tagged @Jessica Booker here, as I know she will have more views on how to approach this.
 

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