TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[elena11]

Hi guys I've got my first ever AC coming up so if anyone has any general advice for preparation that would be really appreciated!

Also I had a more specific question about how to answer a question about firm's competitors in an interview? I hear some people are asked about other firms that they have applied to. Is it best to state firms that are similar to the firm so that your 'interest' in the firm seems more genuine? Or does it not really matter what the other firms you've applied to are as long as you state why you prefer the firm you're interviewing for? I've applied to a mixed bag of firms so just wanted some more info on best practice for these types of questions. Thanks everyone!

 

[OliverTwist]

That is my last application sent for the cycle (Orrick VS).

Still awaiting to hear back from around 80% of my applications, with the majority being for direct TC, as I'm in full time employment.

Good luck to all!

*now off to my interpretative dance session to blow off some steam* I joke...

 

[rapunzel]

Hi,

For this question :
Please tell us about any interests you pursue outside work and/or study, including any achievements you believe are noteworthy.
Would you include positions of responsibilities? I am a bit confused.
Would be grateful for any advice.

Are you part of any committee in a university society? Or volunteered in a particular initiative? These are experiences I would mention in this question and expand on what transferable skills you have developed from them which would be useful as a lawyer like communication or interpersonal skills.

 

[elsx]

Are you part of any committee in a university society? Or volunteered in a particular initiative? These are experiences I would mention in this question and expand on what transferable skills you have developed from them which would be useful as a lawyer like communication or interpersonal skills.

I have volunteering/society committee experiences so I will add them there. Thank you!

 

[rapunzel]

Hi guys I've got my first ever AC coming up so if anyone has any general advice for preparation that would be really appreciated!

Also I had a more specific question about how to answer a question about firm's competitors in an interview? I hear some people are asked about other firms that they have applied to. Is it best to state firms that are similar to the firm so that your 'interest' in the firm seems more genuine? Or does it not really matter what the other firms you've applied to are as long as you state why you prefer the firm you're interviewing for? I've applied to a mixed bag of firms so just wanted some more info on best practice for these types of questions. Thanks everyone!

I would recommend mentioning firms that are similar to the one you are applying to so if they are US, MC, silver or regional firms. They normally ask this to gauge how interested you are in the firm in an indirect way and haven't just applied there on a whim because they will be investing a lot in you if you do secure a TC there. Hope this helps!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Hi everyone,

I can imagine this gets asked every year but I am wondering if anyone has any tips on finding accommodation in London for a spring vac scheme. I am not from London myself and all of the advice I have seen on the forum on the matter is usually relevant for the summer when student residences offer short-term accommodation for the summer only.

heya, when I did one in 2023, the people who were not form London were put up in student accommodation and the firm sorted it and paid for it

 

[tom-sawyer]

Hi guys, how is everyone preparing for the Willkie written exercise? The email said "the written exercise is based on a legal due diligence in relation to a potential acquisition and is reflective of a typical trainee task". Not sure how to balance commercial and legal analysis with the way it's phrased.

 

[b4PFO]

Has anyone heard from W&C post AC or know anyone who has (for spring/summer)
As for winter, almost everyone heard from W&C post AC within 6-8 days.
Can I assume if it's been 2 weeks since my AC I have been rejected?

 

[ren1110]

Is everyone invited to take Paul Weiss online test?

 

[James Wakefield]

Reed Smith PFO post SJT/VI

 

[Rhohia]

Reed Smith PFO post SJT/VI

same

 

[Rus]

Actually getting so impatient with Withers omg 😭 I have a feeling I should just wait until first week of February for all my spring scheme applications. Withers' VS is in March so I would have thought they would try to get back by this week latest for interview invite/ rejection.

If it helps I think they're notorious for taking a long time, last year they invited me for a summer vs interview in the first week of May lol

 

[Applebanana425]

OC AC and NRF interview!

 

[yeezyee]

wasn’t there supposed to be a squire update today? 👀

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

NRF pfo

Did you receive an email or log into see ?

 

[Miss Chocolate]

If it helps I think they're notorious for taking a long time, last year they invited me for a summer vs interview in the first week of May lol

OK that does put my mind at ease 😅 I will stop checking my email now lol thanks )

 

[Amjaya]

Does anyone have Vinson & Elkins graduate recruitment email or will I have to individual email the grad recruitment team shown on the website.

 

[Miss Chocolate]

General question about CVs. I have received different advice on how many bullet points/information to include under each experience. Some have recommended to include no more than 2 bullet points and others have said that I am not stelling myself enough. What do you all think?


Could I please have your opinion? @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu Thank you

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi guys I've got my first ever AC coming up so if anyone has any general advice for preparation that would be really appreciated!

Also I had a more specific question about how to answer a question about firm's competitors in an interview? I hear some people are asked about other firms that they have applied to. Is it best to state firms that are similar to the firm so that your 'interest' in the firm seems more genuine? Or does it not really matter what the other firms you've applied to are as long as you state why you prefer the firm you're interviewing for? I've applied to a mixed bag of firms so just wanted some more info on best practice for these types of questions. Thanks everyone!

Hiya @elena11

It's great that you're thinking ahead about this! When discussing other firms you've applied to, it's generally a good idea to mention firms that are similar to the one you're interviewing at. This is not necessarily just to seem more 'genuine,' but because it helps demonstrate that you’ve taken a methodical and considered approach to your applications.

In answering the question, I’d start by briefly defining what you mean by ‘competitors.’ You could mention that you're taking a broad view, considering a range of factors such as firms with similar strengths in particular practice areas, international footprints, or firm structures. From there, you can explain how these factors shaped your decision to apply to the firm with whom you are interviewing, as well as others that align along similar parameters. This way, you’re showing the interviewer that your applications weren’t random but were instead guided by clear reasoning.

If your applications have been to a mix of firms, that’s fine too. Just be ready for your interviewers to push back and get you to articulate why this firm stands out for you given the variety of firms you've mentioned applying to (this happened to me once when I mentioned one firm that was very, very different from the one that I was interviewing at).

Best of luck with your AC!

 

[Rhohia]

Did you receive an email or log into see ?

I got an email!