TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[James Wakefield]

How much are people refreshing on their knowledge of Willkie as a firm before the written exercise?

I’m wondering if I should do more research to put specifics into my answer? Or is that unnecessary for the written assessment, and should we just simply use the materials given?

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi, I hope everyone is well. I had a few questions about written exercises related to performing due diligence on a target company during an acquisition and would be grateful for any insight.

1) Is the typical structure focused on identifying risks and then providing solutions?

2) Is it wise to include news stories that could impact risks and solutions? For example, if there’s an employment-related issue, would it be useful to consider any recent employment legislation that might affect it?

3) Is it just legal and commercial considerations that need to be taken into account? Could anyone provide some factors that are important to consider?

I've never done something like this so just feeling super confused as to what I'll actually have to do and the structure. Thank you!

I’m in the same boat in that I have never done anything like this lmao. I’m super confused but I guess we just have to trust our intuition when it comes to these kinds of things. 🥲

1) I think the focus should be on identifying risks and/or liabilities at this stage. 🙂

2) Only if relevant but focus on the main documents and instructions we get given for the written exercise. I think there is a specific word count which should be factored in when writing so keep it concise. 🙂

3) The factors that are important depend on the context and information provided in the documents given. You could consider things like regulatory compliance issues, ongoing investigations or current market conditions. I’m trying to prepare for anything tbh. 😭

Best of luck with the written exercise! Also congrats on making it to this stage! 🥳

 

[BreadandButter]

did Willkie WE today.

very enjoyable and good insight. @WillkieGemma thank you for arranging.

 

[murm]

How much are people refreshing on their knowledge of Willkie as a firm before the written exercise?

I’m wondering if I should do more research to put specifics into my answer? Or is that unnecessary for the written assessment, and should we just simply use the materials given?

Nothing - I don't think that is relevant for a WE

 

[AlegalA]

Hi guys!

I'm just looking to double check something. I've been invited to Kennedys AC. They state that they have a strengths-based interview. Does that mean there will be NO motivational/commercial questions or that it will be mostly strengths-based but still have "why Kennedys", "why you" etc.

Could anyone that has completed the Kennedys AC in the past please reach out to me I have so many questions 😭 their AC seems so confusing

 

[Chris Brown]

How much are people refreshing on their knowledge of Willkie as a firm before the written exercise?

I’m wondering if I should do more research to put specifics into my answer? Or is that unnecessary for the written assessment, and should we just simply use the materials given?

I don’t know if knowledge of Willkie is needed as I think the main focus should be using materials given. 🙂

The only thing i can think of is that Willkie is not a full-service firm. If the due diligence has employment or IP issues, it may be important to know Willkie doesn’t have these practice areas in London. I don’t know the impact it would have on a written exercise as I imagine we will get all the information we need. If not then I guess we’re cooked lmao. 🤣

 

[AlegalA]

I’ve not done Kennedys AC unfortunately but I’ve done many strength based interviews and ACs and they will always ask motivational questions (why x firm or why us over our competitors). Definitely prep for it. The other questions will be relatively easy so I wouldn’t stress strength questions.​

Okay great that's so good to know, thank you

 

[suhana]

hey guys
does anyone know what the V&E VI is like this year? can you see the questions and re record like last year?

 

[marisachr]

Hi guys!

I'm just looking to double check something. I've been invited to Kennedys AC. They state that they have a strengths-based interview. Does that mean there will be NO motivational/commercial questions or that it will be mostly strengths-based but still have "why Kennedys", "why you" etc.

Could anyone that has completed the Kennedys AC in the past please reach out to me I have so many questions 😭 their AC seems so confusing

Hi, I'm also invited for the Kennedys AC! Is your AC for the Direct TC or one of their SQE programmes?

Re your question - most of the trainees I spoke to told me that their interview was fairly straightforward, no trick questions and focused on strength based and some competency questions e.g. tell us about a time you handled conflicting deadlines

 

[sibs23]

Hi guys!

I'm just looking to double check something. I've been invited to Kennedys AC. They state that they have a strengths-based interview. Does that mean there will be NO motivational/commercial questions or that it will be mostly strengths-based but still have "why Kennedys", "why you" etc.

Could anyone that has completed the Kennedys AC in the past please reach out to me I have so many questions 😭 their AC seems so confusing

Also invited to their AC and glad I’m not the only one feeling confused. I’ve done some general prep but still feeling underprepared as I have very little clue as to what to expect 😩

 

[zoobla20]

Haven’t heard back post VI for Mishcon - should I assume PFO?

i haven't either - i've seen they've invited some people for ACs so i'm not holding out much hope (but i guess we never know!)

 

[cwhite233]

hey guys
does anyone know what the V&E VI is like this year? can you see the questions and re record like last year?

I have the same question! Would really like to know if you have the option to re-record answers as this seems to have been the case in previous years!

 

[SSR27]

Congrats! Just curious, was this for the summer scheme? How close to the deadline did you apply, if so?

Thank you!! I think I applied on the deadline if not a day before. Yes it was summer vac

 

[coolpanda]

how did everyone find the Paul Weiss amberjack exam? any advice?

 

[Mace2121]

Hi everyone,

For the Covington AC, the email from the firm states that the assessment will consist of a competency interview and a case study exercise. Does anyone know whether the case study will require a written response (like a written exercise) or if it will be discussed in an interview format (like a case study interview)?

It would be much appreciated if anyone has any recommendations of where I can practice case study exercises.

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman any insight would be much appreciated

 

[AlegalA]

Also invited to their AC and glad I’m not the only one feeling confused. I’ve done some general prep but still feeling underprepared as I have very little clue as to what to expect 😩

no me too, and I also don't like the fact the interviews are two WHOLE weeks after the AC it just feels so long 😭😭

 

[allenpopi]

Thank you! Out of curiosity have you done the LPC?
They have a separate intake for LPC students, so thinking to apply to that instead?

No i haven't!

 

[marisachr]

no me too, and I also don't like the fact the interviews are two WHOLE weeks after the AC it just feels so long 😭😭

OMG! My interview with them is on the same day of the AC!

 

[Moo&mak]

Has anyone done Pinsent Masons AC before?

Please if you have can you provide any guide or pm me please 🙏

 

[BillSikes]

Has anyone done Pinsent Masons AC before?

Please if you have can you provide any guide or pm me please 🙏

What office - and when did you apply?