TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Legallywhatever

Active Member
Jan 29, 2025
16
24
Any tips for not being an inarticulate mess in an interview? X

I’ve been practicing in the mirror/recording myself and ongggg my mind blanks so bad😫
For me, it helps when I remember that me and the interviewers are essentially just having a conversation! They're sat in front of you to listen to you, and if you maintain confidence in that (fake it till you make it), then it kind of alleviates some nerves!!

Adding on: it's okay to pause for a few seconds (obv not too long) and gather your thoughts before answering/ continuing an answer. This has rly helped me be more articulate (hopefully) lol
 
Last edited:

Kakaboo

Star Member
Premium Member
Dec 5, 2024
35
15
Hi, hope everyone is doing well ❤️ I have been asked the question

'Please provide three examples (with relevant detail) of how we as a law firm differs from our competitors?' (200 words)

Would I be able to mention how at an Open Day a partner mentioned that they moved from another A&O Shearman as this firm was more collaborative. Or does it need to have more of a legal/client focus rather than cultural/internal?
That sounds like a good reason!! And then state how that impacts the client and maybe a bit about how you would fit into that. I’d say use 2 examples
 

daniyalmmirza

New Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Oct 9, 2023
4
9
I got the Paul, Weiss PFO but what was really funny to me was that in the email they said, "thank you for your application to the Spring Vacation Scheme" I applied for the Summer Vacation Scheme...
Anyways this is going to be my last cycle - 4 unsuccessful cycles, 0 applications progressed past the first stage. Figured I could overcome my poor A-Levels and first degree's GPA but alas I am the architect of my own demise.
 

floral.tcla

Star Member
Premium Member
Aug 15, 2024
49
34
For me, it helps when I remember that me and the interviewers are essentially just having a conversation! They're sat in front of you to listen to you, and if you maintain confidence in that (fake it till you make it), then it kind of alleviates some nerves!!

Adding on: it's okay to pause for a few seconds (obv not too long) and gather your thoughts before answering/ continuing an answer. This has rly helped me be more articulate (hopefully) lol
Thank you ☺️ True!!
 

B101

Star Member
Feb 27, 2023
26
53
I got the Paul, Weiss PFO but what was really funny to me was that in the email they said, "thank you for your application to the Spring Vacation Scheme" I applied for the Summer Vacation Scheme...
Anyways this is going to be my last cycle - 4 unsuccessful cycles, 0 applications progressed past the first stage. Figured I could overcome my poor A-Levels and first degree's GPA but alas I am the architect of my own demise.
So sorry to hear this. Don’t give up yet, all it takes it one yes and all the rejections don’t matter. Maybe have someone look over your applications to see where you can improve. This application process is ruthless but your resilience is what will get you there. Good luck!
 

BBsharkk

Star Member
Premium Member
Dec 13, 2022
35
57
I haven't heard back from P,W yet but this was my answer. I focused on linking each paragraph back to the client and what it means for them.

Paul, Weiss’s full-service offering, underpinned by sponsor-side financial expertise, supports private equity clients from fund formation to IPO. Two-thirds of London lawyers specialise in private equity and debt finance, enabling Paul, Weiss to provide tailored, flexible financing strategies that balance stakeholder priorities. In TDR Capital’s acquisition of Acqua & Sapone, Paul, Weiss structured €400 million fixed-rate and €450 million floating-rate notes listed on the Euro MTF to attract institutional investors and secure competitive pricing alongside a €130 million revolving credit facility. This combination met the client’s unique needs by optimising the cost of capital and providing liquidity for funding the acquisition and post-transaction for strategic growth, exemplifying Paul, Weiss’s ability to deliver value-driven financing strategies.

Coordinating advice across London, New York, and Brussels for General Atlantic’s Kyriba investment exemplified Paul, Weiss’s “one-firm” culture. The absence of billing targets eliminates internal competition, prioritising knowledge sharing and high-quality advice over billable hours. This enabled Paul, Weiss to reconcile US-UK tax frameworks and structure equity and financing arrangements that safeguarded General Atlantic’s minority investment and advanced Kyriba’s treasury technology leadership. Additionally, a capacity manager ensures efficient resource allocation, keeping critical activities like due diligence and financing coordination on track. AI tools like Harvey enhance this process by identifying red flags early and facilitating informed risk and deal viability assessments. This enables Paul Weiss to manage accelerated auction timelines, mitigate cross-border tax inefficiencies and deliver enhanced investor protections, all while securing strategic market positioning for clients.


Expanding partnership by 54% with 16 strategic hires in 2024 exemplified Paul, Weiss’s ambitious growth trajectory. Recruiting former TDR General Counsel David Holdsworth, whose unique insight into sponsor priorities strengthens the firm’s ability to anticipate TDR-specific challenges, structure tailored financing, and drive long-term portfolio growth, reinforced Paul, Weiss’s position as a trusted adviser for transformative private equity investments.
After seeing your answer I know I'm 100% cooked 😂
I don't even know where you found all this research and information lol. Having very high hopes for you progressing 💪🏻
 

yasmars

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2021
362
568
I haven't heard back from P,W yet but this was my answer. I focused on linking each paragraph back to the client and what it means for them.

Paul, Weiss’s full-service offering, underpinned by sponsor-side financial expertise, supports private equity clients from fund formation to IPO. Two-thirds of London lawyers specialise in private equity and debt finance, enabling Paul, Weiss to provide tailored, flexible financing strategies that balance stakeholder priorities. In TDR Capital’s acquisition of Acqua & Sapone, Paul, Weiss structured €400 million fixed-rate and €450 million floating-rate notes listed on the Euro MTF to attract institutional investors and secure competitive pricing alongside a €130 million revolving credit facility. This combination met the client’s unique needs by optimising the cost of capital and providing liquidity for funding the acquisition and post-transaction for strategic growth, exemplifying Paul, Weiss’s ability to deliver value-driven financing strategies.

Coordinating advice across London, New York, and Brussels for General Atlantic’s Kyriba investment exemplified Paul, Weiss’s “one-firm” culture. The absence of billing targets eliminates internal competition, prioritising knowledge sharing and high-quality advice over billable hours. This enabled Paul, Weiss to reconcile US-UK tax frameworks and structure equity and financing arrangements that safeguarded General Atlantic’s minority investment and advanced Kyriba’s treasury technology leadership. Additionally, a capacity manager ensures efficient resource allocation, keeping critical activities like due diligence and financing coordination on track. AI tools like Harvey enhance this process by identifying red flags early and facilitating informed risk and deal viability assessments. This enables Paul Weiss to manage accelerated auction timelines, mitigate cross-border tax inefficiencies and deliver enhanced investor protections, all while securing strategic market positioning for clients.


Expanding partnership by 54% with 16 strategic hires in 2024 exemplified Paul, Weiss’s ambitious growth trajectory. Recruiting former TDR General Counsel David Holdsworth, whose unique insight into sponsor priorities strengthens the firm’s ability to anticipate TDR-specific challenges, structure tailored financing, and drive long-term portfolio growth, reinforced Paul, Weiss’s position as a trusted adviser for transformative private equity investments.
This is really well-written! I’d be surprised if you don’t get an interview!!
 
I can only see it as an attempt to warm up candidates. By asking an easy question but saying "this will be reviewed", people will put effort in, and by the time the real question comes they may be more focused and less nervous than if you told them "this is junk, nobody will watch it".
Hi

What was the commercial awareness question like? Was it like a commercial news story?

thanks!
 
I just did Gateley.

It was a little weird because there was a "starter" question, which they said would be reviewed but not marked!?

There were then two further questions were 3 minutes prep, 2 minutes to answer, one a "commercial awareness" and one a personality. Nothing Gateley-specific, although you could potentially link it to them.
Hi

What was the commercial awareness question like? Was it a commercial news story?

Thanks!
 

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