VI was just before Christmas 2024, AC invite a month later on 24 Jan and I booked the last possible AC (last week)And how much time was in between your VI and the AC if you don't mind me asking?
How confident are you in your knowledge of the core LLB/PGDL subjects, including Contract, Tort, Trusts, Land, Criminal, and Public Law?
TCLA is teaming up with BPP for a free interactive event designed to refresh your fundamentals, especially for those interested in or planning to take the SQE. We'll practise multiple choice SQE questions, with prizes for the highest scoring participants!
Register HereVI was just before Christmas 2024, AC invite a month later on 24 Jan and I booked the last possible AC (last week)And how much time was in between your VI and the AC if you don't mind me asking?
On Wednesday. But I would emphasise the fact that they could open up more slots next week - so I would stay optimistic.Yea optimism has run out for me atp. I just didn't want hem to be one of those firms that leaves people in limbo
When did you book your slot btw?
Aww I’m glad ! Thank you too!!thank you, this made me smile. You will get there too!!!
I hope you're dealing with the rejections okay. It's their loss!
Okay, thank you so much that's helpful for me to know! Good luck with hearing back!!VI was just before Christmas 2024, AC invite a month later on 24 Jan and I booked the last possible AC (last week)
Don't lose hope! When I received mine on Tuesday, there were only 2 slots (for next week Tuesday or Thursday - each with only one time option) - I think they only show you a few slots to choose from depending on when you get your invite.Yea optimism has run out for me atp. I just didn't want hem to be one of those firms that leaves people in limbo
When did you book your slot btw?
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! I really appreciate it. This is such amazing support. Have a lovely day!Hiya @gazdgazd11
Thanks for clarifying! To effectively address King & Spalding’s prompt, you’ll need to narrow your focus. Is there a specific set of tariffs you have in mind? Since taking office, the Trump administration has made several announcements, including a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, a reduced 10% tariff on Canadian energy resources (currently set to take effect in March, but not yet entirely clear if this will happen), and a 10% tariff on imports from China. There are also tariffs on specific products, such as aluminium and steel, which are likely to have a major impact on supply chains and consumers. A good starting point would be to briefly describe the tariffs you’re focusing on, outlining their scope and the industries most affected.
The second part of the question asks why you find these developments interesting. You don't need to say specifically how it affects King & Spalding or its clients, but you may want to allude to these. You might be drawn to how tariffs disrupt established supply chains, influence market dynamics, and reshape economic relationships between countries. If you can connect this to your personal experience or interests, that would strengthen your response. For example, I’m originally from Canada, and the threat of tariffs has directly affected people in my life - friends who work in the auto industry have faced significant uncertainty, and everyone I know has been worried about rising costs on products. What I’ve found particularly interesting is the Canadian government’s response and how they’ve worked to mitigate the impact of these tariffs without causing further economic strain. Your own reasons might be different. Maybe you’re interested in the legal side (e.g. how businesses respond to tariffs, how trade disputes play out politically between countries, etc). Whatever your angle, the key is to articulate why this topic genuinely interests you in a way that reflects your perspective.
In terms of structure, you could take the following approach:
This advice is just to get you going. Hope this helps and good luck with the application!
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the recent tariffs imposed by President Trump, highlighting their scope and the sectors most affected.
- Impact on certain sectors: Discuss how these tariffs are expected to influence certain industries, and presumably you can focus on energy and construction here. For instance, the construction industry relies heavily on materials like steel and aluminium, which are subject to increased costs due to tariffs. The escalation in material costs can quickly lead to higher project expenses and potential delays. You can also briefly mention here how the tariffs might disrupt global supply chains, leading to increased costs and delays in project timelines. The energy sector, for example, could face challenges with the importation of critical components, affecting production and distribution.
- Personal Reflection: I'd conclude by articulating your personal interest in the topic. Here you'll want to emphasise your fascination with how such policy decisions can have considerable effects on global industries, economies, and legal practices. This will ensure that you've adequately addressed the second part of the prompt and showcase genuine interest with the tariff(s) you've chosen to discuss.
They say online that they run around 40 first stage interviews and they’d only have to provide feedback to unsuccessful interviews so I’m guessing around 20 people at this stage and 10 at the next - sure they could find 10 minutes to gives us some feedback, it’s really not that hard.I agree with this quite strongly. They did not run many interviews. Other firms like that provide feedback. E.g. Wilkie and White & Case. It's really not great at all.
I don't think law firms are in the business of lying, plus things may have changed over the years.
I don't see why it is a surprise that one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, with only 15 places, don't tend to hire from a university that is ranked 80th in the world. Universities are not a private school - they are a symbol of high academic perfomance and commitments to extra curriculars from an early age. People of all backgrounds have worked hard for a place at a top university, not handed it based on socio-economic factors. The biggest companies paying £1,000 p/h expect their lawyers to be educated at the best institutions. Of course there are exceptional circumstances, but that's the norm and will stay the norm.
UOB is ranked 11th or 12th in the UK. I don't think you can really say it's not one of the top universities. Also, a lot of the top 100 are US universities. I'm gonna go out on a limb to say most US students are not coming to the UK to apply to a US firm following their law degree, but rather applying in the US directly, therefore the World ranking doesn't seem as relevant as the UK one.I don't think law firms are in the business of lying, plus things may have changed over the years.
I don't see why it is a surprise that one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, with only 15 places, don't tend to hire from a university that is ranked 80th in the world. Universities are not a private school - they are a symbol of high academic perfomance and commitments to extra curriculars from an early age. People of all backgrounds have worked hard for a place at a top university, not handed it based on socio-economic factors. The biggest companies paying £1,000 p/h expect their lawyers to be educated at the best institutions. Of course there are exceptional circumstances, but that's the norm and will stay the norm.
I feel you mate. I am constantly telling myself that it’s a game of luck to an extent and I just need the one yes to get there but it’s very hard not to feel like the universe and system is against you. No advice really, just saying I feel you.30+ apps and just endless rejections. Is there really any point anymore? I’m 27 and just feeling dejected. I’ve done several vac schemes previously. But they don’t seem to count. So few direct TC routes too. What is the point of continuing?
Nope! Also nothing from Ropes & Gray… pls acknowledge my existence law firmsMy fellow Paul, Weiss stragglers - anyone hear back yet?
I've found the best way to break into a new area is always personal connections.It looks like my application season for this year might be over with no VS/TC offers. I have good A-Level marks (4xA*) and a (non-law) degree from Oxford and lots of extra-curriculars. I think my biggest weakness in my applications is a lack of legal-specific experience, for most of university I believed that I wanted to work as an economist so I didn't accumulate much of the CV law-stuff.
After doing lots of research over the last few months, I am certain that I want to work in commercial and competition law so will reapply next year. Does anyone have any tips of what I could do between now and then, as a graduate student, to improve my chances for next year. Specifically how can one gain the relevant experience? It feels really hard to get any real insight into commercial work when you're not already working at a commercial firm (a very draining catch-22).
Good luck everyone!
I don't think the QS university rankings are considered relevant in the UK. They are very key for example for applicants from foreign countries seeking scholarships where there is a requirement for "top 100 worldwide" or whatever.UOB is ranked 11th or 12th in the UK. I don't think you can really say it's not one of the top universities. Also, a lot of the top 100 are US universities. I'm gonna go out on a limb to say most US students are not coming to the UK to apply to a US firm following their law degree, but rather applying in the US directly, therefore the World ranking doesn't seem as relevant as the UK one.
That’s all fair enough of course. Interview preparation time just feels wasted. That, and getting your hopes up. Vac schemes don’t feel helpful now. I want to give up, honestly.27 is still very young in the grand scheme of a career. I'm 25 and only decided to switch to law last year. I have a vacation scheme this summer, but realistically, it could be years before I secure a training contract, and I’m okay with that—because when I finally land the role, it will be the best feeling after working so hard. If this is your dream career, you must pursue it for as long as it takes to get there. I have faith in you—if you've secured vacation schemes before, it’s clear that you possess qualities firms find attractive. Don't give up!
Did you receive the invite today?Might be of interest to anyone waiting to hear back from P,W - when I selected my interview slot, there were only three slots available. But they could obv open up more slots