TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Anyone have any tips on key areas to discuss for Freshfields personal statement. Am thinking of focusing on (1) cross-border expertise with focus on success in US market, (2) cross-functionality of corporate and litigation practices, and (3) uniqueness of training programme?

Hi @DulyDiligent

I think you're definitely heading in the right direction with the points you've chosen. I think to really elevate your discussion of these answers, it's important to be as specific as possible. This will be important in helping you differentiate Freshfields from, say, Clifford Chance.

For example, when discussing their cross-border expertise and success in the US market, try to highlight how Freshfields sets itself apart from other firms like Clifford Chance, which also have a strong cross-border presence and have made strong inroads in the US. What has made Freshfields distinctive in this respect and why is that motivating your application? I think this level of detail will help your personal statement stand out by showing that you can distinguish between firms in more nuanced ways. Similar points apply when discussing the cross-functionality of the corporate and litigation practices, as well as the firm's training programme (obviously on the last point you can mention the 8-seat training contract and other USPs).

Additionally, you might want to check out an article/podcast in The Lawyer from this week, which touches on Freshfields' position compared to its competitors. I think it could be helpful in allowing you to frame more nuanced points into your personal statement!

Good luck!

 

[walterwhite]

Wondering if HSF and HG have offered most/all of their ACs already - the wait is killing me!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

"Describe how you think the innovative developments taking place in the legal industry will change the role of a commercial lawyer at Dentons. Please outline your research and reference the sources you used to inform your opinion." - in what way should we reference or outline sources? I was thinking Harvard style?

Hiya @jojo23

I don’t think formal referencing (like Harvard style) is as crucial in this type of application question. What’s more important is to show that you’ve done your research and can back up your points with reliable sources. Simply mentioning the report and giving a rough idea of when it was published should be enough. I used this approach in my Ropes & Gray application during the 2022-23 cycle, where I was specifically discussing data around retaining legal talent.

• "In December 2023, The Lawyer published a report highlighting the significant increase in associate attrition. Similarly, a 2022 report from Thomson Reuters estimated that the loss of even a single associate could cost firms upwards of $400,000 USD."

I think keeping it brief while acknowledging where the information came from worked really well for me - and allowed me to use the word count more effectively.

When answering this type of question on innovation, I'd also recommend going beyond the usual discussions around AI and developments. Many applicants have a tendency to answer these sorts of questions in vague ways, often relying on resources or links that aren't very recent. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more specific examples or feedback!

Best of luck with the application!

 

[Trying4aJob]

Anyone heard from HL?

 

[jojo23]

Hiya @jojo23

I don’t think formal referencing (like Harvard style) is as crucial in this type of application question. What’s more important is to show that you’ve done your research and can back up your points with reliable sources. Simply mentioning the report and giving a rough idea of when it was published should be enough. I used this approach in my Ropes & Gray application during the 2022-23 cycle, where I was specifically discussing developments in data around retaining legal talent.

• "In December 2023, The Lawyer published a report highlighting the significant increase in associate attrition. Similarly, a 2022 report from Thomson Reuters estimated that the loss of even a single associate could cost firms upwards of $400,000 USD."

I think keeping it brief while acknowledging where the information came from worked really well for me - and allowed me to use the word count more effectively.

When answering this type of question on innovation, I'd also recommend going beyond the usual discussions around AI and developments. Many applicants have a tendency to answer these sorts of questions in vague ways, often relying on resources or links that aren't very recent. Feel free to reach out if you’d like more specific examples or feedback!

Best of luck with the application!

Thank you, I appreciate it! I'm just in the process of doing research around it although, my go-to answer was ai related🤣

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

White and Case VI invite !! Not sure if it’s automatic or not , but I’ll take it😂 Any tips would be much appreciated!!

Howdy @thelawstudent2000!

Well done on getting through to the VI stage! I used to struggle quite a bit with VIs but the following threads really helped me improve with this part of the application stage. This first one is by the legendary user Alice G, and the second one is by the equally fab Erin. A lot of what they say in these threads will be relevant in helping you prepare for White & Case's VIs. Hopefully, you'll find them helpful too! Best of luck, and feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!

 

[Chelsea101]

Yeah HSF are waiting until the deadline has passed to filter candidates

Is this for winter or summer vac?

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

White and Case AC!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

If I send off my application for Hogan WVS, do you guys think it's rather late considering its rolling and the deadline is 31st October?

Hi @sufianwm101

Many firms receive the majority of their applications around 2-3 weeks before the deadline, so you're definitely not alone in submitting at this stage. What matters most is whether you believe it's a strong application. If you think you could improve it further with just a bit more time, it might be worth considering applying for the spring or summer schemes instead. But if you feel it's as strong as it can be and you're confident in it, there's no harm in sending it through before the 31st October deadline. Trust your instincts! Best of luck with the application!

 

[Apple]

W&C AC invite!!!!! really was not expecting that.

 

[legal18]

I am trying to research the firm but there are not even any virtual events to get to know the firm a bit better? How have people been researching Stephenson and Harwood?

I attended an Open Day last year so that's my main basis.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

i applied for the hogan lovells life off on the 4th and haven’t received anything after, should i email or wait a bit?

Hiya @lolololol

I know the waiting process can feel a bit uncertain, but I’d suggest giving it a little more time, especially since it’s only been a couple of weeks since the 4th of October. Many firms take a bit longer to review applications, especially if there’s a large volume. If you haven’t heard back in another 2 weeks or so, it could be worth sending a polite follow-up email to check on the status of your application. Best of luck, and I hope you hear back soon!

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Is this for winter or summer vac?

Spring and Summer. AC's are going on already for WVS I believe (from what's already been posted here).

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

@Andrei Radu or @Ram Sabaratnam

Can I ask if there's something similar to this but for VIs instead of AC interviews?

 

[Seville123]

Does anyone have tips for the Ashurst HR Interview and/or the W&C Video Interview? Thanks

 

[bella98]

W&C AC invite!!!!! really was not expecting that.

Omg congrats!!! 🙌🏼 great job🤩

 

[Deleted member 37508]

W&C AC invite!!!!! really was not expecting that.

Well done.
I would assume this is a rejection for myself as I have not received a VI I applied 20/09.

Are people still receiving W&C VI? if so there is still hope.

Ashurst no reply post test 22/09 and people get interviews. The process is very cruel at times when they know they do not want to progress you yet leave you hanging.

 

[gazdgazd11]

Well done.
I would assume this is a rejection for myself as I have not received a VI I applied 20/09.

Are people still receiving W&C VI? if so there is still hope.

Ashurst no reply post test 22/09 and people get interviews. The process is very cruel at times when they know they do not want to progress you yet leave you hanging.

Same for me

 

[LawJourney101]

Same for me

To be fair they gave someone a VI yesterday so all hope is not lost yet. Doesn't look hopeful though I agree.

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

Anyone heard back from Ashurst post written exam AC? The deadline was today I thought ….