TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[a1024]

anyone heard back from gibson dunn? what is the first round interview like? any tips?

 

[andrecsaa]

US aint the one for you my brother/sister/them in Christ.

At Bakers (an intl firm with US headquarters) everyone emphasised they are not US in culture. From the trainees to associates, to partners and Business Development. HOWEVER, when you dug further, they all said they weren't leaving the office before 8 pm. They strongly reiterated to us that you shouldn't expect yourself to be leaving before 8pm. They do respect you completing things outside of work as long you communicate clearly in advance

This massively depends on department culture, but from the experience of asking different staff at different firms, the hours tend to match across the board (bar corporate/transactional work which is bonkers). From IP to Disputes and Employment, trainees all discussed regularly working to at least 8 pm and beyond at BM. The difference (compared to the US firms) is that their weekends are more often untouched and their holidays are respected completely. However, don't expect to not work during the holiday, even if you are in a traditionally seeming "easy" or "less stressful seat" (the employment trainees were disgruntled about working during easter!)

A general rule of thumb I received is that if they're a top 20 UK firm in terms of revenue and/or they're paying you over 100k as an NQ, it is highly unlikely you will have the WLB you're seeking. Make of that what you will, but checking this against Legal Cheek's reported timings, the advice does hold some weight.

Exclusive research: What time do lawyers finish work at the UK's top 100+ law firms? - Legal Cheek

Junior lawyers face long days, late finishes, and an 'always available' culture, highlighting the demanding nature of a life in corporate law

www.legalcheek.com

The Firms Most List - Legal Cheek

www.legalcheek.com

Another recommendation was that if they are Tier 2 and above for Corporate deals at the premium level (like 750 mil and above), then just know...it's a rough one. Bare in mind we all have to complete a transactional seat as per the SRA guidelines, so choose your fate carefully!

M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ > London

Market-leading analysis, rankings and editorial commentary - see the top law firms & lawyers in M&A: Upper Mid-Market And Premium Deals, £750m+ in London

www.legal500.com

So, to conclude, I'd focus on less elite transactional-driven firms if you want comparatively good WLB - typically US, MC, and SC firms - regardless of their size and "unique culture", they will all expect the same of you in terms of output/WLB. Instead, go after firms that are recognised for a wide range of non-transactional services and practices that stand out as their USP. Or they may be sector-driven (Bird n Bird, Osborn Clarke, etc.).

That is unless you are focused on being a transactional solicitor. If so, why not go for the big ticket because you will be working the same amount of hours as solicitors on the opposite end of a transaction? Might as well get paid the same or more...

In the long term, you might earn higher bonuses, and it is easier to reach the billable hours target in private equity, corporate and transactional seats. Although it's a concern for post-qualification, I would check the billable hours targets of each firm on Legal Cheek. You'll find more accurate working hours (for instance, 2200 hours is an insane target typical of US firms - 2200/260 = 8,5 billable hours per day).

 

[bangarangbass39]

In the long term, you might earn higher bonuses, and it is easier to reach the billable hours target in corporate and transactional seats.

For sure. But that also depends on if your firm has billable targets - a lot don’t have them. Of course the US places a greater emphasis on this.

I also imagine they’d differ between departments slightly - the market activity affects the work rate of departments differently and so do other unique demands from clients/sectors.

Also, higher bonuses come with the most obvious price - more of your time! I’m not against it tho.

 

[charlotte1704]

for PwC VI - how long do we have to answer?

2 mins to prepare, 2 min to answer

 

[saminoriya]

How to prepare for group debates in the Assessment Centre?

 

[Apple]

How to prepare for group debates in the Assessment Centre?

I feel like these are quite difficult to prepare for but also relatively straightforward. Try to contribute a few substantive points, do not be overbearing, include other people. You can also volunteer to keep time or refer the group back to remaining time if it doesn't look like you are on track.

 

[sjr22]

Has anyone here done a Hogan Lovells AC? I saw it was 4 hours long, and I'm a bit confused as to the structure

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Guys I am beginning to really stress about my winter vac scheme applications.
Dechert- done by written assessment almost 3 weeks ago and no news
W &C- Applied in September but no comms since then
H&L- Applied in September but no comms since then (done the Waton Glacier test)
Covington- No comms since application
Ashirst- No come since application

should I assume I have been rejected from the ones I haven't heard from since application cos some people on here have done AC's for the firms already!!

hahahah exactly in the same position except replace W&C and Covington with Cleary and Burges. Waiting for Winter schemes is so painful

 

[V2002]

Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon today about the Assessment Center?

 

[yeezyee]

is it a bad thing to prioritise vs/tc apps over open days rn? my time off from work is finite and i’d rather prioritise vac schemes/interviews over open days? i’ve done some online events and met a lot of firms during uni last year, but i’m worried im putting myself at a disadvantage by not doing lots this year?!

 

[lawyersum]

Anybody who has done the DLA Watson Glaser - is it particularly hard or just the normal level of difficulty for a WG? (if that makes sense lol)

 

[helloj]

Anybody who has done the DLA Watson Glaser - is it particularly hard or just the normal level of difficulty for a WG? (if that makes sense lol)

From my experience, it was a pretty standard Watson Glaser test!! I scored averagely and made it to the next round!

 

[helloj]

Has anyone here done a Hogan Lovells AC? I saw it was 4 hours long, and I'm a bit confused as to the structure

Have you received an AC for the winter vac scheme? Sorry for asking!

 

[lawyersum]

From my experience, it was a pretty standard Watson Glaser test!! I scored averagely and made it to the next round!

Thank you!!

 

[lolasparks]

Latham & Watkins Open Day Invite, the fact we had to do a test, application questions and VI. I'm about to make the most out of this😂

In case anyone is wondering, got my invite today. For the test I got strengths in analytical/complex thinking and self motivation, weakness in effective communication

 

[bangarangbass39]

Following on from this post, does anyone know the resit policy for the SQE at firms you’ve applied to?

I’ve not applied to S+M but I know of a friend who has been allowed to resit.

SQE Resit Policy by Law Firm

Hi everyone, One of our members started this thread and were a little worried to keep it up in case there was any risk for them as an applicant. I'm taking it over as I appreciate the concern. I know there is a lot of worry about how law firms view the SQE (and what happens if you don't pass)...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Hi everyone

has anyone received the link for the Freshfields application masterclass, i received an email confirming my registration but not the link to the call, would anyone be able to help ?

 

[hazanelson]

Hi everyone

has anyone received the link for the Freshfields application masterclass, i received an email confirming my registration but not the link to the call, would anyone be able to help ?

same here - can't find any joining link.

 

[lawyersum]

Hi everyone

has anyone received the link for the Freshfields application masterclass, i received an email confirming my registration but not the link to the call, would anyone be able to help ?

Same here!

 

[Lopez2017]

Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon today about the Assessment Center?

Not yet. Will lyk