TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

Some interesting news for those considering Herbert Smith Freehills. I feel old as I remember their first merger!

Herbert Smith Freehills in Merger Talks with Kramer Levin

Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Franke plan to merge to create one of the 20 largest law firms in the world with more than $2 billion in revenue, the firms said in a statement.

news.bloomberglaw.com

 

[stargazed]

In no more than 500 words, please tell us about your extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility and an achievement of importance which you are most proud of.
How will these experiences help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer?
How closely intertwined to CC should our answer be? How much of our interest in specific practice areas, legal tech be embedded in our answer? Or is this question mainly focused on your extracurriculars and how this would help you as a trainee?

 

[l789]

In no more than 500 words, please tell us about your extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility and an achievement of importance which you are most proud of.
How will these experiences help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer?
How closely intertwined to CC should our answer be? How much of our interest in specific practice areas, legal tech be embedded in our answer? Or is this question mainly focused on your extracurriculars and how this would help you as a trainee?

I can advise ( if you want to dm) as I had this question for their insight day and made a successful application

 

[Jessica Booker]

I am slightly confused about the BDB Pitmans application window as their VS or TC are not live yet. Last year they mentioned their TC would be opened until July on their website and that just was not the case so I missed the opportunity to apply. Does anyone know when their applications open and close for this year? I have found so many different answers on their website...

I know there is a lot going on at the firm as they move to the Broadfield brand - so it maybe delayed because of that. I would drop them an email and see if they can give you any insight via there.

 

[TC seeker]

I didn't apply Linklaters' open day why they send me a PFO?

 

[elizabethkate]

for the mishcon vac scheme, the section on activities and achievements, did people put uni societies? what are we meant to put there? cause we can only do 4 work experiences, so figured it makes sense to do societies.

 

[LawyerUpPal]

I didn't apply Linklaters' open day why they send me a PFO?

Pre-emptive strike?

 

[TC seeker]

Pre-emptive strike?

I started a application but didn't submit it, not sure about their system

 

[jta227]

I started a application but didn't submit it, not sure about their system

Yep they do this, when I went to apply for an Open Day this year I saw a rejected VS app from last year even though I never even filled it in, merely clicked on the apply button once

 

[Izzy1026]

Who are Travers Smith's competitors? I see they are very well-balanced and traverse (all pun intended) many practice areas, should I be referring to their practice area/sector competitors or overall competitors?

 

[-legal-]

@Jessica Booker I am currently drafting an answer for Why firm and I was wondering if I quote 3 or 4 different lawyers at the firm that I have spoken to in my 300 word response is that fine or is it going overboard?

 

[safari3]

I didn't apply Linklaters' open day why they send me a PFO?

lol same!

 

[ashwright]

I can advise ( if you want to dm) as I had this question for their insight day and made a successful application

Super sorry to jump on this but - could I ask whether you approached each aspect distinctly? Thank you

 

[l789]

Super sorry to jump on this but - could I ask whether you approached each aspect distinctly? Thank you

Don’t apologise….Ask away!

Yes I did, I believe grad rec recommended one example for each - so one EC, one POR and one achievement you are most proud of.

I strongly recommend reflecting on your experience for each point , I found CC application required the most introspection, really make sure you tease out the key skills.

. CC are big on client service, and that is evident by how innovative they are with their global delivery centres, data experts etc. They also emphasise this in their four year strategy, key skill to talk about is client focus/service.

Structure is going to be so important for this application, I subtly signposted, and made sure every sentence served a purpose.

I’m happy to talk further in DMs because I could go into a lot more detail.

In any instance I wish you the best of luck with the application and hope you knock it out the park!

 

[Willgetthere]

for the mishcon vac scheme, the section on activities and achievements, did people put uni societies? what are we meant to put there? cause we can only do 4 work experiences, so figured it makes sense to do societies.

Yeah, last year I put down societies, positions of responsibility and achievements in terms of like winning a competition or a prize. I’d say don’t just list them but explain in depth your role, the result, what qualities or skills you picked up very briefly. I got through to the AC last year so hopefully that helps.

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Does A&O Shearman prefer prose or bullet points for WE section?

 

[Audric_T]

I started a application but didn't submit it, not sure about their system

Same - PFO without submitting an application. I think it's automatic if you don't complete the app. I started but because of the open day apps I got app fatigue. Plus I only really want 1 firm 🤷‍♂️

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker I am currently drafting an answer for Why firm and I was wondering if I quote 3 or 4 different lawyers at the firm that I have spoken to in my 300 word response is that fine or is it going overboard?

Four sounds a little too many unless you are grouping them together.

 

[yasmars]

I felt HSF’s report was way off, especially compared to other SJT results I’ve had - similar to you I chose answers that contradicted the report so not sure how they rate answers 👎🏻

So did I! Did you manage to pass it? I'm anticipating a rejection post test

 

[stargazed]

I didn't apply Linklaters' open day why they send me a PFO?

Same!!! Lol