TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[SamaraJ]

Is anyone applying to FieldFisher's diversity access scheme?

I am having trouble with creating a strong answer to this question: Describe the personal life experiences that have given you the unique perspective you would bring as a insight scheme participant at Fieldfisher, and how this perspective will support your success. (800 characters)

if anyone has any tips on how best to approach this question that would be great

 

[Uch21]

Does anyone know whether OC's Bristol office offers a seat in IP? And whether this would include patents? Torn between Bristol and London!!

They only offer IP disputes in the London office. You can find all the seats they offer here. https://join.osborneclarke.com/training-and-development

 

[cjwx]

Literally!!!! Where did you sign up for this event?

Allaboutlaw

 

[bsh]

Hi, I aim to get back to everyone within 15 working days of the deadline. Sometimes there is a short delay and this is simply due to busy-ness. I do get back to all candidates as soon as I possibly can.

Thank you Gemma!

 

[Tintin06]

Congrats on your apps! Can I ask what you've applied for in relation to S&C? I was under the impression that graduates could only apply for their TC, not the VS, but I might have read it wrong!

Vacation Scheme. I guess I’ll apply for the TC as well.

 

[legal_student2024]

Hello! I thought the Pinsent Masons app deadline for London was the 28th November (as stated on Legal Cheek), but on their website it now says they are only taking applications for their other offices? Has anyone heard anything regarding this? I assume its because they did rolling confirmations, but would super helpful to know if there is now no point submitting an app.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Hello! I thought the Pinsent Masons app deadline for London was the 28th November (as stated on Legal Cheek), but on their website it now says they are only taking applications for their other offices? Has anyone heard anything regarding this? I assume its because they did rolling confirmations, but would super helpful to know if there is now no point submitting an app.

Hey I applied 23.10.24 and haven’t heard anything back, not sure if they’ve now closed apps!

 

[ashwright]

I sent them an email three weeks ago, as am in the same position as you, 15/11 they replied saying they are still reviweing applications....

That's a shame they didn't give anything concrete - I might try emailing them to see if they can give us a rough estimate at this point

 

[g.cl.2020344]

That's a shame they didn't give anything concrete - I might try emailing them to see if they can give us a rough estimate at this point

Yeah that’s a good idea- just some more clarity would be helpful

 

[g.cl.2020344]

has anyone else received any update from w&c this week lol

Nope! Have you?

 

[gimmeavacschemepls]

has anyone else received any update from w&c this week lol

Still haven't heard back post VI - assuming it will be a PFO at this point lol.

 

[unknownnn7372]

Nope! Have you?

Ah not yet! Still waiting post ac, think it might be a PFO at this point

 

[ttyl]

I applied to Slaughter and May last month (Oct 19) for the direct TC and still haven't heard back. Do I take that as a PFO since they recruit on a rolling basis and I don't believe they wouldn't have seen my application by now...

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

I applied to Slaughter and May last month (Oct 19) for the direct TC and still haven't heard back. Do I take that as a PFO since they recruit on a rolling basis and I don't believe they wouldn't have seen my application by now...

They get around 3000 applications so they may not have gotten to yours yet

 

[AveragePoster]

Hi, if anyone has experience of Clyde & Co's Digital Simulation Assessment I'd really appreciate any help.

1. Is the entire assessment recorded, or just the video interview questions?
2. I'm aware it is untimed, but can you "leave" and resume at a later point?
3. It says approx. 45-60 mins, but if anyone knows specifically how many written and video questions there are, that would be great.

Thank you!

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know what grades successful applicants to King and Spalding get? Only see firsts on LinkedIn.

@Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

Hey @vishnu , the firm has no minimum A-Level requirements. I have seen from other sources, not the firm directly, that the firm does not have degree requirements either. However, in any case which is not confirmed by the firm, I suspect a 2:1 or better.

 

[Hghasvision]

Does anyone know how to get the Bronze Membership verified

@Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is being a campus ambassador for a law firm considered a position of responsibility or work experience? Or can it be both, allowing me to be flexible in my answers? Thanks!

It can be either, but I would put it as work experience, especially where they are typically paid positions.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,

I am doing my application for CMS but I am struggling to understand what separates the firm compared to its competitors and who its competitors are. Does anyone have any insights?

Hey @DesperateForVac ,

I remember some points on the firm’s approach when I was applying for first year schemes. I’ve included some of them below, together with a mix of recent updates (I’ve linked a recent article below as well).

I believe CMS distinguishes itself through its global organisational structure. Unlike many global law firms, CMS has not yet established a strong presence in the U.S. legal market. However, the firm has expressed intentions to expand into the U.S. In August 2024, CMS reported a 5% revenue growth and outlined a strategic shift towards global expansion, including evaluating smaller U.S. firms for potential partnerships. Legal News Feed - LINK HERE. It seems a lot of firms are swaying towards this move - take the potential HSF/Kramer merger for example.

The firm is also organised by sectors not practice areas, which enables CMS to provide tailored services in sectors such as real estate, energy, and financial services. Additionally, CMS diversifies its revenue streams by offering tax advisory services alongside legal services.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,

I am doing my application for CMS but I am struggling to understand what separates the firm compared to its competitors and who its competitors are. Does anyone have any insights?

Hey @DesperateForVac , just building on my last response. I often use a trick to find a law firm’s competitors. It’s quite easy to implement and has saved me a lot of time.

First, look at X firm’s core practice areas.

Second, search what Chamber’s Rankings it has in that areas.

Third, check other firms with the same or similar rankings.

Fourth, check the type and scope of the deals they carry out - are they working with small enterprises or mid-market, for example? Which other firms work with those types of clients in that sector.

Ta’daaaa ! Those will likely be the firm‘s key competitors.

If a competing firm has been named more than once in that four-step approach, then they are likely to be a guaranteed competitor.

In CMS’ context, I advise looking on firms with a similarly strong tax offering.