TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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.

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know if gowlings wlg sponsor work visas for international students and if kennedys test is automatic?

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam
@Amma Usman

Hey @User5678 , I’m unsure about the Kennedys question, but I presume Gowling sponsor’s visa’s for the training contract (unlikely for a VS). I haven’t seen this from the firm’s website directly, but multiple sources show this. If in doubt, feel free to email HR.

I’m sure @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu will have more thoughts on this.

 

[patternteddybear]

Received an email from HSF that I scored over the benchmark and my application is now under review ✅ Very happy as my personality test feedback seemed rather weird when I was automatically sent to me yesterday!

 

[Amma Usman]

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

Hey @SamaraJ ,

The question wants you to focus on the life experiences that have shaped your unique perspective. These can be anything from facing a challenge to experiencing something completely new. The key is showing how those experiences have developed qualities or perspectives that would help you succeed on the insight scheme (and eventually as a future trainee, since you’ll also be later assessed for a longer placement).

For this question, you can use the STAR method to structure your answer:

• Situation: Start by describing a personal experience or challenge you've faced. This could be anything from adapting to a new culture, overcoming adversity, or leading an initiative. It’s important to show how it gave you a fresh perspective.
• Task: What responsibility or role did you take on in that situation? For example, did you take the lead on a project, support others, or push for change in some way?
• Action: Then, explain what specific steps you took to address the situation or make the most of it. How did you tackle the challenge or make an impact?
• Result: Finally, wrap up by explaining the outcome. What did you learn from the experience, and how did it shape you? Connect this back to how it will help you succeed on the Insight Scheme.

While the scheme is a diversity scheme, the question doesn’t ask you to focus too much on that. Instead, talk about your perspective and why it’s valuable. For example, if you’ve led or been involved in any initiatives around diversity, it’s a good idea to mention that.

Also, I remember that the scheme includes a day at Peloton, so think about how you’ll benefit from interacting with a different industry and how your unique perspective can contribute to that.

Hope that helps! And best of luck with the apps!

 

[Wannabe_Lawyer]

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

That's odd as they say they recruit on a non-rolling basis on the FAQs...

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

That's odd as they say they recruit on a non-rolling basis on the FAQs...

Pinsent Masons closed on the 5/11 I’m sure. It did state that on legal cheek and their website. This is for the direct TC London. It also said they plan to hold Assessment days in December. They’ve probably reviewing given they have tests, video interviews and written assessments I doubt it’ll be a fast turn around.They are non rolling

 

[nodustollens]

DLA AC invite!

 

[Tintin06]

Watson Glaser advice most welcome please. Got one coming up for CC.

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Would it be acceptable and beneficial to include a vacation scheme offer that I have accepted (but not yet started) in other VS applications' work experience sections? I'm thinking one line saying that I have been offered the place and will soon start

 

[nodustollens]

This video and the cheat sheet attached really helped my approach.

Watson Glaser advice most welcome please. Got one coming up for CC.

 

[mfuturetrainee]

I came across this really interesting read that was done by 'The Times' and it was this article about young junior lawyers:https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/26-year-old-lawyer-140k-2v3djs9bc

(for all my peeps who don't have a subscription to it: https://archive.ph/VlbL7 (I gotchu))

obviously it didn't say anything I didnt expect, but its sometimes shocking to read the reality for some people!

 

[Tom smith]

Hi, has anyone done a BCLP interview?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

I came across this really interesting read that was done by 'The Times' and it was this article about young junior lawyers:https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/26-year-old-lawyer-140k-2v3djs9bc

(for all my peeps who don't have a subscription to it: https://archive.ph/VlbL7 (I gotchu))

obviously it didn't say anything I didnt expect, but its sometimes shocking to read the reality for some people!

this is brutal!!!

 

[andrecsaa]

Does Taylor Wessing email back to let you know whether you passed their test?

Probably not. I completed their test and one hour later I received the email saying “Following the completion of the test, and a careful screening process, we unfortunately will not be progressing with your application.”

I do not believe it would be feasible to “carefully” review the application + test results in one hour.

So for now I believe that no news is good news. You might have reached their benchmark and they are reviewing your application.

 

[lolasparks]

DLA AC invite!

Well done!! Can I ask what office?

 

[nodustollens]

Well done!! Can I ask what office?

thank you! and London

 

[axele]

Still in time to apply for Bird & Bird VS? As they are rolling?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Would it be acceptable and beneficial to include a vacation scheme offer that I have accepted (but not yet started) in other VS applications' work experience sections? I'm thinking one line saying that I have been offered the place and will soon start

I wouldn’t include it in work experience but reference it elsewhere in an application. For instance, you could make a brief statement in a motivational question that you are looking forward to the scheme.

 

[LawyerUpPal]

I came across this really interesting read that was done by 'The Times' and it was this article about young junior lawyers:https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/26-year-old-lawyer-140k-2v3djs9bc

(for all my peeps who don't have a subscription to it: https://archive.ph/VlbL7 (I gotchu))

obviously it didn't say anything I didnt expect, but its sometimes shocking to read the reality for some people!

This was a very interesting read. Thank you for sharing. "I’ve seen [partners] throw things at trainees." I am genuinely nervous for anyone with a snowflake mentality entering this profession. I don't think anything justifies partners treating their juniors this way, but the harsh reality is that this profession is stressful because of the high stakes involved for firms and their clients. I am developing a thick skin now so that I can take constructive, critical or even less-than-polite criticism without internalising victimhood. Otherwise, I will most certainly flunk out of the profession.