Congrats!! When did you apply and when is your VI set to take place and did they offer multiple dates to choose from? (I’m thinking of applying next year)
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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Congrats!! When did you apply and when is your VI set to take place and did they offer multiple dates to choose from? (I’m thinking of applying next year)Hey everyone, I've just received a Willkie VI invite! A big win for me, so I would really appreciate any insights or advice please (I am yet to successfully pass a VI stage...) thank you
Is it ok if we use abbreviations for firms while writing cover letters or answers to questions... For instance, is it ok if we say "White & Case" once and then the subsequent ones employ the abbreviation "W&C", or do they mind?
Other examples, HL for Hogan Lovells, S&C for Sullivan & Cromwell, L&W for Latham & Watkins, etc..
Other examples, HL for Hogan Lovells, S&C for Sullivan & Cromwell, L&W for Latham & Watkins, etc..
Probably fine but I’d check what abbreviation they use (if you can find it through research).
For example Trowers & Hamlins seem to be ‘Trowers’ rather than T&H.
i've done it all the time and been fine! i always write out the full name then in brackets the abbreviation when first mentioning it
for latham & watkins tho, i'd choose latham over l&w bc i've heard far more people just say latham, but that might just be a personal preference
Jessica Booker
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This varies from firm to firm.
For instance, Latham & Watkins can just be referred to as Latham rather than L&W. The firm themselves shorten it to Latham on their website.
If a firm’s name is only two words like Hogan Lovells, I don’t think it needs to be shortened.
Can I please ask when you applied and if this was for the summer vac scheme?
That Debevoise application was a marathon, I am so burnt out looool
Firstly congrats on making it to the VI stage - that’s very impressive because it is super competitive.
I did my Willkie VI last week and this is also my first cycle so I was really unsure as to what to expect in a VI as well because it was my first this cycle!
In terms of what to expect or how to prepare, in the VI invite email it says that it will cover motivation and strengths, commercial knowledge and awareness, and an understanding of law firms, so I would ensure to focus on these sorts of questions.
I would advise to go over your application so you have a clear idea of what you wrote for the standard motivation questions but then as part of preparation, do some additional research so that in the VI you are not just simply repeating everything again.
Additionally, I would practice answering questions under timed conditions. You can using the practice test link which is in the second email you will have received (the same email that has the link to the actual VI platform). The practice test link is at the bottom of the email under the name of the recruiter (Gemma).
You will have four questions in total with about 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to then answer each question - use the 30 seconds as time to collect your thoughts and form a plan of how you will structure your answers. Do not use this time to think of your answers to the questions because that will inevitably lead to an unsuccessful VI.
Lastly, best of luck with the VI and don’t worry about feeling nervous it’s perfectly fine! I was super nervous myself!
Side note: I don’t know the outcome of my VI yet as I only did it last week
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