TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[jacksollaf]

Has anyone heard from Debevoise & Plimpton yet post app for the open day?

not yet, but I'm impatiently waiting because it's my among my top 3 of what I have left (Gibson, K&S and Debevoise)

 

[Amma Usman]

This may have been asked already but... I have an in-person AC interview coming up and I believe that there will be (at a minimum) two fee-earners interviewing me. When one of them asks me a question, and I have to respond, should I look at both interviewers back-and-forth when responding? Or should I only focus on the person that’s asked me?

Alternatively, does it depend on the question/who is writing notes on my answers lol💀

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman

Hey,

This is a really valid question.

When I was interviewing, I would look at both interviewers regardless of who asked the question. This is because it’s like any conversation… even like the ones you have with friends. Subconsciously, you look at every one of your friends in convos to engage all of them on what you’re saying. Good eye contact is a keeper of many conversations. If you don’t look at one person in a group of people, they will not be completely engaged in what you have to say. That said, you should still have main eye contact with the person who actually asked the question. This is a difficult balance to strike, which I appreciate. However, do make it natural and you’ll be fine!

 

[MaryAra299]

Also what is the benchmark for passing PW amberjack does anyone know? How can we calculate the overall percentage that we scored including verbal and numeric reasoning?

 

[Chris Brown]

Also what is the benchmark for passing PW amberjack does anyone know? How can we calculate the overall percentage that we scored including verbal and numeric reasoning?

I don’t think anyone will know what the SJT benchmark is because we are all doing the test for the first time. I imagine Paul, Weiss don’t even have a fixed benchmark determined yet. I hope it isn’t too high though. 🥲🥲

If each pillar is scored out of 9 and there is 4 pillars, the total is out it 36. If you add up the scores and it exceeds 18 that would be 50%. I guess that’s one way to figure out the score. 🙂🙂

Not sure how it works when adding the numerical and verbal reasoning scores. I guess we just have to hope for the best! 🥲🥲

 

[vr36]

Has anyone heard or emailed Weil to ask for an update?

 

[bb123]

When did you apply?

05/09/24

 

[Alessio1642]

Has anyone heard or emailed Weil to ask for an update?

Haha Freshfields rejection today I am PRAYING for some good news from Weil!

 

[ren1110]

Wait, are we being assessed on how fast we complete the SJT? I thought it was untimed 🥲

me too! Is it timed?

 

[legallycurly]

Honestly does anyone know when Linklaters will respond re AC?

Was this for the summer scheme or spring?

 

[marisachr]

Anyone heard from Taylor Wessing post written exercise?

 

[rapunzel]

Has anyone heard from Debevoise & Plimpton yet post app for the open day?

Could have sworn they also stated the open days would start in Feb-March.

 

[ren1110]

Osborne Clarke virtual AC!

congratulations! when did you apply?

 

[LiveLaughLawyer]

Anyone heard from Freshfields ?

 

[jacksollaf]

Could have sworn they also stated the open days would start in Feb-March.

I hope they reply soon, cuz I won't be in London anytime soon

 

[toad92]

any insights on white & case vi would be very appreciated, can give insights on bakers VI, ff AC, hsf AC🫶🏻🫶🏻

 

[anon78365222111]

Has anyone got a reply from Baker McKenzie post AC?

 

[zoobla20]

This may be a silly question but with spring/summer vac schemes, how does giving out TC offers work? Would a firm allocate 50% to each so as not to disadvantage the later scheme or would they make all their TC offers after the final summer scheme (even for those who had a spring scheme)? Thank you!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

any insights on white & case vi would be very appreciated, can give insights on bakers VI, ff AC, hsf AC🫶🏻🫶🏻

Congrats! When did u apply/ get the VI invite?

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone have any advice regarding an application question which asks what is your unique selling point and why? Would it be advisable to talk about skills or past work experience here?

Yes, it would be advisable to talk about skills or past work experience, but the key is to frame them in a way that highlights what makes you stand out. A "unique selling point" (USP) should focus on what differentiates you from other applicants; this could be a combination of your skills, experiences, background, or personal attributes.

If you have a particularly strong or uncommon work experience (e.g., a mix of legal, financial, and regulatory experience), that could be a great angle. Alternatively, if your skill set is distinctive (e.g., ability to bridge legal and commercial considerations effectively), you could focus on that.

For example, you could say:

"My unique selling point is my ability to combine legal expertise with commercial insight, developed through my experience at X,Y, and Z. Having worked in legal, compliance, and financial roles, I understand not only the legal frameworks governing transactions but also the strategic considerations that drive them. This enables me to add value beyond legal analysis by anticipating commercial implications. For example, taking part in X task where I X, I applied knowledge from all three listed domains which resulted in….”

For questions like this, you can really talk about anything! It’s not about the USP itself, it’s about how you link it back to your experiences and self which could demonstrate some strong candidacy.

 

[ish12345]

Any advice for the Macfarlanes AC?