TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Someoneinlaw]

Does anyone have a discount or free log in for assessment day(the preparation website) please ?🥺

 

[Paul Jules Steullet]

Anyone have a GD second interview coming up? Definitely have some insights you need!

 

[Paul Jules Steullet]

It’s such a shame that in our desperation to secure vacation schemes and TC’s that we often forget our own value- how much these firms would be lucky to have us. Because we forget our worth and apply en masse to these firms, they understandably create ways to siphon our applications without even giving them a cursory glance- applications that we spend days, weeks and even months perfecting.

I wonder if enough of us stopped applying to firms that give these downright silly assessments (especially NRF) that allow them to dismiss our applications without even giving them a read is the way forward. The American firms have all but given up on the WG and other similar tests to their credit and when you meet their lawyers the difference is very evident from the magic circle/ silver circle cookie-cutter candidates that are often more or less all the same (Slaughters). I’ve been very lucky this year with applications; however, if I have to do a third cycle next year I will not be applying to any firms that disregard my efforts as a candidate by not even reading my application instead dismissing it based on some archaic assessment system that doesn’t truly gauge a candidate’s potential. Ultimately, I want to invest my energy in firms that genuinely value individuality, recognise diverse experiences, and are prepared to look beyond test scores to appreciate the full picture of who I am and what I bring to the table. We all should.

 

[simplyfaith]

Paul, Weiss theory:

They may be looking for applicants who also have a good amount of legal experience too, kinda like a direct TC applicant would. Would you think considering its their first ever cohort, they would want students fresh out of uni with no experience? Just a thought I might be wrong

I'm going to say this isn't the case, on the basis that they put a lot of emphasis on wanting to develop a strong pathway from trainee to partnership. While this was mainly from the perspective that it fosters stronger teams compared to lateral hiring, I think it also demonstrates a commitment to growing talent from a fresh slate. They'll have to eventually, and they already have more than enough lawyers of all experience levels. Passing on those without legal experience feels against their current philosophy. They are a business, and those with more legal experience might appear a strong short-term move. However, I feel it would be a long-term detriment. At least on a micro scale. I assume they would take a balanced approach. That's my thinking, at least.

 

[cashshmoney]

Has anyone here done the critical thinking test for DAC Beachcroft and how did you find it! Is it a watson glaser and i'm hoping it's not too difficult 🥲

Hey, have you done the test? Was it an SJT or Watson Glaser?

 

[Amakaa]

I'm going to say this isn't the case, on the basis that they put a lot of emphasis on wanting to develop a strong pathway from trainee to partnership. While this was mainly from the perspective that it fosters stronger teams compared to lateral hiring, I think it also demonstrates a commitment to growing talent from a fresh slate. They'll have to eventually, and they already have more than enough lawyers of all experience levels. Passing on those without legal experience feels against their current philosophy. They are a business, and those with more legal experience might appear a strong short-term move. However, I feel it would be a long-term detriment. At least on a micro scale. I assume they would take a balanced approach. That's my thinking, at least.

Paul mentioned during the open day that they ideally prefer students who can start their training contracts next year. As a result, it is highly likely that career changers, final-year students, and graduates will be prioritized. I'm uncertain how many of the 10 offers will go to penultimate-year students. I asked Paul if he knew what percentage of TC offers would allow for a start date in 2027. He stylishly avoided answering, saying that if there were outstanding applications that could start in 2027, those candidates would definitely receive an offer. I just want to raise awareness among penultimate-year students like me not to feel discouraged, even if you have a strong application, as the firm needs trainees as soon as possible.

 

[jfb]

I did it last year and got the scheme. There’s nothing I could tell you to help you do better on it. You just have to attempt it and do your best. It was tough and you’ll need a calculator.

Okay thanks! What about the video interview, how many qs did they ask roughly, and how much about the firm?

 

[Ricky]

I haven't heard back from P,W yet but this was my answer. I focused on linking each paragraph back to the client and what it means for them.

Paul, Weiss’s full-service offering, underpinned by sponsor-side financial expertise, supports private equity clients from fund formation to IPO. Two-thirds of London lawyers specialise in private equity and debt finance, enabling Paul, Weiss to provide tailored, flexible financing strategies that balance stakeholder priorities. In TDR Capital’s acquisition of Acqua & Sapone, Paul, Weiss structured €400 million fixed-rate and €450 million floating-rate notes listed on the Euro MTF to attract institutional investors and secure competitive pricing alongside a €130 million revolving credit facility. This combination met the client’s unique needs by optimising the cost of capital and providing liquidity for funding the acquisition and post-transaction for strategic growth, exemplifying Paul, Weiss’s ability to deliver value-driven financing strategies.

Coordinating advice across London, New York, and Brussels for General Atlantic’s Kyriba investment exemplified Paul, Weiss’s “one-firm” culture. The absence of billing targets eliminates internal competition, prioritising knowledge sharing and high-quality advice over billable hours. This enabled Paul, Weiss to reconcile US-UK tax frameworks and structure equity and financing arrangements that safeguarded General Atlantic’s minority investment and advanced Kyriba’s treasury technology leadership. Additionally, a capacity manager ensures efficient resource allocation, keeping critical activities like due diligence and financing coordination on track. AI tools like Harvey enhance this process by identifying red flags early and facilitating informed risk and deal viability assessments. This enables Paul Weiss to manage accelerated auction timelines, mitigate cross-border tax inefficiencies and deliver enhanced investor protections, all while securing strategic market positioning for clients.


Expanding partnership by 54% with 16 strategic hires in 2024 exemplified Paul, Weiss’s ambitious growth trajectory. Recruiting former TDR General Counsel David Holdsworth, whose unique insight into sponsor priorities strengthens the firm’s ability to anticipate TDR-specific challenges, structure tailored financing, and drive long-term portfolio growth, reinforced Paul, Weiss’s position as a trusted adviser for transformative private equity investments.

 

[cwhite233]

Paul, Weiss theory:

They may be looking for applicants who also have a good amount of legal experience too, kinda like a direct TC applicant would. Would you think considering its their first ever cohort, they would want students fresh out of uni with no experience? Just a thought I might be wrong

I don't think this is the case! I have 2 years corporate legal experience, a first from a RG uni and PE experience and still got a PFO hahah

 

[xanderlawyer]

I haven't heard back from P,W yet but this was my answer. I focused on linking each paragraph back to the client and what it means for them.

Paul, Weiss’s full-service offering, underpinned by sponsor-side financial expertise, supports private equity clients from fund formation to IPO. Two-thirds of London lawyers specialise in private equity and debt finance, enabling Paul, Weiss to provide tailored, flexible financing strategies that balance stakeholder priorities. In TDR Capital’s acquisition of Acqua & Sapone, Paul, Weiss structured €400 million fixed-rate and €450 million floating-rate notes listed on the Euro MTF to attract institutional investors and secure competitive pricing alongside a €130 million revolving credit facility. This combination met the client’s unique needs by optimising the cost of capital and providing liquidity for funding the acquisition and post-transaction for strategic growth, exemplifying Paul, Weiss’s ability to deliver value-driven financing strategies.

Coordinating advice across London, New York, and Brussels for General Atlantic’s Kyriba investment exemplified Paul, Weiss’s “one-firm” culture. The absence of billing targets eliminates internal competition, prioritising knowledge sharing and high-quality advice over billable hours. This enabled Paul, Weiss to reconcile US-UK tax frameworks and structure equity and financing arrangements that safeguarded General Atlantic’s minority investment and advanced Kyriba’s treasury technology leadership. Additionally, a capacity manager ensures efficient resource allocation, keeping critical activities like due diligence and financing coordination on track. AI tools like Harvey enhance this process by identifying red flags early and facilitating informed risk and deal viability assessments. This enables Paul Weiss to manage accelerated auction timelines, mitigate cross-border tax inefficiencies and deliver enhanced investor protections, all while securing strategic market positioning for clients.


Expanding partnership by 54% with 16 strategic hires in 2024 exemplified Paul, Weiss’s ambitious growth trajectory. Recruiting former TDR General Counsel David Holdsworth, whose unique insight into sponsor priorities strengthens the firm’s ability to anticipate TDR-specific challenges, structure tailored financing, and drive long-term portfolio growth, reinforced Paul, Weiss’s position as a trusted adviser for transformative private equity investments.

Fantastic research and good commercial analysis. Think you can improve the structure of the answer by making clear points at the start of the paragraph and then substantiating this point with the evidence and explanation.

 

[floral.tcla]

Any tips for not being an inarticulate mess in an interview? X

I’ve been practicing in the mirror/recording myself and ongggg my mind blanks so bad😫

 

[lawstudent2]

Any tips for not being an inarticulate mess in an interview? X

I’ve been practicing in the mirror/recording myself and ongggg my mind blanks so bad😫

I found that practicing w a friend on a walk or whilst doing something else like cooking really helped, it took away the pressure of them just staring at you so my answers flowed more naturally and I could build confidence in them

 

[Legallywhatever]

Any tips for not being an inarticulate mess in an interview? X

I’ve been practicing in the mirror/recording myself and ongggg my mind blanks so bad😫

For me, it helps when I remember that me and the interviewers are essentially just having a conversation! They're sat in front of you to listen to you, and if you maintain confidence in that (fake it till you make it), then it kind of alleviates some nerves!!

Adding on: it's okay to pause for a few seconds (obv not too long) and gather your thoughts before answering/ continuing an answer. This has rly helped me be more articulate (hopefully) lol

 

[Laur2cj]

if you have any tips for the SPB VI would be grateful- any commercial awareness, etc - dm please!

 

[Kakaboo]

In a similar situation. I fear they don’t sent out rolling rejection to those post-VI, so this is likely to be a PFO.

People have already had vac scheme offers so it’s not looking great.

I’ve only seen London office replies so a little hope but I’m expecting nothing… my VI was awful to be fair haha

 

[Kakaboo]

Hi, hope everyone is doing well ❤️ I have been asked the question

'Please provide three examples (with relevant detail) of how we as a law firm differs from our competitors?' (200 words)

Would I be able to mention how at an Open Day a partner mentioned that they moved from another A&O Shearman as this firm was more collaborative. Or does it need to have more of a legal/client focus rather than cultural/internal?

That sounds like a good reason!! And then state how that impacts the client and maybe a bit about how you would fit into that. I’d say use 2 examples

 

[daniyalmmirza]

I got the Paul, Weiss PFO but what was really funny to me was that in the email they said, "thank you for your application to the Spring Vacation Scheme" I applied for the Summer Vacation Scheme...
Anyways this is going to be my last cycle - 4 unsuccessful cycles, 0 applications progressed past the first stage. Figured I could overcome my poor A-Levels and first degree's GPA but alas I am the architect of my own demise.

 

[sc13]

Hi everyone,

I’m preparing for the Charles Russell Speechlys Video Interview and would appreciate any insights on what to expect. Are the questions mostly competency-based, commercial, or a mix? Any tips on standing out since it’s the final stage?

Tagging @Ram Sabaratnam for guidance thanks in advance!

 

[floral.tcla]

I found that practicing w a friend on a walk or whilst doing something else like cooking really helped, it took away the pressure of them just staring at you so my answers flowed more naturally and I could build confidence in them

Thank you 🫶

 

[floral.tcla]

For me, it helps when I remember that me and the interviewers are essentially just having a conversation! They're sat in front of you to listen to you, and if you maintain confidence in that (fake it till you make it), then it kind of alleviates some nerves!!

Adding on: it's okay to pause for a few seconds (obv not too long) and gather your thoughts before answering/ continuing an answer. This has rly helped me be more articulate (hopefully) lol

Thank you ☺️ True!!