TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[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

 

[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!!

 

[B101]

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.

So sorry to hear this. Don’t give up yet, all it takes it one yes and all the rejections don’t matter. Maybe have someone look over your applications to see where you can improve. This application process is ruthless but your resilience is what will get you there. Good luck!

 

[BillSikes]

Is their a way of muting words and phrases on here?

 

[JessicaTC27]

Willkie Written Exercise!🫣

Congrats! When do you have to take it or have they just given you a deadline to submit it by? Also is it virtual or in person?

 

[JessicaTC27]

Goodwin Interview invite!!

Congrats! When’s the interview and is it virtual or in person in London if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[BBsharkk]

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.

After seeing your answer I know I'm 100% cooked 😂
I don't even know where you found all this research and information lol. Having very high hopes for you progressing 💪🏻

 

[yasmars]

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.

This is really well-written! I’d be surprised if you don’t get an interview!!

 

[1234578]

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!

Congrats- Out of interest when did you get the invite

 

[Ricky]

After seeing your answer I know I'm 100% cooked 😂
I don't even know where you found all this research and information lol. Having very high hopes for you progressing 💪🏻

All available on their website 😊
Thank you.

 

[Legallywhatever]

Is anyone still planning to apply to SH? Before I start properly writing out essay-style answers to the questions... They're rolling but say they don't fill out spaces until after the deadline so just wanna check if it will be worth it