@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else please feel free to respond to this: Where can i find guidance on how to perform well on a vacation scheme and the final interview on the vacation scheme for converting it to a TC?
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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I haven’t had to answer this specifically but one similar, and I talked about technology and AI. Unoriginal, perhaps, but I was successful because I answered it well.
There’s lots to talk about there, including improving infrastructure to prepare for new technology, AI policy, Kier Starmer wanting to make the UK an AI hub (which can also form an opportunity for law firms), changing client expectations as a result of it, etc.
You could also talk about ongoing market uncertainty and the challenge that poses, etc.
I don’t think you have to stress about going too far outside the box so long as you explain what’s in the box well
Going outside the box is always a great addition though, of course.
An update on my unsuccessfully successful application cycle; 65 applications, 44 rejections so far, 1 offer, and 20 still pending (including awaiting 3 interview outcomes)...
HFW (offer ✅ ✅ ✅ )
Gibson Dunn ❌ post-vi
Baker McKenzie ❌
Allen & Shearman | ❌
Goodwin ❌
Pinsent Masons |❌
Mayer Brown |❌
Skadden ❌
Morrison Foerster
Slaughter & May | ❌
Jones Day | ❌
Cooley ❌
Linklaters
Willkie Farr & Gallagher | ❌
Latham & Watkins
Forsters LLP ❌
TLT
Dechert LLP ❌
Orrick
BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
Paynes Hicks Beach
Eversheds ❌
Clyde & Co ❌
Addleshaw Goddard LLP
Kirkland ❌
Covington LLP ❌
White & Case ❌
Macfarlanes ❌
UN Legal Affairs Intern
Clifford Chance Dubai | ❌
Weil | ❌
Katten
Charles Russel Speechlys ❌
King & Spalding (TC)
Quinn Emmanuel (Paris) ❌
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP ❌
Legal intern at random company in Scotland ❌ (ghosted so probably not)
Deloitte ❌
Vison & Elkins ❌
Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
Walker Morris ❌
CMS ❌
Hogan Lovells ❌
Osborne Clarke ❌
Davis Polk ❌
RPC
Ropes & Gray
Paul Weiss ❌
Squire Patton Boggs ❌
Mills & Reeve ❌
Simmons & Simmons
Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
Withers (TC)
Joelson ❌
Capsticks LLP | ❌
Gowling WLG ❌
Gide Loyrette Nouel London ❌ (ghosted)
DAC Beachcroft (TC)
Howes Spercival
PwC |❌
Cleary Gottlieb | ❌
Reed Smith | ❌
Farrer & Co ❌
Shoosmiths
Freshfields ❌
Debevoise & Plimpton ❌
Greenberg Traurig (TC)
Lockton ❌
Watson Farley & Williams ❌
HSF ❌
Basically, still waiting to hear back from the following firms, out of my 65 applications 😂:
1. Morrison Foerster
2.Greenberg Traurig (TC)
3. Shoosmiths
4. Howes Spercival
5. DAC Beachcroft (TC)
6. Withers (TC)
7. Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
8. Simmons and Simmons
9. Ropes & Gray
10. RPC
11. Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
12. UN Legal Affairs Intern
13. Paynes Hicks Beach
14. BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
15. Orrick
16. TLT
17. Latham & Watkins
18. Linklaters
19. Katten
20. King & Spalding
HFW (offer ✅ ✅ ✅ )
Gibson Dunn ❌ post-vi
Baker McKenzie ❌
Allen & Shearman | ❌
Goodwin ❌
Pinsent Masons |❌
Mayer Brown |❌
Skadden ❌
Morrison Foerster
Slaughter & May | ❌
Jones Day | ❌
Cooley ❌
Linklaters
Willkie Farr & Gallagher | ❌
Latham & Watkins
Forsters LLP ❌
TLT
Dechert LLP ❌
Orrick
BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
Paynes Hicks Beach
Eversheds ❌
Clyde & Co ❌
Addleshaw Goddard LLP
Kirkland ❌
Covington LLP ❌
White & Case ❌
Macfarlanes ❌
UN Legal Affairs Intern
Clifford Chance Dubai | ❌
Weil | ❌
Katten
Charles Russel Speechlys ❌
King & Spalding (TC)
Quinn Emmanuel (Paris) ❌
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP ❌
Legal intern at random company in Scotland ❌ (ghosted so probably not)
Deloitte ❌
Vison & Elkins ❌
Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
Walker Morris ❌
CMS ❌
Hogan Lovells ❌
Osborne Clarke ❌
Davis Polk ❌
RPC
Ropes & Gray
Paul Weiss ❌
Squire Patton Boggs ❌
Mills & Reeve ❌
Simmons & Simmons
Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
Withers (TC)
Joelson ❌
Capsticks LLP | ❌
Gowling WLG ❌
Gide Loyrette Nouel London ❌ (ghosted)
DAC Beachcroft (TC)
Howes Spercival
PwC |❌
Cleary Gottlieb | ❌
Reed Smith | ❌
Farrer & Co ❌
Shoosmiths
Freshfields ❌
Debevoise & Plimpton ❌
Greenberg Traurig (TC)
Lockton ❌
Watson Farley & Williams ❌
HSF ❌
Basically, still waiting to hear back from the following firms, out of my 65 applications 😂:
1. Morrison Foerster
2.Greenberg Traurig (TC)
3. Shoosmiths
4. Howes Spercival
5. DAC Beachcroft (TC)
6. Withers (TC)
7. Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
8. Simmons and Simmons
9. Ropes & Gray
10. RPC
11. Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
12. UN Legal Affairs Intern
13. Paynes Hicks Beach
14. BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
15. Orrick
16. TLT
17. Latham & Watkins
18. Linklaters
19. Katten
20. King & Spalding
- Sep 7, 2024
- 1,044
- 1,303
Very well done on the AC! I have included some tips below;
Presentation:
- If it’s presenting on a business topic or advice to a client (I presume this would be the case), you would need to consider the pros and cons/ benefits or challenges, of the given topic at hand. At the end, a recommendation is usually asked, which should be thoughtful and flow from what you already discussed. Some people say that there is no point, for example, advising a client to go ahead with a deal that poses many challenges. Ultimately, this may be up to the client and their business goals, but as an avid legal and business advisor, you need to look at both sides and give a well-researched opinion.
- Confidence - it’s often a soft skill unspoken about in presentations, but quite important. There’s some sociological reasoning involved. Somebody once told me that sociologically, people are more likely to trust and engage with individuals who project certainty and composure, as confidence can create a perception of competence. In high-stakes environments like law firms, where clients and colleagues rely on assured decision-making, the ability to present with poise can set candidates apart.
Panel Interview:
- I would prepare for competency based, commercial, situational, etc, interviews, as you never know what might be asked. To avoid overwhelming yourself, I recommend this approach that has always personally helped me… know your CV and experiences very very very well. That way, whatever type of interview it is, you can easily link their question to your own experiences to show demonstrated interest. Commercial awareness questions are a bit different though. For that one, you actually really need to follow up on the news and the firm, as well as consider how certain changes impact their clients and the law firm itself. Some good sources are in the link I have provided here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/10-commercial-awareness-sources.9412/
- Sep 7, 2024
- 1,044
- 1,303
In situations like this, I usually ask for a moment to think. This helps me gather my thoughts and not go straight into the pressures of answering immediately, where I may otherwise waffle. Another thing is to just take a sip of water. I wouldn’t take the sip of water too often though, as this may do more harm than good. But, it should make way for a nice short pause to gather your thoughts too.
I applied on 10/12/24 and completed the test on 16/12/24. It basically took them 2 months to get back to me.
You might drown
hey, they didnt get back to me yet and its been almost 2 weeks, what about you? when was your AC
Super impressive! Congratulations on your successes so far and for getting so many applications done.
Out of curiosity, how long does it take you to complete an application? Are you able to share some of your go to sources that assist you in your applications? Totally understand if you don’t want to share!
anyone who did a crs vi have you heard back?
No, but I had a dream a few nights ago where I was doing a TC at Travers, so clearly I'm one step ahead
Thank you so much that is really helpfulHey,
I struggled with them too, but when I started paying close attention to the below, my responses got better. I’ve also included some more general prep tips. These are some of the feedback I got from firms during the process;
Best of luck, I know you will do great!
- Use of proper formalities. Who are you addressing? Have you used proper signatories? Good sign offs? Tone matters too based on the recipient.
- If a client, you don’t need to define basic things they know about their industry such as ESG, ROI, or similar stuff, for example.
- Look at the questions you are being asked first, before reading all the necessary materials. This ensures time maximisation. You focus mainly on what you need to address for that particular task. Be careful here, because some things overlap and may thus be useful. But, keeping this in mind certainly helps.
- Spelling mistakes - probably obvious, but certainly helps checking.
- Headings - helps make your work easier to read.
- Resources - there are freely available written exercises online, which helped me. TCLA’s written exercises also really did (I promise I’m not being biased haha) !
It's the exactly same for me!, I applied on 1st Sept because they recruit on a rolling basis and I spent so much time on my app. Why say you will recruit on a rolling basis when clearly interviewing backwards and giving offers out already? I don't think this is particularly fair. It's a shame because it was my first choice
I'm so glad I'm not alone in this. It was also one of my top firms, and am really disappointed tbh. Dyu think its aa rejection and we are just being ignored? It seems ridiculous to me to make offers for vac schemes before looking at all applications. @Jessica Booker would it be possible for you to explain this recruitment process? Thank youIt's the exactly same for me!, I applied on 1st Sept because they recruit on a rolling basis and I spent so much time on my app. Why say you will recruit on a rolling basis when clearly interviewing backwards and giving offers out already? I don't think this is particularly fair. It's a shame because it was my first choice
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