TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[member7830]

Same with White & Case - I'm not sure whether I should email

I emailed and just haven't gotten responses if that helps ahah

 

[jojo23]

Same question, I wanna cry now

Fr this feels like a violation 😭

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Does anyone know if Paul Hastings Work Placement converts to a TC or not?

Hiya @Alessio1642


Yes, having spoken to several trainees who completed the work placement in the previous application cycle, it seems they do consider participants on the work scheme placement for the training contract. Just bear in mind that you can also apply for the direct training contract, and that most of their training contract offers are made through that route. Hope that helps and good luck with the application!

 

[sack]

Any one have insights on Simmons & Simmons AC- including inbox exercise (I genuinely don't know what this would be like), client discussion exercise(what is this) and case study exercise and competency interview
, would be so appreciate on the insights given- can give insights on HL AC.

 

[Alessio1642]

Hiya @Alessio1642


Yes, having spoken to several trainees who completed the work placement in the previous application cycle, it seems they do consider participants on the work scheme placement for the training contract. Just bear in mind that you can also apply for the direct training contract, and that most of their training contract offers are made through that route. Hope that helps and good luck with the application!

Thank you so much!

 

[lawstudenttt2003]

anyone recieved an offer from Shoosmiths?

 

[Stonky04]

Anyone get a Katten AC?

I managed to

 

[a1024]

Hi, has anyone completed the video interview for the Legal internship at Amex?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @FLOWERYELLOW2002 , thanks for your question. I haven’t had any experience with Simmons in particular, but here are a few tips from the specific points you’ve mentioned:

Inbox Exercise

The inbox exercise simulates a real-life work scenario where you'll be managing multiple tasks and deadlines, often under time pressure. Typically, you'll be reviewing emails and responding appropriately. This could involve prioritizing client queries, drafting responses, and even summarizing complex information into clear, actionable advice.

In some cases, you might also be asked to write an electronic memo summarizing your thoughts and findings based on attached documents or client instructions. It’s important to maintain a professional tone and address client concerns clearly. I would suggest focusing on being concise yet thorough…clients value clarity and precision in legal advice.

In my experience, law firms want to see how well you manage your workload, respond to client needs, and communicate effectively. A good way to prepare is by practicing drafting succinct emails and memos, perhaps even setting a timer to simulate the time pressure you may face on the day.


Client Discussion

A client discussion exercise could involve advising a client on the surrounding circumstances of their case, often in the presence of a senior lawyer or partner. This task will test your ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and efficiently. The key here is to ensure you fully understand the client’s objectives…what they want to achieve from the matter…and provide tailored advice that addresses those concerns.

The client may ask questions on the spot, so it’s important to stay calm and think on your feet. They’ll be assessing your commercial awareness and understanding of how legal principles apply to business situations. Therefore, brushing up on recent commercial cases or trends in the sector can be beneficial. Whether you're discussing contract negotiations, regulatory issues, or disputes, having a broad understanding of the legal and business implications will help you shine.

If you’re preparing for a transactional firm, expect more corporate-focused discussions…think mergers, acquisitions, and private equity. For more contentious firms, the discussion may lean towards litigation or dispute resolution. Being aware of both areas is crucial, as even transactional clients will appreciate your awareness of potential disputes, and vice versa.

Case Study

Case studies at law firm assessment centres tend to focus on contemporary issues in the commercial world. You might be given an article on a specific industry, like energy, or a broader topic such as private equity or mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The task will usually involve analyzing the situation and advising on potential legal or business solutions. Firms are testing your ability to digest information, think critically, and apply your legal knowledge to real-world scenarios.

For example, in a case study involving M&A, you may need to advise on due diligence, regulatory concerns, or the structure of the deal. In a case centered around energy, you might need to discuss environmental regulations, contract risks, or the impact of geopolitical events. Be sure to structure your analysis logically: identify the key issues, consider possible solutions, and weigh the pros and cons of each option.

In my experience, transactional firms tend to center their case studies on corporate law issues, while contentious firms will have case studies focused more on litigation or regulatory concerns. However, showcasing knowledge of both will help you come across as a well-rounded candidate. It’s essential to demonstrate that you can consider both corporate and contentious aspects…this will highlight your versatility and make you a more attractive prospect.

General Tips

• Research the firm: Know their major practice areas, recent cases, and key clients. It helps to tailor your responses and demonstrate your commercial awareness.
• Time management: These exercises are often time-pressured, so practice managing your time effectively.
• Attention to detail: Commercial law demands precision, so take care in reviewing documents, drafting emails, and delivering advice.
• Clear communication: Whether in written tasks or discussions, make sure your points are clear, concise, and business-oriented.

Hope this helps!

Any one have insights on Simmons & Simmons AC- including inbox exercise (I genuinely don't know what this would be like), client discussion exercise(what is this) and case study exercise and competency interview
, would be so appreciate on the insights given- can give insights on HL AC.

Hey. I have made quite a detailed post on the Simmons AC in the past, which I have linked above.

 

[Bbhu19]

Hiya @Bbhu19

Just wanted to jump in and add to what @Andrei Radu has already said. Completely agree, it's quite difficult to find much information about the firm. I've tried to put some research together based on a quick google search, and hoping the information below is helpful to you.

1. Financials: I just looked through The Lawyer's most recent market report on US firms in the City (unfortunately paywalled), and it mentions that Katten’s London office has seen significant growth in recent years (both financially and in terms of its headcount). In 2023, revenue grew by 16.9%, reaching $23.8 million and thus up from $20.3 million the previous year. The firm’s global performance also looks quite good, as total revenue climbed by 5.2% to $781.6 million.

2. Key Practice Areas: The Lawyer's market report also mentions that a major driver of Katten’s success in London has been its focus on transactional work, particularly advising U.S. financial services clients operating internationally. Transatlantic work has been a key growth area, now making up 37% of the firm’s UK revenue and this apparently went up from just 21% in 2021. You may want to look into the following transactional matters in which the London office was involved, which I've found through looking at their Legal 500 profile and the firm's website:

• Leonardo Hotel’s £65 million acquisition of the Grand Brighton Hotel
• Authentic Brands Group on its takeover of Hunter Boot Limited
• Nordic fund manager Areim AB on a €1.5 billion logistics joint venture across the EU
• They are currently advising the liquidators of Lloyds Pharmacy following its insolvency

3. Talent and Headcount Growth: The firm appears to be growing its London team to align with its U.S. headquarters. It recently made some pretty impressive hires in transactional areas, particularly in its funds practice. You can read about these here, but they include funds partners Ryan Hansen and Thomas Laurer, as well as tax planning partner Daniel Lewin, who all joined from Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP.

This is just to help you get started on drafting answers to any application questions. Hope this helps and good luck with the application!

Thank you this is very helpful

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, has anyone completed the video interview for the Legal internship at Amex?

Hey,

I’m unsure about AMEX in particular, but these are some common questions that come up in such pre-recorded VI situations (non-exhaustive list).

1. Tell us about yourself.

2. Why do you want to work at our firm?

3. Why are you pursuing a career in commercial law?

4. Describe a time you worked in a team and faced a challenge. How did you overcome it?

5. Tell us about a time you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you manage your time effectively?

6. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing law firms today?

7. Describe a time you demonstrated strong attention to detail.

8. Give an example of a time you had to persuade someone to see things your way.

9. What skills or qualities do you think make a great commercial lawyer/in-house legal analyst?

10. Tell us about a recent commercial news story that interested you and why.

11. Why in-house/ differences with private practice law (or something within this spec).

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Any one have insights on Simmons & Simmons AC- including inbox exercise (I genuinely don't know what this would be like), client discussion exercise(what is this) and case study exercise and competency interview
, would be so appreciate on the insights given- can give insights on HL AC.

Congratulations!! Can I ask when you submitted the VI?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

anyone heard from CRS post VI for summer placement?

 

[legallyells]

anyone heard from CRS post VI for summer placement?

the wait is driving me crazy!!!! refreshing my emails constantly!!

 

[adrian_nlh]

Ok so this is borderline a conspiracy theory but I looked at last year's thread and Travers sent all pfo's on a single day in March. Maybe they just had that pfo day earlier this time and those of us still here are getting interviews? At the same time though, back then, no one got interviews after the pfo day, at least not on the forum (so it was kinda like the Ashurst pfo day, where the pfos were sent to anyone remaining)

I don't know. It could be that we're in the 'amber' pile, i.e. the reserve list in case those offered ACs do not accept. I don't know about Travers, but a lot of firms will have people they definitely don't want (red), people they definitely do want (green) and people in limbo (amber) who they'll pick up if green is too small. It could be that those who have received a PFO so far are in red and we're in amber because Travers have already begun giving out offers for their SVS.

 

[traineedreamer]

I don't know. It could be that we're in the 'amber' pile, i.e. the reserve list in case those offered ACs do not accept. I don't know about Travers, but a lot of firms will have people they definitely don't want (red), people they definitely do want (green) and people in limbo (amber) who they'll pick up if green is too small. It could be that those who have received a PFO so far are in red and we're in amber because Travers have already begun giving out offers for their SVS.

Red gang make some noiseeee!!!

 

[James Wakefield]

I don't know. It could be that we're in the 'amber' pile, i.e. the reserve list in case those offered ACs do not accept. I don't know about Travers, but a lot of firms will have people they definitely don't want (red), people they definitely do want (green) and people in limbo (amber) who they'll pick up if green is too small. It could be that those who have received a PFO so far are in red and we're in amber because Travers have already begun giving out offers for their SVS.

Do people on here think its the same situation for Ropes too? I've only seen two AC invites on here (when they invite 70 to AC). Would have thought more people would post if all offers made.

 

[CCLaw]

Has anyone heard from Gateley for the Reading office?

 

[missTCLA]

in an interview, if youre asked how many firms you've applied to, what is a good response?

 

[jta227]

in an interview, if youre asked how many firms you've applied to, what is a good response?

Enough that it seems like you didn't spend an entire cycle applying to 1-2 firms and not too much that it seems like you've scattergunned and not thoroughly put effort into each application, I suppose. When people get these questions I think it's more likely they ask something like "which other firms have you applied to?" rather than asking for a specific number - if this is the case then try and think about firms that are similar to the one you're currently being interviewed at in some way so it looks like you have preferences in what you want from a firm and haven't just applied any and everywhere with little thought. You don't have to state every single firm you've applied to