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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

EA95

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Dec 10, 2024
149
208
In terms of impact as to recruitment and retention, while it remains to be seen how pervasive it is, there are certainly arguments to be made that there will at least be some negative effect on the firms who have gotten most media attention for striking a deal (as of now, Paul, Weiss, Skadden, Milbank, Willkie, and if rumors are to be believed, Kirkland). We have already seen a number of Skadden associates quit, and there are reports of widespread internal discontent. On the partner side as well it is thought that there might be lateral moves from (i) the partners with strong connections to the Democratic Party (such as Kamala Harris' husband, Douglas Emhoff, who is a partner at Willkie) and (ii) the star litigation partners (as many argue striking these deals under the threat of potentially illegal executive orders could damage firms' reputations on the contentious side, especially for representation in cases involving Government interests). Nevertheless, this will likely depend on how many other firms strike their own deals or change their DEI policies, as if this becomes the status quo in the industry, practitioners may have no choice but to accept it.

On the recruitment side, some argue that the firms that have struck deals will become less attractive and thus lose out on top talent, particularly in the US - where there is a lot more competition between firms to recruit candidates with high GPAS from target universities (which is why they employ the 'campus interviews' system). It is however unclear how much the firms themselves will change their recruitment policies in regards to DEI and use of contextual data: as I have seen it reported in the press, the firms generally seem only to say that as part of the deal with the US Administration, they have affirmed their commitment to being compliant with federal anti-discrimination employment rules. Nonetheless, presumably these firms already considered themselves to be compliant before they struck the deal; so perhaps this involves a commitment to compliance with a different interpretation of said rules. Since the details of the agreements have not been published, little can be said as to what this interpretation could be and how major a revision of recruitment policies it requires.

Finally, on the question about impact to recruitment policies of satellite offices, it is again difficult to opine with any level of certainty. If US firms have large satellite offices and if keeping current recruitment policies keeps them in better standing with the relevant foreign government and their foreign practitioners (which would both likely be the case in London), it is plausible this could happen. In my view it is unlikely that the US Administration would be too interested in the employment practices of firms in foreign jurisdictions.
Thank you for this Andrei, like you have stated, I doubt these issues would affect their satellite offices (mainly London) in terms of recruiting policies, but it’s quite interesting how they have removed/ changed their DEI policies or reworded them, to appease the Trump admin.

Also wouldn’t this potentially affect client relationships, considering some of these client companies may be invested in some of these causes which have now be compromised, and now may not seemed to be aligned with these firms.

On a surface level, it seems like a targeted measures towards firms, that were aligned with the Democratic party, i.e., the Paul, Weiss Partner whose name escapes me (I think his name is Brad something).
 

andrecsaa

Valued Member
  • Dec 19, 2022
    113
    85
    Does anyone know what strengths cappfinity tests assess? Just got back a couple of feedback reports and they say wildly different things...

    Just guessing, since I haven’t passed a single cappfinity test yet either, but I think each firm tailors the test based on their own core values.

    One firm might prioritise adaptability, drive, and teamwork, while another might focus more on ownership, attention to detail, and commercial awareness. So it can vary quite a bit depending on what the firm is looking for.
     

    Wannabe_Lawyer

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Jul 22, 2018
    173
    207
    Just guessing, since I haven’t passed a single cappfinity test yet either, but I think each firm tailors the test based on their own core values.

    One firm might prioritise adaptability, drive, and teamwork, while another might focus more on ownership, attention to detail, and commercial awareness. So it can vary quite a bit depending on what the firm is looking for.
    Thank you! If I don't manage to get a TC, my backup plan is to call myself an 'occupational psychologist' and invent new ways to torture law firm applicants. Seems very lucrative.
     

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