PwC Legal Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

PwC Legal Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

March 2021

Please specify what the interview was for.

Summer Vacation Scheme 2021

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

For the assessment centre 'Career Focus Day' (this was virtual in my case):
8:45am: log onto google meet and socialise with other candidates.
9:00am: the moderator starts giving out instructions and usernames to log onto PwC's only assessment platform called Impact.
9:15am-2pm: many tasks that you can generally do in any order as long as you meet the deadlines and attend meetings at allotted times (which can differ from person to person).

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

PwC's assessment centre is very different from any other AC I did because it is self-led. You get deadlines for independent work and have links to meetings throughout the day which can be at a different time depending on the person. However, you are guaranteed to have to do:
i. A written report (deadline-driven):

You get an email from someone on the system with instructions that you have to write a report of approximately 500 words summarising the opportunities and risks for a particular business and you have given a PDF with almost 20 pages to sift through to come up with the report.

ii. A numerical analysis exercise (deadline-driven):

You get sent 5 emails on the system with different scenarios which require you to calculate costs or time it would take in response to each scenario (ex: you'll get tables and graphs of how much certain equipment costs and percentage discounts if a certain amount of equipment is bought and you need to calculate how much it would cost the firm to buy it and if the budget given is enough).

iii. A group discussion (set time):

You get an email with a PDF on a business with some key facts which is around 10 pages long and you each person in the group (3-4 people in each group) get given a different option or factor to research and then you have 45 minutes to discuss in a group what's the best option or what are the most important factors the client should take into account. You then have to write an email summarising what was discussed and send it back in reply to the initial email you got.

iv. A 30 minute interview (set time, usually within a 2 hour window at the beginning of the day):

This is with HR. It was not very difficult but mainly motivational and also trying to see if you understand the role and qualifications needed. Also there was one situational integrity question. You get time to ask questions at the end. I only asked one question though because I wanted to maximise my time for the written report instead.

The next stage was a final interview with a Senior Manager and a Partner:

This was based around the 5 competencies of the PwC Professional Framework which you can find on the PwC website. However, they are NOT competency questions (e.g. not 'tell me about a time you...'). They are much more commercial awareness focused and some situational ones too (e.g. 'if x happened what would you do?').

What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

i. Written report:

Try to stick to the recommended timing (30-45min) because if you go over then you will have less time for the other tasks. The day is very time-pressured. Also try to do 2-3 opportunities and 2-3 risks. I tried doing more but then I had to waste time cutting the word count and wasted time. There isn't much you can do to prepare for this as you can't predict what will be in the PDF. I just did some SWOT analysis on different famous businesses to get my brain into that thinking mode the day before.

ii. Numerical exercise:

Practice ratios and percentages! If you do then they are quite easy. I am not that good at math and had not done it in many years so it is crucial that you remember how percentages and ratios work if you're the same. Also, don't stress if you do not finish them all. I finished only 3 out of the 5 and it did not reflect badly in my feedback.

iii. Group exercise:

It does not matter if they choose your recommendation. Just try to present your information concisely and clearly and listen to others when they speak. Nod your head and say things like 'that's a really good point' or 'I agree' or if you disagree then obviously do so politely and ask questions to try to understand why they have a different opinion to you. Don't talk over people but make sure you volunteer your ideas and talk enough to be marked.

iv. HR Interview:

Research common trends in the services industry like the audit rules on conflict of interest and other trends (e.g. I talked about technology too but it can be anything really as long as it is plausible).

Review your motivations from the video interview. Finally, just make sure you know what you'll be doing on the vacation scheme and common trainee tasks. TCLA has some good posts on this.

v. Final Interview:

Brush up on your basic commercial awareness. Not necessarily news stories always but just basics of business and commerce make sure you know business structures and financial terms. Also, this was by far the most conversational part of the process so really make sure you are as personable as possible. They want to work with nice people who they can get along with at the end of the day.

Were you successful?

Yes
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How to get your applications within their word limits

After reviewing applications over the last 7-8 months, one of the most common issues for candidates is getting their answer within word limits. Often people find it difficult to cut their answers down, and in doing so usually cut out interesting content or points to ensure the answer meets any word limit criteria.

However, I notice that often people are using very long phrases to describe something and their verbosity throughout their answer means that this uses up the word count. If they were more ruthless with their phrases, saving 2-3 words per sentence, usually means by the end of a 300 word answer they have 30+ words that could be used to include more interesting or detailed content.

I thought it might be useful for me to post some of the regular phrases I am editing out of applications to allow you to see how you can potentially save yourself some extra words. Obviously you can keep them in if you want, it is just when you are struggling to say everything you want to, these can be the phrases/words you can often get rid of!


Original phrase
Shorter version
Number of words saved
"of the" - e.g. "the current finances of the business" or "working with members of the team"Use an apostrophe instead - e.g. "the business's current finances" or remove it entirely, "working with team members"
Two
"In order to" - e.g. "In order to complete the task"To - e.g. "To complete the task"

In most instances, "In order" is completely redundant.
Two
"my own" - e.g. "aligns with my own personal values"My - e.g. "aligns with my personal values"

The "own" in this context is redundant as you have used "my" to substantiate your ownership
One
"allowed me to" - e.g "My role allowed me to demonstrate my team working skills"Redundant - e.g. "My role demonstrated my team working skills"
Three
"had the opportunity to" - e.g. "I had the opportunity to attend the 2020 Finance Conference"

Same goes for possibility
Redundant - e.g. "I attended the 2020 Finance Conference"
Four
"would allow" - e.g. "The small trainee intake would allow trainees to have greater levels of responsibility"Replace "would" with an s at the end of allow - e.g. "The small trainee intake allows trainees to have greater levels of responsibility"
One
"Was able to" - e.g. "I was able to utilise my communication skills"Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. "I utilised my communication skills"
Three
"Period of time" e.g. "During that period of time, I was responsible for..."Either time or period on its own still works - e.g. "During that period, I was responsible for..."
"During that time, I was responsible for..."
Two
"Makes it clear that" e.g. "The 2020 Finance Award makes it clear that the firm leads in this practice area".Replace with demonstrates - e.g. "The 2020 Finance Award demonstrates that the firm leads in this practice area".
Two
"the XXXX at" e.g. "My preference for the work at international firms..."Replace with an apstrophe - e.g. "My preference for international firms' work..."
Two
"I went on to become" e.g. "I went on to become President of the Law Society"Just change to past tense - e.g. "I became President of the Law Society"
Three
"I made the" e.g. "I made the decision to delegate to my colleagues".Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. "I decided to delegate to my colleagues".
Two
"Taking into account" e.g "By taking into account the financial aspects of the deal".Replace with considering, e.g. "By considering the financial aspects of the deal".
Two
"Managed to" e.g. "We managed to complete the task on time".Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. "We completed the task on time".
Two
"not only" e.g. "It is not only important to build relationships with clients but also colleagues".Redundant - just remove and replace the but with and. e.g. - "It is important to build relationships with clients and colleagues".
Three
"Across the world" e.g. "With offices across the world".Replace with worldwide - e.g. "With offices worldwide".
Two
"Be able to" e.g. "Lawyers must be able to multitask and communicate effectively".Redundant - "Lawyers must multitask and communicate effectively".
Three
"In spite of this""Despite this"
Two
"I had to" e.g. "I had to engage with clients on a regular basis".Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. "I engaged with clients on a regular basis".
Two
"Take part""Participate"
One
"Both" e.g. "I enjoy both litigation and transactional work"Redundant - "I enjoy litigation and transactional work"
One
"involved in" e.g. "I was involved in the design of a new product"Replace with helped - e.g. "I helped with the design of a new product"
One
"In the process of" e.g. "I was in the process of collecting data".Replace with when - e.g. "When I was collecting data"
Three
Absolutely/Certainly/Completely/Definitely - e.g. "I absolutely agree with that concept". Redundant - "I agree with that concept".
One
"All of the" e.g. "All of the team members agreed to the proposal"Redundant - "The team members agreed to the proposal"
Two
"As to whether" e.g. "We were uncertain as to whether we should go ahead"."As to" is redundant - e.g. "We were uncertain whether we should go ahead".
Two
"For the purpose of" e.g. "For the purpose of creating a new programme, we suggested"Replace with to - e.g. "To create a new programme, we suggested"
Three
"Have the ability to" e.g. "I have the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues"Replace with can - e.g. "I can communicate effectively with colleagues"
Three
Just/Really/Very/Even - e.g. "I really enjoyed my Contract law module" or "I even enjoyed Land law"Redundant - e.g. "I enjoyed my Contract law module" or "I enjoyed Land law"
One
With regards/reference to - e.g. "With regards to my work experience"Change to regarding/referencing - e.g. "Regarding my work experience"
Two
"The fact that" - e.g. "The fact that Joe Bloggs LLP have an office in China prompted me to apply"Redundant - e.g. "Joe Bloggs LLP's office in China prompted me to apply"
Five
"Needless to say" e.g. "Needless to say, the firm's secondment opportunities are appealing".Redundant - e.g. "The firm's secondment opportunities are appealing".
Three
"It is important to note" e.g. "It is important to note the firm's diversity policies are world-class"Redundant - e.g. "The firm's diversity policies are world-class"
Five
"In the event of" e.g. "In the event of further lockdowns, I will continue to study remotely"Replace with if & happen - e.g. "In further lockdowns happen, I will continue to study remotely"
Two
"conducted research" e.g. "I conducted research on the local economy"Conducted and on are redundant - e.g. "I researched the local economy"
Two
"resulted in" e.g. "My efforts resulted in an increase in membership"Redundant - e.g. "My efforts increased membership"
Four
"Successfully completed" e.g. "I successfully completed the marathon"Successfully is redundant - e.g. "I completed the marathon"
One
"As a result of" e.g. "As a result of the latest lockdown, I have focused on training at home"Replace with "due to" or "because of" - e.g. "Due to the latest lockdown, I have focused on training at home"
Two
"I was tasked with" e.g. "I was tasked with leading the group".Redundant - just change the verb to past tense e.g. "I led the group".
Three
"In the midst of" e.g. "In the midst of my exams, I became unwell"Replace with during - e.g. "During my exams, I became unwell"
Three
"At the present time" e.g. "At the present time, I am working as a paralegal"Replace with "at present" - e.g. "At present, I am working as a paralegal"
Two
"During the course" e.g. "During the course of my studies, I held down a part-time job""the course of" is redundant - e.g. "During my studies, I held down a part-time job"
Three
"End result" e.g. "The end result was that I achieved a first".End is redundant - e.g. "The result was that I achieved a first".
One
"the entire" e.g. "Throughout the entire period of school, I was bullied".Redundant - e.g. "Throughout school, I was bullied".
Four
"gives me the opportunity to" e.g. "Lockdown gives me the opportunity to spend more time with my family"Replace with allows - e.g. "Lockdown allows me to spend more time with my family"
Two
Reached outReplace with "contacted"
One
"a variety of" e.g. "which spans across a variety of practice areas"Replace with various - e.g. "which spans across various practice areas"
Two

Vac Scheme Pre-Employment Tax Information?

I'm finalising filling out the onboarding form the firm gave me for my upcoming vac scheme but I ran into a bit of a problem. There's a section asking about my employment since 6 April for tax purposes. It's asking me to choose one of three options, though only 2 are really relevant since the third one only applies if I'm currently employed.
Essentially, I was a brand ambassador for another firm until February of this year. For that, I signed a contract and was paid £200. This leaves me in an uncertain position regarding what I need to choose. Does my brand ambassador role count as a job?

The two options are:

Option A:
Do not choose this statement if you're in receipt of a State, Works or Private Pension.
Choose this statement if the following applies.
This is my first job since 6 April and since the 6 April I've not received payments from any of the following:
  • Jobseeker's Allowance:
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit
Option B:
Do not choose this statement if you're in receipt of a State, Works or Private Pension.
Choose this statement if the following applies.
Since 6 April I have had another job but I do not have a P45. And/or since the 6 April I have received payments from any of the following:
  • Jobseeker's Allowance:
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit

Updating a submitted application to show incoming vacation schemes

Hello,

This is my first time applying for vacation schemes and training contracts, so I do not have any vacation scheme experience. I recently heard back from a top 20 firm that I have gained a vacation scheme place with them this summer. I have been putting this as an incoming vacation scheme on my new applications. Should I also update my submitted applications to other firms? For context, I am at the assessment centre stage with a few more firms.

I would really appreciate any guidance on this! I'm not sure if it shows I am a competitive candidate or just makes me look silly.

Many thanks!

Taking a year out: at a disadvantage?

Hi there, I'm currently a second year non-law student who is considering a career in commercial law. I've attended various insight schemes this year, and was planning on applying for vac schemes next year. However, as someone who has little life experience outside of education (went straight from school to uni), I'm worried that I might miss out jumping straight into a career as demanding as commercial law.

My question is: do you think that taking a year out post-graduation (before vac schemes/GDL/LPC, etc.) would harm my chances of a career in the sector, and would it be looked upon negatively by firms?

Any opinions would be really appreciated, thanks in advance :)

Tackling Virtual Vacation Schemes - What do you feel let you down in your past VVS?

Hi, I know there are virtual vacation schemes advice threads already, but I thought it would be a good thing for people to discuss what potentially let them down in their past virtual VS, and how they can turn those set-backs into positive improvements for upcoming VVS.

I personally didn't go through any VVS last year, but do have one upcoming this summer and would love to hear about your experience.
What do you feel you could have improved during those VS and what do you aim to do in your future ones to make the experience even more valuable?

Let's turn this thread into a positive energy thread that allows everyone to reflect back on their journey.
Anyone's input is welcome, I'm looking forward to hearing about your stories :)

Bates Wells Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

Bates Wells Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

February 2021

Please specify what the interview was for.

Summer Vacation Scheme 2021

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

30min competency interview

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

Just one final stage competency interview, with two associates/senior associates. It was competency based, with a few questions about my application/CV afterwards that were specific to what I wrote.

What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

- Make sure you know your CV well as well as preparing competencies
- Make sure you can really justify why you want to work in the firm and your motivations are very clear
- Maybe get involved in some initiatives early on if you're really interested in the firm

Were you successful?

No

Dentons Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

Dentons Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

March 2021

Please specify what the interview was for.

Summer Vacation Scheme 2021

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

10:30 - Arrival/Talk from GR
11:00 - Written exercise
12:00-12:15 - Roleplay with associates
12:15-12:45 - Break
12:45-14:00 - Case study & partner interview

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

- The written exercise was around an hour and involved reading through a bundle on a fictional commercial issue. We had to pretend to be a business professional, not a lawyer, and it didn't require any prior legal knowledge or even commercial awareness, just the ability to identify relevant commercial issues and pick them out from the bundle. Around halfway through we were then given another urgent document relating to the exercise that we had to quickly incorporate into our advice.

- The roleplay directly followed the written exercise with two associates, who were very friendly. It was in the style of a quick business meeting. We had to present our findings and were asked questions to justify why we had made certain decisions over others.

- The case study/partner interview involved 5 minutes to read quickly through a short document detailing a scenario then completing it verbally. It was relatively technical but the partners were clear that they weren't here to test our legal knowledge but rather our ability to spot issues. They were also very friendly and gave us prompts when we needed them. The interview was a competency interview, but felt more like the partners trying to get to know us, our experience, and our motivation for applying.

What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

Written exercise/roleplay:
- Don't be nervous and don't daydream - you don't need any previous knowledge for this assessment so it's all about whether you can pick out issues quickly! The bundle is also not massive and you can easily get all the way through the content in the time.
- Make sure you are aware of your audience, don't use legal jargon, try to be clear and concise
- Be sure to justify your reasons for any decisions in the written document because then you can rely on these when you're asked to elaborate in the roleplay

Partner case study/interview:
- Prepare as you would for any competency interview and make sure you especially know your motivations
- Be prepared to talk about your hobbies
- Know your CV well and know what you've learned from previous work experience
- The partners are very friendly and open so if you have any questions at this stage make sure to ask them!

Were you successful?

Yes
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Kirkland & Ellis Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

Kirkland & Ellis Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

February 2021

Please specify what the interview was for.

Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme 2021

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

I attended the virtual assessment day, which ran from 9:30 am to around midday. Upon arrival, there was a brief introduction by the Training Principal. We were then split into groups that had set times to complete each exercise. The day consisted of a 20-30 minute group exercise, a 1 hour and 15 minutes written exercise and a 30-minute break.

I completed a partner interview via Zoom after successfully passing the assessment day. I was given a chance to choose a time based on my availability. The interview was scheduled to be 30 minutes but was closer to 25 minutes long. Two partners interviewed me and I was given their names before the interview.

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

Group exercise - this exercise was very time pressured. We had about 10 minutes to prepare a pitch which we then presented to the group. After that, we had 10 minutes to discuss and choose our favourite option.

Written exercise - this was a prioritisation task with ample time to complete it effectively. We had to prepare a plan for our day, taking into consideration all the tasks we were set and explaining why we would prioritise them as we did.

Partner interview - again, this was very time pressured. A very short but to-the-point interview that covered my motivations for applying to K&E, why I thought I'd be a good fit for the firm and my understanding of private equity. Depending on how long your answers are, you may have time to ask the partners questions at the end.

What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

Group exercise - nothing to prepare here. My best advice is to be confident when you're presenting. As the time for discussion is very short, try to make sure that every contribution you make is valuable and helps the team reach a decision—quality over quantity. Of course, general rules of politeness and cooperation apply.

Written exercise - again, nothing to prepare for here. Just ensure that you are incredibly clear about how and why you have prioritised your tasks in the way that you have. If you can find practice exercises online, this might help you feel more comfortable with this kind of task. Be sure to consider what tasks are urgent and who the tasks are for as this will certainly impact your plan.

Partner interview - know enough about private equity that you feel comfortable discussing it. This means the basics such as leverage and the fund life-cycle, but also the general benefits and disadvantages of the industry. Be confident and back yourself. Know where you see your career progressing, then explain why K&E fits this trajectory. Remember, the interview is about seeing if you are a fit for the firm: they are looking (I assume) for potential over perfection, so demonstrate why they should bet on you.

Were you successful?

Yes

What To do in first year to prepare for VC's?

I'll be going into my first year in September and am not the strongest applicant academically. Apart from joining relevant societies and developing commercial awareness, what can I do to really advantage myself for MC and US firms? Also, would having success on the rowing team be of an relevance? I know it doesn't link to law, but I could say it build team leading skills, learnt to work as a team etc.

Odd situation in regard to my academics. Need opinions.

Hello all. My academic profile is as follows:

GCSE's: 655542
A-levels: A*A*A* (Predicted, but due to CAG its unlikely ill get below A*A*A)

Somehow (possibly due to contextual factors) ive managed to get an offer at UCL for law. My poor GCSEs were due to medical circumstances, and id really like to work at a magic circle/silver circle firm (I know that's an outdated term, but the types of firms normally categorised under SC in terms of pay and prestige).

My question is, will my GCSEs disadvantage me in applying for training contracts and vacation schemes, presuming I am on track for a 2:1 or first. Will they be considerate to my medical circumstance? wasn't anything severe, but I was on anti-depressants and sleeping meds, so my attendance was about 20% from year 9-11. I have a note from my doctor specifically saying in their professional opinion, I should no longer go to school under medical grounds

Really look forward to hearing back as im constantly wondering if ill be wasting my time applying to the MC and SC firms.

White & Case - Al Dhafra

Hi i'm not sure if anyone will be able to help me with this but i'm looking into a recent transaction W&C worked on and on their website it states that "the Al Dhafra project will be financed by a non-recourse bridge facility, with the intention that such bridge facility will be repaid by a long-term capital markets project bond issue. The bridge-to-bond template developed for Al Dhafra project represents the creation of a new green asset-class template designed to attract high quality investors to help finance Abu Dhabi's ambitious renewables growth plans. In addition, this benchmark template for capital markets financing will drive down the cost of debt and reduce transaction timelines and uncertainties for future solar PV projects."

my question is could someone explain why the benchmark template helps drives down the cost of debt for future solar projects?

Osborne Clarke Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

Osborne Clarke Vacation Scheme Interview 2021

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

March 2021

Please specify what the interview was for.

Summer Vacation Scheme 2021

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

10.45 Welcome Talk
11.15 Group Task
12.45 Trainee Q&A
13.30 Watson Glaser
14.30 Partner Interview

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

The start of the group exercise was alone due to it being online. In this time (30 mins) the task was explained and there was a video to watch. Then we came together as a group of three and had 45 minutes to decide on a solution and present it to a partner and someone from graduate recruitment. They asked each of us one follow up question related to what we had said.

Following this there was a 15 minute break and then we had 30 minutes (in the same group) with a trainee and asked her our questions.

After the Q&A there was 45 minutes set aside to do a Watson Glaser test (which was timed and 30 mins) and a short break.

The final part of the day was a 45 minute interview with two partners. This was definitely the highlight of the day and they had three main questions and then asked a lot of follow ups. The commercial question gave rise to an in-depth discussion and it really felt like they wanted me to do well and were genuinely interested in what I had to say.

Overall I think the timings worked well. They factored in a lot of time for breaks/technical difficulties and it never felt rushed or stressful.

What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

The group assessment was quite hard to prepare for but it is useful to have an understanding of OC’s sectors, clients and strategy. During the assessment it’s key to work well with your teammates and it could also be beneficial to nominate yourself as time keeper.

For the interview, know your motivations for becoming a lawyer and particularly at OC. It seems like with one of the questions they purposefully choose an oddball so that you can’t prepare as they want to see how you think on your feet. I think with this question definitely take some time to think before answering and read widely before the interview so you can try and relate some trends to it.

Were you successful?

Yes
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