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Hi guys, final year non law student in the process of applying to Vac schemes and TCs. I have always been interested in living abroad, but only speak English and have no other links to other countries (did a study abroad in America I guess kind of relevant). Does anyone know what its like applying to, say, the Middle Eastern TCs of MC firms. Is it more or less competitive, do you need visas already etc. Is it a good career move? Thanks in advance for any advice!

I'm a law student at LSE and got a (low) 2:1 in my first year. My A-levels and GCSEs are very good as well, so it can't have been education. Despite applying to a tonne of US firms and MC firms, no firm appealed to me quite like Stephenson Harwood because of their leading art & cultural law practice (I make and sell paintings so it was really something I was drawn to). I applied for their Winter Vac scheme, but also put the other schemes down as my second and third options.

I have progressed to subsequent stages with other firms who are more or equally 'prestigious'. The difference is, since I really liked Stephenson Harwood, I actually spent about double the time crafting my application form in comparison with the other firms that I've applied to. I am completely stumped as to why firms - who I have spent less time researching, and are more prestigious - have progressed me to their second stages, yet Stephenson Harwood just flat out rejected me within 2 weeks. I literally filled my application form with the best possible answers I have ever written for anything AND checked it like 10 times for spelling mistakes.

Honestly really confused. Anybody have any insight as to why I could have been rejected? It is just one of those 'shit happens' moments?

Hi there.

I've done one vac scheme already, and didn't get the tc at the end. I didn't actually like the company so I'm not bothered at all.

I have another vac scheme at a firm that I feel much more positive about. How can I make sure that I get a tc out of it? It's an American firm. Will I be assessed throughout the weeks? Or will it all be down to the final interview?

The firm only takes (or vast majority) of their future intake from their vac schemes. If they run 3 vac schemes, does that mean that if there are 9 training contracts that they will allocated 3 to each one vac scheme?

Hi All,

What is the best way, or the most effective way, of answering the question 'Why You'?

I thought that linking in my experiences, skills and desire to pursue a particular area of law would be a good start. But, how can I say that I believe I can add value to the firm when I'm only applying for a vacation scheme?

Looking forward to everyone's responses!

Ruby

Hi all,

I ended my first year with around 58% in my degree. By the end of second year my grades went to 64.5%. I was wondering whether there it is still worth applying to MC/ US firms or would I be outright rejected?

My extra-curriculars and work experience are strong but will the grades enable me to get through the initial application round?

Hi everyone

I'm really interested in pursuing the client focused, impactful quality of work commercial law firms offer. I am attracted to the prospect of working with organisations rather than individuals. Pro bono work for charities, NGOs and social start-ups etc appeals to me. It seems like such organisations choose large commercial law firms to be represented by.

Increasingly, commercial law firms are introducing pro bono as a dedicated practice area and appointing dedicated pro bono associates (and partners). CSR and Legal research driven professional support roles are also continuing to emerge.

Apart from looking firms' websites, are there any resources that provide info on what commercial law firms offer pro bono practices, dedicated positions, and CSR or research driven professional support roles for graduates/aspiring lawyers? I know DLA Piper has a dedicated pro bono practice, as does Reed Smith, but I'm struggling to get a clear picture of how to pursue a pro bono career at a commercial law firm.

Any advice, tips or signposting to resources would be really helpful

Hello,

I have an online AC coming up and would greatly appreciate insight on what to expect.

I've been told the AC will consist of a written exercise, a presentation exercise and a Watson Glaser test. Can anyone shed light on what types of tasks the written and presentation exercises are likely to entail (e.g. a commercial case study / email to a client etc), and how to do well / prepare for them? Any other tips regarding assessment centres and Partner interviews would be great too!

Thank you

Hi everybody, I hope to receive some help here. I see this community here is nice and polite.

I am a young guy, EU citizen, I live in London and am currently working from home as account manager for a big corporation.

Despite being currently employed, I am looking for a job as a paralegal because I have a law degree but I've never stepped into this world shortly after graduating.

Before you ask why, I would explain you: in my country qualifying as a lawyer is insanely difficult if you don't have any references, bar association there is a strong protectionist lobby and passing the bar exam is next to impossible. And to sit for it you have to go under an unpaid 2-year legal internship.

As I was in a rollercoaster of unemployment and temporary job positions, and considering I found this wonderful remote opportunity in London several months ago, in the middle of Lockdown, I've decided to move there immediately. However, despite loving this job, I miss not working in my field anymore.

So I've seen a lot of paralegal positions online and therefore decided to apply to some of them.

The point is: they all require experience, but the biggest issue is there's absolutely no entry-level position. How the hell am I supposed to gain experience if I don't work? I mean, I know it's the notorious chicken-egg dilemma, but how can I break this cycle? Are there any legit legal recruitment agencies? Or is it there any other way to spread my voice or do some networking?

I've also considered volunteering in a social-housing community help centre, shadowing a solicitor there: she replied me some days ago after sending her an email, showing interest in me but then disappeared completely. The only two recruiters who have replied to my applications, promised me an interview but both of them have disappeared as well.

I know these times are though, the corona, whatever... but is there any way to work in this field?

I am not a complete outsider to this world, I already have experience as office manager and administrative assistant, which I have made back while studying at university in my home country. Working as a paralegal should not be that different.

I've also applied yesterday to Flex Legal, no answer so far. Do you have any suggestions to leverage some experience in order to get into this world?

Hi everyone,

I am applying for a vacation scheme with Bird & Bird and am trying to answer the question "Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise? (Max:150)" I was planning on writing about the use of blockchain in the life sciences sector and found out that they've written an article about this. I feel like my answer is basically paraphrasing and summarising the article. Should I write about another topic or continue with this one?

If I continue with this one...any ideas on how I can make it more unique?

Thank you for your help in advance!

Hi all,

For the Akin Gump VS app, there's a section which asks us to rate our computer skills (ranging from 'None' to 'Very good') and then to give details. I'm not sure what exactly they're looking for in this section. I don't have any coding or programming experience, but I know how to use Word, Powerpoint, Excel etc. How has anyone who's applied to Akin Gump interpreted this question?

Hey guys,

Please use this thread to discuss anything related to direct training contract applications for the 2020-21 application cycle. This can include everything from application and interview advice to hearing back from particular law firms.

Thanks,

Jaysen

Hey guys,

Please use this thread to discuss anything related to vacation schemes for the 2020-21 application cycle. This can include everything from application and interview advice to hearing back from particular law firms.

Thanks,

Jaysen

Hey guys,

Please use this thread to discuss anything related to open days, workshops and insight events for the 2020-21 application cycle.

Thanks,

Jaysen

Am I the only one going nuts over ES's questions? What in the fresh hell does 'energised' mean?

For reference:

1. When have you worked towards an ambitious goal? As part of your answer, please describe how you tackled this goal, what set-backs you faced, and what energised you about the situation [500]
2. When have you delivered a piece of work where quality was an important factor? As part of your answer, please describe why quality was important to you, what approaches you took to help you deliver and what you enjoyed? [500]
3. You are working on a query for a new client, which has to be responded to tomorrow morning. You were told it was important as Eversheds Sutherland want to impress them. However, you have a lot to work on and the query is taking you longer than you expected. You are now behind on your work for today. You also have emails from other people chasing you for work you have not yet started. What would you do? As part of your answer, please also describe what personal strengths you would draw upon and what you would find energising in this situation? [500]

For q1 and q2, I appreciate that a STAR approach is probably necessary for the examples themselves - but how do you think we should include the extra bits about energy and quality? Should they just be separate paragraphs at the end?

For q3, it is clear that the question wants us to mix the personal strengths and energising points into our response to the scenario, but I am totally confused about how to deal with the whole 'energising' thing.

What do you guys think?

Hello.

I had an interview with a firm that usually has a member of graduate recruitment taking notes in the room when they do in person interviews. Due to covid my interview was online. The call was set up by a member of Grad Rec. Will they have silently been in the background/able to watch the interview?

My last interview feedback report mentioned that I did not express much enthusiasm/energy - any idea how I can improve for this cycle?
Also - does TCLA premium have mock interview service?

Hey guys,

For our webinars, I'm looking to pick apart a few answers for the following application questions:

• Why this firm?
• Why commercial law?
• Tell us about your extra-curricular activities/positions of responsibility etc.
• Competency questions
• Tell us about a news story that interests you and why (or similar variation)?

Ideally, I'm looking for a spread of weaker (e.g. older applications) and stronger answers.

If anyone would be happy to share an answer for any of the above questions, please could you comment below and let me know the answer(s) to which questions you're happy to share. I'll then contact about 10 of you.

As a thank you for allowing us to use it for the recorded webinar, you'll receive a £5 Amazon Gift Card for sharing your answers and a free spot on our webinar (if you aren't already a premium member).

In the answer you share, feel free to redact any personal information from your answers e.g. organisation names. You will also be kept anonymous.

Thank you!

Jaysen

So I graduated from uni this summer in a non-law humanities degree and started working in a consulting firm last month. Very quickly realising that consulting isn’t for me and that I'd be more suited to law, but having already graduated/started work, I'm not sure whether I should be applying to vac schemes or TCs.

In terms of academics/experience, my cv is pretty good (graduated with a 1st, all A*s/As at A level/GCSE, strong extracurriculars). However, I have virtually no legal experience, so I'm assuming it might make more sense to apply to vac schemes(?). The only issue is that applications for winter vac schemes are mostly closed, so I’m limited to summer vac schemes, which would mean 6 more months of no legal experience and potentially having to wait another year to reapply if I don’t get any offers.

I’ve signed up to loads of virtual law careers fairs/recruiting events over the next few weeks to hopefully gain more careers insight, but with regards to actual applications, am I better off going straight for TCs, or are vac schemes the more realistic option? I'm mainly interested in MC and a few American firms, so conscious of no legal experience with the added competition.

Thanks!

Hey everyone!

I am attempting to answer the Clifford Chance Spark application question but am unsure as to how go about answering it/a good structure to follow - please can anyone advise? Is there anything in particular that they are looking for?

"You have told us about your academic achievements and work experience and now, in no more than 600 words, we are keen to hear more about you. This should include your extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility and an achievement of importance which you are most proud of."

Thanks!

Please take this with a pinch of salt. Most of it is accurate, especially in the last section where firms are clear on their websites that they only recruit vac schemers, but things get more ambiguous in the first two sections. My main sources have been legal articles, but I've also combed through the TCLA forums to find where people have posted about speaking directly to grad rec and asking them this question. In a very few cases I've used Jessica's formula as a rough guide to work out how many places you could expect to be taken up by VS versus TC.

Be aware that in the second section, I've included a lot of American firms which technically have a direct TC route open (e.g. Akin Gump) but they only have 12 trainees, so you can expect pretty much all of those to have come from the VS. I just didn't want to say that you definitely wouldn't be hired if you applied directly, so these firms aren't in the last section.

Also, this is a work in progress. I've left out a lot of firms which hopefully will be added later. Please let me know if anything is wrong/has changed/you have extra info! Again, some of my information may be a bit outdated and stats change year by year, so this is only intended to be a rough guide. Thanks to @Adam Gilchrist for linking some useful sources.

Fair Proportion/All from Direct Training Contract

These firms recruit typically around half of their intake directly, ranging up to 100% for some firms.

• Allen & Overy
• Bristows
• Clifford Chance (*with caveats - see post below)
• Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
• Fried Frank
• Howard Kennedy
• Macfarlanes
• Norton Rose Fulbright
• Paul Hastings
• Shoosmiths
• Slaughter and May

Mostly from Vacation Scheme

These firms recruit 50-100% of their trainees from vacation schemes, but direct TC routes technically exist.

• Addleshaw Goddard
• Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
• Ashurst
• Baker McKenzie
• Bird & Bird
• Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
• Burges Salmon
• Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
• Covington & Burling
• Debevoise & Plimpton
• Eversheds Sutherland
  
• Farrer & Co
• Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
• Hogan Lovells
• Kirkland & Ellis
• Latham & Watkins
• Linklaters
• Mayer Brown
• Osborne Clark
• Pinsent Masons
• Simmons & Simmons
• Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meager & Flom
• Sullivan & Cromwell
• Travers Smith
• Vinson & Elkins
• Weil Gotshal & Manges
• White & Case

Only from Vacation Scheme

• Clyde & Co
• CMS
• Davis Polk & Wardell
• Dechert
• DLA Piper
• Gateley
• Gowling WLG
• Herbert Smith Freehills
• Jones Day
• Milbank
• Mishcon de Reya
• Ropes & Gray
• Shearman & Sterling
• Sidley Austin
• Taylor Wessing
• Wilkie Farr & Gallagher

Jaysen asked me to create a new thread with this list for better visibility:

Rolling basis

• A&O: Rolling (https://krb-sjobs.brassring.com/TGn...siteid=5040&Areq=3883BR#jobDetails=30326_5040)
• Akin Gump: TC rolling basis, VS probably rolling (https://www.akingump.com/en/careers/uk-students/how-to-apply.html)(see @macbeth's post below )
  
• Bird & Bird: Rolling (https://londongraduates.twobirds.com/faqs/)
• Clyde & Co: Rolling (https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9_tueJSLs/)
• CMS: Rolling (https://www.cmsearlytalent.com/faqs)
• Dentons: Rolling (https://challengers.dentons.com/uk-trainees/applications/applications-process/)
• FieldFisher: Rolling (https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/careers/graduates)
• Gibson Dunn: Rolling (https://www.gibsondunn.com/careers/law-students/)
• Hogan Lovells: Rolling (https://graduates.hoganlovells.com/page/vacation-schemes/)
• HFW: Rolling (http://www.training-contracts.com/Grad-Rec-Our-Recruitment-Process)
• Jones Day: Rolling (https://www.jonesdaycareers.com/en/...raduates-graduates-postgraduates/how-to-apply)
• Macfarlanes: Rolling (https://www.macfarlanes.com/join-us/trainee-solicitors/faqs/)
• Mayer Brown: Rolling basis (https://www.mayerbrownfutures.com/europe/faq/)
• Mishcon de Reya: Rolling (https://www.mishcon.com/graduates/faqs)
• Norton Rose: Rolling (https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-gb/careers/graduates/apply/faq)
• Pennington Manches Cooper: Rolling (https://www.penningtonslaw.com/careers/trainee-lawyers/training-contract)
• Pinsent Masons: Rolling (https://graduate.pinsentmasons.com/your-route-into-law/vacation-placements/england/)
• Reed Smith: Rolling (https://www.reedsmith.com/en/careers/general/uk-faqs)
• Ropes & Gray: Rolling (https://www.ropesgray.com/en/legalhiring/Career-Opportunities/Trainee--Recruitment-London/FAQs)
• Simmons & Simmons: Rolling (https://www.simmons-simmons.com/en/graduates/faq)
• Skadden: Rolling (https://www.skadden.com/-/media/fil...ondon-graduate-page/carve-your-path.pdf?la=en)
• Slaughter & May: Rolling (https://www.slaughterandmay.com/careers/trainee-solicitors/work-experience-opportunities/)
• Taylor Wessing: Rolling (https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/careers/united-kingdom/students-and-graduates/graduates-faq)
• Weil: Rolling (https://ukrecruiting.weil.com/vacation-scheme)
• Wilkie Farr: Rolling (https://www.willkie.com/careers/london)

Non-rolling basis

• Ashurst: Non-rolling (https://www.ashurst.com/en/careers/students-and-graduates/uk/vacation-schemes/what-you-need-to-know/)
• Clifford Chance: Non-rolling (https://careers.cliffordchance.com/london/what-we-offer/training-contract.html)
• Covington & Burling: Non-rolling (https://www.cov.com/en/careers/lawyers/london-graduate-recruitment-programme/application-information)
• Davis Polk: Non-rolling (confirmed by @AidG)
  
• Eversheds Sutherland: Non-rolling (https://www.instagram.com/p/CFyvjXrpFBX/)
• Forsters: Non-rolling (http://graduates.forsters.co.uk/howtoapply.aspx)
• Freshfields: Non-rolling (https://ukgraduates.freshfields.com/faqs)
• Howard Kennedy: Non-rolling (https://www.howardkennedy.com/en/careers/trainees/trainee-faqs)
• HSF: Non-rolling (https://www.instagram.com/p/CFHyLw7JR5h/?igshid=1bm6vievzo38v)
• Linklaters: Non-rolling (https://careers.linklaters.com/en/early-careers/your-application)
• Milbank: Non-rolling (https://www.milbank.com/en/careers/london/index.html)
• Osborne Clarke: Non-rolling (https://futuretrainees.osborneclarke.com/insight/faqs/)
• Shearman & Sterling: Non-rolling (https://ukgraduates.shearman.com/application-information/faqs/)
• Trowers & Hamlins: Non-rolling (https://www.trowers.com/careers/students-and-graduates/training-contracts)
• Womble Bond Dickinson: Non-rolling (https://www.trainingcontract.com/apply/)

Mixture of rolling & non-rolling

• BCLP: Rolling except for Manchester & HK TCs, which are non-rolling (https://trainee.bclplaw.com/apply-now)
• DWF: ENG/SCO Non-Rolling (https://dwfgroup.com/en/careers/graduate-recruitment/faqs), NI/ROI Rolling
• Sidley Austin: VS Rolling, TC non-rolling (https://www.sidleycareers.com/en/europe/london-opportunities?tab=faqs)
• Travers Smith: Winter VS Rolling (https://www.traverssmith.com/join-us/graduate-recruitment/application-process/), Spring/Summer VS non-rolling (confirmed in email to @AidG)
  
• White & Case: Vac schemes on rolling basis, TC apps on non-rolling basis (https://www.whitecase.com/careers/locations/united-kingdom/students#application-assessment-process)

Obvious provisos:

• Check the links, don't just rely on me.
• Non-listed firms simply meant I could not easily find information about this year's recruitment process - so I didn't use tweets/law society brochures/job descriptions/TCLA posts from previous years, since some firms do change their stance on rolling/non rolling. On top of that, I only worked from the legalcheek list, so doubtless there are firms that I didn't check out because they were not on the list. I also didn't spend that long digging either, so if I couldn't quickly find a firm's policy on it, I just left them off the list.
  
• If a firm isn't listed, it's often worth sending them a message on Instagram if they have a recruitment page, which many seem to do. They often seem to be fairly receptive to questions asked in the comments on their posts.

Hi all, was just wondering if anyone that has applied to the WC Winter scheme has heard back? I applied on the 10th of October but am still waiting for a response. Thanks!

My exam results this year were pass/fail (i.e. that is what is what will be on the transcript), but we have received unofficial marks which are unclassified. I am aware this has happened at a lot of other universities. Therefore, for vacation scheme applications should I put pass/fail or the unofficial marks obtained? What is graduate recruitment requiring this year? Second-years what are you doing?

Hi all,

I've started doing the application for a Spring vac scheme at the firm recently. This is one of the questions that is on their form and I'm having a hard time with it -

"Tell us about something - anything - that excites and inspires you."

I was thinking about the evolution of legal technology and the opportunities/challenges the legal industry faces (mainly because I am going to start an LLM in Technology, Media and Telecommunications shortly, so I thought I could link it back to this)...Also, my research has shown that the firm seems to be quite keen on encouraging different forms of tech-based innovation globally, so I thought this might be particularly relevant to them as well.

Any thoughts?

Hi everyone!

I am a non-law (Australian) citizen looking to apply for Vac Schemes/TCs in the UK. I was wondering whether anyone has a list compiled as to firms that are willing to sponsor students seeking to move to the UK despite studying in a non-UK university?

I note that it's been mentioned earlier that firms are unlikely to sponsor for a Vacation Scheme (since it's 2-3 weeks with visas costing upwards of hundreds/thousands of dollars). But I was wondering whether anyone has any anecdotes/insights as to whether the likelihood is improved for Direct Training Contract applications?

Thanks in advance!