New Threads

Hello guys just thought that I would create a thread for the upcoming cycle of training contracts. These are a list of some of the firms I have been looking at [pretty much all the firms here are commercial and sponsor the LPC or GDL]:
Travers Smith LLP
Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy
K&L Gates LLP
Kirkland & Ellis
Baker McKenzie LLP
Sidley Austin LLP
Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerSullivan & Cromwell LLPWeil, Gotshal & Manges
White & Case LLP
Covington & Burling LLP
Latham & Watkins
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
Russell-Cooke Solicitors
O'Melveny & Myers sponsors
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Vinson & Elkins
Burges Salmon LLP
Clyde & Co LLP
Gowling
RPC
Davis Polk & Wardwell London LLP
CMS
Jones Day
Morrison & Foerster (UK) LLP
Dechert LLP
DLA Piper LLP
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Reed Smith
Hogan Lovells

I am creating this thread so that we can walk together, encourage one another, and bounce ideas of each other as we go and get training contract offers. Please everyone is welcome to contribute something every little helps.

Hi Everyone!

I am currently completing the LPC at ULaw (January Start) and I am really struggling with how best to make notes.

The issue is that the exams are open book and I am spending hours taking information from the book and putting it into a word document (I did this at undergrad and it was really effective) however the exams are open book and I just feel as if I am wasting my time??

Can someone who has completed/doing the LPC share how they prepare for workshops/exams, I would be extremely grateful for your help.

Does anybody have any advice as to structuring a legal CV and what content should be included?

This is particularly aimed at securing paralegal/legal assistant jobs!

Thank you

Guys, do you have a list of firms which do not hire solely through VS?

Thank you

Here is this week's Commercial Awareness Update. Hope all is going well with your applications

Covered in this week's update:
By @Curtley Bale

The Story

The world’s largest asset management fund, BlackRock, has scolded Siemens for its role in financing the controversial Carmichael coal mine in Queensland, Australia. Siemens is one of Germany's largest industrial companies, yet BlackRock has suggested their A$2bn infrastructure deal highlights their lack of appreciation for climate change issues. Siemens’ decision to help finance the new coal mine in Australia sparked global campaigns and protests to force the German company to rethink their decision.


What is means for Businesses and Law firms

The asset management fund, with around $7tn in assets, issued its first warning following CEO Larry Fink’s recent commitment to climate change issues. Fink has suggested the company will drop some coal holdings due to the financial risk of climate change. BlackRock may have warned Siemens in this way as they aim to uphold their promises regarding climate change. Doing this becomes even more important after protests outside the HQs of both companies by climate change activists.


For Siemens, being called out by such a huge name may cause reputational damage. This is because they have strict 'green action' protocols, yet BlackRock does not think they're doing enough. With the asset manager putting more pressure on companies, Siemens may have to disclose climate-related risk and climate-related discussions. Whilst this may be seen as a step in the right direction, it could be costly for Siemens if they are forced to comply, or are seen to be being slow in the green space.


Law firms may have a role to play in situations like this in terms of helping to finance green projects. Moreover, both Siemens and BlackRock look set to drop out of some current commitments due to climate change risk. This could create potential litigation as the two firms seek an amicable exit from their standing agreements.


By @Alice Manners

The Story

The government have announced that they are bringing forward the ban on the sale of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans, from 2040 to 2035.


This is part of the plan to ensure the UK produces net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, a target legislated for in June last year.


Impact on Businesses and Law Firms

The decision to include hybrid cars in the consultation was unexpected and the announcement has been received with some negativity, particularly as the UK automotive industry suffered a decline in production and sales during 2019, with Brexit uncertainty taking much of the blame.


However, the transformation in the market will provide opportunity both within and outside the industry. Expertise in both electric and autonomous vehicles will be in high demand as manufacturers follow in Tesla’s footprints, or risk becoming irrelevant.


Law firms will be able to continue to assist manufacturers, insurers and businesses adapting to these new technologies as the market changes. Wide ranging practice areas including litigation, cyber security, data protection and intellectual property will all have a part to play. Car manufacturers may follow in Volkswagen and Ford’s footsteps, joining forces to collaborate and invest in new technologies, something law firms can assist on the regulatory implications of, predicting and managing the risk and regulations involved.


The infrastructure surrounding electric cars will also need to be developed in order to manage the vast increase in electric cars on the road. This will include longer-lasting batteries, increased charging points and more power, including solar or wind farms. This provides opportunity for businesses, those investing into them and law firms as they assist in the process.


Additionally, as the need for radical environmental change becomes more widely accepted, both law firms and businesses may feel heightened pressure to reduce and offset their own carbon footprint.

Macfarlanes Training Contract Assessment Centre 2019 - Anonymous

Application: Training Contract

Macfarlanes AC Overview

• Macfarlanes typically hold 1 AC per month for the TC after the milk-round season.
• My AC had around 8-10 people but I've heard that other people had around 12-15+. Don't be worried about this.
• I'd say the AC was probably the most challenging and rigorous AC I've ever had.

General Tips

• Whilst it is challenging and rigorous, it's indeed doable. Don't be afraid of it and enjoy the experience.
• Make sure your energy levels are high e.g. make sure you have a good breakfast, plenty of sleep, etc. Sounds cliché but you'll honestly need it.

Macfarlanes Assessment Centre

Arrival

• Arrive in plenty of time and you'll be asked to sit in the waiting area. Other candidates will join you as they come so don't be afraid to strike a conversation.
• You'll then be taken into the AC room where typically most of your AC will happen.
• GR will explain the process and each exercise before you do them.

Case Study Writing Exercise

• You'll be asked to go through a range of documents.
• You have a Questions sheet and are asked to answer the questions.
• You later present this to Partner/s or Associate/s.
• Some people were asked questions such as 'Why Macfarlanes' whereas I wasn't asked that. Make sure you've brushed up with the 'Why Macfarlanes', 'Why commercial law', etc questions.

Group Exercise and Presentation

• You'll be placed into teams and asked to prepare a presentation on a task. I think you get around 30 mins.
• The regular tips and hints of a group exercise will be applicable here e.g. don't talk over people, allow everyone to contribute. That being said, you have to be organic too so talk as if you're chatting to a friend in the workplace.
• The observers observe a lot. In the feedback I got, I had said that I felt as if I couldn't contribute and they had a note of that so don't worry if you feel like the observers won't notice - they notice everyone and make notes on it.
• Make sure you contribute in some way - it doesn't have to be content e.g. you could project manage, etc.
• Remember that you are a TEAM and are being assessed on YOUR CONDUCT in a TEAM. There was a situation in my exercise where we had divided the sections up and everyone contributed to everyone's section. If you feel like there was a section that your team didn't cover that well, be that yours or someone else's, don't be afraid to raise that and ask the team to focus on that, because, it is a team effort.
• You also want to make sure everyone is comfortable with the content and presentation.
• You'll then be asked to present your presentation later in the AC. Have a quick run-through before the prep time finishes so you all know what to say.
• The observers will be the people you present to - you'll be asked questions individually and as a team. Remember that they observed your planning and again, you're being assessed on your conduct within a team so if you see that a teammate is struggling, help them out, etc.

In-tray exercise

• You're given a range of materials and asked to write a memo and a letter. Remember to know what the difference is as a memo is something short and sweet whereas a letter is a formal document.
• Read the instructions carefully. Remember to know the correct audience e.g. an internal memo to a senior lawyer would be short, to the point whereas a letter to someone external will be full-prose, formal, etc.
• This exercise is time-pressured and there's a lot to cover. I was asked to answer a customers' complaint and the complaint was really long with many factors. Time is of the essence so have a think of how you should go about it. Some people addressed each complaint, other people addressed the key issues.
• You'll be asked to resolve the complaint too so it'd be good to look at this from each POV and the POV of the party you're representing.

Competency interview

• There will be a competency interview where an associate or partner will ask you a variety of questions.
• As well as the 'why Macs', 'why commercial law' questions, they'll ask you stuff about team-work, resilience, achievement, etc. Make sure you brush up on this.
• Remember that Macfarlanes is a commercial AND private client law firm. Be sure to brush up on your commercial awareness in the private client sphere too. My interviewer was a private client lawyer so I had to think of the question I wanted to ask on the spot.
• Be sure to keep your answers short, impactful and succinct. You don't want the interviewer think you're going on and on.

Notes:

• It's a very intense day and if you're applying for the TC, the standard they expect is a little bit higher. Don't let the length or complexity of the day get you down though. Have fun and enjoy it. It'll probably be the best prep for any other ACs.
• Macfarlanes have a lot of quirks about them e.g. the work they do, what they offer trainees, their culture. Be sure to really research them and make use of different research sources. Reach out to any contacts. A lot of people will say the same stuff over and over and it'll be good to differentiate your answer e.g. some may say Macs has a great innovation but trainees have a huge say in this, etc.

Hi all,

I have just been invited to Weil’s AC for their summer VS. I understand that there will be a commercial written exercise, an interview and an office tour. I was wondering if anyone had any tips/ insight into these activities?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently a 2nd year Law student and I wonder, whether mentioning 'success' (yield percentage or simply the mention of it being successful) of my overall stock portfolio over a long-time period is something that could support my application? I am applying for a lot of financial markets / private equity law firms and mentioning this is most likely the only way to demonstrate both my actual experience within the field and some degree of commercial awareness.

Edit: the reason I am asking is that although I realise that many people invest and that it infact does not relate to law, I believe it is a good way to show that I actually understand (to some degree) how
financial markets behave.



Thanks for any help

Hi All

I'm trying to practice online logical/verbal reasoning tests and came across assementdays.com - on their page they say that we can ask employers for clarification to identify which verbal/logical reasoning test will be used, and which verbal/logical reasoning skill will be tested

I was wondering how true this is? Could I/we potentially email grad rec and ask them this?

Thanks!

When it comes to Freshfields' TC application: What's the difference between the winter and summer application dates?

Travers Smith Summer Vacation Scheme 2019 - Anonymous

Travers Smith Interview Process:

• I was interviewed by a Partner. Usually, the firm will let you know who is interviewing you.
• There's no HR component like in other firms so you only have the one interviewer.
• My interview largely consisted of moral questions.
• Whilst the interview is largely moral questions, still, brush up on your competency and commercial awareness. Interviewers can literally ask anything.

Travers Smith Interview Tips:

• Have a read over your application and make sure you're able to answer any questions effectively about things you've stated.
• The interview is very moral based where you're asked questions on things such as tax evasion/avoidance, whether you would lie for a client, etc.
  
• Practice on constructing coherent arguments. If you believe in X, why? It sounds easier said than done but you want to ensure you're not just babbling but you're actually saying substance. See it as a debate and avoid trying to give a quick response Take a few seconds to think each time you're asked a question.
• Make sure you brush up on 'Why commercial law', 'why the City' and 'why Travers Smith' - obviously ensure your answers are coherent and persuasive to these questions.
• There's no right or wrong answer as to what you answer e.g. if you said you'd lie for a client, that's completely fine but they're looking at how you're delivering your argument. Make sure your argument is persuasive and succinct.
• The Interviewers are nice but they will really push you e.g. I was asked what's the difference lying for a client in a negotiation. They're not questioning your morals but they're pushing to see how you keep your cool under pressure. As above, take a few seconds, breathe and construct an argument in your head. Avoid rushing and avoid trying to rapid-fire an answer.
• If you feel like you're taking too long, remember the other interview tips e.g. take a sip of water or ask for a few seconds before you answer.
• One item of feedback I was given was that I didn't understand what I was getting myself into (more or less) so really make sure you know what a lawyer does and what a lawyer at Travers does.

Hi, I am due to start the fast-track LPC at BPP and was wondering whether anyone had any idea of the timetable / the contact hours? I am deciding whether to commute or not.

Would appreciate any insights!

Hi TCLA!

I am currently in the process of writing my covering letter for Katten and given the lack of posts regarding the firm on this forum, I would love to hear anyone's experience with Katten. What was the vacation scheme like and what was your role? I have seen a few Katten's trainees on Linkedin mention "partner and management overview meetings" - does anyone have any further information regarding this?

Thanks for any input,
GH

Hi,

I submit my VI for Addleshaw 4 weeks ago but haven’t heard back. My application status hasn’t changed to unsuccessful and the grad recruitment team said they were still under review when I contacted them.
Anyone else in the same boat?

.

Hey! How do you answer this question when asked why you chose this US law firm as opposed to another one? Do you answer by focusing on the strength of the firm or on the weakness of the others? Are we supposed to mention the other firms by name? Thank you so much

Hi All!

I am trying to prep for the Simmons & Simmons VI and I was wondering if anyone could give some insight as to how to answer/structure my answer to the question on "tell us about yourself"?

Thanks!!!

Hello!! Does anyone have any advice for the Osborne Clarke Assessment Centre? Is the group exercise always an M&A due diligence task or do they vary it? And what is the panel interview like?

Thanks in advance!!

Hi, I was wondering if anyone who has been through the process has any advice on how to convert a vac scheme into a TC?

Thanks!

Hey! Does anyone have any tips for the Skadden AC? Do you know if the written exercise is hand-written or on a computer?

Hey all. Anyone here got an invite for the Debevoise Open Day or got any tips for the same? Thanks!

Hey guys,

Who is ready and motivated to start applying for these direct TCs?

I have received a barrage of rejections this season and I'm now getting my research started on the firms I'd like to apply to for the summer deadlines.

Does anyone have a list of firms that have an application window for the summer but don't actually recruit through it (for example Skadden).

Hi All,

I have received my first ever interview/online test invite for a vac scheme. Woo!

I would really appreciate it if anyone could give me tips/advice on how to succeed at this stage. The ability tests consist of one verbal reasoning test and one logical reasoning test and then there is a video interview which consists of competency, motivational and scenario questions.

Thanks!

Hello guys,

I wanted to ask whether anyone has any experience or tips with the Vinson & Elkins video interview for the Summer VS. I was not aware that the process involved a video interview.

Thank you in advance,

Dimitris