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I'm quite nervous, because there's some positive feedback from my assessment (some categories of "a natural passion and capability", "demonstrated exceptional capability") but some seem absolutely blunt and indicative of a rejection ("definite room for improvement", "considerable room for growth").

In people's experiences, are most successful candidates stellar across the board?

Just seeking slight reassurance as to whether anyone's made a successful application in similar circumstances.

Thanks

Has anyone heard back from the telephone interview?
The HR told me that the AC is next week but I still haven't heard back Did my telephone interview 4 days ago (Monday)

Hi everyone,

I want to apply to Greenberg Traurig, and they're requesting a one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in becoming a trainee at GT and a CV.

1. It might be obvious, but do I follow the usual cover letter format (why commercial law, why the firm, why me?) or write only about why the firm? I'm scared that I'll only answer why the firm and have it be too short/not enough.
Greenberg Traurig

2. Which format should I use for the CV? I have one ready, but not sure it's tailored enough for law specifically.

Thanks!

Roni

Hi all,

I am aware that most direct TC applications will require previous vacation scheme experience. I've recently done a mini pupillage, is this considered equivalent to a vacation scheme?

Thanks!

Hi,

I am a Biochemistry PhD student and have recently become interested in IP law and have been looking into becoming a solicitor. I have been struggling to figure out which firms are big on IP law as a full service firms list IP but don't seem to do very much in the practice area. I've got Bird&Bird, Bristows, HSF, Simmons&Simmons and Taylor Wessing on my list, but I'm not available to do a VacScheme making it hard to engage with these firms or even apply to them. Would anyone be able to recommend firms that do a lot of IP life sciences?

Hi,

I am a PhD student on a joint programme where I do 3years in the UK and 2 in the US. I am currently in my third year and have recently become interested in IP law and am looking for firms that are strong in IP, particularly life sciences (think Bird and Bird, Bristows etc). But I'm finding it hard to find firms that take direct TC applications as I move to the US before next summer and will not be in the UK in my final year as a lot of the VacScheme are targeted towards final year students. What do you recommend I do? Does anyone have any advice?

Hi, I am applying to direct TCs for 2026 at the following firms
kirkland
skkaden
slaughter and may
latham
linklaters
Clifford chance
goodwin
allen and ovary

Some of those firms also have their applications offer for the 2024 vacation scheme, can I apply to both or i need to apply to either one of them?
Kindly help me out

Hi everyone,

I'm delighted to welcome Maya Shah, Early Careers Specialist at Ropes & Gray, to the TCLA forum!

If you're starting your law firm journey this cycle and would like to learn directly from graduate recruitment, understand what it's like to work for an American firm, and how to stand out in the application process, please do feel free to ask a question in this thread and Maya would be more than happy to help. She is live right now to answer your questions.

I asked Maya to introduce herself and this is what she had to say:

Hi – My name is Maya and I work for Ropes & Gray London as an Early Careers Specialist. I have worked at Ropes & Gray for nearly a year now and would love to share all my knowledge on anything from the myths about American law firms, the importance of application strategies and what makes Ropes & Gray a great place to work.

Click to expand...

@Ropes&GrayMaya is happy to discuss any of the following: application strategies, the Ropes & Gray recruitment process, the application cycle, the Ropes & Gray culture, what the firm looks for in their trainees, myths surrounding American law firms, the differences in UK law firms to US law firms, and what candidates can do to stand out.

Finally, the deadline to apply for the Ropes & Gray vacation scheme is 31 January 2024. You can apply here!

@Jaysen @Jessica Booker @Daniel Boden @Dheepa
Hi TCLA team, I am currently applying for the Hong Kong vacation scheme and would love your input on this. What exactly are employers looking for in this question, and how would I be able to stand out in my answer?

"If you and your competitor together appear before a potential customer to pitch for a business opportunity, and after both of you have presented your respective proposals, the potential customer raises his voice at both you and your competitor, how would you handle the situation?"

The answers I can think of are very general, like displaying professionalism and showcasing that we care for our customers by ensuring their needs are heard. I also mentioned that it is necessary to draw the line if customers are unwilling to cooperate, but there's really limited concrete and specific answers I can think of. I believe there are two elements in this question: a) dealing with the angry customer; b) differentiating ourselves from our competitor at the same time. I appreciate any suggestion or advice. Thank you!

Hi, as the title states, I am looking to gather more information about this firm. Ideally, I would like to have a direct conversation with the Deputy Office Manager, Sophia, as she has sat in this role for quite some time. I am unable to find her contact details on the website, and I have a feeling that the trainee recruitment email is not actively monitored. I am also reaching out to people in the firm in other ways as well but thought to post here, just in case.

Tagging in @Jaysen and @Jessica Booker for visibility. Thank you all in advance!

Anyone has an idea on what JD's current business and growth strategy is ? I could only find that it's a friendly place and not as aggressive as pureplay US firms. But that's on the culture side. On business side, they are good at fraud, private equity and M&A . But those are practice area strengths. Cant figure out business strategy.

Hi, I am due to start the SQE (CCP) with BPP in February 2024. I wondered if anyone studying the SQE/CCP from Feb 2023 could give me their start date? I cannot find the information online anywhere.

Thank you so much!

If I'm referencing a source in an application, would it be fine to place that source in brackets? For instance, "the firm works with more than 200 law firms across 100 countries annually (Law Careers Net)". Or is it better to just write it out, "I read on Law Careers Net..."

Or alternatively, for the sake of word count, is it fine to leave out the source? Or would it be better to demonstrate that you've utilised a variety of sources for research?

Thanks!

-

An open day at Reed Smith's Leeds office.

The firm says: "You'll have the opportunity to hear about our London Trainee vacancies and talk to Partners and Trainees from our London Office. Additionally, you'll find out about our Leeds Office Vacancies and how we drive innovation from there. This event is intended for those living or studying within easy reach of Leeds who are interested in our London-based Training Contract. You'll also hear about Paralegal roles available in Leeds."

This open day is available by application only.

Apply here by November 3rd 2023, 5pm GMT.

An open day at Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

The firm says: "You will hear from partners, associates and trainees about our practice areas at Willkie, our hands-on approach to training, working in small teams and the opportunities you will be given. You will also learn about pro bono and community work in London. Our open day provides a fantastic opportunity to learn more about life at Willkie."

Register for your place here ahead of the open day.

Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis and will close when the open day is full - so don't delay your registration!

A live webinar, hosted by Willkie Farr & Gallagher's Graduate Recruitment Manager, Gemma Baker.

The firm says: "This webinar will give you practical, honest and achievable advice on how to refine your applications. This webinar is 90 minutes long, including time for questions."

When? Monday 6 November from 3pm-4:30pm.

Register here ahead of November 6th!

An opportunity to undertake a vacation scheme at the firm, commencing in 2024.

Scheme dates: 17-28 June 2024

Who is eligible to apply: Final year non-law students, penultimate or final year law students or graduates. The firm also welcomes applications from those studying or who have already completed the GDL or LPC.

Location: You can apply to complete this vacation scheme at BDB Pitmans offices in London, Reading or Southampton.

Applications are open now - non rolling.

Apply here by February 5th 2024.

Hello
Jones day profile doesn't appear on Chambers Student UK. Any idea why ? Is it available on TCLA premium ? Any other reliable sources (paid ok) where a neat summary of the firm's journey, competition etc is available ?

Thanks.

Hi has anyone else done the Simmons Simmons assessment day? Just did mine and feel like I bombed it haha

There it is. The email that you've been waiting for. The firm has progressed you to the next stage! You eagerly scroll down to find out the date of your interview... but wait. There's another hurdle before your face to face interview, a video interview.

It's completely normal to feel uncomfortable when doing a video interview. I get it, it's a strange set up. Having to stick to a strict time limit and staying composed throughout, whilst basically talking to yourself, is very different to answering questions in person.

The good news is, the more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel over time. Our best advice to prepare for any interview is to simulate the real thing as closely as possible, and practice in this simulated environment as many times as you can. The phrase 'practice makes perfect' really does apply here!

In this session, Jaysen and the Reed Smith Graduate Recruitment Team break down what you need to do to excel in law firm video interviews.

This event is completely free and open to everyone.

Simply register here ahead of the event and you will receive your Zoom link via email.

Hi,

I just did a summer vac scheme with a firm's Singapore office and totally bombed the final TC interview at the end of the scheme. My feedback was that even though I was very diligent and did a lot of good word, I basically didn't socialize with the office enough and prove that I was a good fit. I asked the regional HR whether I could reapply for the next cycle and the answer I got was that new candidates would be prioritized, and since the firm only recruits from vac schemers I took that to mean that it would be meaningless for me to reapply to the same office.

I was considering reapplying to the main office in London for a vac scheme in 2024. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice?

Hi guys,
I have been receiving many rejections for winter vacation schemes. And I am wondering how could I stand out among those very experienced applicants? I am very confused now and I am not sure should I keep applying for spring/summer vacation schemes.

I am a LPC graduate and I don't have much legal work experiences. Unfortunately I could not get any ones as they always require certain level of experiences. So I tried to attend many virtual events from The Legal Cheek, Biucac and Forage.

Could any successful applicants share your experience of getting vacation schemes/ training contract? Like how do you answer "why commercial law" "why you" "why this firm" etc.

I know I am always wanted to study law since I was young due to my father's business background- so I go on study law degree, focusing on commercial law - and that's my story. How could I make it more interesting?

Also, how should I incorporate travel as my hobby/ extra curricular activities into the applications? I always talk about cultural awareness & adaptability - is there any other ways that I could address my hobby?

Really appreciate for any advices!

Hi @Jessica Booker , @axelbeugre
Is the 3 months membership for 2 discount code still available?
Thanks