TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[TCLA Community Assistant]

In my answer for why commercial law, I discussed experiences working with commercial lawyers from two different law firms and then I discuss what I did during this experience plus motivations for a career in commercial law.

I am thinking back on it and wondering if I should remove the references to the two law firms and instead talk about the practice areas these commercial lawyers worked in.

Would you agree that this will make a difference or is there no need?

Thanks

The reference to other firms is fine. You can rely less on describing what you did where this is about your motivations and where the evidence of what you did will typically be in your work experience entry. But I don't think it's an issue if you talk about other law firm's by name. Even if you did talk about practice areas, you need to focus on what you did, not what those who you worked with did.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hey @Jessica Booker , I was wondering if you had any tips regarding the freshfields vacation scheme application - specifically the personal statement.

This post is particularly helpful. Although the guide attached in the post is quite old now, I really don't think much has changed since then when it comes to the firm's expectations with the personal statement: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/freshfields-application.628/post-3064.

I'll try and track down some other useful content shortly.

 

[sonnikasundar17]

Hey, just got a VI written exercise invite from Dechert! I wanted to ask if anyone is willing to share some insights or tips on how to prepare and what to expect? It is my first written exercise so I would really appreciate it! I was told to choose a time slot, so I was wondering if it is with an associate/grad rec of Dechert or is it just a virtual one with no one watching you. Thank you so much!

 

[Izzy1026]

hi for applications like kirkland where you're limited to four work experiences, is it better to choose the four that link closest to commercial law? or four that show that i am well rounded? or the four most recent? im not sure what the best approach is! @Jessica Booker

Hi, may I ask where does it say that you can include only four work experiences? :0

 

[yeezyee]

Hi, may I ask where does it say that you can include only four work experiences? :0

its six sorry!

 

[heyhola]

Does anyone know if it’s too late to apply for Simmons & Simmons? I’ve seen people already receiving offers for SVS since it’s rolling. On their “Kickstart Your Career” page, it says applications are now closed, but on their “Graduate Opportunities” page, I can still access the form.

Where did you find the info that they're closed? Looks like they're still taking applications

 

[EliteWhovian]

Following on from my earlier question on short applications, does anyone have a list by any chance of firms that have a simple post-app process? So no VIs, no tests, kinda like Slaughter and May who just has 1 assessment day post-app

 

[Petallove1]

Following on from my earlier question on short applications, does anyone have a list by any chance of firms that have a simple post-app process? So no VIs, no tests, kinda like Slaughter and May who just has 1 assessment day post-app

This is the dream

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

I only know one person with an AC and they got 38/40. I got 78 percentile so not sure if that’s high enough either

Same, I am very worried

 

[yasmars]

Following on from my earlier question on short applications, does anyone have a list by any chance of firms that have a simple post-app process? So no VIs, no tests, kinda like Slaughter and May who just has 1 assessment day post-app

Travers Smith

 

[Abbas J]

Hi,

Just got a VI from Kirkland & Ellis (does anyone know if they recruit on a rolling basis)

Also just got a VI & Written Exercise Invite from Dechert

If anyone has any information/insight could they please share/message me.

Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 27336]

Same, I am very worried

I knew someone with 72 who got an AC last year. I got 98 last year and didn't get an AC. They heavily look at the Capp assessment, so it wouldn't be your WG if you happen to get PFO. Fingers crossed though, and good luck

 

[hannahfl]

Is the Dechert written assessment recorded?

 

[Yesha.2]

Hi,

Just got a VI from Kirkland & Ellis (does anyone know if they recruit on a rolling basis)

Also just got a VI & Written Exercise Invite from Dechert

If anyone has any information/insight could they please share/message me.

Thanks!

Congrats on getting both! When did you apply to Kirkland? I think they recruit on a rolling basis though.

 

[sxw517]

How long to hear back post-test for Akin?

 

[user184794]

Congrats on getting both! When did you apply to Kirkland? I think they recruit on a rolling basis though.

Was wondering the same, please? When’d you apply?

 

[milo]

Does anyone know if Kennedys want your individual module grade for university? They just write that they want the following:

• GCSE (or equivalent)
• A Level (or equivalent)
• Undergraduate degree
• Postgraduate qualifications
• PDGL (or other law conversion course)
• LPC or SQE
• Any other relevant qualifications

They also say:

'In this section you should add details of relevant education and qualifications. Click on the add button to add one entry at a time. These entries will then appear in the summary table below labelled "Education Details".'

There's no mention of modules or place for them on the application form except for putting them in manually. @Jessica Booker any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Abbas J]

I applied a week ago for Kirkland.

Will it have much of an impact if I complete my VI on the last day?

I have a very busy schedule at the moment.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

I'm making an account just to reply to this, as I hope I can help.

I was at Kirkland's most recent Open Day. The Recruitment team said they technically don't recruit on a rolling basis. They made a point of it actually, stating that they don't see the point of 'rolling basis' when there is a strict deadline to adhere to anyway.

Why they may screen applications on a rolling basis, whether you submit your application on the first or last day, your chances of getting through to the next stage are exactly the same. It appears to be an incredibly fair process, so I wouldn't rush your VI. Congratulations!

I applied a week ago for Kirkland.

Will it have much of an impact if I complete my VI on the last day?

I have a very busy schedule at the moment.

 

[Abbas J]

I'm making an account just to reply to this, as I hope I can help.

I was at Kirkland's most recent Open Day. The Recruitment team said they technically don't recruit on a rolling basis. They made a point of it actually, stating that they don't see the point of 'rolling basis' when there is a strict deadline to adhere to anyway.

Why they may screen applications on a rolling basis, whether you submit your application on the first or last day, your chances of getting through to the next stage are exactly the same. It appears to be an incredibly fair process, so I wouldn't rush your VI. Congratulations!

Brillant!

Thanks so much for the information mate!