TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[James Wakefield]

Is it ok if we use abbreviations for firms while writing cover letters or answers to questions... For instance, is it ok if we say "White & Case" once and then the subsequent ones employ the abbreviation "W&C", or do they mind?

Other examples, HL for Hogan Lovells, S&C for Sullivan & Cromwell, L&W for Latham & Watkins, etc..

Probably fine but I’d check what abbreviation they use (if you can find it through research).

For example Trowers & Hamlins seem to be ‘Trowers’ rather than T&H.

 

[spade]

Is it ok if we use abbreviations for firms while writing cover letters or answers to questions... For instance, is it ok if we say "White & Case" once and then the subsequent ones employ the abbreviation "W&C", or do they mind?

Other examples, HL for Hogan Lovells, S&C for Sullivan & Cromwell, L&W for Latham & Watkins, etc..

i've done it all the time and been fine! i always write out the full name then in brackets the abbreviation when first mentioning it
for latham & watkins tho, i'd choose latham over l&w bc i've heard far more people just say latham, but that might just be a personal preference

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is it ok if we use abbreviations for firms while writing cover letters or answers to questions... For instance, is it ok if we say "White & Case" once and then the subsequent ones employ the abbreviation "W&C", or do they mind?

Other examples, HL for Hogan Lovells, S&C for Sullivan & Cromwell, L&W for Latham & Watkins, etc..

This varies from firm to firm.

For instance, Latham & Watkins can just be referred to as Latham rather than L&W. The firm themselves shorten it to Latham on their website.

If a firm’s name is only two words like Hogan Lovells, I don’t think it needs to be shortened.

 

[Laylaaa]

Slaughter and May - PFO. Low 2:1 in all Oxbridge modules, banging CV + cover letter. Will improve for next cycle because tbh I know that they focus a lot on grades.

Can I please ask when you applied and if this was for the summer vac scheme?

 

[walterwhite]

That Debevoise application was a marathon, I am so burnt out looool

 

[kevin28394]

hey everyone, I'd really appreciate any insights on the wilkie VI, it's my first this cycle so I have no idea what to expect

 

[LauraWilliams256]

Any tips for Reed Smith VI and SJT?

 

[Gin]

hi guys I just got the Kirkland & Ellis VI. Any tips? Tysm )

 

[user9809]

Any tips for Reed Smith VI and SJT?

When did you apply?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

hi guys I just got the Kirkland & Ellis VI. Any tips? Tysm )

Congrats~! When did u apply?

 

[desperateTCseeker1998]

Any tips for Reed Smith VI and SJT?

When did you receive it and when did you apply?

 

[lawyersum]

Any tips for Reed Smith test + VI? Applied 10 Dec and received test yesterday evening x

 

[Gin]

Congrats~! When did u apply?

12.31

 

[CG_101]

Is it ok if we use abbreviations for firms while writing cover letters or answers to questions... For instance, is it ok if we say "White & Case" once and then the subsequent ones employ the abbreviation "W&C", or do they mind?

Other examples, HL for Hogan Lovells, S&C for Sullivan & Cromwell, L&W for Latham & Watkins, etc..

I used S&C for Sullivan and Cromwell and got waitlisted so I assume its not an issue

 

[g.cl.2020344]

12.31

As in 3 days ago! That’s a quick progression!

 

[legalxp2]

Does anyone know whether the Akin test is automatic? Can't seem to find anything online

 

[Andrei Radu]

What are some good questions to ask at the end of an interview? I would appreciate any advice!

@Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

Hey @hfbjsdhfbhf to add to the great response from @Jessica Booker in my case I have generally found it best to ask questions around the unique selling points on which I had based my 'why this firm' reasoning. I quoted bellow a post I wrote in which I explored this issue in more depth:

I would say what is best to ask depends on (i) what your interests are; (ii) who is interviewing you; and (iii) what has previously been discussed in the interview:

1. Firstly, you want to ask something that you actually care about. Whoever is interviewing you likely has significant experience with the process and will therefore be able to see whether you are being genuine or just asking a question for the sake of it. Thus, when you think of a potential question, first ask yourself why do you think the answer might matter to you. In fact, I think it would be good if in the interview you mention the reason why you care about the question before you actually ask it - this will directly show the interview that you have put thought into it. An example of questions that you may choose to ask could be questions relating to your 'Why the firm' motivations. For instance, if a a strong reputation in one practice area, you may ask: how has the firm managed to build such a strong practice? what are plans for the future of the practice? are there any relevant challenges and opportunities in that practice's market, and how is the firm planning to respond to that? how can the firm's practice be differentiated from competitors with similar reputations? etc.
2. Secondly, you want to tailor your question to the audience as much as possible. Some questions may be more appropriate for an associate, some for a junior partner, and some for a senior partner. For instance, questions relating to junior culture and training experience are great for associates, questions around progression and the different tasks and responsibilities at different seniority levels in the firm would be great for a junior partner, while questions about the firm's strategy, client base, and market reputation when compared to competitors would be great for the more senior partners. Moreover, you may not want to ask a disputes partner about the firm's strategy to increase market share in PE, and you may want to avoid asking a transactional partner about details of the firm's newest competition litigation mandate. If possible, tailoring your questions around your interviewer's expertise is optimal.
3. Thirdly, you want for your questions to feel natural - you don't want to seem like you came in with a pre-prepared list which you were going to ask regardless of how the interview went. Of course, it is good to show that you have done your research and came prepared. However, you also want to make this section of the interview feel as conversational as possible, as for once you are playing the role of the person doing the asking. The more you can link your questions with what has been touched upon in the interview, the better. Some questions could just be follow-ups to the interviewer's answers to your pre-prepared questions. Some could be just about asking the interviewer to elaborate on some points they touched upon beforehand. However, take care to not be repetitive. Thus, only ask a question if you think it is likely there is a lot more that the interviewer could have to add to the previous discussion.

 

[yasmars]

Does anyone know whether the Akin test is automatic? Can't seem to find anything online

It’s not automatic

 

[jacksollaf]

It’s not automatic

did anyone receive a test? I applied on the 15th of October and still haven't heard back since the confirmation email...

 

[jacksollaf]

Does anyone know whether the Akin test is automatic? Can't seem to find anything online

did anyone receive a test? I applied on the 15th of October and still haven't heard back since the confirmation email...