TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Rob93]

For a question asking about what practice areas you're interested in, is it okay to talk about one in detail or should you cut back on the detail to mention another?

Curious what firm this is for? I think it depends how focused the firm's overall practice is - if you were writing for, say, Kirkland, I'd imagine it's fine to go all in on PE, but I wouldn't necessarily do so in an application to Freshfields even though they also take top marks for high-end buyouts

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

For a question asking about what practice areas you're interested in, is it okay to talk about one in detail or should you cut back on the detail to mention another?

A few factors to consider:

- how much exposure you would get to the practice area during your TC. For instance some of the big firms have a strong IP practice but you may only spend three months in that area (if at all).

- how big the practice area is as part of the firm - which in turn means how many NQ roles are likely to be available when you qualify

- what your personal preferences are. There is no point faking interest just for the sake of an application (it probably means the firm isn’t right for you)

- what the rest of your application looks like. If all your work experience is in Shipping you might want to hedge your bets and talk more broadly than just shipping in that answer (unless the firm only does shipping law). It’s your opportunity to show there is a bit more to you than just one practice area.

 

[ltt_12]

Hi everyone. I got my WG percentile from HL. Just wanted to double checking that im interpreting it correctly; is a lower percentile or higher percentile more favourable?

 

[kmax301]

Hi everyone. I got my WG percentile from HL. Just wanted to double checking that im interpreting it correctly; is a lower percentile or higher percentile more favourable?

The higher. Good luck with your application!

 

[ltt_12]

The higher. Good luck with your application!

Thank you! Does anyone know what percentile you typically have to hit in order to progress?

 

[kmax301]

Thank you! Does anyone know what percentile you typically have to hit in order to progress?

From what I heard from other recruiters, different firms use different groups against which your performance is assessed. So, your percentile does not mean too much unless you know against whom you are measured. Consequently, there is no general standard that can give you a pass for all the firms.

 

[Shaz]

Thank you! Does anyone know what percentile you typically have to hit in order to progress?

It usually depends on the firm and in most cases, they won't disclose the benchmark either.

 

[em311]

A few factors to consider:

- how much exposure you would get to the practice area during your TC. For instance some of the big firms have a strong IP practice but you may only spend three months in that area (if at all).

- how big the practice area is as part of the firm - which in turn means how many NQ roles are likely to be available when you qualify

- what your personal preferences are. There is no point faking interest just for the sake of an application (it probably means the firm isn’t right for you)

- what the rest of your application looks like. If all your work experience is in Shipping you might want to hedge your bets and talk more broadly than just shipping in that answer (unless the firm only does shipping law). It’s your opportunity to show there is a bit more to you than just one practice area.

Thank you so much for the advice Jessica!

The practice area I'm drawn to the most is a one of the firm's main ones and the way they structure it is different to other firms, so I have a bit to say about why I like this in particular. I am, of course, interested in their other practices but the reasoning isn't as specific and strong, so I wasn't sure whether it was worth adding a few lines in or whether this wouldn't be perceived as a solid enough point.

 

[ltt_12]

It usually depends on the firm and in most cases, they won't disclose the benchmark either.

From what I heard from other recruiters, different firms use different groups against which your performance is assessed. So, your percentile does not mean too much unless you know against whom you are measured. Consequently, there is no general standard that can give you a pass for all the firms.

Thank you both for your responses! Appreciate it

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone. I got my WG percentile from HL. Just wanted to double checking that im interpreting it correctly; is a lower percentile or higher percentile more favourable?

Higher the percentile they better the ranking (99 is the highest you can get)

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you! Does anyone know what percentile you typically have to hit in order to progress?

Can be anything typically from the 15-75th percentile depending on a range of factors for the firm in question.

 

[Bonolaw]

hI, has anyone heard anything from NRF post WG?

My friend had an email last night inviting her to a telephone interview this Wednesday.

 

[ltt_12]

My friend had an email last night inviting her to a telephone interview this Wednesday.

What scheme was this for? and congrats to your friend !

 

[Bonolaw]

What scheme was this for? and congrats to your friend !

I think it's the winter scheme

 

[SLKEJRWOI97]

Sidley WVS PFO

 

[M777]

Sidley PFO

 

[RS31]

Has anyone heard from Cleary after applying for the Winter VS?

 

[Nicole15]

Just got an email from the Reed Smith grad rec team stating that the second SST were sent in error so applicants should only complete once, irrespective of the "1 outstanding request" message.

 

[AAA_a]

Has anyone heard from Cleary after applying for the Winter VS?

Nope but I applied quite recently. However from previous experience they tend to be quite quick in replying.

 

[AW_08]

PFO from Sidley