anyone heard back from Weil post VI
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi guys, I have a question Re application writing / specifically Reed Smith's application. I recently received a PFO post-app from RS and upon looking at the generic feedback sheet I think I've pin-pointed where I went wrong. For my 'Why RS' Q I covered three points: Innovation at the firm / training programmes available / interest specifically in Life Sciences at the firm and linking it back to my own experience in the industry.
In the generic feedback, RS said that honing in on one practice area / industry is a big no-no as it essentially comes across as narrow-minded (AKA what I did in my written app 😬). I always thought that to make an application personal and specific enough, honing in on a practice area can be a good way of doing this espesh when word counts can be tight.
Would love any input from people on how they are integrating their interests for specific practice areas while also coming across as not narrow-minded. Thank you
In the generic feedback, RS said that honing in on one practice area / industry is a big no-no as it essentially comes across as narrow-minded (AKA what I did in my written app 😬). I always thought that to make an application personal and specific enough, honing in on a practice area can be a good way of doing this espesh when word counts can be tight.
Would love any input from people on how they are integrating their interests for specific practice areas while also coming across as not narrow-minded. Thank you
would also love insight into this as I really struggle with discussing a firm's work in "why this firm" questions
Hi guys, does anyone know much about Slaughters' post AC process? How long does it take? Do they always call referees? If so, is it more of a final check to make sure they are not taking someone terrible, or is it a meaningful part of the asessment, where they may take someone with strong refs over somoene with slightly weaker ones? Thanks!!
Hey!
Without seeing the specific wording of the question, I couldn't give a definitive answer either way. However, as a generally rule of thumb, I think it is a good idea to strengthen your answer by briefly connecting the development to how Skadden is positioned to help clients - as long as it feels natural and not forced.
Your structure, therefore, sounds solid, and would look like:
- Paragraph 1: Explain the development clearly (showing research and commercial awareness)
- Paragraph 2: Discuss the impact on clients, and this is usually where you can add a line or two about which practice areas at Skadden would get involved (e.g. regulatory, disputes, transactions, finance, etc.).
I hope that assists!
Hi!
I have received vacation scheme offers (and my DTC offer) from applications that I wrote in one day - however, I still spent a few hours on each of them. I really do think this is something that is dependant on how you work best - for me, I found it easier to get it all done in one day as I'm a pretty bad procrastinator and would often let it sit until last minute if I spread it out! However, for others, it might help to break it down and do separate questions across different days.
Additionally, writing applications is something that becomes a bit quicker over time, so a lot of my earlier applications spanned across a couple of days. There isn't necessarily one right answer / method, so I'd focus on making your applications as strong as possible
Hey!
For the first question ("supplementary educational information"), you don't need to write anything close to 500 words. It's really just a space to add factual details that don't fit neatly into the standard fields - these could be things such as extra courses, certificates, study abroad, international qualifications, etc. Most people will only write a few lines (or nothing at all!).
The 500-word answer is only for Q3, where they want a fuller reflection on your achievements and responsibilities. That's the section where you should go into detail and give proper examples.
I hope that helps!
That’s so odd, considering that their open day application literally had a question about which one practice area we’d like to explore further.
That being said, in my “why RS open day question”, I’d mentioned both their energy practice and their shipping practice. So maybe mentioning more than one should be fine?
Thank you so much!! The exact wording was: Please choose a recent (less than 12 months) development in UK/European news. How are such developments relevant for Skadden’s clients?Hey!
Without seeing the specific wording of the question, I couldn't give a definitive answer either way. However, as a generally rule of thumb, I think it is a good idea to strengthen your answer by briefly connecting the development to how Skadden is positioned to help clients - as long as it feels natural and not forced.
Your structure, therefore, sounds solid, and would look like:
This doesn't need to be a deep dive, but I do think it is advantageous to make that link - even if they haven't explicitly asked for it in the question. It's a good way of adding context, and showing commercial awareness of how a law firm adds value to their clients.
- Paragraph 1: Explain the development clearly (showing research and commercial awareness)
- Paragraph 2: Discuss the impact on clients, and this is usually where you can add a line or two about which practice areas at Skadden would get involved (e.g. regulatory, disputes, transactions, finance, etc.).
I hope that assists!
So you advice in spot on, thank you!
There is no mention anywhere in the website or even brochure, but there were people mentioned months ago who surprised there were WE in the last 2 Qs, they were pretty much didn't expect it, but some still progressed to second test. 🤣
Milbank just a trial for most people that commonly if a firm don't ask general questions in the app form, they will ask it in later stage.
I remember attending a RS event and they said that their life sciences practice is only really in the US. Therefore, if you express an interest in this area, especially as your main one, you’re likely going to be rejected.
Hi!
Just thought I'd add my perspective to this as someone at Reed Smith - this is a really common issue, so don't feel bad! From the graduate recruitment perspective, as you aren't guaranteed to get a seat in a specific area, it's better to show an 'open minded' attitude towards practice areas you are interested in. You can still mention the areas you are interested in (and that is definitely encouraged!), but it's good to mention a few, even if you focus on one a little more. As a side note for future reference, the London office at Reed Smith doesn't work in the Life Sciences sector (as this is our US offices), so I'd keep that in mind if you reapply!
Firms do want to see genuine interest while still believing your open-minded enough to explore different seats during training. A helpful way to do this could be:
1. Anchor your "Why RS" in things that show you understand the firm's broader identity
For example, the firm's sector-driven approach, its collaborative culture, its international platform, the variety offered through seat rotations, or the type of clients it works with. These are wider characteristics that don't tie you to one area but still show firm-specific research.
2. Bring in your practice-area interest as one example of how RS aligns with you
This could look something like: "I was initially drawn to Reed Smith due to their Life Sciences work, given my background in X. However, what appeals to me most is the chance to explore a range of practices within a sector-focused firm, because...". This way, it feels like a point of connection and tailors it to your experiences, whilst also discussing other areas you are interested in.
3. Emphasise genuine openness
Even if you do like a specific area (which is completely fine!), firms still want to see curiosity and willingness to develop across multiple teams, as that is the reality of a training contract. It's definitely important to show an interest in their work, but try to find a few areas that you like and can link back to yourself.
You can still be personal and specific - just make sure it's frame as one part of your motivation, rather than the main focus of it.
I hope that helps!
Thank you! I really appreciate the time you put into your responses! Very helpful 😊Hi!
Just thought I'd add my perspective to this as someone at Reed Smith - this is a really common issue, so don't feel bad! From the graduate recruitment perspective, as you aren't guaranteed to get a seat in a specific area, it's better to show an 'open minded' attitude towards practice areas you are interested in. You can still mention the areas you are interested in (and that is definitely encouraged!), but it's good to mention a few, even if you focus on one a little more. As a side note for future reference, the London office at Reed Smith doesn't work in the Life Sciences sector (as this is our US offices), so I'd keep that in mind if you reapply!
Firms do want to see genuine interest while still believing your open-minded enough to explore different seats during training. A helpful way to do this could be:
1. Anchor your "Why RS" in things that show you understand the firm's broader identity
For example, the firm's sector-driven approach, its collaborative culture, its international platform, the variety offered through seat rotations, or the type of clients it works with. These are wider characteristics that don't tie you to one area but still show firm-specific research.
2. Bring in your practice-area interest as one example of how RS aligns with you
This could look something like: "I was initially drawn to Reed Smith due to their Life Sciences work, given my background in X. However, what appeals to me most is the chance to explore a range of practices within a sector-focused firm, because...". This way, it feels like a point of connection and tailors it to your experiences, whilst also discussing other areas you are interested in.
3. Emphasise genuine openness
Even if you do like a specific area (which is completely fine!), firms still want to see curiosity and willingness to develop across multiple teams, as that is the reality of a training contract. It's definitely important to show an interest in their work, but try to find a few areas that you like and can link back to yourself.
You can still be personal and specific - just make sure it's frame as one part of your motivation, rather than the main focus of it.
I hope that helps!
Hi @Abbie Whitlock, thanks for such a detailed response. Do you think it would be okay to mention two practice areas/ industry groups? And then perhaps align it with the firm’s sector focused approach?Hi!
Just thought I'd add my perspective to this as someone at Reed Smith - this is a really common issue, so don't feel bad! From the graduate recruitment perspective, as you aren't guaranteed to get a seat in a specific area, it's better to show an 'open minded' attitude towards practice areas you are interested in. You can still mention the areas you are interested in (and that is definitely encouraged!), but it's good to mention a few, even if you focus on one a little more. As a side note for future reference, the London office at Reed Smith doesn't work in the Life Sciences sector (as this is our US offices), so I'd keep that in mind if you reapply!
Firms do want to see genuine interest while still believing your open-minded enough to explore different seats during training. A helpful way to do this could be:
1. Anchor your "Why RS" in things that show you understand the firm's broader identity
For example, the firm's sector-driven approach, its collaborative culture, its international platform, the variety offered through seat rotations, or the type of clients it works with. These are wider characteristics that don't tie you to one area but still show firm-specific research.
2. Bring in your practice-area interest as one example of how RS aligns with you
This could look something like: "I was initially drawn to Reed Smith due to their Life Sciences work, given my background in X. However, what appeals to me most is the chance to explore a range of practices within a sector-focused firm, because...". This way, it feels like a point of connection and tailors it to your experiences, whilst also discussing other areas you are interested in.
3. Emphasise genuine openness
Even if you do like a specific area (which is completely fine!), firms still want to see curiosity and willingness to develop across multiple teams, as that is the reality of a training contract. It's definitely important to show an interest in their work, but try to find a few areas that you like and can link back to yourself.
You can still be personal and specific - just make sure it's frame as one part of your motivation, rather than the main focus of it.
I hope that helps!
Congrats!! Just out of curiosity, how long did they take to get back to you and what were your strengths (if you're comfortable sharing)?
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