My TC app journey (25/26)

[Harvey Specter]

Hey guys,

I’ve seen a few people post threads like this one where they track applications so I figured I might as well jump on the bandwagon too!

By way of background, I’m an LLB Law graduate from a northern RG (Newcastle, Sheffield, Lvpl). I graduated with a very high 2:1 (68.5%).

I achieved an ABB at A-level and am from a lower socioeconomic background (comp state school, free school meals, council estate, first gen, etc).

I will be regularly posting on this thread (likely a weekly update) to keep track of my apps and if I ever secure a VS or TC (probs impossible lmao).

Here is a breakdown of my app cycle thus far:

Apps that were rejections:

Jones Day WVS post app
HSF Kramer WVS post test (failed benchmark)
Paul, Weiss WVS post app
Cleary Gottlieb WVS post app
White & Case WVS post app and test
Hogan Lovells Lift Off post job sim (stage 2)
Clifford Chance Direct TC post WG
Slaughter and May Direct TC post app

Apps currently in progress:

Freshfields Direct TC job sim (stage 2)
Weil Spring VS SJT and VI
Willkie Farr & Gallagher VS post app
Dechert Spring VS post app
Goodwin Summer VS post app
Akin Gump Spring VS post app
Milbank Summer VS stage 1 test
Skadden Summer VS written exercise

Apps to submit (Spring and Summer VS):

Reed Smith WVS
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Spring VS
Cooley Summer VS
Debevoise Summer VS
Morrison Foerster Summer VS
Covington Summer VS
Travers Smith Summer VS
Ropes & Gray VS
Orrick Summer VS
Winston & Strawn VS

Apps to submit if no VS (Direct TC route):

Ashurst Direct TC
Mayer Brown Direct TC
Stephenson Harwood Direct TC
King & Spalding Direct TC
Baker McKenzie Direct TC
BCLP Direct TC
Macfarlanes Direct TC
Watson Farley & Williams Direct TC
Fried Frank Direct TC
Paul Hastings Direct TC

I don’t plan on submitting all these apps. It most likely will depend on how this cycle goes. Should I secure a VS and TC I won’t be sending TC apps.

Lowkey still in shock about Skadden inviting me to complete their written exercise! It’s the first app I have properly progressed with so far!​

 

[TheLegalEagle]

Welcome to the bandwagon of tracking! First of all, you should get rid of the "probs impossible" mentality right away. Having a strong first-generation background and a good 2.1 from a Russell Group university is a huge advantage rather than a disadvantage. Your advancement with Skadden, one of the most prestigious companies in London, is proof that you are absolutely good enough for elite firms, so take that win as a huge confidence boost."

Rejections shouldn't depress you! You're aiming for the Titans. It's nice that your approach focusses mostly on US firms, but keep in mind that it's better to submit five excellent applications than ten generic ones. Focus your efforts on firms like Freshfields and Weil, as they have some exciting active leads!

 

[Xx123_]

Hey guys,

I’ve seen a few people post threads like this one where they track applications so I figured I might as well jump on the bandwagon too!

By way of background, I’m an LLB Law graduate from a northern RG (Newcastle, Sheffield, Lvpl). I graduated with a very high 2:1 (68.5%).

I achieved an ABB at A-level and am from a lower socioeconomic background (comp state school, free school meals, council estate, first gen, etc).

I will be regularly posting on this thread (likely a weekly update) to keep track of my apps and if I ever secure a VS or TC (probs impossible lmao).

Here is a breakdown of my app cycle thus far:

Apps that were rejections:

Jones Day WVS post app
HSF Kramer WVS post test (failed benchmark)
Paul, Weiss WVS post app
Cleary Gottlieb WVS post app
White & Case WVS post app and test
Hogan Lovells Lift Off post job sim (stage 2)
Clifford Chance Direct TC post WG
Slaughter and May Direct TC post app

Apps currently in progress:

Freshfields Direct TC job sim (stage 2)
Weil Spring VS SJT and VI
Willkie Farr & Gallagher VS post app
Dechert Spring VS post app
Goodwin Summer VS post app
Akin Gump Spring VS post app
Milbank Summer VS stage 1 test
Skadden written exercise

Apps to submit (Spring and Summer VS):

Reed Smith WVS
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Spring VS
Cooley Summer VS
Debevoise Summer VS
Morrison Foerster Summer VS
Covington Summer VS
Travers Smith Summer VS
Ropes & Gray VS
Orrick Summer VS
Winston & Strawn VS

Apps to submit if no VS (Direct TC route):

Ashurst Direct TC
Mayer Brown Direct TC
Stephenson Harwood Direct TC
King & Spalding Direct TC
Baker McKenzie Direct TC
BCLP Direct TC
Macfarlanes Direct TC
Watson Farley & Williams Direct TC
Fried Frank Direct TC
Paul Hastings Direct TC

I don’t plan on submitting all these apps. It most likely will depend on how this cycle goes. Should I secure a VS and TC I won’t be sending TC apps.

Lowkey still in shock about Skadden inviting me to complete their written exercise! It’s the first app I have properly progressed with so far!​

Hi Harvey Specter - what a name! I think this is one individual that all law students universally know…

Firstly, I have to echo the sentiment above and say your current academic accomplishments are strong and will bode well for many of your applications. As someone who also comes from working class, I will say that the journey will not be easy but is definitely achievable.

Also huge congratulations on progressing to the Skadden written exercise. That’s a genuinely an an amazing achievement and a strong signal that your applications are going well, so definitely don’t downplay it.

With the Skadden task in particular, you might find this M&A written exercise resource helpful for getting comfortable with structure and commercial prioritisation under time pressure:
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/product/written-exercise-ma/

I’m exciting to see how your application cycle progress, and I’m wishing you the very best of luck with Skadden 🤞