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Search results

  1. WillkieGemma

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @gazdgazd11 please see my post above
  2. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @axele Please see below: 1. that is correct 2. anything from the age of 15/16 that you would like us to know about 3. I wouldn't limit yourself - I would include everything that you've done that you want to tell us about 4. Yes, I have replied to this question many many times. It is...
  3. WillkieGemma

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @User5678 - it is just me in the grad rec team and in the week prior to the deadline there is a huge increase in applications - generally I will receive around 50% of applications in the seven days before the deadline. I read all applications from start to finish, therefore it can take some...
  4. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @emma.d - all the questions are motivational/commercial - we don't ask any competency questions
  5. WillkieGemma

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Toenails if you get through you will be sent all relevant information. With all firms, extra time will be given if it is requested. There is genuinely no need to check this with any firm - making adjustments is very normal and common practice.
  6. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @User5678 there is a dedicated section to mitigating circumstances. This is contained under the contextual recruitment information.
  7. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @Tclarocks123 - no. As I've said many times before in the forum, and on our website, I review apps and video interviews on a rolling basis. The final two stages of the application process (written exercise and partner interview) take place after the application deadline so we cannot make...
  8. WillkieGemma

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Toenails we had a session with Jaysen on Tuesday evening, which you can find here: https://directory.thecorporatelawacademy.com/profile/willkie-farr-gallagher.8
  9. WillkieGemma

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @NCTC2025 - it isn't automatic (I very much doubt whether a video interview at any firm is automatic).
  10. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @legal18 please do see the session we had with Jaysen on Tuesday evening: https://directory.thecorporatelawacademy.com/profile/willkie-farr-gallagher.8
  11. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @Vitamin - we don't have a quota or a limit but it has worked out as roughly between 23 and 26% of applicants each year we have run the scheme.
  12. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @sunshine101 - in my applications workshops, I really do emphasise the importance of talking about your duties and responsibilities and achievements in each role, rather than talking about skills. It is vital that anyone reviewing the application understands what you did and the value you...
  13. WillkieGemma

    My training contract journey - just keep swimming

    Hi @justkeepswimming - I reviewed lots of applications yesterday, including some of those that have come in over the last week. The application process takes place in four stages, and no part of the process is automated. You have to be successful at each stage to reach the next. Here are the...
  14. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @sunshine101 - the application form is exactly the same for everyone, with all candidates receiving the same word count to express interest. It's important to focus on a few key areas with clear motivation and thoroughness, rather than mention everything but actually say very little. In...
  15. WillkieGemma

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Yes, we do. I think all firms would screen applications before the second stage.
  16. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @evianmineral, it very much depends on my workload but generally it takes 5 to 15 working days to hear from me.
  17. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    hi @KBanana this has now been resolved.
  18. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @KBanana - we don't ask for a CV, so this is a glitch. I have contacted Candid, who will rectify the issue. Thanks for letting me know.
  19. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @AI212121 we take a holistic view of every candidate in terms of their approach as well as their ability.
  20. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @Sim96 As you are a qualified solicitor of England and Wales, you would not therefore be eligible for a training contract. I think the vast majority of firms will have the same response, so I cannot advise on next steps. Best of luck in your search, Gemma HI @Sim96 Thanks for your...

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