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Search results

  1. WillkieGemma

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

    Yes, it is a great foundation in commercial awareness and understanding how and why law firms and their clients/other institutions work. It certainly wouldn't hurt to read it.
  2. WillkieGemma

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

    Constructive feedback is always hard to deliver, but much harder to receive. I'm really glad it helped.
  3. WillkieGemma

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

    Hi all - I'm more than happy to answer questions re applications in general, not just Willkie specific. I try to be very very honest and direct with answers - just tag me as I'm afraid I can't go through every single post.
  4. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @Jnh222 Thanks for your message. I really don't want to sound as if I'm fobbing you off, but it's really important to us that all candidates receive the same information about each stage of the process, so the information contained in email from me (should you have been invited) is all I...
  5. WillkieGemma

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

    Hi @lawful_neutral216 - all those who applied after 13 December will hear back this week as mentioned in my email sent to all in December. Those emailed yesterday were notified about their video interview before the Christmas break. Hope that helps! Gemma
  6. WillkieGemma

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

    Hi @IsaacDundas the email will contain further details. I will be sending out in the next hour or so. Thanks! Gemma
  7. WillkieGemma

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

    Hi @Anoned Not at all. It would make a mockery of the entire application process if you applied advantage/disadvantage to candidates on the basis of the date they applied. As long as an application is made within the application window, it's considered fully no matter the date it comes in. I...
  8. WillkieGemma

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

    Hi @nae_omi thanks for your query. The email, which was sent to everyone who applied from 13 December onwards, was simply to manage expectations as it isn't possible to review all applications before Christmas (I'm on annual leave between Christmas and NY). Thanks, Gemma
  9. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @Saul Goodman we don't have any vacancies before September 2024 I'm afraid. Last year we recruited for 2021, 2022 and 2023 and we filled all spaces at that time.
  10. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @corplaw0702 They are based on the individual stages. In particular, the third assessment stage, the written exercise, is completely anonymous. Each candidate is given a number, rather than a name (only I have the key) and each exercise is marked by two assessors. If the marks given by...
  11. WillkieGemma

    Clyde & Co VI

    I agree with @AvniD - @George Maxwell has done a great job explaining !
  12. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @Kayla Prendergast Thanks for your message - please see my answers below: 1. Our start date is in the September of each year - we have five trainees joining us each year and we prefer them to start at the same time. If we have a vacancy in an earlier intake, then we would let you know...
  13. WillkieGemma

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Completely agreed with @Jessica Booker and @George Maxwell - personal statements rarely, if ever, add anything to a CV as there should be a clear chronological order to your CV. They are all remarkably similar.
  14. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @YB Thanks for your message! My advice would be that you should never repeat anything in your application - you can draw out work-related achievements that you didn't include in the work experience section but you shouldn't repeat the same thing. The achievements and interests section can...
  15. WillkieGemma

    2nd year law student query on a legal career within the corporate world

    @James Carrabino @Aleksandar James, this is excellent advice.
  16. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Thanks @James Carrabino !
  17. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @Shasank Yes, around 25% of our current/future trainees are from outside the UK and Ireland. We assess all candidates on merit and nationality plays no part in our decision making process. If a candidate is successful at all stages, then we would offer reasonable support and assistance in...
  18. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Hi @kerilouiseex no problems at all. 1. I'm looking for excellent written communication skills, in the form of a concise and well written application, a real interest in Willkie and the business of law and a sense of commerciality. 2. There is not "one thing" that will make an application...
  19. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Completely understand - it's always best to apply when you feel ready, rather than when other people tell you you should!
  20. WillkieGemma

    Ask Willkie Farr & Gallagher Anything!

    Do you mean September or December? I would strongly recommend my application workshop: https://willkie.app.candidats.io/event/2b6e8c76-295a-41c5-8da7-221b62edb5da

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