2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Mxkry]

This is interesting! Was it a member of graduate recruitment from the firm? I'm surprised more firms don't do it to be honest.

It doesn't allow me to see unfortunately

 

[CSM]

No, I applied late Dec though, hbu?

Yeah same!

 

[AS858]

Just got a telephone interview for a direct TC application I made to White & Case last cycle!! If anyone has any advice (even a crumb) I would be so grateful

Hi, I did a Vac Scheme at W&C and here are some tips:

• Mention that they are a full service firm compared to other American firms --> they take pride in their long presence in London and the fact that London is very important to them.
• Mention the word "cross-border" a lot --> they take pride that most of the work they do has an international element.
• For your "why law" answer make sure you include something related to the city and why a city law career appeals to you over IB, consulting, barrister etc.
• If you mention a deal really understand it and critically why it's important to you. --> for instance, I spoke about a project finance deal in Africa and why it was important to me and my career.
• Be ready to explain your undergraduate course and the university you go/went to --> try to be very passionate about it.
• Finally, as usual make sure all your answers are as succinct as possible and use STAR or CAR for competencies.

Good luck! I hope it goes well.

 

[LS12]

Hi, I did a Vac Scheme at W&C and here are some tips:

• Mention that they are a full service firm compared to other American firms --> they take pride in their long presence in London and the fact that London is very important to them.
• Mention the word "cross-border" a lot --> they take pride that most of the work they do has an international element.
• For your "why law" answer make sure you include something related to the city and why a city law career appeals to you over IB, consulting, barrister etc.
• If you mention a deal really understand it and critically why it's important to you. --> for instance, I spoke about a project finance deal in Africa and why it was important to me and my career.
• Be ready to explain your undergraduate course and the university you go/went to --> try to be very passionate about it.
• Finally, as usual make sure all your answers are as succinct as possible and use STAR or CAR for competencies.

Good luck! I hope it goes well.

Thank you so much for this I really appreciate it!!

 

[Kubed]

Thanks for the reply though I think you misunderstand me. My A Levels are fine. This is just a question about my AS Levels and whether its compulsory to include them

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think anyone ever looks at your AS Levels once you've completed the full A Level? Unless you've done some courses just to AS Level, I don't think there's any need to mention your AS grades if you have full A Level in the subject.

 

[Marissa]

Does anyone have any tips for Penningtons Manches Cooper's Assessment Centre? Would really appreciate it xx

 

[els124]

Hi, I did a Vac Scheme at W&C and here are some tips:

• Mention that they are a full service firm compared to other American firms --> they take pride in their long presence in London and the fact that London is very important to them.
• Mention the word "cross-border" a lot --> they take pride that most of the work they do has an international element.
• For your "why law" answer make sure you include something related to the city and why a city law career appeals to you over IB, consulting, barrister etc.
• If you mention a deal really understand it and critically why it's important to you. --> for instance, I spoke about a project finance deal in Africa and why it was important to me and my career.
• Be ready to explain your undergraduate course and the university you go/went to --> try to be very passionate about it.
• Finally, as usual make sure all your answers are as succinct as possible and use STAR or CAR for competencies.

Good luck! I hope it goes well.

What is CAR? I've never heard of it haha

 

[Ricky]

What is CAR? I've never heard of it haha

Context? Action, Result.

 

[Simba281]

Hey is there a thread or anything that explains how to talk about a deal a firm has been involved in during an interview?

 

[M1999]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think anyone ever looks at your AS Levels once you've completed the full A Level? Unless you've done some courses just to AS Level, I don't think there's any need to mention your AS grades if you have full A Level in the subject.

Before 2016 people had a separate AS and an A Level. I have four AS levels and three A Levels. They’re all separate although the AS levels count towards your A levels

 

[Jaysen]

Hey is there a thread or anything that explains how to talk about a deal a firm has been involved in during an interview?

I don't think we have a thread on this, but do you mean in response to a question about a deal?

 

[CSmith]

Does anyone have any tips for Penningtons Manches Cooper's Assessment Centre? Would really appreciate it xx

Congratulations!! When did you send in your application if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Poppyx12]

Is it normal to see a firm you've applied for search for your name on Linkedin? Maybe, I'm grasping at straws here

I got a notification from Linkedin saying a partner from a firm i applied to viewed my profile, safe to say its made me very nervous!!

 

[Simba281]

I don't think we have a thread on this, but do you mean in response to a question about a deal?

yes! Say if it was tell us about a deal we’ve done

 

[mpongo]

SullCrom sure are taking their time in handing out interviews this year!

 

[mpongo]

As are Vinson & Elkins! I applied way way back in October.

 

[Samantha]

SullCrom sure are taking their time in handing out interviews this year!

really hope we hear back today

 

[Jaysen]

yes! Say if it was tell us about a deal we’ve done

I had this question in a few interviews. Tooting my own horn, but in my Shearman & Sterling interview, the partner said my answer to this question was the best he had ever heard. I left thinking I had the offer, and then they rejected me....

When discussing a deal, I would see this as an opportunity not to just show your understanding of the firm but to also show your commercial awareness and demonstrate your passion for the work the firm does. I would find a deal that interests you and then focus on the most interesting aspects of that deal to you. Perhaps it's how many offices and departments of the firm coordinated to work on that particular deal? Perhaps it's the fact that the firm had to negotiate regulatory clearances across multiple jurisdictions? Perhaps it's the fact that the deal itself was interesting to you, based on the tactics and negotiations in the lead up to the deal? I'd also suggest researching widely around the deal so that you are prepared for any follow up questions on the particular companies involved.

 

[rb26]

I am currently filling out the employment section for Browne Jacobson (attached). I am finding it rather counter-intuitive having to type out the dates/ position held when they are asked below.

(Below this is a box where you detail your responsibilities etc. so that is not what is requested in this box)

Can someone please confirm that I am doing this correct/ provide any suggestion of how to fill this out without it appearing repetitive. (@Jessica Booker maybe?)

Thank you in advance

 

[Simba281]

I had this question in a few interviews. Tooting my own horn, but in my Shearman & Sterling interview, the partner said my answer to this question was the best he had ever heard. I left thinking I had the offer, and then they rejected me....

When discussing a deal, I would see this as an opportunity not to just show your understanding of the firm but to also show your commercial awareness and demonstrate your passion for the work the firm does. I would find a deal that interests you and then focus on the most interesting aspects of that deal to you. Perhaps it's how many offices and departments of the firm coordinated to work on that particular deal? Perhaps it's the fact that the firm had to negotiate regulatory clearances across multiple jurisdictions? Perhaps it's the fact that the deal itself was interesting to you, based on the tactics and negotiations in the lead up to the deal? I'd also suggest researching widely around the deal so that you are prepared for any follow up questions on the particular companies involved.

thank you Jaysen!!