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Willkie Live: How to Write a Successful Vacation Scheme Application

7 Oct 2025 5:30pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)

Learn exactly how to write a successful application to Willkie Farr & Gallagher, with live examples + Q&A with Gemma Baker.

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="HorsesForCoursesNeighNeighNeigh" data-source="post: 44374" data-attributes="member: 8899"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big Grin    :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big Grin    :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" />Thanks Nick, your advice is really helpful! And you too Jessica! I’m applying for TCs/VSs for the first time, really not sure of my chances tbh—I haven’t started the GDL, if I did it would have to be part time and would be difficult to fit with my role. Likewise a VS might be doable but quite likely would not be. Am trying not to be too outing of my identity as I’m in a mid-level role currently in a sector where I don’t want to burn bridges! I’m hoping I have enough evidence on my CV to substantiate my interest in law and my suitability. I did business development for a year while studying my MA, have 18 months at a legal membership organisation (in a role related to my politics MA, which involved a lot of reports on legal services, speaking at legal conferences, etc) and am currently working as a reasonably senior lobbyist on an area of English law that’s under substantial reform (around 1 year). Graduated from undergrad in 2017, 2 year part time MA until 2019 while working full time, so this has all been in a fairly compressed timeline and is part of the reason why I’m not jumping to also take on the GDL part time! The idea of just doing the GDL for a year sounds like bliss to me! My grades shouldn’t be an issue (first and distinction, strong unis), and have all the usual public speaking extra currics, etc. I’m just really not sure if my “why law”/“why me” narrative is going to go down well, and whether not having started the GDL will undermine my application? I could start it part time and would be willing to do so, but would really prefer not to if at all possible. I think I’m going to look for some legal volunteering, see if I can find anything that would sit with my job. Would appreciate all further thoughts and advice! Are there any big holes with my profile that I can plaster over a bit better?</blockquote>

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