Hello
@Abbie Whitlock ! This has sort of a weird question but I'll divide my whole post into three parts:
i) What does a group research task and a partner presentation entail and how do you go about it? What are some common themes that come up?
ii) Since there are around 3 months before my VS, what should I do to prepare? I know commercial awareness is perhaps one of the bigger ones but is there something else I can work on?
iii) I am going to be taking part in a VS where roughly 30% of the applicants get a TC. However I realise that realistically the chances are much higher because there are people who take up TCs at other firms or do something totally weird where the firm is put off by them or theyre just extremely not good enough. Am I right in thinking this is the case? (I understand its not healthy to be fixated on numbers but I am neurodivergent and this is one of the ways I cope haha)
I'd love any and all perspective on this, thank you!
Hello!
Not weird at all - happy to help! Congratulations on the vacation scheme! I'll take your questions in order
1. Group Research Task + Partner Presentation
For a group task, typically you'll be given a commercial or legal scenario and asked, as a group, to identify the key issues and present a recommendation. The assessors are usually looking less at technical legal knowledge and more at how you think and behave: for example, can you structure a complicated problem, prioritise what actually matters, collaborate well, and communicate clearly?
The partner presentation is often about communicating clearly and confidently, and explaining your reasoning as you go (rather than just offering conclusions). They'll want to see that you can communicate sometimes complex ideas in a clear way, and that you can handle any follow-up questions calmly.
Common themes tend to be M&A scenarios, regulatory change, reputation risk, market entry, ESG, tech disruption, etc. The legal detail is usually less important than showing structured and commercial thinking.
2. Preparation over next few months
In terms of preparation over the next three months, commercial awareness is definitely important, but the skill is more about application than reading volume. I would practice summarising a news story in a concise way and then ask yourself: who does this affect, and what might this mean in three to five years? It also helps to have a think about how a law firm might get involved (e.g. different practice areas), and how they can add value to the client in the transaction.
I would also research the firm's key sectors and recent work so that you understand what kind of clients they act for. Beyond that, it is helpful to practice speaking your thoughts out loud - even if it feels silly, it'll make you feel more confident in the real thing!
3. Conversion Statistics
As someone who is also neurodivergent (so also fixated on the numbers), I can totally understand where you are coming from. You are right that raw percentages don't tell the full story - some candidates will already have other offers, some will decide the firm isn't right for them, and some will significantly underperform.
I do think it can help to try and treat the scheme as something in your control rather than a numbers game. I completed three schemes, all with conversion rates ranging from 50-60% to 15-25% - I was actually closest to converting with the firm that had the lowest conversion rate, and I think it was because it was the best fit for me out of them and I therefore performed at my best.
Firms are usually asking whether they can imagine working with this person late at night on a deal - if you are engaged, reliable, collaborative, and genuinely interested in the firm, you will put yourself in a strong position.
I hope that assists, and best of luck with the scheme!!
