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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="George Maxwell" data-source="post: 99647" data-attributes="member: 17165">Hi [USER=15454]@w.m[/USER]!Congratulations for getting through to the AC stage for HSF 🥳 🥳.As I have mentioned elsewhere on the forum, HSF's interview was one of, if not the, best interviews I did when I was applying. That being said, it is an intimidating process. I empathise with how you are feeling especially about the scenario based interviews (as a non-law student myself too). I felt the same ahead of my interview as they are dynamic and therefore unpredictable(!).Starting with a very abstract suggestion, try to embrace the uncertainty and trust in what you know. The nature of the interview is that you just cannot fully prepare for it because you can't know what the scenario will be. It is possible (and probably likely) that they will ask you something you do not know straight away. The interviewers ultimately want to test you and to identify where your limits are. Try not to be afraid of this possibility. In all likelihood this will happen. If you expect it, you will be calmer and will be less likely to panic.If this does happen, I cannot stress enough, it is not a disaster. It happened to me (and to most others I know who were successful).If it does happen to you, the challenge is having the confidence to admit to the interviewer that you do not immediately know the answer. Do not lie or try to fool your interviewer that you know more than you do. You will be caught out. Instead, you are likely to impress your interviewer if you are honest with them (and yourself) about the limits of your knowledge.In my case, when this happened to me (more than once) I responded by saying that:a. I would like further information/clarification on what they have asked, and/or;b. I would walk through my initial thoughts on the issue in a logical, clear way, to see if I was on the right track.Here are some more practical/tangible suggestions too:1. Be familiar with basic legal terms. If you have Jake Schogger's Training Contract Handbook, I would advise that you through the section containing details on indemnities and warranties etc. It is important to be familiar with the different ways that companies can raise finance (i.e., equity/asset/debt finance). You do not need to be an expert, but be familiar. If you do not have this book, it also isn't a disaster(!).I can see that you are a premium member, so you will have access to <a href="https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/technical-terms-for-your-interviews.4146/" target="_blank">this post</a> by Neville which provides a fantastic breakdown of basic legal terminology.2. Have a pen and paper to hand. The Partner interviewing you will give you a breakdown of the scenario around which the interview will be based. This will take about five minutes.Before they start, ask them if they would mind you taking notes on what they are about to tell you (they won't but it is polite).When they have finished, ask if you can read back a summary of the fact pattern they have just outlined to ensure you have understood correctly.This:a. shows that you have listened and are capable of retaining information (and summarising it succinctly), andb. provides certainty that you are starting on the right track.3. Check out <a href="https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/tcla-vacation-scheme-applications-discussion-thread-2021-22-1.4197/post-97058" target="_blank">this post</a> which compiles a mixture of my biggest tips from my experienceSome of these tips will not apply as this is the day before and ultimately you will not have time to implement them. Do not panic that you can't. Try your best to incorporate what you can. Ultimately, HSF have seen something in YOU and YOUR application that persuaded them that you were worth interviewing. Take confidence from that. Remember, you are being interviewed for a reason. You are more than capable of being successful in this interview.I really hope it goes your way. Please do keep me updated with how you find it!I am also happy to answer any follow-ups or questions/clarifications you have 🚀</blockquote>

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