TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

[Dib312]

Does anybody know who to address the White and Case cover letter to? This might just be me being stupid but I can’t seem to find it online!

 

[Netta]

has anyone heard anything from the a&o WS recently??

 

[Donuttime]

anyone heard back for a linkslaters open day?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Does anybody know who to address the White and Case cover letter to? This might just be me being stupid but I can’t seem to find it online!

 

[refy]

does anyone know how long it takes to hear back from white & case post initial application? thanks!

Last year I applied in late November and they got back to me in April with a VI invite lol

 

[starman]

has anyone heard anything from the a&o WS recently??

No, actually I passed their SJT around 5/09, and I haven't heard anything ever since. I think they're waiting for more applications to make AC-invitation decisions. Some people have posted PFOs above though.

 

[CEPtk]

has anyone heard anything from the a&o WS recently??

Was invited for an AC on the 26th. Applied a week into the opening date.

 

[Deleted member 22634]

Can anyone share questions for A&O winter VS?

 

[AvniD]

Hi guys, any tips or resources for smashing the WG? (I have typically struggled w this application component) I have three days until the LL Watson Glaser test link expires. If I have to purchase some practice tests, I would also appreciate a recommendation of the best websites/company.

Linking my best tips here! All the best

 

[pfoapplicant]

Hi guys - when the application form asks candidates to copy and paste their covering letters, is this an indicator that they want candidates to include their (and the law firm's) address in the textbox? NB: When I copied and pasted my own letter, the formatting of the address was completely messed up on the CVMail form, with each line of the address being on the same line.

Also, does it matter what order candidates use to write their "why law", "why this firm", "why me" paragraphs on their cover letter?

@Jessica Booker

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi guys - when the application form asks candidates to copy and paste their covering letters, is this an indicator that they want candidates to include their (and the law firm's) address in the textbox? NB: When I copied and pasted my own letter, the formatting of the address was completely messed up on the CVMail form, with each line of the address being on the same line.

Also, does it matter what order candidates use to write their "why law", "why this firm", "why me" paragraphs on their cover letter?

@Jessica Booker

I don’t think you need to copy in addresses etc. just have an appropriate start (eg Dear Joe Bloggs) and an appropriate sign off.

It doesn’t matter which order those subjects are dealt with in a cover letter.

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

Wasn't sure where to put this question, but: do London lawyers of US law firms get paid in $? I am simply wanting to analyse how the weakening pound will affect this. If it is $, then surely that means they are paid more for doing the same work.

 

[Abii]

Wasn't sure where to put this question, but: do London lawyers of US law firms get paid in $? I am simply wanting to analyse how the weakening pound will affect this. If it is $, then surely that means they are paid more for doing the same work.

Depends on the firm and the pay structure. Those that do fix at an exchange rate for a period of time that is then reviewed every 3/6 months. But it is why a few US firms have seen an increase in salaries. Especially those that pay cravath scale in london - but again not all do.

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

Depends on the firm and the pay structure. Those that do fix at an exchange rate for a period of time that is then reviewed every 3/6 months. But it is why a few US firms have seen an increase in salaries. Especially those that pay cravath scale in london - but again not all do.

So some US law firms pay salaries using $ but at a fixed rate, which is reviewed every now and then.

Other US law firms use the carvath scale - isn't this $ pay depending on the year of graduation, so seniority basically? Salaries, however, do become discretionary based on performance and thus the use of bonuses?

And other US law firms pay salaries using £.

 

[RB2022]

Did anyone hear back from Slaughter and May?

 

[LLM2022]

As a graduate, is it better to apply to finalists & graduates only vacation schemes if those are available, or does it not matter? Anything to take into account? Thanks.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

As a graduate, is it better to apply to finalists & graduates only vacation schemes if those are available, or does it not matter? Anything to take into account? Thanks.

It really doesn’t matter - I’d apply to whatever programme works best for you for your timescales and other commitments.

 

[Abii]

So some US law firms pay salaries using $ but at a fixed rate, which is reviewed every now and then.

Other US law firms use the carvath scale - isn't this $ pay depending on the year of graduation, so seniority basically? Salaries, however, do become discretionary based on performance and thus the use of bonuses?

And other US law firms pay salaries using £.

Not quite. Everyone will be paid in £ but this this will be converted from the $. So in a cravath paying firm in london example an NQ will be paid $215k but this will be converted to £ in some way, often the reviewed rate it’s rarely freely attached to the market exchange rate - anyone that has that structure is doing well right now!

Salaries based on seniority aren’t unique to US firms, most law firms will see salaries increase with each year of experience. And then again maybe a little more flexibility with bands based on performance or bonus.

Other firms will have an entirely different salary structure for UK offices than the US.

 

[refy]

Is it too late to apply for the Links winter vac scheme given that it's rolling? Or should I withdraw and apply to the summer one instead?

 

[samni]

Is it too late to apply for the Links winter vac scheme given that it's rolling? Or should I withdraw and apply to the summer one instead?

It’s non-rolling I’m pretty sure