TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

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aishaalexandra

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Junior Lawyer
Aug 3, 2022
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Do you mean in terms of TC? If it is so, US firms' intakes are usually smaller, they are more corporate-focused, training is less formal and they usually welcome candidates with different backgrounds.
I guess any way that I can distinguish them really! It's just a practice question that I was working on. This is a very useful starting point though, thank you!
 
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Future_lawyer_somewhere

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Jun 4, 2019
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I applied for it on the 7th sep still haven't heard anything. My highest scoring was critical thinking and excellence and lowest was leadership preference, I have not got my WG percentile, have you?
you have to request directly for results for the WG test for Links. You can also ask as soon as you've taken the test and they will give you it before the deadline passes (so you can gauge your chances).
 

j.s.cox

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Junior Lawyer
  • Jan 29, 2022
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    how might someone go about answering what the real difference between US and UK firms are?
    Some general thoughts (although this does not apply to all firms and I would do your own research as well).
    • US firms tend to have more streamlined teams, meaning that a team working on a deal will have fewer people in it.
      • This means each person is likely to have more responsibility within that team.
      • It can mean that they have greater remuneration.
      • Typically have a smaller London office.
      • Typically have a smaller trainee intake (although not always - White and Case takes around 50 trainees each year).
      • This also reflects the fact that US firms tend to have less structure than UK firms.
    • UK firms are often full-service (although not always), whereas most US firms tend to have more specialisms. These specialisms tend to be more high margin work (e.g. private equity).
      • This means in an interview, they may require more specialist or technical knowledge.
      • E.g. Kirkland & Ellis have a big focus on Private Equity, whereas Vinson & Elkins specialise in the Energy Industry.
      • In a Shearman & Sterling presentation I went to, they suggested that this focus on high-margin work means that senior associates and partners get paid significantly more than those at Magic Circle firms where the profits have to be shared with lawyers doing lower-margin work.
    • US firms tend to work on a lot of cross-border deals.
      • This is especially the case as New York law and English Law are both internationally respected jurisdictions and most (but not all) US firms have offices in both locations.
    • US firms tend to have more of a balance of formal training but with greater exposure to associates, partners and work, whereas UK firms tend to have more structured and formal training.

    These are quite big generalisations and there will be a lot more nuance than this between firms. Hopefully this helps as a start though!
     

    confusedlawstudent

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
  • Oct 28, 2021
    141
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    Can I write about my passion for journalling as an answer to the question "Other than law, what is something you are passionate about?"
    I am passionate about it because: writing allows me to express my creativity; if I have a problem and write about it, it gives me clarity on the situation; and i love looking back at who I was years ago, and seeing how much I have improved.

    There is another question asking about extra-curricular activities and interests so not sure whether it would be better for that. But I have already written about writing for the student newspaper and playing violin for that one. Just don't know where the line is drawn between an interest and passion.
     

    aishaalexandra

    Valued Member
    Junior Lawyer
    Aug 3, 2022
    116
    214
    Some general thoughts (although this does not apply to all firms and I would do your own research as well).
    • US firms tend to have more streamlined teams, meaning that a team working on a deal will have fewer people in it.
      • This means each person is likely to have more responsibility within that team.
      • It can mean that they have greater remuneration.
      • Typically have a smaller London office.
      • Typically have a smaller trainee intake (although not always - White and Case takes around 50 trainees each year).
      • This also reflects the fact that US firms tend to have less structure than UK firms.
    • UK firms are often full-service (although not always), whereas most US firms tend to have more specialisms. These specialisms tend to be more high margin work (e.g. private equity).
      • This means in an interview, they may require more specialist or technical knowledge.
      • E.g. Kirkland & Ellis have a big focus on Private Equity, whereas Vinson & Elkins specialise in the Energy Industry.
      • In a Shearman & Sterling presentation I went to, they suggested that this focus on high-margin work means that senior associates and partners get paid significantly more than those at Magic Circle firms where the profits have to be shared with lawyers doing lower-margin work.
    • US firms tend to work on a lot of cross-border deals.
      • This is especially the case as New York law and English Law are both internationally respected jurisdictions and most (but not all) US firms have offices in both locations.
    • US firms tend to have more of a balance of formal training but with greater exposure to associates, partners and work, whereas UK firms tend to have more structured and formal training.

    These are quite big generalisations and there will be a lot more nuance than this between firms. Hopefully this helps as a start though!
    Thank you! Really appreciate all of this!
     
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