TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[S87]

Hi @Jessica Booker,

I am currently drafting my answer for a vs application, Please explain why you have decided to pursue a career as a solicitor and what has attracted you to the firm? The limit is 250 words. How many reasons should I include as to why this firm? What's the perfect number? Thank you in advance.

 

[ayiiii05]

Hi all, does anyone have any tips for Akin's test? It would be much appreciated!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker,

I am currently drafting my answer for a vs application, Please explain why you have decided to pursue a career as a solicitor and what has attracted you to the firm? The limit is 250 words. How many reasons should I include as to why this firm? What's the perfect number? Thank you in advance.

There won’t be a perfect number - it’s really going to come down to your reasons and description, along with how you can leverage other evidence in other parts of your application Naturally you are going to need to be quite focused/concise given the right word limit, but I wouldn’t fixate on the number of points, more about what you think is relevant to include.

 

[S87]

There won’t be a perfect number - it’s really going to come down to your reasons and description, along with how you can leverage other evidence in other parts of your application Naturally you are going to need to be quite focused/concise given the right word limit, but I wouldn’t fixate on the number of points, more about what you think is relevant to include.

Thank you so much @Jessica Booker

 

[yeezyee]

hi for applications like kirkland where you're limited to four work experiences, is it better to choose the four that link closest to commercial law? or four that show that i am well rounded? or the four most recent? im not sure what the best approach is! @Jessica Booker

 

[Mike Wazaoski]

In my answer for why commercial law, I discussed experiences working with commercial lawyers from two different law firms and then I discuss what I did during this experience plus motivations for a career in commercial law.

I am thinking back on it and wondering if I should remove the references to the two law firms and instead talk about the practice areas these commercial lawyers worked in.

Would you agree that this will make a difference or is there no need?

Thanks

 

[Jessica Booker]

hi for applications like kirkland where you're limited to four work experiences, is it better to choose the four that link closest to commercial law? or four that show that i am well rounded? or the four most recent? im not sure what the best approach is! @Jessica Booker

I would take into account all of those aspects and consider collectively what are the entries that reflect the best combination of most closely linked to commercial law, biggest commitment, developed you the most, and what is most recent.

 

[Mike Wazaoski]

How many hours of preparation is generally required to complete verbal reasoning tests to a good standard?

 

[Jessica Booker]

In my answer for why commercial law, I discussed experiences working with commercial lawyers from two different law firms and then I discuss what I did during this experience plus motivations for a career in commercial law.

I am thinking back on it and wondering if I should remove the references to the two law firms and instead talk about the practice areas these commercial lawyers worked in.

Would you agree that this will make a difference or is there no need?

Thanks

The reference to other firms is fine. You can rely less on describing what you did where this is about your motivations and where the evidence of what you did will typically be in your work experience entry. But I don't think it's an issue if you talk about other law firm's by name. Even if you did talk about practice areas, you need to focus on what you did, not what those who you worked with did.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey @Jessica Booker , I was wondering if you had any tips regarding the freshfields vacation scheme application - specifically the personal statement.

This post is particularly helpful. Although the guide attached in the post is quite old now, I really don't think much has changed since then when it comes to the firm's expectations with the personal statement: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/freshfields-application.628/post-3064.

I'll try and track down some other useful content shortly.

 

[sonnikasundar17]

Hey, just got a VI written exercise invite from Dechert! I wanted to ask if anyone is willing to share some insights or tips on how to prepare and what to expect? It is my first written exercise so I would really appreciate it! I was told to choose a time slot, so I was wondering if it is with an associate/grad rec of Dechert or is it just a virtual one with no one watching you. Thank you so much!

 

[Izzy1026]

hi for applications like kirkland where you're limited to four work experiences, is it better to choose the four that link closest to commercial law? or four that show that i am well rounded? or the four most recent? im not sure what the best approach is! @Jessica Booker

Hi, may I ask where does it say that you can include only four work experiences? :0

 

[yeezyee]

Hi, may I ask where does it say that you can include only four work experiences? :0

its six sorry!

 

[CarolineC]

Does anyone know if it’s too late to apply for Simmons & Simmons? I’ve seen people already receiving offers for SVS since it’s rolling. On their “Kickstart Your Career” page, it says applications are now closed, but on their “Graduate Opportunities” page, I can still access the form.

Where did you find the info that they're closed? Looks like they're still taking applications

 

[EliteWhovian]

Following on from my earlier question on short applications, does anyone have a list by any chance of firms that have a simple post-app process? So no VIs, no tests, kinda like Slaughter and May who just has 1 assessment day post-app

 

[Petallove1]

Following on from my earlier question on short applications, does anyone have a list by any chance of firms that have a simple post-app process? So no VIs, no tests, kinda like Slaughter and May who just has 1 assessment day post-app

This is the dream

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

I only know one person with an AC and they got 38/40. I got 78 percentile so not sure if that’s high enough either

Same, I am very worried

 

[yasmars]

Following on from my earlier question on short applications, does anyone have a list by any chance of firms that have a simple post-app process? So no VIs, no tests, kinda like Slaughter and May who just has 1 assessment day post-app

Travers Smith

 

[Abbas J]

Hi,

Just got a VI from Kirkland & Ellis (does anyone know if they recruit on a rolling basis)

Also just got a VI & Written Exercise Invite from Dechert

If anyone has any information/insight could they please share/message me.

Thanks!

 

[IwantaVacSchemePlz]

Same, I am very worried

I knew someone with 72 who got an AC last year. I got 98 last year and didn't get an AC. They heavily look at the Capp assessment, so it wouldn't be your WG if you happen to get PFO. Fingers crossed though, and good luck