TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[addy2004]

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

what were their strengths and weaknesses in the other assessment?

 

[OliviaPope]

what were their strengths and weaknesses in the other assessment?

If I remember correctly their strengths were respect and teamwork and their weakness was commercial awareness

 

[manifestingtrainingcontract]

I'm making an account just to reply to this, as I hope I can help.

I was at Kirkland's most recent Open Day. The Recruitment team said they technically don't recruit on a rolling basis. They made a point of it actually, stating that they don't see the point of 'rolling basis' when there is a strict deadline to adhere to anyway.

Why they may screen applications on a rolling basis, whether you submit your application on the first or last day, your chances of getting through to the next stage are exactly the same. It appears to be an incredibly fair process, so I wouldn't rush your VI. Congratulations!

you're an angel

 

[lawtab]

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

Debevoise & Plimpton - online form application for in-person Open Day (equivalent of an AC) consisting of 1 interview, deadline 2 Jan

Davis Polk - CV and cover letter application, 1 online interview with training partner, partner and senior associate, deadline 6 Jan

Sidley Austin - online form application, 1 online interview with counsel/partner, deadline 7 Jan (rolling basis)

Travers Smith - online form and cover letter application, 1 online interview with a senior counsel, deadline 14 Jan

Shearman & Sterling - online form application, 1 online interview with HR member and a lawyer, deadline 15 Jan

Jones Day - online form application, 1 online interview with two senior lawyers, in-person AC, deadline 31 Jan (rolling basis)

 

[Cheeseman123]

Anyone done the White Case VI? Really truly would appreciate it if i could speak about it with someone

 

[LLB]

Debevoise & Plimpton - application for in-person Open Day (equivalent of an AC) consisting of 1 interview, deadline 2 Jan

Davis Polk - CV and cover letter application, 1 online interview with training partner, partner and senior associate, deadline 6 Jan

Sidley Austin - application and 1 online interview with counsel/partner, deadline 7 Jan (rolling basis)

Travers Smith - application and 1 online interview with a senior counsel, deadline 14 Jan

Shearman & Sterling - application and 1 online interview with HR member and a lawyer, deadline 15 Jan

Jones Day - application, 1 online interview with two senior lawyers, in-person AC, deadline 31 Jan

absolute legend

 

[EliteWhovian]

Debevoise & Plimpton - online form application for in-person Open Day (equivalent of an AC) consisting of 1 interview, deadline 2 Jan

Davis Polk - CV and cover letter application, 1 online interview with training partner, partner and senior associate, deadline 6 Jan

Sidley Austin - online form application, 1 online interview with counsel/partner, deadline 7 Jan (rolling basis)

Travers Smith - online form and cover letter application, 1 online interview with a senior counsel, deadline 14 Jan

Shearman & Sterling - online form application, 1 online interview with HR member and a lawyer, deadline 15 Jan

Jones Day - online form application, 1 online interview with two senior lawyers, in-person AC, deadline 31 Jan (rolling basis)

Tysm you're the best!!!!

 

[MrHubertLouis]

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

On their “Kickstart Your Careers” Page, it says “Applications are now closed, please register your interest below to receive updates when applications reopen.”

 

[heyhola]

On their “Kickstart Your Careers” Page, it says “Applications are now closed, please register your interest below to receive updates when applications reopen.”

Thanks! Their FAQ refers to the last recruitment cycle so it might be out of date?

 

[clo224455]

"What is motivating you toward a career at Cooley?"

Is this question essentially asking why commercial law and why Cooley?

I would really appreciate some help understanding this question and the best way to structure a response @Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

 

[Apple]

Completely bombed my White & Case VI. So discouraging.

Its so difficult to prepare competency, motivational and commercial questions in just 2 days.

 

[anasat]

hi, I havent had a chance to attend any kirkland event so would appreciate any insight on this - do they hire all future trainees through vac schemes? i know they have a 2026 direct tc app open as well, and since i have some international work experience i was considering the tc option, but am a bit unsure about which route to choose to maximise my chances. thanks in advance!

 

[MrHubertLouis]

Thanks! Their FAQ refers to the last recruitment cycle so it might be out of date?

I thought so too but on their Instagram, they posted "we still have a few schemes open..." and London SVS wasn't mentioned at all.

 

[F a v o u r]

Completely bombed my White & Case VI. So discouraging.

Its so difficult to prepare competency, motivational and commercial questions in just 2 days.

you only get 2 days to prepare? I'm so sorry about that.

 

[Anna W]

I thought so too but on their Instagram, they posted "we still have a few schemes open..." and London SVS wasn't mentioned at all.

If it helps I applied this afternoon and received an invite to complete the assessment an hour later so I think it’s still open

 

[MrHubertLouis]

If it helps I applied this afternoon and received an invite to complete the assessment an hour later so I think it’s still open

Oh, that's interesting. Maybe I'll apply for the London SVS one then. I'm worried because it's an automated test, they will tell you they have filled up after you have done the test. How long do you have to complete the assessment?

 

[heyhola]

I thought so too but on their Instagram, they posted "we still have a few schemes open..." and London SVS wasn't mentioned at all.

Wow... I literally got their blended assessment invite today. I know its automatic but wouldn't expect it if the places were already filled.

 

[MrHubertLouis]

FIELDFISHER DIVERSITY ACCESS SCHEME AC OFFER!!!!!

Congrats! When is/was your AC?

 

[Jaiveer]

CMS VI!! If anyone has completed it - could you please PM me - have never done a VI before.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

hi, I havent had a chance to attend any kirkland event so would appreciate any insight on this - do they hire all future trainees through vac schemes? i know they have a 2026 direct tc app open as well, and since i have some international work experience i was considering the tc option, but am a bit unsure about which route to choose to maximise my chances. thanks in advance!

I'd suggest you apply for the TC. The application processes are exactly the same.

Kirkland hasn't run a Vacation Scheme for the last few years, and they said that they most likely won't in 2024 either (although they're not sure).

They're currently giving us the option to apply for a Vacation Scheme. However, chances are, they'll just invite those who apply for the VS to the same assessment centre as direct TC applicants.

This is what they've done for the last few years, and they've said that it's quite advantageous.