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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

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legal_student2024

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May 7, 2024
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Hello! I thought the Pinsent Masons app deadline for London was the 28th November (as stated on Legal Cheek), but on their website it now says they are only taking applications for their other offices? Has anyone heard anything regarding this? I assume its because they did rolling confirmations, but would super helpful to know if there is now no point submitting an app.
 

g.cl.2020344

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Nov 1, 2024
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Hello! I thought the Pinsent Masons app deadline for London was the 28th November (as stated on Legal Cheek), but on their website it now says they are only taking applications for their other offices? Has anyone heard anything regarding this? I assume its because they did rolling confirmations, but would super helpful to know if there is now no point submitting an app.
Hey I applied 23.10.24 and haven’t heard anything back, not sure if they’ve now closed apps!
 
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Deleted member 30442

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Hi, if anyone has experience of Clyde & Co's Digital Simulation Assessment I'd really appreciate any help.

1. Is the entire assessment recorded, or just the video interview questions?
2. I'm aware it is untimed, but can you "leave" and resume at a later point?
3. It says approx. 45-60 mins, but if anyone knows specifically how many written and video questions there are, that would be great.

Thank you!
 

Amma Usman

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Does anyone know what grades successful applicants to King and Spalding get? Only see firsts on LinkedIn.

@Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam

Hey @vishnu , the firm has no minimum A-Level requirements. I have seen from other sources, not the firm directly, that the firm does not have degree requirements either. However, in any case which is not confirmed by the firm, I suspect a 2:1 or better.
 
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TCLA Community Assistant

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Is being a campus ambassador for a law firm considered a position of responsibility or work experience? Or can it be both, allowing me to be flexible in my answers? Thanks!
It can be either, but I would put it as work experience, especially where they are typically paid positions.
 
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Amma Usman

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Hi everyone,

I am doing my application for CMS but I am struggling to understand what separates the firm compared to its competitors and who its competitors are. Does anyone have any insights?

Hey @DesperateForVac ,

I remember some points on the firm’s approach when I was applying for first year schemes. I’ve included some of them below, together with a mix of recent updates (I’ve linked a recent article below as well).

I believe CMS distinguishes itself through its global organisational structure. Unlike many global law firms, CMS has not yet established a strong presence in the U.S. legal market. However, the firm has expressed intentions to expand into the U.S. In August 2024, CMS reported a 5% revenue growth and outlined a strategic shift towards global expansion, including evaluating smaller U.S. firms for potential partnerships. Legal News Feed - LINK HERE. It seems a lot of firms are swaying towards this move - take the potential HSF/Kramer merger for example.

The firm is also organised by sectors not practice areas, which enables CMS to provide tailored services in sectors such as real estate, energy, and financial services. Additionally, CMS diversifies its revenue streams by offering tax advisory services alongside legal services.
 

Amma Usman

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Hi everyone,

I am doing my application for CMS but I am struggling to understand what separates the firm compared to its competitors and who its competitors are. Does anyone have any insights?

Hey @DesperateForVac , just building on my last response. I often use a trick to find a law firm’s competitors. It’s quite easy to implement and has saved me a lot of time.

First, look at X firm’s core practice areas.

Second, search what Chamber’s Rankings it has in that areas.

Third, check other firms with the same or similar rankings.

Fourth, check the type and scope of the deals they carry out - are they working with small enterprises or mid-market, for example? Which other firms work with those types of clients in that sector.

Ta’daaaa ! Those will likely be the firm‘s key competitors.

If a competing firm has been named more than once in that four-step approach, then they are likely to be a guaranteed competitor.

In CMS’ context, I advise looking on firms with a similarly strong tax offering.
 
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Amma Usman

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Does anyone know if gowlings wlg sponsor work visas for international students and if kennedys test is automatic?

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam
@Amma Usman
Hey @User5678 , I’m unsure about the Kennedys question, but I presume Gowling sponsor’s visa’s for the training contract (unlikely for a VS). I haven’t seen this from the firm’s website directly, but multiple sources show this. If in doubt, feel free to email HR.

I’m sure @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu will have more thoughts on this.
 
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