TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[ashwright]

In terms of culture, I will only recommend to you firms I have done vacation schemes with, as I feel open days/other firm events do not suffice to make a strong inference in this regard. I have done 4 VS and the two firms that stood out to me in terms of how friendly people there were are Davis Polk and Willkie. For both of these firms the training style is not particularly structured, but after speaking to many trainees I believe they are well-supported. As for the other criteria, Davis Polk has exceptional reputation and history in the US, and guarantees all trainees the opportunity to do a six month secondment in their New York office (unless you want to qualify in competition law, in which case you would be expected to go on a Brussels secondment). Willkie arguably offers a broader training experience than other US rivals. While it has a great PE practice, it not solely focused on corporate and finance and has more established advisory and contentious teams.

Thank you, Andrei! I really appreciate your thoughtful response. The six month NY secondment at Davis Polk sounds very interesting - the firm's stature in the US market is a huge attraction for me. If I may ask two questions:
1. What made you choose Davis Polk over the other three firms you received TCs for?
2. In your opinion, which aspects of your application were the most decisive in receiving a TC at Davis Polk? I haven't had the opportunity to interact with the firm at all so I'd feel hesitant for my first interaction with the firm to be an application. I've attended lots of online events for UK, US etc. firms (selective + non-selective) but I'm not sure if that (coupled with detailed research of Davis Polk, commercial awareness etc.) would suffice?

Thank you for your kindness + insight.

 

[safari3]

Bird & Bird Summer AC🤯🤩

 

[Cara888]

Does anyone know when we can expect to hear back for the Paul, Weiss Dec Open day?

 

[ashwright]

Bird & Bird Summer AC🤯🤩

Two birds & a GOAT 🐐

 

[AfVio24]

Does this mean that people will still be receiving WG invites after the deadline?

I assume so, yeah. Seems to be that further stages (VI, AC) are done in batches so they wait for X number of applicants to pass the WG before inviting to VI etc etc

 

[kokoprep]

Is it about a week on average that people have waited for the CMS WG?

I applied last weekend and assuming they’re busy with lots of late applications to screen.

I applied on 28/11 and have not heard back. Has anyone who applied post 28th heard back with WG Invite?

 

[lilymawe1]

Sorry if this is a bit of a silly question/been asked before but if I'm referring to M&A in an application can I just say "M&A" first mention or should I say "mergers and acquisitions (M&A)" and then use the acronym?

 

[AfVio24]

Sorry if this is a bit of a silly question/been asked before but if I'm referring to M&A in an application can I just say "M&A" first mention or should I say "mergers and acquisitions (M&A)" and then use the acronym?

safest bet is to the full wording first time of reference and use the acronym thereafter (although I doubt that will ever be the absolute make or break!)

 

[lawzade02]

Hey, do we have to submit VI & SJT for Latham & Watkins before the deadline?

 

[sibs23]

I applied on 28/11 and have not heard back. Has anyone who applied post 28th heard back with WG Invite?

I applied on Wed 4th Dec and got a WG invite this morning

 

[kokoprep]

I applied on Wed 4th Dec and got a WG invite this morning

I guess I'm not successful then. Good luck!

 

[Arbiter141]

Does anyone know when we can expect to hear back for the Paul, Weiss Dec Open day?

Just heard back!

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

HSF Spring VS PFO. I expected that tbh as it was one of my first apps that I know I didn't write very well.

 

[futuretrainee2503]

Were you successful? I’m still waiting

 

[helloj]

HSF Spring VS PFO. I expected that tbh as it was one of my first apps that I know I didn't write very well.

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[l789]

Just heard back!

Did you get a place?

 

[NordicLaw]

Hi guys, has anyone got any tips for the Taylor Wessing Written Exercise. What type of thing comes up? What structure is best?

 

[elizabethkate]

Bird & Bird Summer AC🤯🤩

congrats! when did you submit your VI?

 

[safari3]

congrats! when did you submit your VI?

10th Nov😊

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

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