I think Baker still hasn't sent them out yet; they told me they will by the 10th of Jan (or at least, aim to...)
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- Sep 9, 2024
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I agree with Jessica's points, I will just add that for the simple 'Why law' question you should seek to emphasize more general features of legal practice that attract you. It is perfectly acceptable to say that your masters confirmed your interest in pursuing a legal career because you have found commercial law significantly more interesting than any other areas of the law. However, you should be careful that your answer does not become a simple 'why commerce'. You want your stated motivations not to be equally applicable to other careers in international commerce, such as consulting, investment banking or corporate development. As such, I would try to point out some of the general features of legal practice that can be attract someone: using legal reasoning to interpret complex cases, statues and regulations; drafting documents to allocate rights, responsibilities and business risk; leveraging textual analysis and advocacy skills; doing complex research on legal and commercial precedents etc.
Has anyone heard from HSF spring recently? I’m assuming PFO but I just want to be put out of my misery officially
Anyone apply to Kirkland around Christmas Eve heard back??
- Sep 9, 2024
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For Davis Polk here is a 2021 thread discussing different candidates' interview experiences which should give you a broad idea of what you can expect. I will also take the opportunity to plug the new Davis Polk firm profile I have written this year. If you have not already, I definitely advise you to take a look, as it has a lot of useful information on the firm's history, reputation, work, practice areas, and strategy. One thing I would advise you to cross check is Chambers rankings, as since publishing the profile Chambers has published its new 2025 UK Guide and I think a few have changed. Also, consider reading some of the more recent news about the firm's London practice, such as the lateral hire of Sidley's Restructuring co-heads.I have an interview with Davis Polk and a Cleary AC next week- would be very thankful for advice on either!
For Cleary, take a look at this in depth description of a candidate's AC experience. It is a bit old, but it should provide you with a overview as to what you might expect. I have also linked TCLA's profile for Cleary here. Although it has not been updated for this cycle, it still has a very detailed analysis of the firm's London practices, work and client base. As before, if I were in your stead I would invest a bit of time into just browsing the internet for news relating to the firm - particularly lateral hires and significant mandates or market recognition. I think some of the legal press websites (The Lawyer, Law.com, Legal Business, The Global Legal Post etc) should be quite useful - simply use the search bar function to type the name of the firm and find relevant articles.
- Sep 9, 2024
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I think most of the answer for 'why a city law firm' will be similar to the usual 'why commercial law', but I would use one or two different sentences to reframe it and address the City element. I would focus on the City's standing as one of the world's leading financial centres and the corollary - that the biggest international commercial clients will look to City firms to advise on their complex transactions and disputes. City law firms will also tend to coordinate and lead numerous other offices and counsel from a variety of jurisdictions to deliver on their clients' mandates. Thus, if you are particularly interested in high-end and cross-border commercial matters, you can justify an interest in working in a City law firm as opposed to any other commercial law firm.
do you have any insight on the VI? I have mine today and I was wondering how many questions there are/ the structure of it like timings
Hi @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman,
I trust you are well and happy new year.
I am applying to Orrick which, in addition to why commercial law and why specifically are you interested in training at Orrick, the application also requires a cover letter. I am struggling to understand what to include in my answer. Should I mention my skills and why the firm?
I am also applying to Mayer Brown and would like your opinion on how to structure my answer tell us about any academic or non-academic achievements and interests. I do not want to sound silly, but should I mention if I developed specific skills which could help me succeed as a trainee at MB?
Thank you in advance for your help
I trust you are well and happy new year.
I am applying to Orrick which, in addition to why commercial law and why specifically are you interested in training at Orrick, the application also requires a cover letter. I am struggling to understand what to include in my answer. Should I mention my skills and why the firm?
I am also applying to Mayer Brown and would like your opinion on how to structure my answer tell us about any academic or non-academic achievements and interests. I do not want to sound silly, but should I mention if I developed specific skills which could help me succeed as a trainee at MB?
Thank you in advance for your help
cooley with the heart attack status update email...
I know right! But I do have to say that it super thoughtful of them to keep us updated every step of the way.
86% increase loool
Yea wish all firms did the "You will know specifically on this date whether you progress". Would take all the agony out of waiting for a response.
Anyone else just get Cooley’s email? Honestly thought it was a rejection. Paul, Weiss also emailed people earlier.
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Thank you so much! @Andrei Radu you are the G.O.A.T. 🐐🐐
I really appreciate the help and guidance 🙂🙂
I really appreciate the help and guidance 🙂🙂
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Real😭😭 Lowkey wondering how many candidates they’ll invite to do the psychometric test lol
Hi @Jessica Booker, @Andrei Radu, I have an interview with a firm tomorrow and I have been thinking about the questions I would like to ask the interviewer (who is a member of the grad rec team). I want to ask questions that I want to know the answers to but I also don't want the questions to be such that grad rec thinks I could have found answers to on my own on further research into the firm.
Below are some of the options, please could you share if you think these would be ok to ask?
Below are some of the options, please could you share if you think these would be ok to ask?
- If you had to point out one common trait among all the firm's trainees, what would it be? How does the firm support trainees further develop that trait?
- What has been the reason for you to join and stay at the firm?
- I know the firm focuses a lot on pro bono work – how exactly do lawyers get to get involved in pro bono work – is it through attending legal clinics or taking a pro bono client like you would take a regular client?
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