TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is there a list of firms with application deadlines still open? Trying to get a few more applications out for this cycle 🙏

You can use our directory and filter by deadlines: https://directory.thecorporatelawacademy.com/

 

[bjelostan]

That's crazy, The questions asked in my A&O Shearman AC was completely geared towards understanding the dynamics of commercial law with some probing on financial analysis e.g "What's the EBITDA based on this financial statement."

I think that they will only ask you legal questions if you give them the indication that you have extensive knowledge on it!

I would argue that knowing the basic function of a warranty/representation is simply pre-requisite knowledge if you're going to an AC. That being said, I did lead the conversation towards that topic since its a natural strength. I've done 3 AC's this cycle (3 more coming up) and I have been tested on legal concepts at every single one.

 

[jacksollaf]

Eversheds pfo 😂

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Eversheds pfo 😂

Same! Tbh I knew it wasn’t my best VI

 

[jacksollaf]

Same! Tbh I knew it wasn’t my best VI

the sad part is I thought I did alright, guess not 😂 😂 😂

 

[jacksollaf]

Yes Just had the worst interview ever end of last week. Legal questions asked of a non law student! Legal not commercial. Proper waste of everyone's time. Explained I was non law and therefore hadn't undertaken any form of legal education yet.

what question did you get?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

NRF Arctic shores- any1 have any advice?

will pm you

 

[jacksollaf]

Applied​

Baker McKenzie

Allen & Shearman | ❌

Goodwin

Pinsent Masons |❌

Mayer Brown |❌

Skadden ❌

Morrison Foerster

Slaughter & May | ❌

Jones Day | ❌

Gibson Dunn (attended their first-year insight scheme but didn't hear anything yet so a bit worried)

Cooley

Linklaters

Willkie Farr & Gallagher | ❌

Latham & Watkins (online test, silent since sadly)

Forsters LLP (they're going to send out outcomes on the 10th)

TLT

Dechert LLP

Orrick

HFW

BCLP

Paynes Hicks Beach

Eversheds (reached VI, still waiting for outcome)

Clyde & Co

Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Kirkland

Covington LLP

White & Case

Macfarlanes

UN Legal Affairs Intern (New York HQ)

Clifford Chance Dubai | ❌

Weil | ❌

Katten

Charles Russel Speechlys

King & Spalding (TC)

Quinn Emmanuel (Paris)

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (placed on hold since early December, so awaiting outcome)

Perth Thingy… (I randomly applied to a company in Perth Scotland, since it was just CV based, and I have no idea what the name was and they ghosted me I think because I didn't get an email or anything 😂 😂 😂 )

Deloitte (completely ghosted, no confirmation email whatsoever so 100% PFO 😂😂)

Vison & Elkins

Morgan Lewis

Walker Morris

CMS

Hogan Lovells

Osborne Clarke

Davis Polk

RPC

Ropes & Gray

Paul Weiss

Squire Patton Boggs

Mills & Reeve

Simmons & Simmons (VI stage so far)

Norton Rose Fulbright

Withers (they asked for visa info, and I didn't realise it's outside my term time, so they suggested transferring my application to a TC so there's hope I think)

Joelson

Capsticks LLP | ❌

Gowling WLG

Gide Loyrette Nouel London

DAC Beachcroft (TC)

Howes Spercival

PwC |❌

Cleary Gottlieb | ❌

Reed Smith | ❌

Farrer & Co

Shoosmiths

Freshfields

Debevoise & Plimpton

Greenberg Traurig (TC)

Lockton

Watson Farley & Williams (last second and they're rolling so highly unlikely)

I forgot to add HSF (among my top choices too; passed the benchmark, still waiting)

Once done with exams, I will definitely start applying for direct TCs, because I graduate in June 2026...

Sadly adding Eversheds ❌ to the list of PFOs!

 

[jacksollaf]

will pm you

me too please!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

will pm you

Thank you!

 

[zoobla20]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jess, hope you're well. Just wondering, I've been in talks regarding starting an admin role part-time at a high street law firm. Is this something that would have much sway in the application process or would you advise going for something more engaging?

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

Can happen but tends to be rare. When it does happen, its usually because you have experience, whether it be work experience or academics related to the topic included in your application though.

Do you think they had the wrong set of questions for me then as a non law student? They asked about 5 actual legal questions relating to law rather than commercial awareness or even legal process and really specific questions rather than broad concept type questions. I have done Warranty type stuff previously and stages of M&A deals etc in ACs but this was actual law.

 

[STEM Student]

I'd also appreciate some advice for the NRF arctic shores. Got the invite today

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

me too please!
That was for NRF Arctic Shores tip

 

[Amakaa]

Akin Telephone Interview!

Reed Smith AC (update: I was told I was fast tracked as I completed the insight scheme). There were two tests for that one but not sure it is similar to the VS on.

Literally shaking. Please anyone with tips on interviews and what questions to ask partners and GR, I will gladly appreciate @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Do you think they had the wrong set of questions for me then as a non law student? They asked about 5 actual legal questions relating to law rather than commercial awareness or even legal process and really specific questions rather than broad concept type questions. I have done Warranty type stuff previously and stages of M&A deals etc in ACs but this was actual law.

Do you mind sharing what firm this was for? As a non-law grad, this sounds awful

 

[S7321]

Reed Smith AC!

Akin Telephone Interview.

Literally shaking. Please anyone with tips on interviews and what questions to ask partners and GR, I will gladly appreciate @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker

Amazing job on RS! When did you do your SJT/VI?

 

[Amakaa]

Amazing job on RS! When did you do your SJT/VI?

In mid December

 

[rapunzel]

NRF Arctic shores- any1 have any advice?

It is quite long it took me a whole day to do so I would recommend setting aside plenty of time for it and taking a break in between. Other than that you cant really prepare for it, the tasks are quite random, it's very game-based. There is a lock at the end which I did not complete. There is also a task about setting prices for some shares or something which is changing every minute or so. It's important to stay calm a lot of the games are very stressful for a reason.

 

[alliepeach]

Hello, does anybody wanna compare Mills & Reece’s assessment report?

My report was a complete surprise to me, especially the strengths. I now feel really defeated after working so hard to prepare for it. Trying not to overthink/ try and quantify the feedback but I doubt that I have got through to AC. So much room for improvement 🥴 I also found it tough to distill everything that they wanted answering in 500 words!