TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Amma Usman

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Cool pigeon

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My main source of research was the Paul, Weiss Dec Open Day. 🙂

I also used the firm’s website, LinkedIn page and TCLA threads among other things. 🫡

There isn’t an awful lot of information out there so it’s a bit harder to research. 🥲

I just submitted my application 15 minutes ago. 😭
Best of luck! Thanks for the advice!!!
 
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cjwx

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Is it worth mentioning a firms 96% retention rate as way to suggest they invest in their trainees and foster an environment where trainees want to stay on board? I’m not sure if that is too generic.
 

Andrei Radu

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@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

I have an AC coming up with a Magic Circle firm, and was wondering how I should go about be able to explain the difference between each firm? I have done research on the various departments they lead in and some other elements such as diversity initiatives, global strategies, etc, but was wondering if there was usually specific elements interviewers want to see?
Interviewers at Magic Circle firms will be well aware of the fact that the firms in the group have a lot in common and that most of the differences will be marginal. However, I think each of them has certain points of pride which it would perhaps be well to mention in an interview - ie. Slaughter and May arguably has an edge in public M&A and with UK corporates generally; Clifford Chance has an edge in PE and finance; Freshfields is arguably leading the race in establishing an elite New York presence and becoming part of the 'international elite' etc. Nonetheless, these selling points do tend fall within the scope of the elements you mentioned; the main differentiators being a slightly superior reputation in one or two practice area/sector or a difference in global strategy resulting in an edge in certain jurisdictions.
 
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Andrei Radu

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Hi @Jessica Booker, @Andrei Radu, @Amma Usman

I am applying to Paul Weiss and for the first question that asks "As a premier law firm, how do you think Paul, Weiss maintains its competitive advantage?", do you think I should focus just on the work of the London office or would it be good to include some of the work they do internationally and particularly in the US?
I definitely think you should consider writing about the firm globally and as a whole, as their serious presence in London has just been established and thus there will not be much historical work you can reference. Moreover, I think this question is inviting you to discuss Paul, Weiss' broader strategy as a firm and how the London expansion features into it. Thus, I think it would make for a more insightful analysis if you also mentioned its origins as a white show litigation specialist who has already undergone a revolution post-2008 by heavily investing into becoming a leading player in transactional sphere as well. Since this transformation has been widely recognized as a remarkable success, that could fit well within a broader narrative about Paul, Weiss' entrepreneurial edge. On that point, for a more detailed analysis of the firm's history, strategy, and expansions, take a look at the Paul, Weiss profile I wrote during the summer.
 

TCLA Community Assistant

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Is it worth mentioning a firms 96% retention rate as way to suggest they invest in their trainees and foster an environment where trainees want to stay on board? I’m not sure if that is too generic.
I would just check the firm has historically high retention rates and that this was not an anomaly. You can then reference the retention rates generally rather than one specific intake.
 
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Andrei Radu

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Hi, im currently working on an application and one of the questions is as follows:
'In a recent survey, our clients scored us higher for collaboration and enterprising solutions than any other law firm they’ve used. To achieve this, our lawyers have needed to demonstrate more than just legal expertise. In your opinion, aside from technical legal knowledge, what else is fundamental to helping our clients achieve their objectives?'

How would you approach it? Especially as they specify aside legal expertise? any ideas would be really helpful, thank you so much. @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker
I think one of your main areas of focus should be commercial understanding, which should exist at a number of levels. First, to enable their clients to reach their objectives, lawyers need to know what those objectives are - and not just at a superficial level. To reach optimal results even when faced with roadblocks, they need to understand the deeper rationale for a client's particular request, for which they also need to understand the inner workings of the client's business. Secondly, to provide the best service lawyers will need not only to know a lot about their clients, but will also need to understand the industry they operate it. This way, not only can they better represent clients in particular matters in which competitors also have a stake in (of which there will be many) but also can aim to become true strategic advisors, who can look ahead for the client's best interest beyond the details of the matter they are currently working on.
 
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