TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[jta227]

Does anyone have any tips regarding NRF video interview? Please PM honestly, super nerve-wrecking its my first application response back that's positive so I am quite new to this!

Congrats! Just curious, was this for the summer scheme? How close to the deadline did you apply, if so?

 

[Amma Usman]

I don’t know what the specific post is that you are trying to find, but I did find these posts which I think could be potentially useful! 🙂🙂

SJT’s are actually so difficult because there is never a single right answer! 🥲🥲

Another tip for SJTs is to factor out the wrong answers first in your head. It’s sort of like how you do in a multiple choice. It’s like you’re playing a game. By choosing the answers that are obviously wrong first, you place yourself in a position where whatever you pick, is likely to be correct (or at least more correct than the rest of the bulk)!

@Bread @Chris Brown

 

[BreadandButter]

This is so impressive! Would you mind sharing a tidbit of your application strategy?

Apply to firms you have an interest in
Use a case to strengthen your answer
I did not attend open days as I was busy
Use your experiences to show you have the skills of a trainee
I do not say um when speaking in video interviews I breathe/pause or say and
Smile in video interviews show you are enjoying answering the question asked

 

[BreadandButter]

Akin AC
Goodwin VI
Weil VI
Willkie Written Task
Linklaters
HSF VS
Reed smith AC
Addleshaw Goddard AC

12 applications, 5 ACs, 3 rejections

HSF VS

Dechert WE, Macfarlanes AC and W&C VI rejection

Waiting for Weil, Linklaters and Goodwin.

I have done Akin AC, HSF AC and Macfarlanes AC.

Any advice for AG AC?

 

[elena11]

Haven’t heard back post VI for Mishcon - should I assume PFO?

 

[emma.d]

Hi, I hope everyone is well. I had a few questions about written exercises related to performing due diligence on a target company during an acquisition and would be grateful for any insight.

1) Is the typical structure focused on identifying risks and then providing solutions?

2) Is it wise to include news stories that could impact risks and solutions? For example, if there’s an employment-related issue, would it be useful to consider any recent employment legislation that might affect it?

3) Is it just legal and commercial considerations that need to be taken into account? Could anyone provide some factors that are important to consider?

I've never done something like this so just feeling super confused as to what I'll actually have to do and the structure. Thank you!

 

[lawgirlintheworld]

anyone make it past HSF assessment centre for the spring scheme 2025?

 

[rain2801]

Does Milbank even give PFOs? I didn't even get a test and people are done with ACs here as well 😭

 

[Zaraa.x]

Anyone else not received NRF VI or do you think they send out invites in batches?

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

Did anyone who did the Gateley Cappfinity assessment not get a confirmation email? Cappfinity or the firm usually confirm submission but I haven’t get a confirmation email.

 

[emma.d]

Ngl a lot of people are taking the WIllkie written exercise; no one can dissect the brief overview Gemma has given for you. It is up to you how you approach this. It is important to remember this exercise will replicate the work trainees will do! Just try your best; you made it this far, so you are more than capable! Good luck!!!!

Thank you. My questions were mainly just on the structure of a bogstandard due diligence so I don't think it was necessarily 'dissecting much.' Like I don't know whether it is appropriate to include news stories and just need a yes or no haha

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Thank you. My questions were mainly just on the structure of a bogstandard due diligence so I don't think it was necessarily 'dissecting much.' Like I don't know whether it is appropriate to include news stories and just need a yes or no haha

I personally wouldn’t. This exercise is about testing your analysis of the documents at hand.

This means there’s really not too much preparation we can do.

You could spend hours researching legal due diligence. However, 99% of it won’t be applicable to the actual documents we’ll be given.

As long as we all remain calm during the exercise, I’m sure it will be fine. Easier said than done, but try not to worry

 

[MilesKirkland]

Hi, I hope everyone is well. I had a few questions about written exercises related to performing due diligence on a target company during an acquisition and would be grateful for any insight.

1) Is the typical structure focused on identifying risks and then providing solutions?

2) Is it wise to include news stories that could impact risks and solutions? For example, if there’s an employment-related issue, would it be useful to consider any recent employment legislation that might affect it?

3) Is it just legal and commercial considerations that need to be taken into account? Could anyone provide some factors that are important to consider?

I've never done something like this so just feeling super confused as to what I'll actually have to do and the structure. Thank you!

1) At this stage, I'd focus on identifying risks.
2) I wouldn't.
3) Yeah, those are the two broad categories of issues. On the legal side, examples include: change of control clauses; ongoing investigations; regulatory compliance; contracts and employment issues. On the commercial side, things like outstanding liabilities and plans to finance them. Obviously other things too - differentiation, market conditions, operational risks - but more a job for analysts.

 

[James Wakefield]

How much are people refreshing on their knowledge of Willkie as a firm before the written exercise?

I’m wondering if I should do more research to put specifics into my answer? Or is that unnecessary for the written assessment, and should we just simply use the materials given?

 

[BreadandButter]

did Willkie WE today.

very enjoyable and good insight. @WillkieGemma thank you for arranging.

 

[Cool pigeon]

How much are people refreshing on their knowledge of Willkie as a firm before the written exercise?

I’m wondering if I should do more research to put specifics into my answer? Or is that unnecessary for the written assessment, and should we just simply use the materials given?

Nothing - I don't think that is relevant for a WE

 

[AlegalA]

Hi guys!

I'm just looking to double check something. I've been invited to Kennedys AC. They state that they have a strengths-based interview. Does that mean there will be NO motivational/commercial questions or that it will be mostly strengths-based but still have "why Kennedys", "why you" etc.

Could anyone that has completed the Kennedys AC in the past please reach out to me I have so many questions 😭 their AC seems so confusing

 

[AlegalA]

I’ve not done Kennedys AC unfortunately but I’ve done many strength based interviews and ACs and they will always ask motivational questions (why x firm or why us over our competitors). Definitely prep for it. The other questions will be relatively easy so I wouldn’t stress strength questions.​

Okay great that's so good to know, thank you

 

[suhana]

hey guys
does anyone know what the V&E VI is like this year? can you see the questions and re record like last year?

 

[marisachr]

Hi guys!

I'm just looking to double check something. I've been invited to Kennedys AC. They state that they have a strengths-based interview. Does that mean there will be NO motivational/commercial questions or that it will be mostly strengths-based but still have "why Kennedys", "why you" etc.

Could anyone that has completed the Kennedys AC in the past please reach out to me I have so many questions 😭 their AC seems so confusing

Hi, I'm also invited for the Kennedys AC! Is your AC for the Direct TC or one of their SQE programmes?

Re your question - most of the trainees I spoke to told me that their interview was fairly straightforward, no trick questions and focused on strength based and some competency questions e.g. tell us about a time you handled conflicting deadlines