TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[👩🎓]

Evening all, does anyone have any top tips on how to perform well during virtual interviews or how to prepare for them?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Amma Usman]

@Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu Received a VS offer! Any advice on what to do prior to this to prep for the VS?

This is amazing news, congratulations! I’ve included some tips below;

• Speak with members of the firm, including future trainees, trainees, lawyers, etc, to get to know more about the firm and their experiences.
• Schedule coffee chats with people working in departments you’d like to learn more about.
• Ask thoughtful questions. Growing up, we always heard “there’s no such thing as a silly question”. The truth is, some questions can be answered by oneself through a quick research on the firm’s website/other sources. Ask questions you wouldn’t otherwise get yourself, as you now have the opportunity to be surrounded by the lawyers working on these deals.
• Learn more about the wider industry and how the practice area you’re working in fits within it. Ask any resultant questions that pop up. Similarly, you may also want to know and ask how the work you are doing as an intern fits within it.
• Above all, just be yourself and enjoy the process, because firms want to hire people at the end of the day. They already saw potential in you to get to that stage, so make the most of the learning opportunity, and you’’ll be fine.

Best of luck, I know you’ll do great!

 

[legallycece]

Hogan Lovells PFO post watson glaser 😶

Sorry to hear this ! Do you mind sharing how long they took to get back to you please ?

 

[Amma Usman]

Evening all, does anyone have any top tips on how to perform well during virtual interviews or how to prepare for them?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve included Andrei’s really great guide here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....tency-interview-preparation.9380/#post-201181

 

[missTCLA]

if youve been asked a question youre unsure of the answer / throws you off / do not know how to respond to it, what is the best way to go about this ? also, does choosing whether you want to do a spring scheme / summer scheme makes a difference in the firm accepting/rejecting you, or no? thanks in advance

 

[ashwright]

“If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?” is a crazy question what the hell. 😂😂

I didn’t realise these kinds of questions would be asked in interviews. It looks like I need to spend some time on figuring out which fruit I want to be. I’m thinking maybe an apple. 🍏​

This is a very difficult question which I have given much serious thought to. After some deep self-reflection during a meditative retreat to the Himalayas, this is my conclusion:

I would like to be a tomato.
Tomatoes are adaptable - they can be used in everything from soup to pizza.
Tomatoes are hard-workers - they don't mind being grilled (in the oven/at an interview).
Tomatoes know how to have fun - see: Bloody Mary.

...never thought I'd have a fruit-related identity crisis but here I am 🤣

 

[Chris Brown]

This is a very difficult question which I have given much serious thought to. After some deep self-reflection during a meditative retreat to the Himalayas, this is my conclusion:

I would like to be a tomato.
Tomatoes are adaptable - they can be used in everything from soup to pizza.
Tomatoes are hard-workers - they don't mind being grilled (in the oven/at an interview).
Tomatoes know how to have fun - see: Bloody Mary.

...never thought I'd have a fruit-related identity crisis but here I am 🤣

I have a controversial question. Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? It appears it’s technically both at the same time (botanically and culinarily). It therefore seems tomatoes are very versatile and adaptable. I would also like to be a tomato. 🥲🥲​

 

[allenpopi]

has anyone heard back after goodwin interview? (pfo or offer)

 

[ashwright]

I have a controversial question. Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? It appears it’s technically both at the same time (botanically and culinarily). It therefore seems tomatoes are very versatile and adaptable. 🥲🥲​

This is a brilliant observation. My meditative retreat was clearly too short - I need to reflect a great deal more. I completely agree with you on the duality of tomatoes – I might even add that this shows that tomatoes transcend artificial categorisation, much like how modern lawyers wear multiple hats, as legal minds but also commercial minds etc.
Thank you for adding your thoughts to this highly fruitful discussion 🤣

 

[Mace2121]

In a recent assessment centre, I was asked about the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the firm. I'm curious to know how others would have responded to this question as I think the response that I have was vague and broad.

 

[👩🎓]

I’ve included Andrei’s really great guide here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....tency-interview-preparation.9380/#post-201181

Thank you so much

 

[SonghaivAngel]

For the people who've heard back from Sidley, did you apply to the Spring or Summer intakes (or both)?

Hi, I applied for Spring and received a vac scheme offer from them around a week ago!

 

[SonghaivAngel]

Anyone still being ghosted by Akin, Gibson and Milbank post-app? 😂

Hi, If you haven't recieved an invite from Milbank for their AC then it's a definite PFO unfortunately. I asked HR and they said there would be one more AC after my group which is happening this week.

Gibson Is hard to read - I received an offer for their summer vac quite a while ago but people are still being progressed post-app so don't lose hope with them!

I unfortunately dont have any insight for Akin, Best of luck!

 

[anonymous2002]

I did my watson glaser for cleary in early Jan, but haven't heard back from them yet, should I assume PFO?

 

[sc13]

Hiya @James Wakefield

The Cooley assessment centre was quite a full-on day when I did it, and if the structure remains the same, you can expect a packed schedule. This schedule included (1) a group exercise; (2) lunch and chats with people at the firm; and (3) two separate interviews, one with an associate and another with a partner.

In my cycle, the morning involved a group exercise. We were expected to successfully pass this stage to proceed to the interviews in the afternoon. The group exercise had a strong commercial focus, so it’s worth taking some time to think about the kinds of issues that often arise in commercial exercises involving investment decisions, M&A considerations, and other types of similar business challenges. Beyond commercial awareness, the usual group exercise rules apply - try to show your ability to work effectively with others. There’s also a presentation element, where clarity, a client-focused approach, and time management all play a big role. There weren’t any written exercises when I did it, so I don't think you'll have to worry about that here.

Between the group exercise and the interviews, you'll have lunch and a chance to chat with trainees, associates, and the wonderful training principal, Claire Temple. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you genuinely have about the firm, but also to get to know people in a more informal, relaxed setting. You might feel a bit nervous during this time, since some candidates will be unsuccessful at this stage and will need to leave. But just focus on doing your best and engaging with people you meet.

If you make it through to the interviews, you’ll have one with an associate and another with a partner. I wasn’t asked any commercial questions in these, but I found that some of the motivational questions gave me an opportunity to weave in my commercial awareness (where relevant). If you can, it’s definitely worth preparing for competency-based and motivational questions in advance. I also received quite a few curveball questions (e.g. “If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?”). If you get one of these, don't panic. Just think of these as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and give a sense of your personality.

Hope this helps! And good luck with the AC!

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam ,

Thank you for all your help so far!
Quick follow up, are there any specific resources you used to prepare for the group exercise, I’m just feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the information available online. I’ve been keeping up with the commercial world fairly ok through Watson’s daily and little law and stuff but I’m wondering if it’s worth going through FT and other sources more to help with this stage? (Sorry if that’s a bit long-winded😅) Also roughly how many people move onto the interview bit (feeling a bit nervous about this group exercise haha)

 

[law121]

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and anyone else please feel free to respond to this: Where can i find guidance on how to perform well on a vacation scheme and the final interview on the vacation scheme for converting it to a TC?

 

[VMS]

In a recent assessment centre, I was asked about the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the firm. I'm curious to know how others would have responded to this question as I think the response that I have was vague and broad.

I haven’t had to answer this specifically but one similar, and I talked about technology and AI. Unoriginal, perhaps, but I was successful because I answered it well.

There’s lots to talk about there, including improving infrastructure to prepare for new technology, AI policy, Kier Starmer wanting to make the UK an AI hub (which can also form an opportunity for law firms), changing client expectations as a result of it, etc.

You could also talk about ongoing market uncertainty and the challenge that poses, etc.

I don’t think you have to stress about going too far outside the box so long as you explain what’s in the box well Going outside the box is always a great addition though, of course.

 

[jacksollaf]

An update on my unsuccessfully successful application cycle; 65 applications, 44 rejections so far, 1 offer, and 20 still pending (including awaiting 3 interview outcomes)...

HFW (offer ✅ ✅ ✅ )
Gibson Dunn ❌ post-vi
Baker McKenzie ❌
Allen & Shearman | ❌
Goodwin ❌
Pinsent Masons |❌
Mayer Brown |❌
Skadden ❌
Morrison Foerster
Slaughter & May | ❌
Jones Day | ❌
Cooley ❌
Linklaters
Willkie Farr & Gallagher | ❌
Latham & Watkins
Forsters LLP ❌
TLT
Dechert LLP ❌
Orrick
BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
Paynes Hicks Beach
Eversheds ❌
Clyde & Co ❌
Addleshaw Goddard LLP
Kirkland ❌
Covington LLP ❌
White & Case ❌
Macfarlanes ❌
UN Legal Affairs Intern
Clifford Chance Dubai | ❌
Weil | ❌
Katten
Charles Russel Speechlys ❌
King & Spalding (TC)
Quinn Emmanuel (Paris) ❌
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP ❌
Legal intern at random company in Scotland ❌ (ghosted so probably not)
Deloitte ❌
Vison & Elkins ❌
Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
Walker Morris ❌
CMS ❌
Hogan Lovells ❌
Osborne Clarke ❌
Davis Polk ❌
RPC
Ropes & Gray
Paul Weiss ❌
Squire Patton Boggs ❌
Mills & Reeve ❌
Simmons & Simmons
Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
Withers (TC)
Joelson ❌
Capsticks LLP | ❌
Gowling WLG ❌
Gide Loyrette Nouel London ❌ (ghosted)
DAC Beachcroft (TC)
Howes Spercival
PwC |❌
Cleary Gottlieb | ❌
Reed Smith | ❌
Farrer & Co ❌
Shoosmiths
Freshfields ❌
Debevoise & Plimpton ❌
Greenberg Traurig (TC)
Lockton ❌
Watson Farley & Williams ❌
HSF ❌


Basically, still waiting to hear back from the following firms, out of my 65 applications 😂:

1. Morrison Foerster
2.Greenberg Traurig (TC)
3. Shoosmiths
4. Howes Spercival
5. DAC Beachcroft (TC)
6. Withers (TC)
7. Norton Rose Fulbright (awaiting interview outcome)
8. Simmons and Simmons
9. Ropes & Gray
10. RPC
11. Morgan Lewis (awaiting interview outcome)
12. UN Legal Affairs Intern
13. Paynes Hicks Beach
14. BCLP (awaiting interview outcome)
15. Orrick
16. TLT
17. Latham & Watkins
18. Linklaters
19. Katten
20. King & Spalding

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone! This is shot in the dark but I wanted to get advice. After facing three rejections following assessment centres, I would really appreciate any advice on the AC process. I have an upcoming AC with Shepherd and Wedderburn (including presentation and panel interview) this week and would be incredibly grateful for any insights if you interviewed with the firm/ or general AC tips.

Very well done on the AC! I have included some tips below;

Presentation:

• If it’s presenting on a business topic or advice to a client (I presume this would be the case), you would need to consider the pros and cons/ benefits or challenges, of the given topic at hand. At the end, a recommendation is usually asked, which should be thoughtful and flow from what you already discussed. Some people say that there is no point, for example, advising a client to go ahead with a deal that poses many challenges. Ultimately, this may be up to the client and their business goals, but as an avid legal and business advisor, you need to look at both sides and give a well-researched opinion.
• Confidence - it’s often a soft skill unspoken about in presentations, but quite important. There’s some sociological reasoning involved. Somebody once told me that sociologically, people are more likely to trust and engage with individuals who project certainty and composure, as confidence can create a perception of competence. In high-stakes environments like law firms, where clients and colleagues rely on assured decision-making, the ability to present with poise can set candidates apart.

Panel Interview:

• I would prepare for competency based, commercial, situational, etc, interviews, as you never know what might be asked. To avoid overwhelming yourself, I recommend this approach that has always personally helped me… know your CV and experiences very very very well. That way, whatever type of interview it is, you can easily link their question to your own experiences to show demonstrated interest. Commercial awareness questions are a bit different though. For that one, you actually really need to follow up on the news and the firm, as well as consider how certain changes impact their clients and the law firm itself. Some good sources are in the link I have provided here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/10-commercial-awareness-sources.9412/

Goodluck, I know you’ll do great!

 

[Amma Usman]

if youve been asked a question youre unsure of the answer / throws you off / do not know how to respond to it, what is the best way to go about this ? also, does choosing whether you want to do a spring scheme / summer scheme makes a difference in the firm accepting/rejecting you, or no? thanks in advance

In situations like this, I usually ask for a moment to think. This helps me gather my thoughts and not go straight into the pressures of answering immediately, where I may otherwise waffle. Another thing is to just take a sip of water. I wouldn’t take the sip of water too often though, as this may do more harm than good. But, it should make way for a nice short pause to gather your thoughts too.