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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi @Maddy !
That's a great question! I don't think there is a specific number of activities you need to mention. Last cycle, I was invited to a Paul, Weiss interview, and what worked for me was choosing a few meaningful examples (I'd say between 3 and 5) and showing how they connected to the firm's values (though the exact question has changed slightly since then).
You can definitely drawn on past positions and personal interests, as long as you can link them back to what Paul, Weiss look for in trainees. For example, I discussed being a committee member for university societies, participating in BIUCAC, and working as a student mentor.
The key is to relate each example to qualities Paul, Weiss emphasises on their website or recruitment materials. For instance, if I was answering the question this year, I could connect my BIUCAC experience to traits like continuous learning and having an entrepreneurial mindset. In practice, this could possibly look like:
"Through my participation in BIUCAC, I worked in a small group to analyse a complex commercial scenario involving a multi-jurisdictional acquisition for an energy company. We had to work under significant time pressure and respond to unseen questions from a panel of law firm partners. This not only demonstrated my commitment to continuous learning but also encouraged me to think creatively and take initiative, which are qualities that align with Paul, Weiss' emphasis on an entrepreneurial mindset"
I hope that helps!
Hi Abbie - hope you are well!
I have a question on Paul, Weiss application process. Are you able to share any insights into their SJT or interview process?
Was the interview purely commercial or motivational?
Thank you in advance!
All the best,
J
I have a question on Paul, Weiss application process. Are you able to share any insights into their SJT or interview process?
Was the interview purely commercial or motivational?
Thank you in advance!
All the best,
J
Hi J! I am well, thank you, and I hope you are too!
Of course, I can offer some general insights into how I found the assessments.
SJT
In terms of the SJT, this was relatively similar to the many others you may complete during an application process. The best advice I have seen for tackling these assessments was from @ZNadeem here, so I would keep those points in mind when dealing with the SJT questions. For the verbal and numerical intellect section, I always made sure to not rush, and have a pen and paper to hand, as I found it really helps to be able to jot down my working out as I went along.
Don't panic if you think you scored lower than expected in the pillars or the verbal / numerical reasoning sections. I remember worrying that my application wouldn't progress after scoring 6446, but it turned out fine. This just shows that they assess your application holistically, not just on one section!
Interview Process
The interview itself was a mix of different styles of questions, including motivational and commercial. I would prepare for the Paul, Weiss interview as you would prepare for most commercial law firm interviews - make sure you know 'Why Law', 'Why X Firm', and 'Why Me' - and take some time to go over your CV and application. The interview experience itself was engaging and interesting, and I would say that if you have done your research into the firm and can relate your own experiences to different scenarios, you'll do well!
I hope that answers your questions - best of luck with your Paul, Weiss application!
Hey, can I ask how long your cover letter was, and did you include the traditional cover letter formalities or just jump straight into it? ThanksTW test invite
Thank you so much Abbie! These insights are really useful!!☺️Hi J! I am well, thank you, and I hope you are too!
Of course, I can offer some general insights into how I found the assessments.
SJT
In terms of the SJT, this was relatively similar to the many others you may complete during an application process. The best advice I have seen for tackling these assessments was from @ZNadeem here, so I would keep those points in mind when dealing with the SJT questions. For the verbal and numerical intellect section, I always made sure to not rush, and have a pen and paper to hand, as I found it really helps to be able to jot down my working out as I went along.
Don't panic if you think you scored lower than expected in the pillars or the verbal / numerical reasoning sections. I remember worrying that my application wouldn't progress after scoring 6446, but it turned out fine. This just shows that they assess your application holistically, not just on one section!
Interview Process
The interview itself was a mix of different styles of questions, including motivational and commercial. I would prepare for the Paul, Weiss interview as you would prepare for most commercial law firm interviews - make sure you know 'Why Law', 'Why X Firm', and 'Why Me' - and take some time to go over your CV and application. The interview experience itself was engaging and interesting, and I would say that if you have done your research into the firm and can relate your own experiences to different scenarios, you'll do well!
I hope that answers your questions - best of luck with your Paul, Weiss application!
All the best,
Jasmine
I have a Jones Day interview invite! If anyone has any tips I'd be very grateful!
It's definitely worth a shot! Please don't be discouraged by the open day rejection! I’ve progressed to the assessment centre stage after previously being rejected for an open day with the same firm (multiple times). Open day invites are dependent on several factors ; for example, if they felt you had enough legal experience or if they were looking for something incredibly specific. You've got this!😊
For those applying to Dechert Winter Vac... have you heard back already or are still drafting your application? I am still drafting but I am aware it is rolling so slightly stressed.
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