Official Vacation Scheme Thread 2015!!!

Quick question, in a cover letter is it ok to say that one of the reasons I am interested in the firm is because it is a small firm but they deal with international matters, so kind of punching above their weight - if so, how would it best to word it, can I literally use "punching above your weight" line? Thanks guys!

Definitely would not use the 'punching above your weight line'

The best way to phrase it would be to incorporate why the size would benefit you.

I.e (the small size may mean that you'll have early responsibility and exposure to these multi-jurisdictional deals and as a result you feel you'll develop rapidly as a lawyer)

A firm which is small is also likely to remain completely connected, i.e no chance of you being just a number (able to learn from professionals at the top of their game through frequent interaction.

Can anyone shed some light on how they approached the Macfarlanes application? The one thing that is confusing me is the competency questions coupled with the inclusion of a cover letter. What makes it even more difficult to approach is the 500 word limit for each question. I understand that it is good to always, if possible, write to the word limit exhausting why you want a position etc but that leaves me wondering what to include in the cover letter considering they don't want it to be a repetition of the answer to the questions...?

1) no more than a page of A4 (once you have taken out all the formal address formatting). Ideally you should get in on one page with the formatting but it sounds like in this situation they want a bit more info

2) I wouldn't use headings personally. Three well structured paragraphs (one for each question) should be sufficient

3) they are trying to see how concise you can be along with seeing your own interests in commercial matters. Focus on the key aspect of the case or what was so interesting/important about it (think about it like an elevator pitch - what information will have the most impact by you telling it). But make sure you state clearly why you chose that over everything else. They will be more interested in your opinion than anything factual about the case.


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Can anyone shed some light on how they approached the Macfarlanes application? The one thing that is confusing me is the competency questions coupled with the inclusion of a cover letter. What makes it even more difficult to approach is the 500 word limit for each question. I understand that it is good to always, if possible, write to the word limit exhausting why you want a position etc but that leaves me wondering what to include in the cover letter considering they don't want it to be a repetition of the answer to the questions...?

Guessing firms will be reopening at least til Wednesday this week

Hi guys, for any of you who are interested, these are the statuses of my apps - I've applied for summer vac schemes:

Rejected from: Herbert Smith, Cleary Gott (by post!), Baker McKenzie (easter vac)

Interviews for: Mayer Brown, Latham Watkins

Waiting on: Davis Polk, Skadden, Jones Day, Travers and Weil

Hi guys, for any of you who are interested, these are the statuses of my apps - I've applied for summer vac schemes:

Rejected from: Herbert Smith, Cleary Gott (by post!), Baker McKenzie (easter vac)

Interviews for: Mayer Brown, Latham Watkins

Waiting on: Davis Polk, Skadden, Jones Day, Travers and Weil

Bristol - only Bristol one I'm applying for so decided to apply for a VS to find out a bit more about the firm. Yeah I want to apply for a couple more - currently have a half completed one for Withers. Have you had any luck? Best of luck for your other applications!

Well done on Latham and Mayer Brown. When did you submit your Latham application, if I may ask? Thanks

Just realised I haven't added my second year modules (which I haven't yet been examined on) onto one of my applications - only put my first year ones on there. Hope that isn't an issue

Are you meant to put in your second year modules even if you're not examined on them? I haven't done so for any apps, but I'm non-law so that might be different?