TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[g.cl.2020344]

any1 just received an email from pinsent masons to update app with SQE engagement but can't edit their app?

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

any1 just received an email from pinsent masons to update app with SQE engagement but can't edit their app?

Yes ! i sent them an email asking for help

 

[Amma Usman]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam - apologies i know Andrei already provided some support on this but could you kindly provide some insight to Analytical presentations and group exercises that DLA use for their assessment centre and links to examples I can practice with (having not done this before)

could you also help with commerical awareness questions practice and advise on how to build commerical awareness for the presentation and case studies used in the group exercise please

Hi @Audric_T , I’m unsure about the specifics on DLA’s assessment process, but I’ll take a stab on your second question.

Commercial awareness is a crucial skill in the law firm application process, and it’s one that requires consistent effort to build and maintain every day. I always say this – it’s not just about skimming through the Financial Times(FT) every morning. It’s about truly understanding the fundamentals, even the smaller details: for instance, knowing the definitions and distinctions between types of loans or bonds, and understanding how fiscal policy differs from monetary policy. It’s about balancing theoretical knowledge with an awareness of current affairs, as both are equally essential.

For case studies, commercial awareness can encompass a range of knowledge. Take an M&A case study, for example. It’s important to understand practical concepts like the differences between drag along and tag along rights, the role of due diligence, or how a change of control clause could impact the deal. On a broader level, having knowledge of landmark M&A deals – such as the proposed merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard – shows not only that you are up to date, but also that you understand how such deals shape the legal and business landscape.

In terms of building commercial awareness, I recommend starting with accessible resources like Finimize, LittleLaw, or ZipLaw. These are great tools for breaking down complex commercial concepts into digestible pieces. From there, podcasts like the FT News Briefing or The Economist Podcasts can keep you updated on global business and economic trends in a conversational format. You can also reinforce this knowledge by subscribing to the FirstFT newsletter, which summarises the main developments of the day. Highlighting a couple of key stories daily and delving deeper into how they affect businesses and their legal teams will help solidify your understanding.

When it comes to incorporating commercial awareness into law firm presentations, it’s essential to weave it in naturally rather than forcing it. Demonstrate how you view commercial trends through a legal lens, aligning them with the firm’s values and the role of a trainee solicitor. For group exercises, the collective knowledge of your team can be a real asset. Everyone brings their own perspective, so it’s important to contribute your insights while being open to learning from others. Together, you can craft a well-rounded, commercially aware presentation that showcases collaboration and critical thinking.

As you prepare for your assessment centre and beyond, adopting this structured approach will help you develop commercial awareness as a habit rather than a chore. Personally, these resources and strategies have been invaluable to me, and I’m confident they’ll help you as well.

I’m sure @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu will have more thoughts on this.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Yes ! i sent them an email asking for help

do you think it means we passed the previous round?

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

do you think it means we passed the previous round?

With the way I answered those questions, let me not get my hopes up 😭

Maybe it was a system error?

 

[hanz123]

Did everyone get the email from Pinsent about the SQE or some of us?

 

[lawstudent523]

2 more weeks until HL WVS starts. Assuming if I haven't heard back yet it's a PFO?

 

[yasmars]

Did everyone get the email from Pinsent about the SQE or some of us?

I got the email too. I think it's just a system error. I don't think it's any indication of progression.

 

[YS391]

Did everyone get the email from Pinsent about the SQE or some of us?

I did too

 

[Soprano]

Fieldfisher AC.

How was the phone interview? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[NCTC2025]

Did you go to the discovery day? I imagine they potentially are fast tracking those who went to the discovery day as those candidates have been shortlisted already and have been met and had exposure to the firm. That would at least be my thoughts

I went to the discovery day and have been on hold since passing the WG like a month ago

 

[Deleted member 37508]

do you think it means we passed the previous round?

They literally interview 30ish people for direct TC London. It’ll be very slim pickings for the AC invite. Highly doubt we all passed.

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

I got the email too. I think it's just a system error. I don't think it's any indication of progression.

I went on the portal and there is now an option to update the SQE details

 

[hanz123]

I went on the portal adn there is now an option to update

Won't let me click submit details

 

[B101]

For anyone waiting to hear back from W&C, grad rec said today that everyone should hear back early next week as they are in the final processes of reviewing feedback. Good luck to everyone!

 

[YS391]

Won't let me click submit details

same

 

[Amma Usman]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam - apologies i know Andrei already provided some support on this but could you kindly provide some insight to Analytical presentations and group exercises that DLA use for their assessment centre and links to examples I can practice with (having not done this before)

could you also help with commerical awareness questions practice and advise on how to build commerical awareness for the presentation and case studies used in the group exercise please

Hey again @Audric_T. Just to build on my last response, I believe it will be particularly helpful to also have a glossary of key terms applicable to the financial/legal worlds. It’s a strategy that personally helped me track my commercial awareness a couple of years back. I will make a thread on this tomorrow and make the post .)

 

[lolasparks]

Just done the DLA Watson Glaser and I'm probably no going to pass onto the next stage, got opportunity for development in two areas. But to bring some hope, I don't think it was a very difficult test, I just needed to practice more, so if you've really been practicing it should be fine!

 

[Deleted member 37508]

They're a really nice mid-sized firm and have good culture and I have met some people that worked there and moved to larger firms (particularly from the funds team). I interviewed with them a while ago and will say that their pay (at trainee level and for associates) is not very competitive IMO.

Thank you for this information. I did see they pay relatively low. Hopefully the hours reflect this.

 

[jojo23]

do you think it means we passed the previous round?

i got the email and i haven't even finished the application