Search results

  1. J

    Winter vac schemes vs Summer vac schemes?

    Sometimes the Winter ones will be open to finalists and graduates only, so be sure to check eligibility. I think the common belief is winter ones are less competitive due to exam seasons etc but I'm sure I've also read that that's a myth and both are as competitive as each other. However...
  2. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    I also have a similar question, @Jessica Booker do you think it's necessary to highlight which bits of work were simulated and which were real? Thanks!
  3. J

    Questions to ask at law fairs

    Asking what makes them unique compared to similar firms is probably an example of a question you could figure out yourself from doing research on them and their competitors. It's also quite broad, I would try to make the question a little more specific eg I know both you and XYZ both/all do ABC...
  4. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    That's really interesting! I guess earlier isn't necessarily better then
  5. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    I would be interested to see the correlation between dates of submission and success of the applications. All of my successful applications were submitted earlier, but I also know people who have got vacs/tc's after last-minute submissions.
  6. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    Earlier the better of course but you could just end up waiting ages to hear back. In my experience getting them in around 4-6 weeks before the deadline is ideal, and two weeks before the deadline at the latest. Any later and I think you risk assessment centre spots being filled. It will depend...
  7. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    As Jaysen said, I don't believe it matters. It may not even come up. To note, this year I did a VS at both a silver circle firm and a US firm. The US firm knew I'd done a VS at the silver circle but didn't even ask about it or whether I had managed to convert it. Additionally, if you needed to...
  8. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    Definitely don't leave it out. Doing another VS or two shows not only commitment to the career and that you know what you're getting yourself into, but that you are a great candidate too. It lends you great credibility. Obvs TC is the end goal but don't forget that getting a VS is still an...
  9. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    Articulate it in a way that highlights it as a learning experience. Perhaps consider how in hindsight why they weren't the right fit for you, and how that helped you come to the realisation that the firm you are now applying to is right for you. I think the point is to have it be a two-way...
  10. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    It doesn't matter what modules you take but just be prepared to justify why you didn't choose more commercial ones. I've only ever been asked about my modules once but this is even less of an issue now that most interviews are conducted on a CV-blind basis.
  11. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    I would imagine the former. I read this question as a variation of what does a commercial law firm do?
  12. J

    Open Day Applications

    As Alice said, don't overthink it. I think the point is to highlight what you want to learn about the firm that you can't find online. Demonstrate specific things you know about them (eg main practice areas, their strategy, training), what that's made you curious about, and why an open day...
  13. J

    Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!

    I'm pretty sure a friend of mine did this and it was fine.
  14. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    A classic one is what you would do if you were given two pieces of work by two partners with the same deadline.
  15. J

    General, Commercial Stories themes for AC discussion

    Do you mind explaining what you mean in terms of merger controls and sustainability goals? I am not picking up on the link. Is it that mergers might be approved/disapproved depending on how 'green' they are?
  16. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    Thank you both!!
  17. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    Would anyone be able to link me the thread where people were discussing how they were preparing for their upcoming schemes? I have been searching to no avail.
  18. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    Don't repeat but, rather, extend eg if you can only fit in 3 out of the 4 skills you want to talk about, put the fourth one in the cover letter. The cover letter is also a good place to explain 'why law' since that isn't asked anywhere else on the app.
  19. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    I was on the scheme this year and I wasn't asked to do a VI, I presume that was the case for everyone else too. But good luck! It's an incredible scheme.
  20. J

    General Discussion Thread 2020-21

    If I remember correctly from the open day, the test is not automatic, so congratulations! They also mentioned their WG bar is not as high as other firms, so that should work in your favour. Best of luck!

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.