2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

[Legal_rawn]

I was wondering if anyone knows if I withdraw my current Freshfields TC application, can I apply for the summer cycle? I know it was a terrible application and I haven't got a WG invite yet but don't know if I can reapply within the same cycle.

If you find out the answer I’d be interested to know!

 

[Kellie19]

Hi, I am completing an application for a leading Scottish firm which deals with real estate, commercial, private client ... they are a full service firm. One of the questions on the application is “Please give an example of a recent legal decision that you disagreed with and why?”. I know this is a question only I know what I disagree with, however I am struggling to think of the best example and how I should consider structuring this.

Has anyone come across a question like this? If so, do you have any pointers or insight on how I should answer? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Holly]

Hi, I am completing an application for a leading Scottish firm which deals with real estate, commercial, private client ... they are a full service firm. One of the questions on the application is “Please give an example of a recent legal decision that you disagreed with and why?”. I know this is a question only I know what I disagree with, however I am struggling to think of the best example and how I should consider structuring this.

Has anyone come across a question like this? If so, do you have any pointers or insight on how I should answer? Any help is appreciated.

Hey I haven’t answered a question like this, but it’s a great one that gets you thinking!

What’s the word count?

I’m not 100% on what “recent” is but I think that would be anything in the last 6-12 months

In terms of structure, I would begin by mentioning the legal case I disagree with. And then proceed with reasons by signposting ie firstly, secondly, thirdly. These would be separate paragraphs. Try thinking of the impact the legal decision has had on key stakeholders and perhaps use a PESTEL analysis too

I would also look at any insights or articles the firm may have done on real estate, commercial and private client work. They sometimes talk about legal cases so this could be a great kickstart

I hope that helps, best of luck

 

[E1998]

Hi, I am completing an application for a leading Scottish firm which deals with real estate, commercial, private client ... they are a full service firm. One of the questions on the application is “Please give an example of a recent legal decision that you disagreed with and why?”. I know this is a question only I know what I disagree with, however I am struggling to think of the best example and how I should consider structuring this.

Has anyone come across a question like this? If so, do you have any pointers or insight on how I should answer? Any help is appreciated.

Heey! Which firm is this?

 

[Dheepa]

Hi, I am completing an application for a leading Scottish firm which deals with real estate, commercial, private client ... they are a full service firm. One of the questions on the application is “Please give an example of a recent legal decision that you disagreed with and why?”. I know this is a question only I know what I disagree with, however I am struggling to think of the best example and how I should consider structuring this.

Has anyone come across a question like this? If so, do you have any pointers or insight on how I should answer? Any help is appreciated.

This is an interesting one!

I'd pick any case that genuinely interests you. Don't feel the need to cater it to the firm's practice areas or anything like that. I think the question is mostly trying to test your analysis, ability to argue a point and clarity of writing. All three of these things are easiest to demonstrate when you're talking about something you are actually interested in yourself. That being said, two recent examples you could use are the Google v Oracle case (a US one) or the recent Uber decision in the Supreme Court. Coincidentally also came across this article today on recent class action lawsuits that might give you some ideas.

In terms of structure, what @Holly has suggested with the PESTLE analysis is a good starting point. I'd highly recommend approaching your analysis from a commercial perspective. So thinking about how the decision will affect other industry players, will it increase or decrease the ease of doing business, how will the decision affect bottom line users/consumers.

Hope that helps! ☺️

 

[conniekatherine]

Does anyone know how long Slaughters takes to get back after a TC interview? I had mine yesterday and they said about 2 weeks, but I've heard it can differ

 

[James5612]

Does anyone know how long Slaughters takes to get back after a TC interview? I had mine yesterday and they said about 2 weeks, but I've heard it can differ

They took 3 weeks to get back to me after mine, but I don't know how common that is

 

[kls]

Don’t worry about it if you haven’t got anything to mention. It’s fine to leave it blank.

I have just thought - would it be appropriate here to mention that I have secured a vacation scheme at another firm?

 

[conniekatherine]

They took 3 weeks to get back to me after mine, but I don't know how common that is

Was it successful if you don't mind me asking?

 

[James5612]

Was it successful if you don't mind me asking?

It was so don't stress if they go over those two weeks

 

[conniekatherine]

It was so don't stress if they go over those two weeks

Great, thank you!

 

[Kellie19]

Hey I haven’t answered a question like this, but it’s a great one that gets you thinking!

What’s the word count?

I’m not 100% on what “recent” is but I think that would be anything in the last 6-12 months

In terms of structure, I would begin by mentioning the legal case I disagree with. And then proceed with reasons by signposting ie firstly, secondly, thirdly. These would be separate paragraphs. Try thinking of the impact the legal decision has had on key stakeholders and perhaps use a PESTEL analysis too

I would also look at any insights or articles the firm may have done on real estate, commercial and private client work. They sometimes talk about legal cases so this could be a great kickstart

I hope that helps, best of luck

Thank you, very helpful.

The word count is 250, so I am aware I need to get straight to the point. I just didn’t know where to start, but legal news on their website will be a great start.

Thanks again!

 

[Kellie19]

Heey! Which firm is this?

Hello, it is Thorntons Law Firm - any help would be appreciated

 

[Kellie19]

This is an interesting one!

I'd pick any case that genuinely interests you. Don't feel the need to cater it to the firm's practice areas or anything like that. I think the question is mostly trying to test your analysis, ability to argue a point and clarity of writing. All three of these things are easiest to demonstrate when you're talking about something you are actually interested in yourself. That being said, two recent examples you could use are the Google v Oracle case (a US one) or the recent Uber decision in the Supreme Court. Coincidentally also came across this article today on recent class action lawsuits that might give you some ideas.

In terms of structure, what @Holly has suggested with the PESTLE analysis is a good starting point. I'd highly recommend approaching your analysis from a commercial perspective. So thinking about how the decision will affect other industry players, will it increase or decrease the ease of doing business, how will the decision affect bottom line users/consumers.

Hope that helps! ☺️

Hello,

That is very helpful @Dheepa. I did come across the Uber case and thought it might be an interesting one to consider.

I will get something on paper and hopefully this will spark some creativity.

Thanks again!

 

[AAA_a]

Has anyone already been rejected for FF direct TC?

 

[Tarnjeet]

For direct TC's are applications generally reviewed on a rolling basis? Also, from the few that I've looked at the deadlines are around June- is this the case with most of them?

Thanks!

 

[Cantab_95]

have heard nothing from Freshfields

 

[Cantab_95]

4 months?!

 

[Jessica Booker]

For direct TC's are applications generally reviewed on a rolling basis? Also, from the few that I've looked at the deadlines are around June- is this the case with most of them?

Thanks!

Will completely depend on the firm. Some will do rolling recruitment, some won’t.

 

[Jessica Booker]

4 months?!

Are you applying as a law student/grad?