Ask 3 future trainees (Magic & Silver Circle, International Elite) ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

[nicole88]

Thank you so much for your answers!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Reference processes might be more thorough 3-4 months before starting a TC too.

 

[Legalmel_99]

Hello everyone 🙂 I just wanted to know if it’s appropriate to name drop people you have spoken to at events in video interviews?

I didn’t do this in my applications, like if I’ve attended a webinar, open day ect and a trainee or partner says something that’s made me want to apply because it aligns with a value I personally have which the firm also has?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hello everyone 🙂 I just wanted to know if it’s appropriate to name drop people you have spoken to at events in video interviews?

I didn’t do this in my applications, like if I’ve attended a webinar, open day ect and a trainee or partner says something that’s made me want to apply because it aligns with a value I personally have which the firm also has?

Context is everything. Name dropping for the sake of it, then its superficial and unnecessary. If the person you met actually provided you with specific detail that has really influenced your application and then you can build it into your answers, then it is fine to mention someone's name but still lead with you, rather than them - for instance:

"I attended an open day and met Joe, Bob and Keith. I learnt about the support trainees get" rather than "Joe, Bob and Keith told me about the support trainees get". Write/speak sentences with you as the focus and what you took away from the conversation, rather than what someone else told you.

 

[Jacob Miller]

Hello everyone 🙂 I just wanted to know if it’s appropriate to name drop people you have spoken to at events in video interviews?

I didn’t do this in my applications, like if I’ve attended a webinar, open day ect and a trainee or partner says something that’s made me want to apply because it aligns with a value I personally have which the firm also has?

Completely agree with Jess' input above! Best of luck with the VI.

 

[DTB]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to ask any advice you would have on scenario-based interviews since they are slightly different from case study interviews, specific to HSF!

 

[Jacob Miller]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to ask any advice you would have on scenario-based interviews since they are slightly different from case study interviews, specific to HSF!

In my experience, they're quite hard to do a lot of prep for as the scenarios were very wide-ranging and. varied between candidates at my AC there. I would personally brush up. on the basic mechanics of contracts (including boilerplate/ common clauses etc) and also probably the mechanics of a deal (timeline, process, important docs etc) as well as your classic company law stuff/ shareholders' rights etc. In all honesty, though, there is a very realistic chance that it will be something quite left-field and you'll have to think on your feet a fair amount. There's nothing wring with this at all, either!

When you're actually in the interview, just take things at a slightly slower pace rather than trying to rush answers out. Take a few seconds to think, have a sip of water, explain your thought processes as well as just your actual answer and also ask further questions to try and elicit more information. The idea behind this interview is to really test whether you have the potential to be able to process a lot of information in an area you're not familiar with and essentially 'think like a lawyer' in how you approach stuff. In my experience, it doesn't matter quite so much if not everything you suggest is 100% factually on point, more your logic/ reasoning and approach to the situation/ obtaining information etc.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Scenario based questions are likely to be soft skills focused. How would you react in X situation? They are usually situated around the realities of the job - working with new people/new clients, time management, dealing with pressure, dealing with large amounts of information, communicating (written or verbal) clearly, moral questions of the best way to act to a professional environment or a regulated one, working with senior people who might be demanding etc.

It will also be about how you personal react - by that I mean what you feel about the situation as well as what you actually choose to do.

 

[Dheepa]

Hi guys, in an M&A case study where you have to advise the client on which of the two companies to buy, what is a good and comprehensive structure to adopt?

I was thinking of undertaking a SWOT analysis of each of the two companies and then weighing up and deciding which company is better to acquire. I also don’t know whether to solely consider the legal aspects of the deal or take a more holistic approach and evaluate the two companies as a whole?

Would like to know your thoughts and any useful links to threads that explain this in more detail. Thanks

There's some great advice on the thread below on this question.

I would suggest taking a more holistic approach and not just focusing on the legal issues. From personal experience, case studies that ask you to decide between two companies often ask you to answer from a non-legal perspective i.e as a business analyst or consultant. In that case focusing solely/mostly on the legal aspects might come across as if you haven't read the instructions clearly enough. So just be extra cautious about this!

I personally preferred to use the Porters Five Forces analysis as a starting point for these kind of case studies (I've also expanded on this in the thread below). Hope it helps and good luck with the AC!

Case-study structure

I was wondering what would be the structure of a written task where I will need to advise on which company out of the 2 the client should acquire. I am just confused how to go about it. For example (TCLA case study 2) where you have to write a short report picking which company should the...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Dheepa]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to ask any advice you would have on scenario-based interviews since they are slightly different from case study interviews, specific to HSF!

Naomi has given some excellent HSF specific advice here! ☺️

HSF Assessment Centre

Hi all! I received an invite to HSF’s assessment centre for their Spring Vacation Scheme. I’ve been told there will be two scenario based interviews, as well as a competency interview. Does anyone have any advice for the scenario based interview specifically? Or could point me in the direction...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[DTB]

Naomi has given some excellent HSF specific advice here! ☺️

HSF Assessment Centre

Hi all! I received an invite to HSF’s assessment centre for their Spring Vacation Scheme. I’ve been told there will be two scenario based interviews, as well as a competency interview. Does anyone have any advice for the scenario based interview specifically? Or could point me in the direction...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Thank you so much!

 

[DTB]

In my experience, they're quite hard to do a lot of prep for as the scenarios were very wide-ranging and. varied between candidates at my AC there. I would personally brush up. on the basic mechanics of contracts (including boilerplate/ common clauses etc) and also probably the mechanics of a deal (timeline, process, important docs etc) as well as your classic company law stuff/ shareholders' rights etc. In all honesty, though, there is a very realistic chance that it will be something quite left-field and you'll have to think on your feet a fair amount. There's nothing wring with this at all, either!

When you're actually in the interview, just take things at a slightly slower pace rather than trying to rush answers out. Take a few seconds to think, have a sip of water, explain your thought processes as well as just your actual answer and also ask further questions to try and elicit more information. The idea behind this interview is to really test whether you have the potential to be able to process a lot of information in an area you're not familiar with and essentially 'think like a lawyer' in how you approach stuff. In my experience, it doesn't matter quite so much if not everything you suggest is 100% factually on point, more your logic/ reasoning and approach to the situation/ obtaining information etc.

Thank you so much!

 

[Tarnjeet]

Hey guys,

Would really appreciate your views on this:

I’m a final year law student in my first application cycle. If I don’t get a TC this year I’m not sure what do next.

If I spend the next year/s in a different job (hopefully legal or finance-related) to build up experience and strengthen my position before entering my second application window (Sep 2021), rather than doing the LPC, would this put me at a disadvantage? Would firms still sponsor me if I end up taking the LPC a few years down the line (if I secure a TC with them then)?

Thanks,

 

[Naomi U]

Hey guys,

Would really appreciate your views on this:

I’m a final year law student in my first application cycle. If I don’t get a TC this year I’m not sure what do next.

If I spend the next year/s in a different job (hopefully legal or finance-related) to build up experience and strengthen my position before entering my second application window (Sep 2021), rather than doing the LPC, would this put me at a disadvantage? Would firms still sponsor me if I end up taking the LPC a few years down the line (if I secure a TC with them then)?

Thanks,

Hi Tarnjeet!

I don't think this will disadvantage you at all!
There is no set path or right or wrong answer. I think working is a great idea and an amazing way to build up experiences and skills which will be invaluable upon starting your tc (whenever you decide to do so). I also had similar plans!

From my experience, there are many people who apply as post-grads having done a masters, a paralegal role or even those who have been in entirely different industries for years. Not all applicants are uni students!

Everyone has something to bring and each experience has its own unique benefits. I think it's just about doing what you think is best and most beneficial to your own personal circumstances, interests and motivations, whether this be working, continuing your education or travelling etc. It's all about what you take from your experiences and how you showcase them in your application.

Hope this helps & best of luck☺️

 

[Jacob Miller]

Hey guys,

Would really appreciate your views on this:

I’m a final year law student in my first application cycle. If I don’t get a TC this year I’m not sure what do next.

If I spend the next year/s in a different job (hopefully legal or finance-related) to build up experience and strengthen my position before entering my second application window (Sep 2021), rather than doing the LPC, would this put me at a disadvantage? Would firms still sponsor me if I end up taking the LPC a few years down the line (if I secure a TC with them then)?

Thanks,

I would substantively agree with what Naomi has said above: ultimately, there's no right or wrong answer here and ultimately you also have to take a pragmatic view as to what is necessary for your life, too: you need to consider rent/ bills etc and a job might be a better shout than studying depending on your financial situation! If a firm will sponsor you through the LPC, they'll sponsor you through it irrespective of if you're applying at a later stage so don't worry about that

 

[Tarnjeet]

Hi Tarnjeet!

I don't think this will disadvantage you at all!
There is no set path or right or wrong answer. I think working is a great idea and an amazing way to build up experiences and skills which will be invaluable upon starting your tc (whenever you decide to do so). I also had similar plans!

From my experience, there are many people who apply as post-grads having done a masters, a paralegal role or even those who have been in entirely different industries for years. Not all applicants are uni students!

Everyone has something to bring and each experience has its own unique benefits. I think it's just about doing what you think is best and most beneficial to your own personal circumstances, interests and motivations, whether this be working, continuing your education or travelling etc. It's all about what you take from your experiences and how you showcase them in your application.

Hope this helps & best of luck☺️

I would substantively agree with what Naomi has said above: ultimately, there's no right or wrong answer here and ultimately you also have to take a pragmatic view as to what is necessary for your life, too: you need to consider rent/ bills etc and a job might be a better shout than studying depending on your financial situation! If a firm will sponsor you through the LPC, they'll sponsor you through it irrespective of if you're applying at a later stage so don't worry about that

Thank you!

 

[Dheepa]

Hey guys,

Would really appreciate your views on this:

I’m a final year law student in my first application cycle. If I don’t get a TC this year I’m not sure what do next.

If I spend the next year/s in a different job (hopefully legal or finance-related) to build up experience and strengthen my position before entering my second application window (Sep 2021), rather than doing the LPC, would this put me at a disadvantage? Would firms still sponsor me if I end up taking the LPC a few years down the line (if I secure a TC with them then)?

Thanks,

Agree with everything Jacob and Naomi have said! You will definitely not be disadvantaged by choosing to take time out from the process to become a better applicant.

I wanted to link you to this thread where Alice discussed her legal tech role before her TC so you can see for yourself the various routes people take before securing a TC https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/legal-tech-paralegal-job.3351/#post-59387.

Also want to add that you don't have to limit yourself to something legal or finance related. I know people tend to see both as being the most directly applicable to a TC and commercial law but I'd recommend looking into some entry level graduate schemes at FTSE 100 companies (typical law firm clients) and other places as well. They usually have quite a few business analysts and compliance related roles advertised and I think it would be a fantastic way to learn more about how clients of law firms operate and what they really care about. Alternatively lots of law firms also look for business support staff, so maybe that's something you can consider as well.

 

[Legalmel_99]

Hey everyone!

When a question asks how would you describe x firm to somebody? What would you include? I was thinking mentioning their reputation and awards but then thought maybe this might come across as too much legal jargon??

Telling somebody about the firm I always think it depends on who that person is? So I tend to struggle with it? Like my answer to this would vary if I was speaking to a client, my parents or a random person on the bus ect

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hey everyone!

When a question asks how would you describe x firm to somebody? What would you include? I was thinking mentioning their reputation and awards but then thought maybe this might come across as too much legal jargon??

Telling somebody about the firm I always think it depends on who that person is? So I tend to struggle with it? Like my answer to this would vary if I was speaking to a client, my parents or a random person on the bus ect

Maybe that is your first question back to the interviewer? When you say someone, who do you mean, a client, a potential client, a potential employee?

Awards tend to be pretty superficial things, purchased through sponsorship or attendance of dinners or through large business development teams with time on their hands for submissions. I wouldn’t necessary lead with awards, but that’s just my personal opinion.

 

[Holly]

There's some great advice on the thread below on this question.

I would suggest taking a more holistic approach and not just focusing on the legal issues. From personal experience, case studies that ask you to decide between two companies often ask you to answer from a non-legal perspective i.e as a business analyst or consultant. In that case focusing solely/mostly on the legal aspects might come across as if you haven't read the instructions clearly enough. So just be extra cautious about this!

I personally preferred to use the Porters Five Forces analysis as a starting point for these kind of case studies (I've also expanded on this in the thread below). Hope it helps and good luck with the AC!

Case-study structure

I was wondering what would be the structure of a written task where I will need to advise on which company out of the 2 the client should acquire. I am just confused how to go about it. For example (TCLA case study 2) where you have to write a short report picking which company should the...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Hey Dheepa would you apply the same approach (identify legal and commercial issues) if a case study involved advising a client on which project or product to invest in? This is assuming the question did not specify which approach to take