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

[Dheepa]

The questions don’t actually have a word limit! I think I’m going to use the cover letter to very briefly introduce myself and my story which would then set the tone for the application form. What do you think?

Honestly I'd say I'm just as confused by this application as you are at this point! 😅 Your plan sounds good to me though. As Jessica said above just keep it as brief as possible, since GR will be reading thousands of words as is.

 

[Jacob Miller]

Hi all,

Just a quick one:

I'm currently doing a TC application for DWF. Recently, I have attended a tech seminar with another similar firm. As part of my application answer describing DWF's competitive edge, I would like to discuss aspects of LegalTech information I gained from the seminar of the other firm in my DWF application. Is this a good idea? Should one really be mentioning other law firms in a TC app?

Thanks in advance.

This shouldn't be a problem so long as you focussed on why and how it is relevant to DWF. I would also recommend researching thoroughly DWF's LegalTech efforts to see whether they confluence what you're looking to discuss. You also want to be exceptionally careful of mentioning anything that DWF don't currently do, unless the question - and your corresponding response - is framed in terms of improving DWF's competitive edge.

 

[Jacob Miller]

The questions don’t actually have a word limit! I think I’m going to use the cover letter to very briefly introduce myself and my story which would then set the tone for the application form. What do you think?

Based on everything you've mentioned about it, I think this is probably how I would approach it. I'd keep it quite personal and use the space to show more about myself as a rounded person rather than a one-dimensional applicant. Obviously the usual 'rules' about keeping everything relevant, clear, concise etc still apply here - probably even more so than the other questions as you really wouldn't want anything superfluous here. Very best of luck with your application

 

[Lumree]

Based on everything you've mentioned about it, I think this is probably how I would approach it. I'd keep it quite personal and use the space to show more about myself as a rounded person rather than a one-dimensional applicant. Obviously the usual 'rules' about keeping everything relevant, clear, concise etc still apply here - probably even more so than the other questions as you really wouldn't want anything superfluous here. Very best of luck with your application

Thank you all!

 

[KS94]

Hi guys!

I'm preparing for the inevitable "tell us about a recent business story that interests you" interview question and was wondering if you could help me out at all?

I want to discuss the US Solarwinds cyber attack and then use this as starting point to highlight the increased threat of cyber attacks generally. My interest in this field stems from my own data being compromised. I wanted to then tie in the increased risk of cyber attacks due to COVID and with WFH here to stay (e.g. BP, Hughes Insurance, etc. introducing flexible working). Cyber security poses a threat for insurance companies which hold sensitive information that make it a target for identity thieves but also offers an opportunity with cyber insurance (although there is the challenge of no historical loss data to determine adequate pricing).

However, I have a few questions regarding this:
1) have I missed out a step or gone on an irrelevant tangent at any point?
2) is analysis lacking from the above?
3) are there any other topics you would also recommend that I check out for this question? (either instead or for general commercial awareness improvement)

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi guys!

I'm preparing for the inevitable "tell us about a recent business story that interests you" interview question and was wondering if you could help me out at all?

I want to discuss the US Solarwinds cyber attack and then use this as starting point to highlight the increased threat of cyber attacks generally. My interest in this field stems from my own data being compromised. I wanted to then tie in the increased risk of cyber attacks due to COVID and with WFH here to stay (e.g. BP, Hughes Insurance, etc. introducing flexible working). Cyber security poses a threat for insurance companies which hold sensitive information that make it a target for identity thieves but also offers an opportunity with cyber insurance (although there is the challenge of no historical loss data to determine adequate pricing).

However, I have a few questions regarding this:
1) have I missed out a step or gone on an irrelevant tangent at any point?
2) is analysis lacking from the above?
3) are there any other topics you would also recommend that I check out for this question? (either instead or for general commercial awareness improvement)

My only concern with the above is it seems to be squeezing too much into one story. I don’t quite see the connection specifically to insurance firms for instance.

I think you could either pick an insurance firm who has been targeted as your story (rather than Solarwinds) or talk about the growth of cyber insurance policies, and then talk about cyber security more generally.

 

[Dheepa]

Hi guys!

I'm preparing for the inevitable "tell us about a recent business story that interests you" interview question and was wondering if you could help me out at all?

I want to discuss the US Solarwinds cyber attack and then use this as starting point to highlight the increased threat of cyber attacks generally. My interest in this field stems from my own data being compromised. I wanted to then tie in the increased risk of cyber attacks due to COVID and with WFH here to stay (e.g. BP, Hughes Insurance, etc. introducing flexible working). Cyber security poses a threat for insurance companies which hold sensitive information that make it a target for identity thieves but also offers an opportunity with cyber insurance (although there is the challenge of no historical loss data to determine adequate pricing).

However, I have a few questions regarding this:
1) have I missed out a step or gone on an irrelevant tangent at any point?
2) is analysis lacking from the above?
3) are there any other topics you would also recommend that I check out for this question? (either instead or for general commercial awareness improvement)

Completely agree with what Jessica has said about being more concise. I would stick to providing just one example of a cyber attack, then briefly mention how COVID has increased the risk of such attacks due to working from home (I think the additional examples of companies encouraging wfh is unnecessary). The bulk of your answer should be more focused on the opportunity with cyber insurance and the challenge that yo mention since that is what demonstrates your analysis and broader commercial knowledge on cybersecurity. Since it is a tech related story, I'd be prepared for any follow up questions on issues in the tech industry more generally just in case.

 

[Jacob Miller]

Hi guys!

I'm preparing for the inevitable "tell us about a recent business story that interests you" interview question and was wondering if you could help me out at all?

I want to discuss the US Solarwinds cyber attack and then use this as starting point to highlight the increased threat of cyber attacks generally. My interest in this field stems from my own data being compromised. I wanted to then tie in the increased risk of cyber attacks due to COVID and with WFH here to stay (e.g. BP, Hughes Insurance, etc. introducing flexible working). Cyber security poses a threat for insurance companies which hold sensitive information that make it a target for identity thieves but also offers an opportunity with cyber insurance (although there is the challenge of no historical loss data to determine adequate pricing).

However, I have a few questions regarding this:
1) have I missed out a step or gone on an irrelevant tangent at any point?
2) is analysis lacking from the above?
3) are there any other topics you would also recommend that I check out for this question? (either instead or for general commercial awareness improvement)

Hey!

I would tend to agree with what's been mentioned above. While I think the whole "story" makes sense - and I think cyber is a valid issue to discuss here. I would introduce the particular data breach you want to discuss and outline it very briefly, then jump right into a substantive analysis of opportunities and threats to firms in this context.

I think it's a really good subject to dicuss, though, and not one of the biggest/ most overdone topics either so will hopefully go in your favour even more!

 

[KS94]

My only concern with the above is it seems to be squeezing too much into one story. I don’t quite see the connection specifically to insurance firms for instance.

I think you could either pick an insurance firm who has been targeted as your story (rather than Solarwinds) or talk about the growth of cyber insurance policies, and then talk about cyber security more generally.

Completely agree with what Jessica has said about being more concise. I would stick to providing just one example of a cyber attack, then briefly mention how COVID has increased the risk of such attacks due to working from home (I think the additional examples of companies encouraging wfh is unnecessary). The bulk of your answer should be more focused on the opportunity with cyber insurance and the challenge that yo mention since that is what demonstrates your analysis and broader commercial knowledge on cybersecurity. Since it is a tech related story, I'd be prepared for any follow up questions on issues in the tech industry more generally just in case.

Hey!

I would tend to agree with what's been mentioned above. While I think the whole "story" makes sense - and I think cyber is a valid issue to discuss here. I would introduce the particular data breach you want to discuss and outline it very briefly, then jump right into a substantive analysis of opportunities and threats to firms in this context.

I think it's a really good subject to dicuss, though, and not one of the biggest/ most overdone topics either so will hopefully go in your favour even more!

Thanks for all your responses.

Firstly, in response to Jessica - I'm worried about how best to spin this as a specifically business story unless I mention cyber insurance. But you're right, I might have an issue with linking it all in.

I was thinking perhaps to use this story as a base - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-56365372

I could state:
- story - UK firms had their email servers hacked, increased risk posed etc.
- why I'm interested in this subject (I work in an in-house General Counsel team and we're constantly emphasising consequences of breaches)
- substantive cyber insurance analysis (opportunities, risks and challenges).

Does this flow better?

At this point I'm considering going with a different topic haha

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks for all your responses.

Firstly, in response to Jessica - I'm worried about how best to spin this as a specifically business story unless I mention cyber insurance. But you're right, I might have an issue with linking it all in.

I was thinking perhaps to use this story as a base - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-56365372

I could state:
- story - UK firms had their email servers hacked, increased risk posed etc.
- why I'm interested in this subject
- substantive cyber insurance analysis (opportunities, risks and challenges).

Does this flow better?

At this point I'm considering going with a different topic haha

On the face of it, yes this looks fine.

 

[Velikilawyer123]

Hi Everyone!

My name is Naomi and I have just joined the TCLA as part of the forum team. This is truly a pleasure, as I know all too well just how daunting the application season can be. With this in mind, I look forward to assisting & supporting you all through the forum!

For some background, I am a final year law student at the University of Warwick. I have always had a keen interest in both studying and practising the law, although my initial journey was not streamlined towards commercial law.

Due to my varied interests, as well as truthfully, a lack of options, my first experience in a law firm was at a high-street firm specialising in Family Law and Immigration Law. During my first year of university, after being somewhat scarred by my first rejection from a commercial law firm, I opted to pursue yet another area of law, which resulted in a week-long placement at a firm specialising in Medical Negligence.

Although I had fantastic experiences at both firms, I knew that I was looking for an area of law that was more fast-paced, business focused and international in nature. As such, I threw myself back into the corporate field in my second year, and although I faced my fair share of rejections, through the help of a number of amazing organisations such as TCLA, I was able to secure 5 interview invitations which led to 3 vacation scheme offers at Shearman & Sterling, Linklaters and Herbert Smith Freehills. I was fortunate enough to ultimately secure a training contract with Linklaters, following a fantastic vacation scheme experience in July. I look forward to joining the firm in March 2022!

That’s all from me for now, but as mentioned by @Jacob Miller and @Dheepa, please feel free to fire away with any questions you may have!

Hi Naomi, thanks so much for sharing this and congrats on the VSs / TC with Links! I've got a vacation scheme coming up with Herbert Smith Freehills and I'd be really interested in hearing your thoughts on the VS! Anything to focus on / pay attention to? Did you get any feedback from your own experience on the scheme?

Thanks!

 

[Lumree]

Hi team!

I’m trying to explain in a ‘why this firm’ question why it’s sector approach appeals to me.

I’m struggling to link it to an example/experience as my motivation is more forward thinking in the sense that I want to train in an environment where I can develop a comprehensive understanding of the industry so I’m fully equipped to advise clients when I qualify.

Is this a sound justification on its own or should I really try find a tangible link from my experience? If so, do you have ideas about what those examples could be? Obviously I would make it personal to me - I’m just trying to spark my mind to make the link!

 

[Dheepa]

Hi team!

I’m trying to explain in a ‘why this firm’ question why it’s sector approach appeals to me.

I’m struggling to link it to an example/experience as my motivation is more forward thinking in the sense that I want to train in an environment where I can develop a comprehensive understanding of the industry so I’m fully equipped to advise clients when I qualify.

Is this a sound justification on its own or should I really try find a tangible link from my experience? If so, do you have ideas about what those examples could be? Obviously I would make it personal to me - I’m just trying to spark my mind to make the link!

The reason that you mention actually sounds pretty good to me! It’s not too far off from something I said myself when applying to a sector focused firm. In terms of finding a tangible link, is there any work exprienece you’ve completed with a law firm or otherwise that required you to do research/have a good understanding of the broader trends facing a particular industry. This doesn’t necessarily have to be an industry the firm operates in either - so let’s say you tutored part time, how did your understanding of education industry (what was lacking in schools, or what your students needed etc) help you provide a better service? If you can find a similar kind of link, it’ll help demonstrate that you really understand the value of industry expertise in making you a fully equipped lawyer (as you mention)

 

[Dheepa]

Hi Naomi, thanks so much for sharing this and congrats on the VSs / TC with Links! I've got a vacation scheme coming up with Herbert Smith Freehills and I'd be really interested in hearing your thoughts on the VS! Anything to focus on / pay attention to? Did you get any feedback from your own experience on the scheme?

Thanks!

Hi there,

Not sure if you’ve already seen it but here’s a post by @Neville Birdi his HSF vac. ☺️

So, if you scroll back through this thread, you'll be able to find my answers to another candidate regarding the scheme (starting from the quoted passage). This should give you some key tips regarding the scheme! However, I'll add some more advice below...



I'll describe my experience in a little more detail to help align your rough expectations. Please note, however, I know for a fact that in my first seat (which I will get into), I did substantially more work than some other candidates - do not feel like you need to do the same - it was merely a product of a confluence of coincidental factors: my enthusiasm, my supervisor, and the seat I was in.

You are given seat preferences - but, as far as I am aware, you weren't able to state your preference for the team within the department. I got my first two choices: corporate and disputes, and was assigned, in the stated order:

1. Corporate (TMT)
2. Disputes (Group 1)

The work I completed was as follows:

First Seat: Corporate (TMT)

1) Drafted two clauses in a large partnership contract. Checked the agreement for typos and formatting errors, making the relevant amendments.
2) Identified key clauses pertaining to specific data protection concerns in four NDAs.
3) Wrote a legal note summarising key differences between the Dubai International Financial Centre Data Protection Law 2020 (DIFC DPL) and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (GDPR).
4) Produced a summary of section one of the European Commission's 'Guidelines on the Lead Supervisory Authority'.
5) Drafted a blog article on the use of soft opt-ins under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulation 2003 (PECR) and GDPR.
6) Conducted a comparison redline for a 68-page international data transfer agreement. Checked the agreement for typos and formatting errors, making the relevant amendments.
7) Drafted a blog article on the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation's (CDEI) report on algorithmic bias.

Second Seat: Disputes (Group 1: General Commercial Litigation)

1) Wrote a legal note on whether actual knowledge of a warranty breach (prior to contracting under a SPA) constitutes a bar to a relevant warranty claim.
2) Wrote a report on the recent economic, political and legal industry updates in Egypt.
3) Began drafting a chronology based on over 10 email chains.

Note that I completed substantially less work in my second seat as a result of the kind of work available, and because your second (working) week is effectively cut short because of your final interview (all your work must be submitted to your interviewer by approximately midway through your penultimate day, and your supervisor needs to give you feedback).

Training Contract Interview
As I might have mentioned in a previous answer - the TC interview is the easiest and most relaxed (for me) part of the whole process. Mine lasted approximately 10 minutes and was a casual chat about how I found the virtual scheme, why I was interested in international arbitration/advocacy/HSF, and how I found the work coming from a Philosophy degree. Don't worry about this part; it really only accounts (if you had to put a number on it) 10-20% of your assessment - by the time you've finished your weeks of work, everyone's minds are pretty much made up.

Personal Background
You might be reading this and freaking out about the work, either with regard to its quantity or with regard to its technical nature. I want to highlight a few things:

1. I am a non-law student (Philosophy).
2. I do not have a particularly strong interest in, or even much knowledge about, TMT.
3. I knew nothing about data protection.
4. I knew nothing about Egypt.
5. I did not know anything about actual knowledge/the details of a warranty breach.
6. I had minimal drafting experience prior to this vacation scheme.

All of this work can be done provided you are enthusiastic, are able to learn quickly on the job, and put in the effort. As I have mentioned in previous replies - work hard, take time to sit and think before then going to ask insightful questions at the appropriate junctures to your supervisor, and, crucially, smile and enjoy yourself. Like everyone else, the people you work with will get a 'vibe' off you - at the very least, ensure that they feel that they want to talk to you and work with you, rather than they feel like they have to.

As I have mentioned, but I'll finish with this, HSF is quite simply one of a group of some of the loveliest individuals. Everyone is unbelievably welcoming and enthusiastic about you. So, please don't worry about it! HSF was my first 'proper' vacation scheme, and I thoroughly enjoyed it - I hope you will too!

I hope this helps - feel free to ask any clarificatory/follow-up questions, and good luck!

 

[I.Like.UFOs.Not.PFOs]

Hi everyone!

I hope you are having a good day so far ☺️

The vacation scheme thread has gotten quite crowded with application updates, and I didn't want to interrupt that chain, so I thought it might be best to ask this here.

I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice on how to approach this question:
'Please tell us about your most outstanding personal achievement and how it added value to the environment you were in.'

I am having difficulty linking my achievement back to "how it added value to the environment," that I was in. I am unsure if the question means 'adding value' in the sense that my achievement benefited me personally, or if it wants me to talk about an achievement which benefitted those around me?

I am writing about how I overcame my fear of public speaking after being bullied as a child for my accent. After overcoming it, I saw a change in myself in many aspects, i.e. at work I would actually speak in meetings (vs. before I would just sit and take notes), at school I began participating in extracurricular activities and class discussions (which I avoided like the plague prior to overcoming my fear).

Do you think this is appropriate to write about?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Dheepa]

Hi everyone!

I hope you are having a good day so far ☺️

The vacation scheme thread has gotten quite crowded with application updates, and I didn't want to interrupt that chain, so I thought it might be best to ask this here.

I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice on how to approach this question:
'Please tell us about your most outstanding personal achievement and how it added value to the environment you were in.'

I am having difficulty linking my achievement back to "how it added value to the environment," that I was in. I am unsure if the question means 'adding value' in the sense that my achievement benefited me personally, or if it wants me to talk about an achievement which benefitted those around me?

I am writing about how I overcame my fear of public speaking after being bullied as a child for my accent. After overcoming it, I saw a change in myself in many aspects, i.e. at work I would actually speak in meetings (vs. before I would just sit and take notes), at school I began participating in extracurricular activities and class discussions (which I avoided like the plague prior to overcoming my fear).

Do you think this is appropriate to write about?

Thank you in advance!

I would interpret adding value to the environment as how it benefitted others, i.e. not just yourself personally. While I really like the example you've provided (personal examples always do well in interviews I feel), I am concerned that it doesn't emphasise how it benefitted others as well. Is there any way in which you have used your increased public speaking skills/confidence to help others - maybe by starting a particular initiative through some of the extra curriculars you mentioned or maybe taking the lead in class discussions to better explain concepts etc to other students who were struggling?

 

[I.Like.UFOs.Not.PFOs]

I would interpret adding value to the environment as how it benefitted others, i.e. not just yourself personally. While I really like the example you've provided (personal examples always do well in interviews I feel), I am concerned that it doesn't emphasise how it benefitted others as well. Is there any way in which you have used your increased public speaking skills/confidence to help others - maybe by starting a particular initiative through some of the extra curriculars you mentioned or maybe taking the lead in class discussions to better explain concepts etc to other students who were struggling?

Hi!

In which case, I am going to restructure my answer to see if I can incorporate how my achievement benefitted those around me. However, if that doesn't work, I think I will just pick a different example that better suits this question!

Thank you so much for your help

 

[Velikilawyer123]

Hi there,

Not sure if you’ve already seen it but here’s a post by @Neville Birdi his HSF vac. ☺️

Hi Dheepa,

Thanks for that, I've actually seen Neville's post, it's very detailed and helpful! I'm just trying to gather as much info as I can, so would be great to hear about Naomi's experience as well

 

[Lawyered]

Hi everyone, I'd like to ask your opinion on this question I found in an application form: "Please provide details of any prizes and/or awards you have been awarded by a recognised body (e.g. DofE Gold, school and university)".

It is not in the main application section where you are assessed on your skills or motivation, it is a question included in the personal/ academic details section and I don't understand if it is mandatory to answer: I don't feel like I have any relevant prizes or awards. Considering that the advice I've always received is to complete all sections of an application, would you say that it is necessary to answer to this question? I am struggling with finding something to list eventually.

I am an international student and as part of my year abroad as an exchange student I attended college for one year in London: would an academic 'award' be considered an award or do they want to know if you have been awarded prizes / awards from competitions, etc.? Thank you very much in advance, I'd really appreciate your help!

 

[Holly]

Hey guys! Happy Monday How would you answer the following question in an interview:

How would you advise a hotel client who is coming out of lockdown and easing restrictions?

I have some vague ideas (eg amending contracts, employees status, ensure hotel remains within gov guidelines to avoid fines).

Thank you!! 😊