Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker. With this question, it specifically states to keep the firm's values of trust, innovation and collaboration in mind. Should I link the firm's values to what I have learnt in the role?

Remember this "impact" does not have to be a role. They have signposted that it should be an event or person.

 

[Zaina]

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam Hope you’re well. I was looking into some UK law firms and only found out about Cooley through your post. Its success in tech and VC/ECs really spoke to me and now I am considering applying for their insight day (and hopefully summer internship thereafter). You mentioned them focusing on ‘regulatory’ work in tech. When looking into their data/privacy practice area, I found out about CooleyREG. This might be stupid but what does ‘regulatory’ approach mean? Why is it unique and important for clients? Thanks.

 

[ashwright]

Hey @ashwright, I have linked the glossary of M&A terms HERE

Thank you so, so much @Amma Usman - you're the absolute best!! The glossary is *exactly* what I need!! If I may - I'd really appreciate if I could ask another quick question 😊

I've been using flashcards to memorise a lot of the content in the Stoakes book (like breaking down each section into sentence-by-sentence flashcards). I'm not sure if this is overkill but the problem is I have such a terrible memory that there's no way I'd remember everything or even anything.. I'm not sure whether to continue with trying to effectively memorise the Stoakes book OR if I should try to branch out to other things (even if that means remembering a lot less).

I have learned and remembered about 20% of the Stoakes so far - I'm just worried that this is not really practical or giving the right breadth of knowledge for an AC.. I read an FT article each day and listen to a daily news briefing podcast but am just a little lost on what to prioritise out of courses or books if I had to attend an AC in the next few weeks.

 

[👩🎓]

Hi all! I was wondering if anyone had some advice on approaching this question - Describe a specific instance where you have utilised artificial intelligence (AI) or other technologies in your work or studies. How have these tools enhanced your personal development? (I haven't really used AI in my work or studies, so I'm not sure how to approach this question).

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[tosin4774]

Hi, in my application for an open day at a law firm I talked about how I would like to attend the open day to gain insight about the firm's practice area specifically M&A, where that desire comes from. My struggle right now is I don't know what else to say



Could anyone please help me with this
Thanks.

 

[Amma Usman]

Thank you so, so much @Amma Usman - you're the absolute best!! The glossary is *exactly* what I need!! If I may - I'd really appreciate if I could ask another quick question 😊

I've been using flashcards to memorise a lot of the content in the Stoakes book (like breaking down each section into sentence-by-sentence flashcards). I'm not sure if this is overkill but the problem is I have such a terrible memory that there's no way I'd remember everything or even anything.. I'm not sure whether to continue with trying to effectively memorise the Stoakes book OR if I should try to branch out to other things (even if that means remembering a lot less).

I have learned and remembered about 20% of the Stoakes so far - I'm just worried that this is not really practical or giving the right breadth of knowledge for an AC.. I read an FT article each day and listen to a daily news briefing podcast but am just a little lost on what to prioritise out of courses or books if I had to attend an AC in the next few weeks.

Hi @ashwright , I understand your concern, and I think it’s great that you’re putting so much effort into preparing. However, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with so much content, especially when aiming to remember it all. Memorising entire sections, sentence-by-sentence, may not be the most effective approach for an Assessment Centre (AC). Rather than focusing on cramming, I’d suggest shifting your approach to understanding the key themes and ideas from the Stoakes book.

For ACs, the goal is not to know one resource in depth but to demonstrate a broader understanding of the industry and how it functions. It’s more valuable to grasp the big picture and be able to discuss key points confidently.

Consider prioritising quality over quantity. You’re already reading the FT and keeping up with news – that’s exactly what will help build your commercial awareness, which is crucial for ACs. So instead of trying to master everything in one source, focus on:

1. Summarising key themes from the Stoakes book and using them as a foundation.

2. Following market trends through articles and news briefings, which will give you a well-rounded perspective.

3. Practicing articulating your thoughts on various topics, as what matters most is how you communicate your understanding.

Remember, you’re already doing so much, and that in itself is impressive. Don’t worry about knowing everything. Instead, aim to feel comfortable discussing a few topics well. You’ve got this! 😊

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi all! I was wondering if anyone had some advice on approaching this question - Describe a specific instance where you have utilised artificial intelligence (AI) or other technologies in your work or studies. How have these tools enhanced your personal development? (I haven't really used AI in my work or studies, so I'm not sure how to approach this question).

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thank you!

Hi! I totally understand where you’re coming from. I think looking at the wording of the question is really important here. It’s not limited to just artificial intelligence—it also says or other technologies. So, think about any tech tools you’ve used, even if they’re not advanced AI systems.

For example, have you ever used Grammarly for spell-checking and improving your writing? Or maybe Excel for managing data? Even tools like Google Calendar, Zoom, or note-taking apps like Notion count! It’s less about using the most sophisticated tech and more about highlighting how these tools helped enhance your personal development or productivity.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, in my application for an open day at a law firm I talked about how I would like to attend the open day to gain insight about the firm's practice area specifically M&A, where that desire comes from. My struggle right now is I don't know what else to say



Could anyone please help me with this
Thanks.

Hi @tosin4774 . Given the word count of most open day applications, I would say this is enough if you expand on it further. For this to be enough, however, M&A needs to be the firms core practice area/one of their core practices. If the firm has any Chambers Rankings on this practice, or if you’ve read on any standout deals which bolstered your desire to learn more about this practice area at the firm specifically, then feel free to mention that as well.

 

[👩🎓]

Hi! I totally understand where you’re coming from. I think looking at the wording of the question is really important here. It’s not limited to just artificial intelligence—it also says or other technologies. So, think about any tech tools you’ve used, even if they’re not advanced AI systems.

For example, have you ever used Grammarly for spell-checking and improving your writing? Or maybe Excel for managing data? Even tools like Google Calendar, Zoom, or note-taking apps like Notion count! It’s less about using the most sophisticated tech and more about highlighting how these tools helped enhance your personal development or productivity.

Thank you so much for your advice, this is genuinely very helpful.

 

[tosin4774]

Hi @tosin4774 . Given the word count of most open day applications, I would say this is enough if you expand on it further. For this to be enough, however, M&A needs to be the firms core practice area/one of their core practices. If the firm has any Chambers Rankings on this practice, or if you’ve read on any standout deals which bolstered your desire to learn more about this practice area at the firm specifically, then feel free to mention that as well.

Must the deals be related to the firm. Also When adding the deals should I include the issues it raises and what else

 

[rocky123]

Hi,
Thanks for this thread - what I've read has been very helpful.

How important is work experience / extra-curricular / leadership activities? As someone from an ex-consulting background, I'm used to firms eg Bain placing a lot of value on leadership etc. For law, from what I've read so far, the impetus seems more on commercial awareness and in particular the strength of the application itself?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi,
Thanks for this thread - what I've read has been very helpful.

How important is work experience / extra-curricular / leadership activities? As someone from an ex-consulting background, I'm used to firms eg Bain placing a lot of value on leadership etc. For law, from what I've read so far, the impetus seems more on commercial awareness and in particular the strength of the application itself?

Hi @rocky123 ,

Thank you for your question! I would say that all three factors—work experience, extracurriculars, and leadership activities—are highly valued in law firm applications as well. While commercial awareness is indeed a crucial aspect, leadership and a well-rounded skill set are equally important.

Transferable skills gained from experiences in consulting, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and client management, are all very relevant in law. Additionally, your consulting background already suggests strong commercial awareness, which will certainly be an asset.

It’s also worth noting that your work experience doesn’t have to be strictly legal. Your consulting background showcases a strong understanding of business contexts, which law firms appreciate, as the legal expertise will be developed through the PGDL, SQE, and on-the-job training.

Overall, aim to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who brings both commercial and interpersonal strengths to the table.

 

[ashwright]

Hi @ashwright , I understand your concern, and I think it’s great that you’re putting so much effort into preparing. However, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with so much content, especially when aiming to remember it all. Memorising entire sections, sentence-by-sentence, may not be the most effective approach for an Assessment Centre (AC). Rather than focusing on cramming, I’d suggest shifting your approach to understanding the key themes and ideas from the Stoakes book.

For ACs, the goal is not to know one resource in depth but to demonstrate a broader understanding of the industry and how it functions. It’s more valuable to grasp the big picture and be able to discuss key points confidently.

Consider prioritising quality over quantity. You’re already reading the FT and keeping up with news – that’s exactly what will help build your commercial awareness, which is crucial for ACs. So instead of trying to master everything in one source, focus on:

1. Summarising key themes from the Stoakes book and using them as a foundation.

2. Following market trends through articles and news briefings, which will give you a well-rounded perspective.

3. Practicing articulating your thoughts on various topics, as what matters most is how you communicate your understanding.

Remember, you’re already doing so much, and that in itself is impressive. Don’t worry about knowing everything. Instead, aim to feel comfortable discussing a few topics well. You’ve got this! 😊

Thank you @Amma Usman ! That's really set me at ease - I really appreciate your thoughts on the best approach for AC prep. You're an absolute legend! Thank you again <3

 

[lawyersum]

Hi! I totally understand where you’re coming from. I think looking at the wording of the question is really important here. It’s not limited to just artificial intelligence—it also says or other technologies. So, think about any tech tools you’ve used, even if they’re not advanced AI systems.

For example, have you ever used Grammarly for spell-checking and improving your writing? Or maybe Excel for managing data? Even tools like Google Calendar, Zoom, or note-taking apps like Notion count! It’s less about using the most sophisticated tech and more about highlighting how these tools helped enhance your personal development or productivity.

Hi Amma, your advice for this question is very helpful. Do you think me using Canva to create attractive, tailored posts for social media followers in my role as marketing manager for an event would be a suitable example? In terms of how it enhanced my personal development, I'm thinking perhaps mentioning how making posts increased my creativity, ability to tailor work to audiences etc. What do you think?

 

[futuretcholder]

Hi future trainees! I have been lucky enough to be invited to an AC next week which involves a negotiation exercise. Have any of you done a negotiation and would you be able to provide some dos and don'ts. I'm worried about striking a balance between talking too much and not enough

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi future trainees! I have been lucky enough to be invited to an AC next week which involves a negotiation exercise. Have any of you done a negotiation and would you be able to provide some dos and don'ts. I'm worried about striking a balance between talking too much and not enough

I know the Community team will be able to give you some great advice, but this thread will be a great starting point too:

Definitive Guide to Assessed Negotiations! *Monday Article Series*

Hi All! Please see below my Guide to Assessed Negotiation Exercises at Assessment Centres and during Vacation Schemes. This guide has been built from my own experiences of assessed and real-world negotiations as well as having consulted with Grad Rec specialists. This is also the first in a...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi future trainees! I have been lucky enough to be invited to an AC next week which involves a negotiation exercise. Have any of you done a negotiation and would you be able to provide some dos and don'ts. I'm worried about striking a balance between talking too much and not enough

Hey @futuretcholder . First of all, congratulations on securing the AC. You have done very well to get to that step.

With negotiation exercices, I would say the first tip is being mindful of how one comes across. It’s a negotiation -you‘re trying to meet a middle ground, so ensuring that the discussion is fruitful and not argumentative is a key skill. This is quite difficult to master, but with the right tone, approach, and demeanor, you’ll do great on this area.

The next is acknowledging both sides of the argument. A lawyer needs to understand their client, but also the client on the other side. This makes you appear as a well-rounded candidate. Briefly throw in a few pointers which show that you acknowledge and understand the other side too.

Structure, structure, structure! I can’t emphasize the importance of this enough. You need a clear structure to appear as a candidate with well-organized thoughts. This does so many things. For example, it shows the interviewer that the set preparation time for delving into the facts was more than enough for you to come back in with a reasoned position.

Above all - confidence. The more confident you are in your position as a negotiator, the more confident your answers will come across. This aspect of an AC tests things beyond your commercial acumen - it tests those soft skills that are often unspoken about.

Hope this helps, and let us know if you have any more questions

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi Amma, your advice for this question is very helpful. Do you think me using Canva to create attractive, tailored posts for social media followers in my role as marketing manager for an event would be a suitable example? In terms of how it enhanced my personal development, I'm thinking perhaps mentioning how making posts increased my creativity, ability to tailor work to audiences etc. What do you think?

Hey @lawyersum . Absolutely! That’s a great example. One thing I would add is to take it to the next level by incorporating how something such as “the ability to tailor work to audiences” is a skill that has the potential to make you a more conscientious lawyer, for example. Always take answers a step further by ensuring you link your experiences to the key attributes of a successful commercial a lawyer.

Hope this helps

 

[lawyersum]

Hey @lawyersum . Absolutely! That’s a great example. One thing I would add is to take it to the next level by incorporating how something such as “the ability to tailor work to audiences” is a skill that has the potential to make you a more conscientious lawyer, for example. Always take answers a step further by ensuring you link your experiences to the key attributes of a successful commercial a lawyer.

Hope this helps

Thanks Amma, this helps a lot!

 

[Amma Usman]

Thanks Amma, this helps a lot!

@lawyersum , anytime, happy to help! @Jessica Booker has provided a really helpful thread which I recommend going over. @Andrei Radu and @Ram Sabaratnam will also have more thoughts on this