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

[Amma Usman]

Just a quick question about: ‘Why are you interested in commercial law and this firm?’

Can I use training and pro bono as my two points of interest in the firm? Or should I use fee-earning areas e.g a specific practice.

I have heard it is better to use three points to show my interest in the firm, but I only have space for two. What would you recommend: three small points or two big ones?

Many thanks
MD

The highest points on the bar of showcasing demonstrated interest is work - practices. Pro bono and training are quite similar among many firms, so these should come last and in tangent to the firm‘s work. Even as you are highlighting these less specific points, ensure to pick out something the firm does that’s different. For example, training - many firms now seem to have small trainee intakes, so what is it about that which appeals to you? Give an example of how you thrived in a similar environment. Maybe it’ll also give you higher responsibility early on. Next, pro bono - any specific type of pro bono the firm works within/types of cases? Why does that appeal? Again, these are all quite similar among many firms so focus on the work first - these should come last as they aren’t as specific. It’s quite ironic how even the work is similar among firms. But with this, each firm will have its USP, some firms will be better than other in certain practices, etc. So, find this and address accordingly in your answers.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi TCLA Team! I purchased the TCLA Bronze membership but have not had my request to access the Premium forum approved yet. In particular I would like access to the premium database as I have a deadline soon. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

Hi there. I have gone ahead and approved this for you. Have a lovely day!, Amma

 

[Sophie101]

Hi there. I have gone ahead and approved this for you. Have a lovely day!, Amma

Fab, thank you, Amma! Have a nice weekend!

 

[👩🎓]

Hi, I hope everyone is well.

Does anyone have any specific advice on how I can approach applying for paralegal roles to fill the gap between finishing uni and beginning the SQE/starting a training contract. (Especially how to approach firms, where to look and if it is best to target firms I have applied to for VS and TCs). I would also appreciate your view on this to @Jessica Booker.

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[tjeya26]

Hi, I hope everyone is well.

Does anyone have any specific advice on how I can approach applying for paralegal roles to fill the gap between finishing uni and beginning the SQE/starting a training contract. (Especially how to approach firms, where to look and if it is best to target firms I have applied to for VS and TCs). I would also appreciate your view on this to @Jessica Booker.

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank you!

Hi, I hope everyone is well.

Does anyone have any specific advice on how I can approach applying for paralegal roles to fill the gap between finishing uni and beginning the SQE/starting a training contract. (Especially how to approach firms, where to look and if it is best to target firms I have applied to for VS and TCs). I would also appreciate your view on this to @Jessica Booker.

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank you!

I am looking for the same advice. I have two months before I start SQE prep. Would love advice on how I can get temporary work.

 

[w_x0808]

@Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu Hi TCLA Team! I purchased the TCLA Bronze membership but have not had my request to access the Premium forum approved yet. In particular I would like access to the premium database as I really realllyyyy need it for tomorrow. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know asap

 

[member3804]

Hi @Andrei Radu, I have a Slaughter and May TC interview coming up and am especially worried about the article discussion - in your experience do they usually give very technical articles such as interest rates, financial deregulation etc. or more likely on broader current trends? Thank you!

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi @Andrei Radu, I have a Slaughter and May TC interview coming up and am especially worried about the article discussion - in your experience do they usually give very technical articles such as interest rates, financial deregulation etc. or more likely on broader current trends? Thank you!

From my experience and the anecdotal experience of others it seems like most articles are on broader themes around current issues. Sometimes they can include more technical details, but those are generally either (i) explained in simple enough terms for a reasonably commercially aware applicant to understand them; or (ii) end up not being very relevant during the interview.

 

[member3804]

From my experience and the anecdotal experience of others it seems like most articles are on broader themes around current issues. Sometimes they can include more technical details, but those are generally either (i) explained in simple enough terms for a reasonably commercially aware applicant to understand them; or (ii) end up not being very relevant during the interview.

Thanks very much! that's good to hear

 

[lawyerdreams]

Hiya! Does anyone know how to go about applying to work or volunteer at a law clinic/pro bono centre? Where are some good places to look for that sort of experience?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hiya! Does anyone know how to go about applying to work or volunteer at a law clinic/pro bono centre? Where are some good places to look for that sort of experience?

Hey,

• Most universities have legal advice clinics. They are usually really open to having volunteers.
• Most local magistrates courts and other courts as well enable you to gain experience. You could check the websites of local courts close to you, send people messages on LinkedIn, etc. Alternatively, you could really just also enter into a court proceeding - often times members of the public are allowed to view certain proceedings. You sit and digest what is going on - this, in itself, is great legal work experience!
• Bringing back LinkedIn again, make the best use of your network! Most times people are really willing to help and if they can’t…guide you to where can.

Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any more questions!

 

[hmevey]

Hey guys, can someone offer me some guidance with these two questions for shoosmiths, I am not sure how to approach them

1. How do you expect to use generative AI tools to enhance your effectiveness as a solicitor in the future? If you have, you may also choose to include specific examples of how you have utilised generative AI to elevate part of your application to Shoosmiths, in this answer

2. As a trainee, you’ll rotate teams and work with people at different levels, with different working styles and personalities. Which of your strengths will you draw upon to help you handle these changes

Any guidance would be appreciated!

 

[iklawapps]

Hi! I requested access to the application database a couple of days ago, and I would love if I could please get access as soon as possible - thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi! I requested access to the application database a couple of days ago, and I would love if I could please get access as soon as possible - thank you!

Hi there - if you private message me proof of purchase I can action this for you.