Bird & Bird Application Direct TC Questions

[Bradley Draper]

Hi guys,

Has anybody looked at the Direct TC questions for B&B?

They seem uniquely short with their word length, so I'm a bit unsure how to tackle them; is this an indication that they focus more on the work experience section?

If anyone else has any ideas on how to answer them or any additional information about what B&B tend to look for in their prospective trainees, I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts.

Thanks, guys!

 

[Raynz]

Hi @Bradley Draper, do you mind posting the questions here similar to this thread?

https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/wbd-application-question-2022.4834/

I applied a couple of years ago but don't remember whether it was for VS or direct TC. They may/may not be the same questions.

 

[George Maxwell]

Hi guys,

Has anybody looked at the Direct TC questions for B&B?

They seem uniquely short with their word length, so I'm a bit unsure how to tackle them; is this an indication that they focus more on the work experience section?

If anyone else has any ideas on how to answer them or any additional information about what B&B tend to look for in their prospective trainees, I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts.

Thanks, guys!

Hi @Bradley Draper,

I would be interested to hear @James Carrabino's thoughts on this as he may well have reviewed some B&B applications during his time as an application reviewer!

When I was applying I interpreted the short word count as being a challenge set by the firm to write clear and succinct responses. My advice would be to try as best you can to concentrate on one (given the wordcount) thoroughly developed point (rather than two or three).

Including fewer points should force you to:

1. fully engage with the question and
2. provide convincing and thoroughly well-reasoned answers.

I agree with you though, I think that the firm are likely to rely on your work experience section too as they have given you so little space. This means that writing well-structured and clear work experience sections is also important. I honestly forget whether B&B set a word limit on the work experience section?

When I was applying, generally I structured my work experience sections in this way:

1. Description of job/role and tasks;
2. Skills/competencies learned/demonstrated through job/tasks;
3. Why this is important for X firm/being a commercial solicitor.

Let me know if you would like to chat about this any further as I would be delighted to help.

 

[Bradley Draper]

Hi @Bradley Draper, do you mind posting the questions here similar to this thread?

https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/wbd-application-question-2022.4834/

I applied a couple of years ago but don't remember whether it was for VS or direct TC. They may/may not be the same questions.

Hi,

Here are the questions below:

1) Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise? (150)


2) In your view, what will be the greatest innovation to influence the firm in the next 5 years and why? (150)

3) Lawyers at Bird & Bird are all individual and come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. One thing that they all have in common is a determination to achieve their goals by working hard and having a positive 'can-do' attitude. Please tell us about the key event or experience that has influenced you to develop yourself as an individual. As we are interested in learning about your non-academic experiences, try to use an example from your extra-curricular activities (music, sport etc) or your work/voluntary experience. (150)

• What was the key event/experience and how did it come about?
• What obstacles did you have to overcome?
• What was the key learning for you?

 

[Bradley Draper]

Hi @Bradley Draper,

I would be interested to hear @James Carrabino's thoughts on this as he may well have reviewed some B&B applications during his time as an application reviewer!

When I was applying I interpreted the short word count as being a challenge set by the firm to write clear and succinct responses. My advice would be to try as best you can to concentrate on one (given the wordcount) thoroughly developed point (rather than two or three).

Including fewer points should force you to:

1. fully engage with the question and
2. provide convincing and thoroughly well-reasoned answers.

I agree with you though, I think that the firm are likely to rely on your work experience section too as they have given you so little space. This means that writing well-structured and clear work experience sections is also important. I honestly forget whether B&B set a word limit on the work experience section?

When I was applying, generally I structured my work experience sections in this way:

1. Description of job/role and tasks;
2. Skills/competencies learned/demonstrated through job/tasks;
3. Why this is important for X firm/being a commercial solicitor.

Let me know if you would like to chat about this any further as I would be delighted to help.

Hi @George Maxwell,

Thanks a lot for the detailed and useful response!

I've posted the questions in response to @Raynz above. The work experience section has a 250-word limit, so I think your suggested structure will allow me to hit that.

I'll take your advice on board and will try to get some answers done over the coming days. I'll get back to this thread once I've had time to research and produce some answers to discuss further. Don't want to fall into the trap of being fooled by the short word count and rushing out answers.

Many thanks,

Bradley

 

[George Maxwell]

Hi @George Maxwell,

Thanks a lot for the detailed and useful response!

I've posted the questions in response to @Raynz above. The work experience section has a 250-word limit, so I think your suggested structure will allow me to hit that.

I'll take your advice on board and will try to get some answers done over the coming days. I'll get back to this thread once I've had time to research and produce some answers to discuss further. Don't want to fall into the trap of being fooled by the short word count and rushing out answers.

Many thanks,

Bradley

No worries at all! I look forward to hearing from you soon 🚀