TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

Status
Not open for further replies.

cgc

Standard Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 25, 2023
9
22
what is the point of questions asking what you do outside work and study - what could be some things a firm is looking out for if anyone has any insight?
I assume they are looking to see the depth of your character. All of your experiences make you unique and mean you bring diversity of thought and experience to an organisation.
 
  • Love
Reactions: OB and wz_13

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,403
20,082
what is the point of questions asking what you do outside work and study - what could be some things a firm is looking out for if anyone has any insight?
They want to see that you keep yourself busy, have interest that keep you grounded (eg you are not a workaholic) and that you potentially do things that align with their values.
 

wz_13

Distinguished Member
Jan 3, 2023
71
25
They want to see that you keep yourself busy, have interest that keep you grounded (eg you are not a workaholic) and that you potentially do things that align with their values.
i see! Would spending time with family and friends as one of these things be a weak answer (i can connect this with communication skills and nurturing relationships perhaps)
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,403
20,082
i see! Would spending time with family and friends as one of these things be a weak answer (i can connect this with communication skills and nurturing relationships perhaps)
Not really - this is something everyone ultimately does. It needs to be something more unique and also ideally something that either hones skills/knowledge, or has a positive impact on others.
 
  • Like
Reactions: wz_13 and NJS

hannah04

Legendary Member
Jan 9, 2023
230
285
what is the point of questions asking what you do outside work and study - what could be some things a firm is looking out for if anyone has any insight?
They ask cause they want to get more of a sense of your personality beyond what's on paper. For people still in university, I assume they want to hear about your extracurriculars (any clubs/sports/societies you have joined or have leadership roles in if applicable). For people who graduated or aren't part of any societies, I think they wanna hear about any personal hobbies then which are non-professional in nature and showcase something that you are interested in. For example playing an instrument/going on runs or bike rides/making art/learning a language for fun. It's a good opportunity for you to show them what makes you an interesting and holistic person.
 

NMA

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Nov 19, 2020
173
359
Anyone know if you can apply to White & Case's direct TC in the same cycle after applying for their vac scheme but not progressing to the AC for it?
 

19vanessat

Active Member
Feb 23, 2022
15
36
just did one of those recorded video interviews for WFW! ahh those are so nerve-wracking, i feel so unnatural doing these haha, also felt like i got two words cut off at the end of an answer.. hopefully they don't mind it bc i was already clearly concluding
 

RANDOTRON

Esteemed Member
Junior Lawyer
  • Oct 11, 2021
    98
    154
    Just got an interview for Arnold & Porter's 2025 direct TC, it is in person and next Monday which is very soon. I was hoping someone had some insights about the written exercise and fee-earner interview. (Ie. is it competency based etc) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Hi there, I didn't interview at A&P so I won't be able to comment specifically. However, I did find the following which I thought might be helpful. It is from 2018 so it might be outdated. I have also attached this link which lists 260+ common interview questions. Some of them are basically the same question, so I would not necessarily practice all of them.

    Good luck!
    When was your Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholar interview?

    April 2018

    What was it for?

    Vacation scheme

    Please describe the interview process at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholar.

    First you are taken to a room to read a problem scenario on the EU regulation of [redacted] in electrical products. You play the role of a trainee and have to advise the client (the [redacted] manufacturer) on You are tasked with finding certain bits of information online (from a laptop) and you have to write a summary of your findings and send it to graduate recruitment in an email, who then pass it on the the 2 associates that will interview you.

    You then get interviewed by the 2 associates who will ask you questions based on the scenario as well as motivation, competency and commercial awareness questions. After this you meet a trainee who will give you a tour of the office and answer any questions you have.

    What advice would you give to future applicants for the Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholar interview?

    You will be given around 30 minutes to prepare your answers for the scenario and the interview itself lasts for around 45 minutes. The trainee tour and questions will take around 20 minutes.

    The interview is quite hard as they really stretch your commercial awareness. It would be useful to research the firm's practice areas and sectors before the interview. You can't really prepare for the problem scenario as they base it on a topic they know you won't have come across before. Just make sure you manage your time will and focus on the key bits of information that you find online. Make sure you have questions to ask the interviewers at the end and try to come across and friendly and confident.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: legallyblonde500

    ZiHe77

    Standard Member
    Apr 12, 2023
    8
    1
    For those of who you have passed multiple recorded video interviews - how have you done it?

    I've taken the approach of including structure, highlighting the firm, my experience and my ambitions, and attempting to appear as though I am having a nice chat with the computer screen by looking positive and conversational. Still, my success rate is very low! Anyone nailed it? What do you do!?

    Is less more? I.e. to the question 'Why us?', rather than squeeze in 3 reasons why I like the firm, should I focus on one and really elaborate on it?
     
    Status
    Not open for further replies.

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.