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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Amma Usman

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Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @lolasparks , I believe it‘s fine to bring up personal experiences as well. However, avoid making them too personal. For example, I have seen candidates talking about individual figures to substantiate answers to questions of this type, and although great - the personalisation element would be missing. I would personally back up any personal experience with a practical academic or professional experience, to avoid falling into that trap. I also see no harm with repeating work experience. If you are specifically worried about repetition, you could look at an existing work experience you mentioned from a different angle - using another task you completed during that role instead.

If I were to answer this question, it would look a little something like this;

If I were to choose a career outside of law, I would pursue investment banking due to my keen interest in transactional work and corporate finance.

Corporate transactions fascinate me because they showcase how financial institutions create value in both public and private markets. In the public markets, I am particularly intrigued by mergers and acquisitions, especially the complexities of navigating exit strategies during IPOs to optimise outcomes for all stakeholders. This interest was solidified during my internship at an inter-dealer broker, where I observed how market changes for securities and derivatives directly impact transaction strategies and outcomes. Witnessing these dynamics in real-time deepened my appreciation for the role of investment bankers in managing such processes, aligning with my analytical mindset and passion for devising strategic solutions. In the private markets, my interest lies in the private equity sector, particularly in how private equity funds generate value through innovative approaches that are not always feasible in public markets. Attending an open day at [X Fund] offered me valuable insights into how data-driven strategies are employed to achieve these unique objectives.

This fascination with the corporate aspects of banking underpins my enthusiasm for transactional law, as it combines my passion for deal-making with legal expertise. It is also why I am particularly drawn to firms with a strong focus on M&A and private equity, where I can merge these interests into a dynamic and impactful career.
Hi @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam

Hope you're well. I was wondering what is the best way to answer this question - If you couldn’t become a commercial lawyer, what alternative career would you choose and why?

I would think maybe picking up a few skills or attributes of a career in commercial law e.g., problem-solving, collaboration and then talking about a career path that has similar attributes makes sense. Please let me know your thoughts.

Hey. Honestly, in my opinion, the career doesn’t even need to be remotely close to law. Seems the law firm just wants to see your personality in this. Though, if I were to answer the question, I would personally choose a career which links to law on an international scale - their clients, for example. The reason I would do this is largely because of my career journey - I had initially wanted to become an investment banker. This will differ between everyone, so choose something you are comfortable with explaining in sufficient detail and with specificity. On your last paragraph, I believe any field has those qualities so you could really touch on anything.

I have quoted a post I made in the past above for more detail.
 
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Amma Usman

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Sep 7, 2024
860
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Hi @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam

Hope you're well. I was wondering what is the best way to answer this question - If you couldn’t become a commercial lawyer, what alternative career would you choose and why?

I would think maybe picking up a few skills or attributes of a career in commercial law e.g., problem-solving, collaboration and then talking about a career path that has similar attributes makes sense. Please let me know your thoughts.

I had also just seen they said ‘couldn’t’, so choosing something with similar characteristics (such as legal consultant, working in-house as opposed to private practice (this is interpreting the question as saying private practice commercial lawyer though), compliance officer, document reviewer, etc) will make sense as suitable alternatives. Though again, it’s really up to you on your interests and what you genuinely want to write about. Best of luck.
 
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Wannabe_Lawyer

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Jul 22, 2018
153
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what would be an ideal WG score on the linklaters test?
Tbh, I'm not sure it really matters. I do get the sense that they weigh the SJT stuff more. I scored in the 79th percentile in the WG aspects and still got rejected. I also recall seeing someone who scored in the 90s getting rejected.

I might add that this was for the Open Day, so not sure if things are different for the TCs/VSs.
 
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legalgrad

Active Member
Feb 5, 2025
17
5
I have just completed my Kennedys AC for the direct training contract. Anyone that has completed it as well, how did you find it?
Hi- also did mine last week. Mixed feelings because I felt like on some of the tasks I didn’t have enough time at all to give a good answer. But overall thought it was a nice AC compared to others. Wbu?
 

tjeya26

Standard Member
Premium Member
Feb 6, 2025
7
2
Hi- also did mine last week. Mixed feelings because I felt like on some of the tasks I didn’t have enough time at all to give a good answer. But overall thought it was a nice AC compared to others. Wbu?
Yes, I completely agree with you. I wasn’t able to finish one of the written tasks. I can’t seem to gauge whether it went well or not. Can only hope for the best, I guess. How did you find the senior associate interview?
 
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legalgrad

Active Member
Feb 5, 2025
17
5
Yes, I completely agree with you. I wasn’t able to finish one of the written tasks. I can’t seem to gauge whether it went well or not. Can only hope for the best, I guess. How did you find the senior associate interview?
Same the first one I didn’t have enough word count and the two last ones I didn’t have enough time. The interviewer was rlly nice and I felt it wasn’t as hard as most TC interviews but with the nature of strength interviews it’s kind of hard to gauge if you hit their criteria.
 

SamiyaJ

Legendary Member
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Premium Member
Apr 16, 2024
189
508
Did the WBD test and scored the same as Paul Weiss lmao (21/36) but with slight variations:

Grit- 7/9
Applied intellect-3/9
Creative force- 7/9
Digital mindset- 4/9

Does anyone have any tips for how to tackle applied intellect and digital mindset?! They seem to be the 2 pillars I score quite low in.

Hoping PW and WBD benchmark is 50% or something 😭
 
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g.cl.2020344

Legendary Member
Nov 1, 2024
405
598
Did the WBD test and scored the same as Paul Weiss lmao (21/36) but with slight variations:

Grit- 7/9
Applied intellect-3/9
Creative force- 7/9
Digital mindset- 4/9

Does anyone have any tips for how to tackle applied intellect and digital mindset?! They seem to be the 2 pillars I score quite low in.

Hoping PW and WBD benchmark is 50% or something 😭

Heya I think these scores sound v good! How long did it take you to get your WBD results back? I did my test this morning and haven’t received a feedback report!
 

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