TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Amma Usman and all, I am looking for some advice as to how to structure my VI answer to "tell us about a commercial news story you're interested in / have read about". Whilst I didn't get feedback my VI this last year, I am convinced this answer let me down. I had too much to say in such little time. I think it was only 1 min 30 that I had. I was trying to explain the background (briefly), why I am interested, how it impacts stakeholders and linking back to the firm. Normally with my VI answers, I usually try to keep to 2 main points or 3 at a push with tht kind of time limit so that I don't feel rushed or flustered. Any advice on how to structure my answer and keep it focused would be very much appreciated! I really do not want to let myself down on this again.

Hi there,

The way I see it… as VIs are short one-way interviews with many questions asked, there isn’t so much scope to cover everything. You will (depending on the firm) have about 60-90 seconds to answer each question. Your idea to include 2-3 points is great, but may come at the expense of you being able to adequately answer the question to the fullest. As it says a news story, I believe one central trending topic, together with short descriptions of why it interests you (perhaps consider linking to your own work/life experience, something you read or watched) would be the more direct approach. This will enable you to hit the nail on the head and overwhelm yourself less with trying to cover the broader impacts of a law firm’s position in it all.

In my experience, video interviews typically tripped me up because I had so many things running through my head, only few of which were actually relevant to the question being asked. What helped me was walking into them with the intention of focusing on only one (very rarely, two) points and expanding on them in great detail. On more soft tips to ace these… hand gestures, vocal intonation, and overall presentation, also help elevate your responses.

This is an example of what I might say (adjusted to say a 60 second answer) to your question:

- The news story I have picked is one which aligns with the proposed changes in the 2024 Employment Rights Bill.

- Briefly explain the change - For example, the UK now offers statutory sick pay from day one, including for about a million low-income workers who were previously ineligible.

- Highlight why it matters– This ensures workers don’t feel pressured to work while sick, improving public health and financial security.

- Link it to employment law – It reflects a shift towards fairer workplace rights and protections, for example.

- Make it personal – Studying employment law, this demonstrates evolving employee rights and it interests me because of X Y Z.

 

[sibs23]

Hi there,

The way I see it… as VIs are short one-way interviews with many questions asked, there isn’t so much scope to cover everything. You will (depending on the firm) have about 60-90 seconds to answer each question. Your idea to include 2-3 points is great, but may come at the expense of you being able to adequately answer the question to the fullest. As it says a news story, I believe one central trending topic, together with short descriptions of why it interests you (perhaps consider linking to your own work/life experience, something you read or watched) would be the more direct approach. This will enable you to hit the nail on the head and overwhelm yourself less with trying to cover the broader impacts of a law firm’s position in it all.

In my experience, video interviews typically tripped me up because I had so many things running through my head, only few of which were actually relevant to the question being asked. What helped me was walking into them with the intention of focusing on only one (very rarely, two) points and expanding on them in great detail. On more soft tips to ace these… hand gestures, vocal intonation, and overall presentation, also help elevate your responses.

This is an example of what I might say (adjusted to say a 60 second answer) to your question:

- The news story I have picked is one which aligns with the proposed changes in the 2024 Employment Rights Bill.

- Briefly explain the change - For example, the UK now offers statutory sick pay from day one, including for about a million low-income workers who were previously ineligible.

- Highlight why it matters– This ensures workers don’t feel pressured to work while sick, improving public health and financial security.

- Link it to employment law – It reflects a shift towards fairer workplace rights and protections, for example.

- Make it personal – Studying employment law, this demonstrates evolving employee rights and it interests me because of X Y Z.

Thank you! I always worry that there’s more that they’re looking for in their criteria and I worry about missing things out. As you say, it’s good to keep to the point and focus on what the question is I’m being asked. Generally, I’ve had more success when I give a less detailed but well delivered delivered answer compared to a detailed but rushed one! Some practices VIs have really helped me in the last couple days

 

[hanz123]

Does anyone have any advice for Hill Dickinson VI?

 

[Raspberry44]

which office did you apply to, if you dont mind me asking? I'm wondering if this point there's any hope for my application lol. congratulations, by the way! sorry I don't have any personal insight!

Thank you! No worries at all - I applied to the London office!

 

[andrecsaa]

Sorry to hear that news - commiserations. Did you ask for your score? Good luck with your other apps.

Thanks! No, I didn’t. The email says HL will not provide the scores. 😭

“We have carefully reviewed your application and test score. We regret to inform you that we are unable to continue with your application on this occasion. Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide your test score or any more specific feedback at this stage in the process.”

Now I got left Dentons, Withers, Mayer Brown, Ashurst, W&C, BM and SH

 

[Tintin06]

Thanks! No, I didn’t. The email says HL will not provide the scores. 😭

“We have carefully reviewed your application and test score. We regret to inform you that we are unable to continue with your application on this occasion. Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide your test score or any more specific feedback at this stage in the process.”

Now I got left Dentons, Withers, Mayer Brown, Ashurst, W&C, BM and SH

You could subject access request it. If you were so inclined lol. Lots of great firms left though.

 

[sibs23]

Feel like I have really let myself down on a VI just now. Did so much practice which makes it more frustrating. Maybe I didn't do as bad as I thought but I definitely think some answers sounded rushed at the end of them and skimped on details in places. One of my top choice firms as well

 

[A worried graduate]

ooh how was that? have you got any tips? much appreciated!

What do you need to know?

 

[A worried graduate]

Does anyone have any advice for Hill Dickinson VI?

There is a competency question or two and only one take per question

 

[gazdgazd11]

There is a competency question or two and only one take per question

Is there sth firm related? Just wondering if I should revise my research as I’m very short on time rn so would rather not if not necessary x thanks

 

[norothrow324]

baker have started looking at apps. From previous years if the portal changes from details locked to not anonymous means they’ve at least opened it. For reference I applied about a month ago (right after open) and it changed one of these days (haven’t been on the portal in about a week and a half)

 

[Mug Fan]

fieldfisher rejection

Was this post app? Or post AC?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

any news at all from Freshfields?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

I know a few people on this forum who have done their Freshfields AC have received TC offers (DTC route).​

thanks, I've seen that as well but just checking if others have heard back or not

 

[hanz123]

There is a competency question or two and only one take per question

Thank you, do you know the questions?

 

[Aspiringlawyer_]

Hogan Lovells pfo post-WG

Sorry to hear. When did you complete the WG?

 

[A worried graduate]

Is there sth firm related? Just wondering if I should revise my research as I’m very short on time rn so would rather not if not necessary x thanks

I recall there being a generic why the firm question.

It's a part of an amberjack assessment so it will take 30 mins min total.

 

[SS21]

I am sorry to hear about the redundancy - they are always difficult and emotional situations to deal with. Please do take care of yourself at this time as you are allowed to feel upset by what has happened.

Firstly, redundancy is not a reflection of you or you performance, so it is not an issue to demonstrate that is why your role has come to and end. Redundancy is a common reason for people leaving companies and even high performers can leave if the role is considered surplus to need. I would not worry about this. You can also highlight redundancy was the reason for leaving in your description if you feel this is appropriate.

It also will not be an issue to move to a different type of role. Firms are aware that people move around different type of roles because they need to fund the basics of living. I was at a legal event last night and was talking to people about what we called “squiggly careers” where a career path is not a straight one and people move around and do different things. This is actually quite formal these days - on average people will have 7 careers in their lifetime.

Plus although a teaching role, the role would give you a lot of transferable skills and knowledge. As you have probably considered already, when applying you may just need to think about demonstrating why this change happened in your applications or when describing your motivations.

Thank you for your response and kind words, Jessica.

If anyone else is in the same boat: it’s not easy but it’s not the end of the world. Worse things happen to people

 

[A worried graduate]

Thank you, do you know the questions?

Seems I am not allowed to go into detail but it's nothing crazy

 

[APGCA]

hey does anyone have any advice for Harbottle and Lewis first interview?