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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
- Start date
CMS PFO post WG. I took the test on Monday so I must’ve done really bad for them to reject me 2 days later. This test will be the end of me, why don’t I get it 😭😭 I’ve been trying so hard to understand the logic but clearly a lot of it is not clicking. Argh!
Last edited:
- Sep 7, 2024
- 241
- 443
Hiya @CanOz
Amazing job on reaching the video interview stage! I wanted to share a couple of thoughts and threads that really helped me when I was preparing for VIs:
- This classic thread by the legendary AliceG, which I found invaluable when I started doing VIs: Video Interviews: Tips and Tricks
- A more recent and equally helpful guide by Erin: How to Prepare for a Law Firm Video Interview
Another tip I’d suggest which is related to that last point I made is this: avoid writing out a full script for every type of question that you anticipate coming up. This can make it harder to stay flexible, and it's easy to get thrown off if a question doesn’t go as expected. Instead, I’d suggest preparing bullet points or prompts for key themes or any research you want to cover. Practicing these with friends or family can also help you speak naturally and clearly about your research and motivations.
Best of luck with your VI! 😊
Hi @Ram Sabaratnam!
I am currently frantically completing my 500-word statement for my CC application and am struggling. I was wondering if you might be able to provide some pointers/advice on what I have done so far? Any advice would be hugely appreciated!
Just for some context - I am a non-law grad (I did the GDL), so most of my extracurriculars are related to an earlier time in my life/academic ventures. What I particularly struggle with is the 'achievement I am most proud of'.
In no more than 500 words, please tell us about your extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility and an achievement of importance which you are most proud of. How will these experiences help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer?
A passionate linguist with a multicultural upbringing, I have always been deeply interested in languages, reflected in my choice to study Russian and Czech (primarily literature) at university. Fluent or proficient in six languages, I actively seek opportunities to apply my linguistic skills.
At Oxford, I co-founded Linguatute, a platform supporting language students and Oxbridge applicants. We created tailored study programmes and tutoring materials, combining my love for languages with entrepreneurial initiative. This venture also exposed me to business operations, intellectual property law, and employment contracts, providing practical insights into legal and organisational challenges relevant to a legal career.
My interest in language extends into the artistic realm. I co-founded the Percy Shelley Poetry Society, creating a space for people from various disciplines to write and critique poetry. Although the society did not continue after my graduation, I secured funding from my college to host poetry evenings, fostering a creative community. I also translated Czech poems for the Oxford Lieder Festival, balancing linguistic accuracy with artistic interpretation—an experience that enhanced my translation skills and creativity.
Currently, I am honing my translation abilities in a legal context, working on anti-dumping laws and Chinese steel exports to Russia. This has involved interpreting poorly written or ambiguous English, refining my ability to convey nuanced meaning in complex legal documents.
I am also a dedicated musician, performing in concerts and competitions from a young age. At 13, I performed on Welsh national television as a finalist in the Urdd National Eisteddfod and have placed in several major competitions. At 14, I gained a place at the highly competitive Royal College of Music Junior Department, supported by a generous bursary. This experience taught me discipline, focus, and the ability to perform under pressure—qualities that will serve me in my professional career.
My passion for music, combined with a belief in its accessibility for all children, led me to offer free music lessons to disadvantaged children during school. One of my students later attended the Wells School on the strength of her musical ability. At university, I continued this initiative by providing free piano accompaniment to soloists for exams and concerts, enabling them to focus on performance without the financial burden of hiring an accompanist.
My commitment to helping disadvantaged children extended into my legal studies. During my GDL, I volunteered to provide legal advice to parents of children facing permanent school exclusion. Despite my limited legal experience, I successfully assisted clients, often under tight deadlines. I quickly familiarised myself with new areas of law and legal procedures, explaining complex concepts in an accessible manner. I also honed my advocacy skills by representing clients at tribunals, refining my ability to present compelling arguments.
At university, I was elected undergraduate representative for Czech and Slovak. I advocated for students during the Covid-19 pandemic, successfully negotiating increased access to online resources and ensuring equal study room bookings for undergraduates and postgraduates. This role enhanced my negotiation and collaboration skills, highlighting my ability to balance competing interests and drive positive outcomes.
Unexpectedly, my proudest achievement stems from my first real job, where I was promoted to a managerial position within weeks, surpassing older staff. I was entrusted with financial responsibilities (which extended beyond my regular responsibilities) and earned the respect of my colleagues, reinforcing my leadership abilities and work ethic. This experience boosted my confidence and set the tone for my professional career.
I am currently frantically completing my 500-word statement for my CC application and am struggling. I was wondering if you might be able to provide some pointers/advice on what I have done so far? Any advice would be hugely appreciated!
Just for some context - I am a non-law grad (I did the GDL), so most of my extracurriculars are related to an earlier time in my life/academic ventures. What I particularly struggle with is the 'achievement I am most proud of'.
In no more than 500 words, please tell us about your extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility and an achievement of importance which you are most proud of. How will these experiences help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer?
A passionate linguist with a multicultural upbringing, I have always been deeply interested in languages, reflected in my choice to study Russian and Czech (primarily literature) at university. Fluent or proficient in six languages, I actively seek opportunities to apply my linguistic skills.
At Oxford, I co-founded Linguatute, a platform supporting language students and Oxbridge applicants. We created tailored study programmes and tutoring materials, combining my love for languages with entrepreneurial initiative. This venture also exposed me to business operations, intellectual property law, and employment contracts, providing practical insights into legal and organisational challenges relevant to a legal career.
My interest in language extends into the artistic realm. I co-founded the Percy Shelley Poetry Society, creating a space for people from various disciplines to write and critique poetry. Although the society did not continue after my graduation, I secured funding from my college to host poetry evenings, fostering a creative community. I also translated Czech poems for the Oxford Lieder Festival, balancing linguistic accuracy with artistic interpretation—an experience that enhanced my translation skills and creativity.
Currently, I am honing my translation abilities in a legal context, working on anti-dumping laws and Chinese steel exports to Russia. This has involved interpreting poorly written or ambiguous English, refining my ability to convey nuanced meaning in complex legal documents.
I am also a dedicated musician, performing in concerts and competitions from a young age. At 13, I performed on Welsh national television as a finalist in the Urdd National Eisteddfod and have placed in several major competitions. At 14, I gained a place at the highly competitive Royal College of Music Junior Department, supported by a generous bursary. This experience taught me discipline, focus, and the ability to perform under pressure—qualities that will serve me in my professional career.
My passion for music, combined with a belief in its accessibility for all children, led me to offer free music lessons to disadvantaged children during school. One of my students later attended the Wells School on the strength of her musical ability. At university, I continued this initiative by providing free piano accompaniment to soloists for exams and concerts, enabling them to focus on performance without the financial burden of hiring an accompanist.
My commitment to helping disadvantaged children extended into my legal studies. During my GDL, I volunteered to provide legal advice to parents of children facing permanent school exclusion. Despite my limited legal experience, I successfully assisted clients, often under tight deadlines. I quickly familiarised myself with new areas of law and legal procedures, explaining complex concepts in an accessible manner. I also honed my advocacy skills by representing clients at tribunals, refining my ability to present compelling arguments.
At university, I was elected undergraduate representative for Czech and Slovak. I advocated for students during the Covid-19 pandemic, successfully negotiating increased access to online resources and ensuring equal study room bookings for undergraduates and postgraduates. This role enhanced my negotiation and collaboration skills, highlighting my ability to balance competing interests and drive positive outcomes.
Unexpectedly, my proudest achievement stems from my first real job, where I was promoted to a managerial position within weeks, surpassing older staff. I was entrusted with financial responsibilities (which extended beyond my regular responsibilities) and earned the respect of my colleagues, reinforcing my leadership abilities and work ethic. This experience boosted my confidence and set the tone for my professional career.
Jessica Booker
Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
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Forum Team
- Aug 1, 2019
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I’d encourage you to link your experiences more to how they will specifically allow you to excel at the firm. The focus of your answer should be your experiences, but it’s important to make the answer tailored to Clifford Chance will focusing on your skills/what connects your experience to the firm.
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly! I understand that I need to do this, but am unsure as to how often I should refer to Clifford Chance specifically, without the answer sounding too contrived or wooden?
How impressive 👏🏽!! Whereas at 14 my biggest achievement was waking up on time for school 😂
Jessica Booker
Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
- Aug 1, 2019
- 14,653
- 20,347
I don't think there is really an answer to this. You could refer to the firm only once and make your connection, or alternatively reference the firm which each activity you mention. I would try not to worry about this and focus more on the connection you are making.
crazy experience to say the least. I respect how much you’ve done. Excellence extra curricular background.
Thank you, that's very kind! Let's hope I'm not instantly rejected post-application....
If I had any say in the matter, I'm sure that would have also been my biggest achievement at that age 😅. Unfortunately, my mother was quite the helicopter parent ahaha
Thank you very much for such a detailed advice Ram - very much appreciated! I will keep these in mind and hopefully progress to the AC!Hiya @CanOz
Amazing job on reaching the video interview stage! I wanted to share a couple of thoughts and threads that really helped me when I was preparing for VIs:
In terms of preparation, I’ve said this once before (and I’ll keep saying it as many times as I need to): the key is to practice as much as possible. Speaking directly to a camera under timed conditions can feel odd, but the more you practice, the easier it becomes. Additionally, make sure to distill your research on the firm into clear and concise points so you can speak confidently about any points that you might want to draw on.
- This classic thread by the legendary AliceG, which I found invaluable when I started doing VIs: Video Interviews: Tips and Tricks
- A more recent and equally helpful guide by Erin: How to Prepare for a Law Firm Video Interview
Another tip I’d suggest which is related to that last point I made is this: avoid writing out a full script for every type of question that you anticipate coming up. This can make it harder to stay flexible, and it's easy to get thrown off if a question doesn’t go as expected. Instead, I’d suggest preparing bullet points or prompts for key themes or any research you want to cover. Practicing these with friends or family can also help you speak naturally and clearly about your research and motivations.
Best of luck with your VI! 😊
I'm quite basic and only use the free ones I could find online. Other than that, I just recommend that you don't overthink any questions or get thrown off if you end up on an unnervingly long streak of the same answers. Good luck!!!!
Thank you! Yes tried the practice one CC has on their website and I found myself thinking “hmm…I’ve been selecting ‘insufficient data’ 5 times in a row, that can’t be right” and convinced myself that can’t be the answer 🤣 def have a problem with over complicating it.
This was exactly how the CMS WG felt. I was selecting the same answer for a while. I passed. Go with your gut.
Hi @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam
When Goodwin ask "Which other firms are you applying to and why? Max 200 words" what are they looking for? Do they want you to list firms and their qualities, or write in detail and link back to Goodwin?
When Goodwin ask "Which other firms are you applying to and why? Max 200 words" what are they looking for? Do they want you to list firms and their qualities, or write in detail and link back to Goodwin?
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