TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[hmevey]

Any tips for the Irwin Mitchell video interview and online assessment. How many questions do they ask about your motivations for the firm etc. Is it a get to know you then assessment or is it more of the typical application questions in a video format? Any help would be so appreciated

 

[Jessica Booker]

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?

They want to hear what your application strategy is and what’s important to you. They will be assessing then how they fit into that strategy.

 

[ellastevens]

This was exactly how the CMS WG felt. I was selecting the same answer for a while. I passed. Go with your gut.

How long did it take you to hear back?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

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?

Hi @lawstudent523

Completely agree with @Jessica Booker. You should use this question as an opportunity to show Goodwin the thought process behind your applications, rather than just listing all the firms you’re applying to. There's also a risk that, if you name several firms that don’t seem to have much in common, it can make your application strategy appear unfocused and leave your motivations seeming unclear. Instead, try to highlight the key considerations that guide your choices and how these relate to Goodwin.

You can also use this question to demonstrate that you understand Goodwin’s position in the legal market and what makes it stand out. When I answered a similar question, I focused on my interests and experiences in the life sciences and technology sectors (sectors in which Goodwin particularly stands out), as well as my preference for firms with smaller trainee intakes. This approach helped me present a cohesive explanation for why I was applying to certain firms, including Cooley and Ropes & Gray, alongside Goodwin. Again, I’d recommend reflecting on what really matters to you in a firm and using this question to show how Goodwin fits alongside others on your list in a thoughtful and considered way.

 

[Zaraa.x]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu

I’ve come across this question and would like some clarification please - If you could work with any client as a lawyer at Lewis Silkin (even if they are not currently a client of ours), who would it be and why?

Is the best way to approach this question will be identify an individual/organisation that can properly utilise LS services so essentially LS would be a one-stop-shop for the client? Would I also need to mention whether or not the client resonates with LS values?

If I want to choose a celebrity for instance and they own a brand - do I mention the celebrity as a client or their brand.

E.G - Krept (musician) he owns Nalas Baby - do I chose Krept as my client or Nalas Baby?

I could be overthinking this simple question.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu

I’ve come across this question and would like some clarification please - If you could work with any client as a lawyer at Lewis Silkin (even if they are not currently a client of ours), who would it be and why?

Is the best way to approach this question will be identify an individual/organisation that can properly utilise LS services so essentially LS would be a one-stop-shop for the client? Would I also need to mention whether or not the client resonates with LS values?

If I want to choose a celebrity for instance and they own a brand - do I mention the celebrity as a client or their brand.

E.G - Krept (musician) he owns Nalas Baby - do I chose Krept as my client or Nalas Baby?

I could be overthinking this simple question.

Hi @Zaraa.x

I think @Jessica Booker and @Andrei Radu would also have some things to add here, but just wanted to jump in before.

Completely understand overthinking questions (guilty of this on too many previous occasions to count)! That said, I think the primary aim of this question is less about what Lewis Silkin could do for the hypothetical client and more about gauging your interests, your commercial awareness, and your basic understanding of the firm’s work. When choosing a client, I'd suggest picking someone (or a business) that aligns reasonably well with Lewis Silkin’s typical client base. Avoid going for something too wild or outside of their wheelhouse. This shows that you have a good grasp of the kind of work the firm does.

As for whether to choose Krept or Nalas Baby, I think either of these could potentially work. But it’s important to reflect on why they interest you. Think about what makes them compelling from a legal or commercial perspective. For instance, what challenges or opportunities might they face that would require legal support? How does their work intersect with areas of law that Lewis Silkin specialises in, such as intellectual property, brand protection, or employment law? Would you find it exciting to help a growing brand navigate legal complexities or work with a high-profile individual managing their business ventures and why?

Again, it’s about showcasing your genuine interests and thoughtfulness. Good luck!

 

[Zaraa.x]

Hi @Zaraa.x

I think @Jessica Booker and @Andrei Radu would also have some things to add here, but just wanted to jump in before.

Completely understand overthinking questions (guilty of this on too many previous occasions to count)! That said, I think the primary aim of this question is less about what Lewis Silkin could do for the hypothetical client and more about understanding your interests, your commercial awareness, and your basic understanding of the firm’s work. When choosing a client, I'd suggest picking someone (or a business) that aligns reasonably well with Lewis Silkin’s typical client base. Avoid going for something too wild or outside of their wheelhouse. This shows that you have a good grasp of the kind of work the firm does.

As for whether to choose Krept or Nalas Baby, I think either of these could potentially work. But it’s important to reflect on why they interest you. Think about what makes them compelling from a legal or commercial perspective. For instance, what challenges or opportunities might they face that would require legal support? How does their work intersect with areas of law that Lewis Silkin specialises in, such as intellectual property, brand protection, or employment law? Would you find it exciting to help a growing brand navigate legal complexities or work with a high-profile individual managing their business ventures and why?

Again, it’s about showcasing your genuine interests and thoughtfulness. Good luck!

Thank you so much for breaking it down this way!!

 

[bibss]

CMS WG! Small wins

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu

I’ve come across this question and would like some clarification please - If you could work with any client as a lawyer at Lewis Silkin (even if they are not currently a client of ours), who would it be and why?

Is the best way to approach this question will be identify an individual/organisation that can properly utilise LS services so essentially LS would be a one-stop-shop for the client? Would I also need to mention whether or not the client resonates with LS values?

If I want to choose a celebrity for instance and they own a brand - do I mention the celebrity as a client or their brand.

E.G - Krept (musician) he owns Nalas Baby - do I chose Krept as my client or Nalas Baby?

I could be overthinking this simple question.

The first thing is to align your interests to the client first. Try to pick out what it is about the work you would do with that client that might be of interest to you, or if they are in a certain sector that interest you mention that. But then make sure it is going to be in areas the firm already covers.

Whether you pick the individual or the client/business will depend on the above factors though. If the firm does more private client type work and that interests you, then the individual maybe the appropriate reference. You could always then make the link to the commercial work that could be brought in by the company they own (and vice versa if you go with the business but then say the firm can refer the business owner to private client services).

 

[Zaraa.x]

The first thing is to align your interests to the client first. Try to pick out what it is about the work you would do with that client that might be of interest to you, or if they are in a certain sector that interest you mention that. But then make sure it is going to be in areas the firm already covers.

Whether you pick the individual or the client/business will depend on the above factors though. If the firm does more private client type work and that interests you, then the individual maybe the appropriate reference. You could always then make the link to the commercial work that could be brought in by the company they own (and vice versa if you go with the business but then say the firm can refer the business owner to private client services).

This is great! Thank you!!

 

[Az]

Hi, does anyone know how quickly Slaughter and May contact referees post interview for direct TC?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Hi, does anyone know how quickly Slaughter and May contact referees post interview for direct TC?

hey they only contact referees if they r going to make an offer (from experience last year)

 

[Az]

hey they only contact referees if they r going to make an offer (from experience last year)

Thanks . Do you know if that request comes in pretty imminently post interview?

 

[g.cl.2020344]

Thanks . Do you know if that request comes in pretty imminently post interview?

think maybe within 2-3 weeks they should ask referees, just depends on how busy grad recruitment is

 

[lalalala]

Hi I received a VI invite on Tuesday, and the deadline is within 5 days of receipt of the email. Does this mean I have to finish it tomorrow (Saturday)? Thank you!!

 

[sarahfw]

Hi, do you know how exactly we should respond to questions like this in an application?

"Can you tell us anything further about yourself to support your application?"

Not really sure what to do as I've already mentioned the firm's values elsewhere in my application, but thinking I could mention extracurriculars and any other achievements of note and what skills they have developed (plus how that's relevant to law)

Thanks for any help

 

[DesperateForVac]

Any tips for the CMS video interview? Its my first one im so nervous. Please does anyone have advice