TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

Tbramwell

New Member
Nov 25, 2024
1
0
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
Did you do the VI and get answers to these questions -- I am also wondering! thanks
 

sarahfw

Active Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Mar 19, 2024
15
8
Hi, I have an AC coming up and am starting to prepare my commercial question response. Would it be okay to talk about Trump's tariffs and his re-election in general, even though the firm I have an AC it as a UK firm with no offices in the US? I was thinking of linking this back to the countries that the firm does have offices in given the US' power. Thank you!
 

give.me.a.tc

Star Member
Premium Member
Apr 12, 2023
30
22
Hi, I have an AC coming up and am starting to prepare my commercial question response. Would it be okay to talk about Trump's tariffs and his re-election in general, even though the firm I have an AC it as a UK firm with no offices in the US? I was thinking of linking this back to the countries that the firm does have offices in given the US' power. Thank you!
Personally, the issue with political news are that they often accompanied by some sort of subjectivities and maybe bias. You really don’t want your news to be dead on arrival in someone’s mind. You may want to consider another news that is not subjective at all.
 

Addicted2chikin

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Jul 3, 2022
51
46
Hi, I have an AC coming up and am starting to prepare my commercial question response. Would it be okay to talk about Trump's tariffs and his re-election in general, even though the firm I have an AC it as a UK firm with no offices in the US? I was thinking of linking this back to the countries that the firm does have offices in given the US' power. Thank you!
If you can relate it to something about the firm or its clients, it should be fine. For example, if they have an international trade practice or shipping, that’s something that will be relevant.
 

Ram Sabaratnam

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
469
1,082
Hi, I have an AC coming up and am starting to prepare my commercial question response. Would it be okay to talk about Trump's tariffs and his re-election in general, even though the firm I have an AC it as a UK firm with no offices in the US? I was thinking of linking this back to the countries that the firm does have offices in given the US' power. Thank you!

Hiya @sarahfw

Good luck with your AC! Even though the firm doesn’t have offices in the US, it might still be worth considering the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs or trade policies on the firm’s clients in Europe and the UK. This is particularly worth thinking about given the US’s significant influence on global trade. That said, it’s important to approach this topic thoughtfully and with a neutral, factual tone. To structure your response, I’d suggest the following approach:
  1. State the policy or trade instrument clearly: Briefly explain what the tariffs or trade reforms involve, ensuring the your interviewers understand the context.
  2. Highlight specific impacts: Focus on 2-3 concrete ways the policy might affect the firm’s clients in the regions it operates. For example, will it increase costs for clients reliant on imports from the US? Could it disrupt supply chains or even create opportunities for clients in certain sectors?
  3. Connect to the firm’s role: Explain how the firm is well-positioned to help clients navigate these challenges or opportunities, whether through their expertise in trade law, cross-border transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Lastly, I'd encourage you to avoid being too broad or vague when discussing a topic like tariffs. For example, instead of saying, 'Trump’s tariffs will affect clients,' try to be specific. How much has he promised for these tariffs to go up by? Have there been promises to impose tariffs on imports in particular sectors or countries that could affect clients or the firm in question? By being more specific, you can show a deeper understanding of the issues and demonstrates your ability to analyse policy impacts effectively. Overall, though, as long as you're neutral in tone and informative, this can make for a really compelling answer. Again, good luck with your AC!
 
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