TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[jta227]

Quick question you guys, when it comes to approaching "why this firm", can i just straight up saying one of the reason is because of their high salary? I know i know that's definetely not the only reason, of course considered with other solid factors, but I'm just wondering if i can mention their high salary?

No:
1. There will probably be other firms that pay more than them and regardless there's like 50+ firms that pay 6 figures, so it doesn't even answer "why this firm" because it's not a unique factor.
2. It's not really something you have to (or should) say in an application. It's obviously a reason for most people but if you have nothing to say instead of that that's more about the actual work, culture etc. then that'd be a bad sign.

 

[Law queries]

It took 5 days for me

Oh okay, thank youu!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Quick question you guys, when it comes to approaching "why this firm", can i just straight up saying one of the reason is because of their high salary? I know i know that's definetely not the only reason, of course considered with other solid factors, but I'm just wondering if i can mention their high salary?

You can but I dont think it is a good idea to. 1) if they pay a high salary there will be other firms that pay similar amounts and 2) a high salary is only going to go so far if you actually don’t like working there because everything else doesn’t match your aspirations.

 

[addy2004]

Imagine receiving a PFO from A&O Shearman for their TC last week, just to receive a second PFO on a Saturday morning 💀happy weekend everyone

 

[Peppermint tea]

Noo, less. Applied on 19th, got the WG on 25th, VI on the 1st of December

Thankyou. So they told you you got the VI on the Sunday? Just curious how long the wait was between submitting the WG and invite for VI

 

[gazdgazd11]

Thankyou. So they told you you got the VI on the Sunday? Just curious how long the wait was between submitting the WG and invite for VI

Sorry - it was 2nd December. My bad.

 

[Amma Usman]

Quick question you guys, when it comes to approaching "why this firm", can i just straight up saying one of the reason is because of their high salary? I know i know that's definetely not the only reason, of course considered with other solid factors, but I'm just wondering if i can mention their high salary?

Hey there @Tangcy , this is a very valid question. I have come across it many times with a number of my mentees.

The short answer is that this should not be a reason highlighted in applications, nor in interviews or at any stage of the process. The reason is because generally, high remuneration is seen across not just other law firms, but other industries as well - tech, finance, quantum analysis, and so on. Above all, the substantial reasons should trace back to a passion for the work at its core. What practice areas appeal to you and why? Why commercial law in a commercial law firm? Dig deep into the work and spend a lot of time understanding the nuances of each practice - it will help you tailor your applications more easily to your own personal experiences. This tailored approach, in my opinion, is the strongest way a candidate can see past the application stage and start converting offers. I have spent quite some time creating sources to help with this, so I hope you find the below threads useful;

Guide: Law Firm Practice Areas

Hey everyone! I hope your weekends are going great so far. In this thread, I have included a list of law firm practice areas with descriptions under each. The list is non-exhaustive, but it covers the main practice areas law firms typically deal with. I decided to create the thread because I...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications

Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Why Commercial Law? Investigating Your ‘Why’

The question that often makes you pause for a moment. You know why you want to pursue this, you’re certain it’s what you want. Yet, putting it into words — especially in a way that resonates with recruiters — is a challenge. Then, you see it in an application form, and it’s just like “argg!” How...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[gazdgazd11]

anyone know how long it takes for CMS to get back to you after the VI?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Hi @Amma Usman hope you are doing well. Could you please clarify the differences between the latter part of the first question and the second question which form a part of Kirkland's app. (1) Your letter should be addressed to Graduate Recruitment and include why you want to be a lawyer, what skills you can bring to the role of a trainee solicitor, and why you are applying to be a trainee solicitor at Kirkland & Ellis; and (2) Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor in a transactional focused firm? My guess is that latter part of Q1 wants us to talk about the specifics of K&E however the second question wants us to discuss transactional work in general. Is that correct? Thanks.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Amma Usman hope you are doing well. Could you please clarify the differences between the latter part of the first question and the second question which form a part of Kirkland's app. (1) Your letter should be addressed to Graduate Recruitment and include why you want to be a lawyer, what skills you can bring to the role of a trainee solicitor, and why you are applying to be a trainee solicitor at Kirkland & Ellis; and (2) Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor in a transactional focused firm? My guess is that latter part of Q1 wants us to talk about the specifics of K&E however the second question wants us to discuss transactional work in general. Is that correct? Thanks.

I think this is the right approach - this would distinguish the two answers as the first would only cover why the firm, while the second would be focusing more on the job (e.g. what type of roles/responsibilities would you like doing).

 

[Solking456]

Would be grateful if anyone could share their tips/insights for the Clifford Chance VI ?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Amma Usman hope you are doing well. Could you please clarify the differences between the latter part of the first question and the second question which form a part of Kirkland's app. (1) Your letter should be addressed to Graduate Recruitment and include why you want to be a lawyer, what skills you can bring to the role of a trainee solicitor, and why you are applying to be a trainee solicitor at Kirkland & Ellis; and (2) Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor in a transactional focused firm? My guess is that latter part of Q1 wants us to talk about the specifics of K&E however the second question wants us to discuss transactional work in general. Is that correct? Thanks.

Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor , yep - this is right. For the second question, you may find it beneficial distinguishing between disputes and corporate work and why the latter appeals more. I recommend delving deep on why financial transactions, M&A, PE, and the likes appeal more. K&E also offers about 3 transactional seats from what I can remember. You should aim to cover why you are drawn to more transactional seats since 3/4 of your time there would be spent in them anyway.

In summary, for Q1 aim to highlight;

1. Why commercial law
2. Why K&E
3. Skills, achievements, etc. - essentially, ‘why you’

For Q2;

1. Why corporate/transactional law

 

[Law queries]

did anybody who fill the form for CMS on 5 Dec heard from them regarding the WG test?

 

[kokoprep]

CMS PFO

 

[gazdgazd11]

CMS PFO

after VI? Sorry to hear

 

[kokoprep]

after VI? Sorry to hear

Nope after application stage which is the worst.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

CMS PFO

 

[Law queries]

Nope after application stage which is the worst.

Same

 

[OliverTwist]

anyone know how long it takes for CMS to get back to you after the VI?

No still waiting, did mine on 24th November.

 

[Peppermint tea]

CMS PFO

Sorry to hear. Was it after WG?