TCLA General Discussion Thread #2 (2021)

[M1999]

Did you get/see a job description/advert when you applied?

Yes but it’s still very generalised, I was thinking if anyone could tell me more specific day to day things they do!

 

[Deleted member 2707]

One of Ashurst's questions is: "What qualities does a successful lawyer of the future require?"

I'm kind of thinking of answering it depending on the stage the lawyer is at- for example: a partner would obviously require more charisma and client-wrangling skills than a trainee per se. But is this interpretation too far of a stretch/am I thinking too much?

 

[Sonia_Kawaii]

Yeah, don't overthink it too much Look at the qualities/skills they look for in their trainees - You'll find those on their website. I don't think you have to give examples of your own experience here - rather do that in your cover letter.

One of Ashurst's questions is: "What qualities does a successful lawyer of the future require?"

I'm kind of thinking of answering it depending on the stage the lawyer is at- for example: a partner would obviously require more charisma and client-wrangling skills than a trainee per se. But is this interpretation too far of a stretch/am I thinking too much?

 

[breadpitt]

I have quick question. Maybe I'm overthinking it but I would like some advice!

I’ve been assigned a trainee buddy for a firm I'm doing a VS in. I emailed the trainee a few weeks ago. He replied saying he’s happy to do a coffee chat/virtual call prior to scheme.

I replied saying yes, and asked to work around his schedule.

He hasn’t replied me for 2 weeks. Should I follow up and ask to do a virtual call? I'm afraid I come off as pushy and not mindful of his time given that he's obviously very busy.

Or should I wait until the scheme to meet him? I'm afraid I come off as apathetic!

 

[Jessica Booker]

One of Ashurst's questions is: "What qualities does a successful lawyer of the future require?"

I'm kind of thinking of answering it depending on the stage the lawyer is at- for example: a partner would obviously require more charisma and client-wrangling skills than a trainee per se. But is this interpretation too far of a stretch/am I thinking too much?

The key word for me in this question is future. I would also talk about it more generally rather than at a particular stage - their responsibilities might be different, but I don't necessarily think their qualities are different!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have quick question. Maybe I'm overthinking it but I would like some advice!

I’ve been assigned a trainee buddy for a firm I'm doing a VS in. I emailed the trainee a few weeks ago. He replied saying he’s happy to do a coffee chat/virtual call prior to scheme.

I replied saying yes, and asked to work around his schedule.

He hasn’t replied me for 2 weeks. Should I follow up and ask to do a virtual call? I'm afraid I come off as pushy and not mindful of his time given that he's obviously very busy.

Or should I wait until the scheme to meet him? I'm afraid I come off as apathetic!

Wait until the scheme. They probably thought it would be best to have the coffee once you are there (which is the normal approach).

Plus you don't necessarily know your schedule now anyway, so scheduling a coffee now could lead to it just needing to be rescheduled to another time.

 

[Mea]

I had a TC interview earlier this week and got on to the second stage (high street firm). Now I am slightly worried because I had to defer an LPC exam and won't sit it till early September. They mentioned they wanted a trainee to start in September. I'm worried I technically won't have 'passed' the LPC by that time as I'm sitting it then! Does anyone know how this works? Are firms strict on this?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I had a TC interview earlier this week and got on to the second stage (high street firm). Now I am slightly worried because I had to defer an LPC exam and won't sit it till early September. They mentioned they wanted a trainee to start in September. I'm worried I technically won't have 'passed' the LPC by that time as I'm sitting it then! Does anyone know how this works? Are firms strict on this?

You really need to speak to you academic provider first to find out when will you get your results. You then need to speak to your law firm to discuss this with them if your start date is before that date.

It is possible to start a TC while you are completing the LPC, but your firm is going to be the only one who can confirm whether they are happy to do this.

 

[Jacob Miller]

One of Ashurst's questions is: "What qualities does a successful lawyer of the future require?"

I'm kind of thinking of answering it depending on the stage the lawyer is at- for example: a partner would obviously require more charisma and client-wrangling skills than a trainee per se. But is this interpretation too far of a stretch/am I thinking too much?

Things like the ability to sell to clients are honed with experience and also mentoring as you become more senior.

I would encourage you to think more in terms of a junior (trainee and up to say 3PQ) lawyer, positions where you'll be in the next 5-6 years.

 

[Deleted member 2707]

Yeah, don't overthink it too much Look at the qualities/skills they look for in their trainees - You'll find those on their website. I don't think you have to give examples of your own experience here - rather do that in your cover letter.

The key word for me in this question is future. I would also talk about it more generally rather than at a particular stage - their responsibilities might be different, but I don't necessarily think their qualities are different!

Things like the ability to sell to clients are honed with experience and also mentoring as you become more senior.

I would encourage you to think more in terms of a junior (trainee and up to say 3PQ) lawyer, positions where you'll be in the next 5-6 years.

Thank you all for your inputs! I feel as if I'm overthinking the question- definitely going to look for the more generic traits. Just to follow up on that though, is it necessary to bring up personal examples or is it sufficient to state the quality and why it is important? (Nadine provided some great input on this but just wanted to see what the generic consensus was!)

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thank you all for your inputs! I feel as if I'm overthinking the question- definitely going to look for the more generic traits. Just to follow up on that though, is it necessary to bring up personal examples or is it sufficient to state the quality and why it is important? (Nadine provided some great input on this but just wanted to see what the generic consensus was!)

You are not being asked to provide your personal examples of where you have demonstrated those skills/attributes, just your analysis of what is important.

 

[Deleted member 2707]

You are not being asked to provide your personal examples of where you have demonstrated those skills/attributes, just your analysis of what is important.

Perfect, thanks Jessica!

 

[StudentOfLaw21]

I found out a few weeks ago now but, I have been successful in achieving a place on the WBD placement scheme! 🥳 This is a massive milestone in my journey.

Thanks to the TCLA for holding how to convert your vac scheme into a TC yesterday!

 

[djqb]

Hi @Jaysen, is TCLA still running the form where you can submit your interview experience and get the GBP 5 Amazon voucher? Thanks.

 

[Jaysen]

Hi @Jaysen, is TCLA still running the form where you can submit your interview experience and get the GBP 5 Amazon voucher? Thanks.

Yep!

 

[Jaysen]

I found out a few weeks ago now but, I have been successful in achieving a place on the WBD placement scheme! 🥳 This is a massive milestone in my journey.

Thanks to the TCLA for holding how to convert your vac scheme into a TC yesterday!

Well done!

 

[Penelope]

Would someone mind sharing with me the email address for arranging a mock interview with Rare please? I am a Rare candidate and have emailed a couple of times, but never hear back - not sure if it is the wrong email!

Feel free to pm me if you prefer, thanks

 

[Jacob Miller]

Would someone mind sharing with me the email address for arranging a mock interview with Rare please? I am a Rare candidate and have emailed a couple of times, but never hear back - not sure if it is the wrong email!

Feel free to pm me if you prefer, thanks

If you send me a DM I should be able to help you work this out.

 

[Sonia_Kawaii]

I found out a few weeks ago now but, I have been successful in achieving a place on the WBD placement scheme! 🥳 This is a massive milestone in my journey.

Thanks to the TCLA for holding how to convert your vac scheme into a TC yesterday!

I knew you'd do great! Congratulations 🥳 🥳

 

[StudentOfLaw21]

I knew you'd do great! Congratulations 🥳 🥳

Thank you!!!