TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

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Veep9

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  • Sep 8, 2020
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    I think this can be done if you are linking it to why it is important. But if you do this, keep it brief (eg you don’t have to go into full STAR format of answers on how you have demonstrated the importance of diversity, just how it has benefitted you or the situations you have worked in).

    I don’t think it is necessary for the answer though, and that individuals can put their own spin on similar themes by putting it in their own language/style and voicing their opinions. Those combinations will make answers different from one another.
    Thank you. I keep feeling like this is a trick question because surely the benefits of diversity are well known. What are they assessing here? It's not knowledge of law, the firm or my experiences.
     

    Jessica Booker

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    Thank you. I keep feeling like this is a trick question because surely the benefits of diversity are well known. What are they assessing here? It's not knowledge of law, the firm or my experiences.
    It isn’t a trick question. They are assessing your knowledge of diversity to see if you align to the firm’s values regarding it. I think you’d be surprised at how many people wouldn’t know how to answer this question or would just Google “why is diversity important to businesses”. A good answer would demonstrate knowledge of how law firms operate.
     

    S87

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    Sorry to post the same question again but I could really use your help
    I am planning to apply to A&O and there are two questions to answer?

    Please describe the key learnings/skills you’ve gained through work experience, positions of responsibility, personal experience or extracurricular activities. (250 words)

    Outline how you would apply these skills to the trainee role at A&O, in order to be successful. (250 words).

    For what concerns the first question: do you think i should use STAR and can I mention the AS commercial awareness competition even if it is an achievement? Plus what do we mean by "learnings"
    The second questions: is the general trainee role or specifically A&O?

    thank you 🙏
     

    Lily721

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  • Oct 7, 2020
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    Sorry to post the same question again but I could really use your help
    I am planning to apply to A&O and there are two questions to answer?

    Please describe the key learnings/skills you’ve gained through work experience, positions of responsibility, personal experience or extracurricular activities. (250 words)

    Outline how you would apply these skills to the trainee role at A&O, in order to be successful. (250 words).

    For what concerns the first question: do you think i should use STAR and can I mention the AS commercial awareness competition even if it is an achievement? Plus what do we mean by "learnings"
    The second questions: is the general trainee role or specifically A&O?

    thank you 🙏
    Hi,

    Regarding the first question - given the word count, I think using the STAR method would be exceptionally difficult as I think that you are required to refer to multiple examples. I would absolutely mention the AS CAC - it is a personal experience for you and you can definitely talk about skills you have developed or lessons you have learned while competing.

    I think that by "learnings" they simply mean what (lessons) you have learned from your experiences etc.

    With regards to the second question, I think you have to explain how these skills would help you be a good trainee, and then link that back to the firm and what it is that they look for.

    I hope this helps.
     
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    S87

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    Hi,

    Regarding the first question - given the word count, I think using the STAR method would be exceptionally difficult as I think that you are required to refer to multiple examples. I would absolutely mention the AS CAC - it is a personal experience for you and you can definitely talk about skills you have developed or lessons you have learned while competing.

    I think that by "learnings" they simply mean what (lessons) you have learned from your experiences etc.

    With regards to the second question, I think you have to explain how these skills would help you be a good trainee, and then link that back to the firm and what it is that they look for.

    I hope this helps.
    Thank you so much
     
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    Lily721

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  • Oct 7, 2020
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    Hey does anyone know if the time it took you to complete A&O or Simmons SJT is taken into account?
    For Simmons, I am pretty positive that they don’t, and I would guess it is the same for A&O. I don’t think time matters with SJTs as they are not testing your knowledge or abilities
     

    S87

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    Any website recommendations for good WG practice tests? Thank you! ☺️
     
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