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

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M&M

Well-Known Member
  • Oct 22, 2020
    20
    17
    Hi everyone,

    I am struggling with CMS's application questions and was wondering if anyone could help me out. For reference the questions are...
    • Focusing on one of CMS’s sectors, what opportunities have arisen in the ‘new ways of working’ and current business climate? (200 words)
    • In your own words, explain one key strategy that CMS is implementing to become the leading relationship law firm. (200 words)
    Regarding the first question, does 'new ways of working' mean remote working? If so, does it mean the opportunities that remote working has created for the sector or CMS or both?

    For the second question, I was wondering where I can find out more about CMS's strategy? I found a section about it on their website and looked at their annual report but I feel there isn't a lot of information about it.

    Thank you!
     

    pfoapplicant

    Esteemed Member
    Dec 7, 2020
    85
    8
    I'm in the middle of writing my application for the winter vac scheme at A&O, and had a couple of queries.

    Firstly, is it likely that, if I get the application in in the next few hours and do the SJT tomorrow, that I've left it too late (and that I should focus instead on a summer VS application)? I'm aware that the "two-thirds" point in the application window was recently passed, but am hopeful that many will leave their applications until the beginning of October.

    Secondly, do either of the following things count as work experience (to include on the Experience section of applications)?
    - Bright Network Commercial Law Internship Experience (mostly made up of speeches by law firms, but also involved a work task set over the course of a day
    - carrying out research for an upcoming health law journal article, co-authored by an academic and specialist in the field

    @Jessica Booker
     
    Last edited:

    Hele25

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 5, 2021
    180
    608
    Okay - Gowling is really trying to melt my brain with this one.
    Please tell us, if you worked for a commercial law firm and had to deliver a client pitch, what would the client want you to cover to enable them to make a decision on who they instruct?

    It just feels very broad, it doesn’t even specify taking about the firm, though I’m assuming they want that.
    Do they want us to pick a specific sector, or just a general overview of what makes the firm unique/why they should pick Gowling?
    Which would be really difficult as I don’t just want to write a long list of why they’re a great firm (they are, but they already know that!) lol
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated 💕
     

    ellwilsen

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Oct 27, 2020
    155
    363
    Okay - Gowling is really trying to melt my brain with this one.
    Please tell us, if you worked for a commercial law firm and had to deliver a client pitch, what would the client want you to cover to enable them to make a decision on who they instruct?

    It just feels very broad, it doesn’t even specify taking about the firm, though I’m assuming they want that.
    Do they want us to pick a specific sector, or just a general overview of what makes the firm unique/why they should pick Gowling?
    Which would be really difficult as I don’t just want to write a long list of why they’re a great firm (they are, but they already know that!) lol
    Any advice would be greatly appreciated 💕
    Sorry I can’t help with the question, I was just wondering where you found this? I’ve been struggling to locate the application form 😅
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,402
    20,081
    Hi guys,

    I want to apply to some winter vac schemes but because winter vac schemes are usually 1-2 weeks and summer ones are 2-3 a lot of the time, I just thought that maybe I should actually apply to summer because you have longer to make an impression and hopefully convert the vac scheme to a training contract? I have no idea if im right in thinking this though, im just trying to decide which scheme I should go for. Anybody have any thoughts on this?
    To play Devil’s advocate, you also have more time to screw up though on longer schemes.

    I don’t think the length of scheme is really an issue though. The firm recognises what can be achieved in that period of time.

    The things to check with winter schemes are:

    - whether you are eligible - they tend to be for different groups of students/graduates than summer schemes

    - whether you could attend. Some Winter schemes happen during term time, will Spring and Summer tend to be more outside of term time

    - how quickly you want to secure a TC and how you want to manage any potential other offers
     
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