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

[JD]

I received a VI invite from Latham on the 14th and completed it on the 18th (think I didn’t do very well but it was a good learning experience regardless). Hope you all will hear back soon!

Thank you and good luck when did you submit your app?

 

[James Carrabino]

It’s Colombia. The firm closed both its Venezuelan and Colombian offices but still operates in Brazil and Mexico. But Colombia has some really interesting large infrastructure projects happening in 2022 (and ofc has big mining/resource/agricultural economy) something which the firm specialises in. I know for example that Baker McKenzie still operates in the country, and that Dentons took over this firm’s Venezuelan office so I feel like it’s not a lost cause financially lol!

Hi @thirdtimelucky I think you are on to something very interesting! Obviously it may be an unusual choice to pick a location where the firm recently closed their office, but if you explain it well then your answer could intrigue your interviewers!

The main thing I would ask you is whether you feel that you properly understand why the firm closed their Colombian office? Furthermore, do these large infrastructure projects actually require having an office in the country or could a lot of the work be done through the Brazil and Mexico offices? The interesting thing about closing in 2019 is that this was pre-Covid and there is talk of increasing aversion to international travel going forward, which may be a reason why the firm would want to consider re-opening!

 

[M&Amakesmyday]

Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance

 

[GXA123]

Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance

netwooooorrrkkkkk, go to every event online and participate and force yourself to be on camera and talk, join societies in uni. just practice public speaking more, it would be hard at the beginning but then you will enjoy it a lot

 

[Jaysen]

Can I just take this opportunity to really thank the entire TCLA team and @Jaysen for creating this forum! Because i honestly would be 1000% lost and would have felt completely alone in this process had it not been for TCLA!!! I have been able to speak with and contact soo many wonderful people from this forum that I know I would not have been acquainted with had I not been part of this community!...so yh truly thank you! 🥲👏👏

This was a kind message to log into, thank you very much. We adore this community

 

[James Carrabino]

@AvniD @George Maxwell @James Carrabino @Jessica Booker

What would you guys say are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the legal industry at the moment. I am talking about general awareness of the current and foreseeable market - so if you were perhaps the managing partner at a city law firm, what would be you top considerations currently. Would love to hear people's opinions.

I'll start - I was thinking: (1) Retaining talent and well being; and (2) for a UK firm, probably US rivals coming in and dominating some areas in London.

Hi @Dwight this is an excellent question!

You have started with some excellent points although remember to address opportunities as well. I also have some thoughts on this question.

Retaining talent is a great point. In addition to the 'war for talent' which revolves heavily around salaries and perks, you are right to address well-being initiatives, which increasingly include WFH provisions. The threat is not just from other major law firms, as there is a rise in boutiques doing top-quality work as well as lucrative in-house legal positions. Being flexible with staff during an extremely dynamic commercial environment (a plethora of restructurings one minute, followed by even more M&A deals the next!) is also important.

There have been a lot of regulatory changes around the world in recent years which law firms will have to navigate on behalf of their clients. These include increasingly complex foreign direct investment and national security regimes governing international investment. This is sort of a symptom of the increased economic nationalism of recent years, exacerbated by the pandemic. Also consider the role of advocacy campaigns and activist investors, who have a certain agenda (e.g. divesting from fossil fuels). Law firms need to be very aware of business and reputational challenges arising from these considerations.

The opportunities here are of course that the companies which succeed in adapting to the rapidly changing commercial environment may soon find themselves with significant market share in their respective markets, along with the prestige that accompanies such commercial success. Law firms can help their clients to achieve strong market positions, earning reputational and financial benefits in the process.

Technology investment will provide a major opportunity for improving operating efficiency and enhancing law firm profitability but a challenge will be balancing this increased automation with personalised client service.

I will try to think of more but I hope that is helpful for now

 

[Rob93]

Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance

It's not the most dazzling insight, but practice goes a long way. I also, if the formatting permits, like to get interviewers to tell me about stuff and then kind of springboard off of that.

It might be helpful to practice a bit with friends, family, or mentors, really anyone you're a bit more comfortable with. You can then kind of translate that energy into interview ('it's just a conversation') making any appropriate adjustments to tone, formality level, what have you.

 

[AP2000]

anyone still waiting to hear from Taylor Wessing post artic shores?

There will be assessment centres up until March, so no need to panic just yet!

 

[WeRegretToInformYou]

are DLA still sending out ACs? I've still heard nothing (and my portal hasn't updated since I submitted) :/

 

[Homer]

Hi everyone,

This is for those that have completed Freshfields' WG test for their direct TC app. Did you guys receive a confirmation email after submitting it? I have received one and I'm worried something went wrong. Have emailed grad recruitment but they don't open until Monday.

Would help put my nerves at ease if I knew if this was normal or if something went wrong.

Thanks

 

[YUKI1201]

How many applications have you guys sent in on average? (that you think are high quality and not just BS/ sending It for the sake of applying)

I sent in 7, got 1 rejection, 3 ACs (done 1 got an offer) and waiting to hear back from the other 3

 

[Lumree]

I didn’t apply to OC or know much about them at all, but if it gives you any extra info at all, someone from my university was offered a summer vacation scheme there yesterday

Do you mind me asking what office it was for?

 

[YUKI1201]

Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance

I may not be the best person to answer this (I'm quite outgoing and a people-person) but here's a few things I did at my AC:

1) stayed relaxed and smiled - small step but the most important
2) talked about my personal *non-polished* experiences - so be authentic. Interviewers asked me to talk about a mistake, I said I applied for biochemistry initially and "absolutely hated" the lab job during an internship so it was a bad decision, they had a good laugh. I usually polish up 90% of my experiences and leave like 1-2 examples non-polished, so that my polished answers sound authentic too.
3) appropriate jokes - a bit more difficult, depends on the personality of your interviewer. If they're the poker-face type of person, or if you're not sure about your sense of humour, I'd be careful with this.
4) listened to what they said and showed that I was interested in them - their work, experiences, hobbies. Engage with what they're saying. My interviewer mentioned that he's specialised in ESG, I brought up a recent case in ESG, and we joked about making the world a whole lot better (LOL).
5) advice: don't script your answers or deliberately make yourself sound like a politician or diplomat. Talk normally and use normal conversational language. And if you're an introvert, no need to pretend that you're not one - just communicate clearly, show good respect and friendliness.

Just my two cents!

 

[James Carrabino]

Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance

Hi @commercialhoe-yer, it is great to hear from you - you sound like a very thoughtful person and I am sure that you absolutely have what it takes to get a TC! I definitely know shy/introverted people who have received TC offers and they are often the smartest and kindest of the bunch! Remember that the people interviewing you may have lacked confidence themselves at one point; that could subconsciously warm them to someone more like themselves. There is definitely an element of the luck of the draw when it comes to who your interviewers are.

I had the same idea in mind as you when I attended interviews and vac schemes. I remember identifying a whole range of charming, well-presented individuals at the beginning of the day or week, whom I was certain would be a shoo-in! This did not come from a place of annoyance, as they were often lovely people who seemed very knowledgeable - it simply made me feel like I was competing for one of the 'remaining' spots 🤣

Often I was completely surprised when I found out who ended up getting the offers - not because I think that those who did receive an offer didn't deserve it, but because I had formulated an image of the perfect lawyer in my mind and the individuals who fit this description did not always end up getting offers.

The point here is that everyone on your interview (including you) will be exceptionally well qualified. Ultimately, it will come down to how well prepared you are for your interview and whether you are a good fit with the firm. Many practice areas have significantly less client contact than others and being a 'people' person does not necessarily mean being able to work the room; it just means that you are kind, respectful and reliable to those who are entrusting you with their work. As long as you show up to your interviews with a lot of knowledge about the firm and genuine interest in its work, then you will have put yourself in the best position possible to get a TC. I really would not try to be someone who you are not.

Nevertheless, it is definitely possible to prepare answers to the 'casual' questions so that you do not feel caught out in your interview. You can find a list of some such questions which may arise here.

There are also some ways to work on building rapport, which I have written about here. Do let me know if this is all helpful and whether you have any other questions about it

 

[NaimK]

hey guys would really appreciate some insight here...

I'm applying to Gibson Dunn and I need to write a cover letter of max 650 words (which is very short).

The firm basically have said on the app form that it wants you to cover the following topics:

1. what attracts you to Gibson Dunn;
2. why you want to become a solicitor;
3. an outstanding personal achievement which added value to either your academic or working environment;
4. details of any prizes, scholarships, interests, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application.

Naturally dividing these topics equally means you only have about 150~160 words per topic. However, I would think answers on why Gibson Dunn would maybe represent a larger proportion of my answer. I'm not sure.

If anyone has ever written this cover letter, some recommendations would be helpful.

🙏

 

[Asil Ahmad]

hey guys would really appreciate some insight here...

I'm applying to Gibson Dunn and I need to write a cover letter of max 650 words (which is very short).

The firm basically have said on the app form that it wants you to cover the following topics:

1. what attracts you to Gibson Dunn;
2. why you want to become a solicitor;
3. an outstanding personal achievement which added value to either your academic or working environment;
4. details of any prizes, scholarships, interests, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application.

Naturally dividing these topics equally means you only have about 150~160 words per topic. However, I would think answers on why Gibson Dunn would maybe represent a larger proportion of my answer. I'm not sure.

If anyone has ever written this cover letter, some recommendations would be helpful.

🙏

I decided 200 for why commercial law, 200 for why Gibson and 200 for extra curriculum activities but is this wrong.

 

[CorporateLaw101]

Do you mind me asking what office it was for?

London I believe.

 

[NaimK]

I decided 200 for why commercial law, 200 for why Gibson and 200 for extra curriculum activities but is this wrong.

Idk if you're 'wrong' per se but you inspired me to re-read the criteria and it actually says you should include SOME of the following topics. So I do not need to address all 4. I think I might stick to your format because that one achievement thing seems so out of place and will burden the word count.

My typical cover letter is why commercial law, why X firm and why me. I think I can just replace the 'why me' component with the extra curricular.

 

[James Carrabino]

hey guys would really appreciate some insight here...

I'm applying to Gibson Dunn and I need to write a cover letter of max 650 words (which is very short).

The firm basically have said on the app form that it wants you to cover the following topics:

1. what attracts you to Gibson Dunn;
2. why you want to become a solicitor;
3. an outstanding personal achievement which added value to either your academic or working environment;
4. details of any prizes, scholarships, interests, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application.

Naturally dividing these topics equally means you only have about 150~160 words per topic. However, I would think answers on why Gibson Dunn would maybe represent a larger proportion of my answer. I'm not sure.

If anyone has ever written this cover letter, some recommendations would be helpful.

🙏

Great question @NaimK! The first thing I would say is that it is never worth being too prescriptive with these things - if one section is longer than another then that is not a problem

It is probably good to think about how you are roughly going to apportion each section though, as you have been doing. I think that the breakdown they provide you with actually closely mirrors the standard cover letter structure (1. Why law? 2. Why this firm? 3. Why you?) although the order is different and they have been slightly more prescriptive about what you should include in the 'Why you?' section.

As a result, I think that you could perhaps split your answer into thirds, with points 3 and 4 together combining to form around a third of your answer, or a little more, given that the single achievement of importance will probably not take up too much space. How about ~400 words for points 1 and 2 combined and ~250 words for 3 and 4 combined? Again, it does not matter if you veer away from this at all, but I generally agree with you that it is good to write in depth about your motivations!

 

[NaimK]

Great question @NaimK! The first thing I would say is that it is never worth being too prescriptive with these things - if one section is longer than another then that is not a problem

It is probably good to think about how you are roughly going to apportion each section though, as you have been doing. I think that the breakdown they provide you with actually closely mirrors the standard cover letter structure (1. Why law? 2. Why this firm? 3. Why you?) although the order is different and they have been slightly more prescriptive about what you should include in the 'Why you?' section.

As a result, I think that you could perhaps split your answer into thirds, with points 3 and 4 together combining to form around a third of your answer, or a little more, given that the single achievement of importance will probably not take up too much space. How about ~400 words for points 1 and 2 combined and ~250 words for 3 and 4 combined? Again, it does not matter if you veer away from this at all, but I generally agree with you that it is good to write in depth about your motivations!

Much appreciated, James. I was thinking that the extra curricular could be written in a way where I talk about the attributes gained from those hobbies etc. and that way I can leverage those attributes to indirectly answer the 'why me' section that isn't explicitly included in the firm's criteria.

No idea if that made any sense lol...but it makes sense to me. So thank you!