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

[antisocial applicant]

On my written application to Gateley, I spelt it as Gately instead of Gateley throughout my application. I think I mentioned their name 2 or 3 times. Would you suggest that I message them to let them know, or would that make it worse? I think this has probably ruined my chances completely! @Jessica Booker would this likely be a PFO? Many thanks!

I'm not Jessica but I wouldn't message graduate recruitment to tell them about a spelling mistake in your application. They're likely to be very busy at the moment and I'm not sure they'd take well to an applicant notifying them of something they can spot themselves (like spelling errors).

 

[Lilz]

In my view, the worst thing you can do is message them. On the off chance they don’t notice, don’t draw their attention to it. If they did notice, I’m not sure what messaging them will change.

I'm not Jessica but I wouldn't message graduate recruitment to tell them about a spelling mistake in your application. They're likely to be very busy at the moment and I'm not sure they'd take well to an applicant notifying them of something they can spot themselves (like spelling errors).

I understand that they’ll most likely notice it. My point was that if I message them it might show to them that I am aware of my mistake.

 

[Future$trainee]

I've done the first half. Do you know where I can find any information on any recent deals, I can't navigate their website clearly.

Hey, how is the numerical part of the test? I literally haven't touched maths since GCSES so I'm a bit anxious about that part lol

 

[Jessica Booker]

On my written application to Gateley, I spelt it as Gately instead of Gateley throughout my application. I think I mentioned their name 2 or 3 times. Would you suggest that I message them to let them know, or would that make it worse? I think this has probably ruined my chances completely! @Jessica Booker would this likely be a PFO? Many thanks!

Unfortunately there is no point informing of this mistake. It will be a negative element unfortunately and many firms consider it a significant one. But I know people who have secured interviews for other firms with the firm’s name spelt incorrectly due to the absolute strengths shown elsewhere.

 

[RachelLouise22]

I understand that they’ll most likely notice it. My point was that if I message them it might show to them that I am aware of my mistake.

I wouldn’t say that showing awareness will chance the situation personally, for staff at the firm I’d say this mistake will stick out sadly

 

[Jessica Booker]

I understand that they’ll most likely notice it. My point was that if I message them it might show to them that I am aware of my mistake.

Unfortunately I don’t think this will help your situation, so I would just leave it.

 

[James Carrabino]

I understand that they’ll most likely notice it. My point was that if I message them it might show to them that I am aware of my mistake.

Don't message them, just don't get your hopes up too high. But much stranger things have happened than people spelling the firm name wrong still getting through to interview

 

[LawfulRust00]

I understand that they’ll most likely notice it. My point was that if I message them it might show to them that I am aware of my mistake.

I understand where you’re coming from, but what’s done is done, in my opinion. We all make mistakes and who would want to work at a firm that fails to accept this. Don’t fret 🙂

 

[James Carrabino]

For people that have done a CC AC - how did you prep for the written exercise. I am soo scared that I won't have time to read it all and write a page letter/memo/brief 😪 Any advice will be strongly appreciated.

@Commerciallaw I should link you this excellent post from @futuretraineesolicitor! The entire thread is very helpful

 

[James Carrabino]

Hi, does anyone have any experience with the Willkie analytical exercise? The invite states that preparation is not necessary, nor is any external legal or commercial knowledge. Therefore, does anyone have any tips on how best to perform i.e., will this just be a matter of providing a succinct argument based on the evidence and demonstrating good written skills?

Hi @PF'noooo! I have made some general comments on written exercises and case studies here. I was successful in Willkie's written exercise last year and I recall that it did not involve legal or commercial knowledge, but that knowing some commercial terms was helpful. I do not know if this is still the case this year, but otherwise I would say that it was a fairly generic written exercise and that my linked post should cover many of the points In my opinion, the main thing is always to make sure that you have a clear structure and that you answer all the questions they ask you. Good luck!

 

[AP2000]

I've got two ACs next week and I am starting to get overwhelmed with information. I had an interview last week with a different firm where I was unable to answer a competency question and I didn't answer two commercial questions how I would have liked 🥲, and it's stressing me out that maybe I don't know as much as I should. When do you know if you've done enough? I know you cannot prepare for every single thing, but the more time I have, the more I think I should be doing more competency examples, more firm research, etc 😕

Hey! Adding to James' response, I'd be more than happy to help with competency questions. If you'd like to talk through an answer to a question that you find difficult feel free to DM me . I consider them my strongest point and although this is my first application cycle I've done competency interviews with companies like BT and Barclays and have been successful. So yeah, let me know if I can help on that front

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Does anyone know where I can find a concrete list of Jones Day's practice areas. They don't have 'seats' due to their non-rotational TC, thus I am curious what work trainees have the opportunity to work on. Chambers talks about their work, but I am looking for a structured list.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone know where I can find a concrete list of Jones Day's practice areas. They don't have 'seats' due to their non-rotational TC, thus I am curious what work trainees have the opportunity to work on. Chambers talks about their work, but I am looking for a structured list.

Practices

Jones Day practices

www.jonesday.com

 

[Lastseasonwonder]

Practices

Jones Day practices

www.jonesday.com

Thanks for sharing, @Jessica Booker. I was thinking one more tailored for trainees if you understand what I mean. I saw this, ands it is very focussed for a client's perspective. EDIT: nvm, I'll just work from this!

 

[ssolicitorz]

would you say a statement such as "I believe the law firm will be the biggest law firm in the next 10 years" comes off cringeworthy?

 

[SOAS22]

Has anyone heard from Birketts?

 

[summer207]

Hey! Adding to James' response, I'd be more than happy to help with competency questions. If you'd like to talk through an answer to a question that you find difficult feel free to DM me . I consider them my strongest point and although this is my first application cycle I've done competency interviews with companies like BT and Barclays and have been successful. So yeah, let me know if I can help on that front

I really appreciate this, I’ll send a message now

 

[lawful_neutral216]

Currently going through some practice questions for ACs and came across this one: 'If you had X amount, how would you invest it?'

I'm wondering how specific of an answer does it require, my initial thoughts are to perhaps divide the amount into different brackets to keep a diversified portfolio.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks for sharing, @Jessica Booker. I was thinking one more tailored for trainees if you understand what I mean. I saw this, ands it is very focussed for a client's perspective. EDIT: nvm, I'll just work from this!

This from the London office page might give you a clearer indication:

Jones Day's London Office

Clients are guided through increasingly complex legal and regulatory challenges by a wealth of insight and skills from our lawyers in London.

www.jonesday.com

 

[Jessica Booker]

would you say a statement such as "I believe the law firm will be the biggest law firm in the next 10 years" comes off cringeworthy?

I guess it depends how likely it will be but even then I guess my response to it is, why is this important to your answer?

If you are going to say something like this, also try and be more specific - For instance biggest by what measure? Revenue/lawyers/profits? Just in the U.K. or worldwide?