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

[M991]

Hi! I have a few questions regarding FT article analysis as part of AC. Do you guys have any tips and tricks on how to approach it?

1. If I am given a few minutes to read the article, should I prepared to provide a brief summary at the beginning of the assessment?
2. What should I focus on when reading the article - the main points the author is advancing in the article and explain why it matters? Wider commercial issues? The impact of certain developments on the firm?
3. How should I structure my answer?

Thanks so much! @James Carrabino @AvniD @George Maxwell

 

[AvniD]

Hey! The way I'd approach it is-

• Identify what the subject matter of the article (deal, law, company, acquisition etc. that's being discussed)
• Identify the main legal and commercial issues with the subject matter (stick to 2-3 main ones if you're low on time and expressly state that you're choosing to focus on these)
• Issue by issue, go through possible solutions
  • for example, if the article says that the acquisition involves a disputed asset, and you're representing the buyer, state that acquiring this asset may lead to future claims against the buyer and that getting an indemnity or insurance or even carving out this asset from the overall acquisition may be beneficial.
  • You don't have to be correct, but you do need to 1) attempt to provide solutions and 2) give your reasoning for them, even if they are flawed/incorrect.
  • Be flexible if you're proven wrong and adapt to the new information you've been given to provide other possible solutions.

I hope this helps!

 

[AvniD]

Hi all, looking for some advice please… 🙌🏼

I applied for the Samsung Graduate Paralegal role and did the tests and VI. I’ve just heard I’ve just been offered an AC for the Graduate Data Privacy Advisor role instead. I am interested in potentially specialising in data protection/privacy law when becoming a solicitor (despite my username on here lol) so looks like it would give me relevant experience. But as it is not strictly within the legal team (it’s in the Business Services team), would this come across as a good experience with future TC apps? It’s also a two year programme so I’m unsure.

Please let me know your thoughts! TIA x

Go for it! You could learn a ton of transferable skills, be earning while you apply for TCs and gain knowledge that you could apply later on in your career.

In my experience, commercial law is one of the most diverse fields out there in terms of the backgrounds of people that get recruited into it- I've met a doctor who had been practicing for 20 years before switching, a musician, a literature graduate, a customer service assistant, the list really is endless!

So your experience, even though it won't be legal, will be appreciated and relevant so don't let the fear of this not happening hold you back if you're genuinely interested in the role.

 

[AvniD]

'tell us a bit about yourself' 250 words. I'm unsure how to approach this, does the firm want me adopt a competency-style answer and be like 'I am commercially aware because xyz' or do they want me to talk about my personal interests?

Not a competency-style question. They're asking this to get to know who you are, not why you're suitable candidate for a graduate opportunity at the firm.

I would mention the traits and experiences I've had outside of the training contract application process to answer this question.

Bringing up your interests, your background (cultural, educational etc.), your motivations, USP and how you occupy yourself outside of making applications will help make your answer stand out.

Wishing you the best!

 

[YUKI1201]

been a week since my FF AC still no response yet 🤕

 

[Law2021vacschemer]

been a week since my FF AC still no response yet 🤕

Sorry to put a downer on it but I waited over 3 weeks until I got my offer so it’ll probably be a while yet until you get a response- good luck though and fingers crossed it’ll be quicker for you

 

[isaacngzw]

Anyone heard from Dentons post-TI or Bakers post-VI? Saw someone on my LinkedIn get a Dentons summer vac scheme offer already and it’s been 13 days/15 days respectively for me so 😐

I've been waiting on Dentons too! Did the TI on 27 Jan and no updates yet. They told me then that they'll get back to me within 2 weeks but it's almost 3 now. Sent them a follow-up email on Mon and am waiting for a reply

 

[Irena]

I've been waiting on Dentons too! Did the TI on 27 Jan and no updates yet. They told me then that they'll get back to me within 2 weeks but it's almost 3 now. Sent them a follow-up email on Mon and am waiting for a reply

I've been waiting since 04/02 post the TI, so it is 14 days since

 

[George Maxwell]

OMG Farrer AC!!
This is my first AC so if anyone has any advice I'd greatly appreciate it!

Hey @Rachael.Elisa,

Congratulations on being invited to your first AC!

Have you been directed towards/seen the various links that I have posted on this thread previously? If not, this and this post are worth checking out.

Please do reach out if you would like any further help or guidance 💪

 

[AspiringIPLawyer]

Absolutely yes!

Think about this:
1) Industry insight
2) Global company and likely to gain knowledge of how to support it. So experience of what it means to work internationally and the implications of it.
3) So many skills
4) You do not need legal experience to get a TC

Go for it! You could learn a ton of transferable skills, be earning while you apply for TCs and gain knowledge that you could apply later on in your career.

In my experience, commercial law is one of the most diverse fields out there in terms of the backgrounds of people that get recruited into it- I've met a doctor who had been practicing for 20 years before switching, a musician, a literature graduate, a customer service assistant, the list really is endless!

So your experience, even though it won't be legal, will be appreciated and relevant so don't let the fear of this not happening hold you back if you're genuinely interested in the role.

Thank you both so much for your thoughts, I really appreciate it! I will go for the AC 😁

 

[LawfulRust00]

Taylor Wessing PFO post Arctic Shores

 

[AspiringIPLawyer]

Received the Taylor Wessing PFO I was expecting post Arctic Shores assessment. A shame because I felt the personalities I was given on the feedback report were absolutely nothing like me... 😔

 

[allthingslegaltech]

Anyone else doing the Shearman & Sterling Summer Vac Scheme? If so please do feel free to drop me a message

 

[Ambs123]

PFO from TW too post-test - not surprised ……

 

[GXA123]

TW PFO here as well, sad times ....

 

[MH]

Fladgate PFO

 

[selfcarequeenzzz1]

Anyone heard from CRS, Cooley or Milbank?

 

[corinium]

Irwin Mitchell PFO post-VI

 

[ZaraB]

Irwin Mitchell PFO!

 

[GXA123]

Irwin Mitchell PFO!

Irwin Mitchell PFO post-VI

omg I cannot handle another one today, which office?