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

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Jessica Booker

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In virtual interview is it okay to refer to notes?
It is ok to have very shorthand/key word notes and use them occasionally.

But it’s really important for you to come across in a genuine way, and extensive notes do not reinforce that feeling. It makes it feel more like you can only repeat information rather than analyse information on the spot. Also extensive notes will make you speak more like it’s a speech rather than a conversation, and you definitely want it to be a conversation (even if there isn’t someone at the other end of the video).
 

ssolicitorz

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When discussing why you want to work for an American law firm, is it ok to mention work that the American offices are involved in (but the london office isnt involved in it) or should you only mention work pertaining to london office?
 

Jessica Booker

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When discussing why you want to work for an American law firm, is it ok to mention work that the American offices are involved in (but the london office isnt involved in it) or should you only mention work pertaining to london office?
I’d recommend focusing on elements that are relevant to the opportunity you are applying to. Sometimes there can be links to work done in the US, but many times there isn’t a clear link or benefit to trainee opportunities in the London office. If there is a clear link/benefit, it’s ok to mention (but you’ll probably want to explain what it is), if there isn’t, it might not be the best point to use.
 

Rob93

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Dec 29, 2020
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In virtual interview is it okay to refer to notes?
Yes and no. I think it's fine to have a sort of crib sheet of prompts that you can glance at to make sure you're not forgetting anything in your excitement (I've heard of people putting postits on the wall) but you don't want to be relying on notes heavily, as at worst it'll be obvious what you're doing and at best it'll make the exchange very inorganic.

In my experience interviewing - mind you this has not been for law firm grad roles - the questions which make up the bulk of an interview, if not the entirety, aren't really things for which notes are much use. Presumably you know your motivations, experiences, competencies.
 

MillyWills

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Jun 15, 2021
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In virtual interview is it okay to refer to notes?
Whatever works for you to be honest! If notes make you feel more confident then I would suggest having your notes on a word doc (instead of referring to physical notes) and having both tabs open side to side.

Just make sure it’s not obvious you are reading and try to make “eye contact” by looking in your webcam as much as possible. I have personally done this because it gave me a sense of comfort and it worked well for me 🤗💕
 

Rob93

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Could anyone tell me what White & Case’s strongest practice areas are?
W&C is probably one of the most diversified US firms in London so they have a lot, but when I think of them I think of M&A and project finance - bearing in mind I come from a very transaction-focused bent, so I haven't looked at their disputes practices at all. They're also definitely a major player across the broader range of finance practice but their projects work really stands out in my mind.
 
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