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

[Sz310]

Does anyone have any advice on preparing for paralegal interviews? It’s my first paralegal interview and they haven’t provided a job description, not sure where to start…

I would recommend going on legal 500 to have a good look at the team you would be joining and the kind of work they do. Have a think about why you want to join this firm and that particular team.

 

[psr23]

I would recommend going on legal 500 to have a good look at the team you would be joining and the kind of work they do. Have a think about why you want to join this firm and that particular team.

Thank you!

 

[Rob93]

Does anyone have any advice on preparing for paralegal interviews? It’s my first paralegal interview and they haven’t provided a job description, not sure where to start…

Is this for a firm role or in house?

 

[psr23]

Is this for a firm role or in house?

It’s at a US firm!

 

[Jessica Booker]

hi @Jessica Booker @AvniD, I have been invited to video interview by Simmons and have 7 days to do the interviews. However, my exams begin in 2 days and do not finish until the 19th. Is this a good enough reason, to request an extension ?

You can ask for an extension and there is no issue in asking. However, the firm might not be able to provide an extension due to either fairness or their recruitment timeframes, and so be mindful you might still need to complete it within the next seven days.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Does anyone have any advice on preparing for paralegal interviews? It’s my first paralegal interview and they haven’t provided a job description, not sure where to start…

Can you find other job descriptions for the same firm for similar jobs/roles?

Also consider the practice area you are aligned to and also the firm/company’s values, as these will give you you some indication of what questions/themes might come up in the interview.

 

[tc_hopeful]

Simmons VI + Tests! Does anyone have any advice on how to prepare?

 

[The Surviving Lawyer]

CMS PFO post VI Really gutted as I am one of their ambassadors as well

 

[mads_g]

CMS AC 🥳 If anyone has some insight it would be really appreciated!

Out of interest, what dates are they offering you for the AC? I'm still waiting to hear back after the VI, but really hoping there will be dates early Feb if I do get an invite otherwise I'll have no time to prepare after exams!

 

[John Doe]

Good morning! Has anyone heard from Addleshaw Goddard post application? I believe they are non-rolling right?

I believe they review applications on a rolling basis but only give out invitations post-deadline after reviewing every application - or something quite similar, I can't remember exactly.

 

[jellybelly123]

Hi @Jessica Booker I have just been offered an AC for the 20th January, but I have my final exams on the 19th. Do you think this a good enough reason to request a later slot? I don't want them to think I am unable to manage my time etc!

 

[Arche172372]

Barbarians at the Gate was a brilliant read! Read more like a thriller than a business book. I’m not even interested in PE (nor did I really understand it before reading) and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Can I ask when did you apply to Akin and when did you get sent the WG? Thanks

Can’t remember when I applied but did the w-g in mid November - so am assuming it’s a rejection at this point tbh

 

[sxw517]

Are Ashurst invites to tests automatic, or is there an initial screening (direct TC application)

 

[elizabeth_98]

Are Ashurst invites to tests automatic, or is there an initial screening (direct TC application)

I think they are automatic as they do not recruit on a rolling basis

 

[AvniD]

hi @Jessica Booker @AvniD, I have been invited to video interview by Simmons and have 7 days to do the interviews. However, my exams begin in 2 days and do not finish until the 19th. Is this a good enough reason, to request an extension ?

I have the same problem! My exams started today and run until the 20th but would they agree to such a long extension? I probably could do the VI this weekend but this is the first one I've got so I want to spend enough time preparing.

You could ask for an extension as Jessica said but I do think that you may be able to prep for and take the video interview within the next week if you set aside 20-30 minutes every day towards preparing for it. I'm happy to link a post I recently wrote with my best tips and resources for VIs and the forum is here to support you with any help you may need- you've got this 💪

 

[LawfulRust00]

Invited to Taylor Wessing online game stage.

 

[AvniD]

Complete noob here -- im writing my white & case cover letter, and in the 'why W&C' paragraph I mentioned their global reach and training structure (guaranteed overseas secondment + mix of contentious/non-contentious. -- just wondering if this is too generic, or if there's a way to elevate at all?

The best way IMO to elevate a 'why this firm' answer is by linking it back to your motivations. So if you say you like their training structure then you should ➡️ talk about where you found this information + how you know this is an important feature for your TC ➡️ and then round it off by stating how you think your career/training will benefit from this feature. I hope this helps?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker I have just been offered an AC for the 20th January, but I have my final exams on the 19th. Do you think this a good enough reason to request a later slot? I don't want them to think I am unable to manage my time etc!

There is no harm in asking whether they have a later date as your exams only end the day before the AC and you'd like more time to prepare. Be prepared for them to say no though!

 

[ZaraB]

Taylor Wessing GBA invite!

 

[crispychicken]

Dechert VI and Written Exercise invite!