TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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aspiringlawyer47

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  • May 27, 2022
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    They asked me a lot of questions about their work in a practice area they are not known for which the interviewer was specialising in which led to a discussion about the partner's practice area and etc!
    I’m so sorry to hear that. Which area was this? So rather than assessing your suitability for the role, they wanted to talk about themselves?!
     
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    Legalstalker

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  • Oct 9, 2023
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    Has anyone applied for 10,000 black/able interns and got any legal experience like vac scheme or insight day through them?

    Just wondering what legal employers they have and what they’d offer.
     

    Manuchelsout

    Legendary Member
    Nov 8, 2023
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    Looking for advice. In my interview today the interviewer asked me questions about their practice area and I counter argued his point by stating that recently in the news it said different and the UK is behind other countries in the work done in his practice area but then he said to me this is wrong and that is wrong as the UK is ahead of other countries in transactions in his practice area. Is this a bad sign as I kept on counter arguing his points and his practice areas but with evidence. Will this be seen as a negative when assessing my interview performance. Btw for reference purposes the partner did not specialise in the energy sector. Am just thinking about this too much I guess.
     
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    NMA

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    Nov 19, 2020
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    Looking for advice. In my interview today the interviewer asked me questions about their practice area and I counter argued his point by stating that recently in the news it said different and the UK is behind other countries in the work done in his practice area but then he said to me this is wrong and that is wrong as the UK is ahead of other countries in transactions in his practice area. Is this a bad sign as I kept on counter arguing his points and his practice areas but with evidence. Will this be seen as a negative when assessing my interview performance. Btw for reference purposes the partner did not specialise in the energy sector. Am just thinking about this too much I guess.
    other people may have different experiences, but for interviews like this, they always told me afterwards that they play the devil's advocate on purpose to see how you react. Not sure which firm you interviewed at, but basically it's much better for you to stand your ground and attempt to try and convince the interviewer to accept your POV instead of just immediately crumbling and agreeing with them. If you felt like you didn't really change your line of argument when they challenged you, meaning your answers were more persuasive since you backed it up with your own knowledge, I think you did well
     

    Manuchelsout

    Legendary Member
    Nov 8, 2023
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    other people may have different experiences, but for interviews like this, they always told me afterwards that they play the devil's advocate on purpose to see how you react. Not sure which firm you interviewed at, but basically it's much better for you to stand your ground and attempt to try and convince the interviewer to accept your POV instead of just immediately crumbling and agreeing with them. If you felt like you didn't really change your line of argument when they challenged you, meaning your answers were more persuasive since you backed it up with your own knowledge, I think you did well
    Thank you and this is really good to hear it makes me feel a lot better
     
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    Lastseasonwonder

    Legendary Member
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    Dec 21, 2019
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    Hey @Dwight,

    I have not addressed the cover letter to anyone, I immediately typed my answer. With the limited word count, I think they prefer people going straight to the point, so no need for introductory sentence or sign-off sentences, do not worry!
    Hey @axelbeugre - so to confirm the Gibson Dunn grad rec team are happy for applicants to just type their why commercial law, why GD, why me paragraphs without (1) dear grad rec (2) introductory sentence (3) sign-off sentence and signature?
     
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    Shi

    Distinguished Member
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    Oct 26, 2022
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    How long it usually take for DLA to respond after WG? I am applying for london and did mine on last Wednesday but haven't got anything.

    I have a friend did WG on thursday and was invited to VI on friday. Not sure whether DLA screen all applications centrally or it's up to each office.
     

    jplaw1010

    Legendary Member
    Apr 11, 2023
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    How long it usually take for DLA to respond after WG? I am applying for london and did mine on last Wednesday but haven't got anything.

    I have a friend did WG on thursday and was invited to VI on friday. Not sure whether DLA screen all applications centrally or it's up to each office.
    Each office I think. I did the WG for the London office on a Friday and heard back the following Monday, so very quick turnaround.
     

    zizszhplum

    Esteemed Member
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    Mar 20, 2022
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    I would say that diversifying the experiences mentioned works in your favour as the answers do not seem redundant. I was very inclined to only use legal related experiences when I was apply, though they were not much, however I got the advice that law firms like to see someone with different experiences.

    I am sure that in the case you feel like your paralegal job is the only experience that could distinguish you from other candidate, I would make sure to tackle the experience from different angles and highlighting the different skills you have learned.

    Good luck with the application!
    Thank you so much, appreciate it!
     
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