TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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SR99

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  • Sep 5, 2021
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    Hi everyone! When answering the question 'Describe a current commercial issue that has interested you and explain why it interested you?', do you interpret this as having to discuss a commercial issue that is negative?
     
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    Ali A

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  • Feb 28, 2022
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    Hi everyone! When answering the question 'Describe a current commercial issue that has interested you and explain why it interested you?', do you interpret this as having to discuss a commercial issue that is negative?
    Nope! Anything that interests you that has a commercial element will suffice.
     
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    Jessica Booker

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    Aug 1, 2019
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    Hi everyone! When answering the question 'Describe a current commercial issue that has interested you and explain why it interested you?', do you interpret this as having to discuss a commercial issue that is negative?
    No - it doesn’t have to be negative at all. I get the negative connotations associated with the word issue, but issue can also just mean an important topic.
     
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    Izzy1026

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  • Aug 23, 2023
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    For those who applied tp NRF WVS, how long did it take for you to receive information on the test? Submitted mine last Thursday but haven't received anything so far
     

    NJS

    Legendary Member
  • Aug 21, 2021
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    What I used to do was:
    • Mention practice areas the firm excels at.
    • Mention any personal interaction I had with the firm (if any but this is not required in the slightest) like open days/ insight days or people I spoke to that were comfortable with me mentioning them in my application
    • Talk about interesting cases the firm has worked on that sparked your interest and always relate them back to you
    • Mention some clients that you would love to work for if you join the firm (I would say this is a tricky one cause many firms work with the same clients, so I would research very nuanced reasons as to why those particular clients interest you specifically)
    • Talk about the training contract structure
    • Mention any international opportunities they may have
    • Talk about their diversity initiatives/ pro bono opportunities if these are some things you care about
    These are some of the things I used to include more or less, I am sure there are many more but I hope these are helpful. I would say that the main thing is try to always relate every reason you are mentioning back to you, your background and your overall profile, as that will make you stand out as a candidate.
    Good luck with the application cycle @NJS
    You are incredible, thank you!
     
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    Untilwinter

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    Dec 21, 2020
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    I am doing a practice test for SJT and I dont understand this situation and why this is the least effective response.
    You are at a client meeting with your partner who doesn't know the answer to the question a client has. You've done the research so you know the answer but hasn't briefed this to the partner yet. The partner said he will get back to the client with the answer after reviewing the information in the meeting.
    The least effective answer is that you pass a note to the partner with the information so they can remain in control. I thought the worst would be to speak up and answer the question with confidence.
    Can anyone explain this
     
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    spamelinazoid

    Legendary Member
  • Dec 19, 2021
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    Does an email from HSF saying ‘application under review’ mean I passed the test? I saw from previous comments some people got emails saying whether they passed or not but I didnt get anything?
     

    spamelinazoid

    Legendary Member
  • Dec 19, 2021
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    I am doing a practice test for SJT and I dont understand this situation and why this is the least effective response.
    You are at a client meeting with your partner who doesn't know the answer to the question a client has. You've done the research so you know the answer but hasn't briefed this to the partner yet. The partner said he will get back to the client with the answer after reviewing the information in the meeting.
    The least effective answer is that you pass a note to the partner with the information so they can remain in control. I thought the worst would be to speak up and answer the question with confidence.
    Can anyone explain this
    This is for HSF isnt it?

    It wasnt my first choice either, but I think it has to do with their values being ambition/excellence and having your own opinion?

    Im a paralegal at a city int’l firm and any partner would be absolutely pissed if I or a trainee interrupted a client meeting to speak our mind. It makes much more sense to speak after the meeting and quickly email the client/set up a short call. In practice this is really bizarre and I’ve personally never seen it be encouraged (nor do I know any trainee or senior lawyer that would be comfortable going along with this)
     

    Petallove1

    Legendary Member
    Feb 8, 2023
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    Does an email from HSF saying ‘application under review’ mean I passed the test? I saw from previous comments some people got emails saying whether they passed or not but I didnt get anything?
    My portal also said under review and I got the email about an hour ago to say I didn't meet one of the benchmarks for the test - met everything else but came down to judgement error on which values they'd want me to prioritise. I took the test on Friday evening and heard today so depending on when you did it you'll probably hear soon <3
     
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