Hi Jessica, apologies for replying to this message but I don't know how to tag users. I just wanted to know whether you would recommend doing a cover letter to Goldman Sachs along with the CV? Asking because a cover letter is not mandatory. Thanks!
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- vacation scheme
Hi @Amma Usman and @Jessica Booker . Do you have any advice on answering this question - Describe an experience where you encountered an unexpected obstacle? I'm not sure what type of example to use or what firms are looking for in terms of "unexpected obstacles"/ examples to draw upon. Also, would you expect to see a change in example for answering a question which asks you to draw upon a challenge you have faced in a different application?
Any advice would be highly appreciated - thank you.
Any advice would be highly appreciated - thank you.
Jessica Booker
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- Aug 1, 2019
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Can anyone please confirm what the test for Taylor Wessing is?
btw, I do not believe all applicants receive the test - so it is the second stage.
btw, I do not believe all applicants receive the test - so it is the second stage.
How long should the Taylor Wessing cover letter be. I saw someone say 1/4 of a page is that correct.
Do you know when we might hear back about AC invite? Do you think AC invite will roll out to those with WGs? Last year, I got my Cleary WG test with my AC invite.
I would suggest they do one or two virtual internships on Forage. This will give them insight into the kind of work solicitors do and really help articulate the why law/commercial law aspect. Many firms hire STEM students; look for what particular aspect they are interested in and search for firms that specialise in that.
I think it is automatic - my test email said "We are pleased to confirm receipt of your application. As part of the process, you will need to complete some online tests."
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @Mariyam_M , you are right in your approach. Ideally, the answer should sufficiently cover all the three points below. I have also included a few specific tips:
1. What Attracts You to Taylor Wessing
Discuss what specifically draws you to Taylor Wessing. Mention a couple of the firm's practice areas, such as technology, life sciences, or private wealth, and explain why these align with your interests. If the firm has a strong reputation in niche areas—like intellectual property protection in emerging technologies or regulatory insights in data privacy—acknowledge how these areas resonate with you and align with your own ambitions to contribute in these spaces. This is because showing demonstrated interest through practice areas does not necessarily always have to be by focusing on only Band 1 rankings.
2. Why Commercial Law as a Field
While the question doesn’t directly ask for your motivation for commercial law, you can embed this briefly to provide context for why Taylor Wessing is the right firm for you. Explain your interest in commercial law by focusing on its nature of understanding and addressing diverse business challenges.
You should also highlight any experiences that fuel this interest, such as exposure to commercial transactions, legal research, or a prior internship where you saw how legal solutions drive commercial success. The possibilities of what you could explain here are really endless. Highlight any non-legal work experience as well, as these are really valuable too!
3. Key Skills and Value You Bring
Conclude with the unique skills you bring to the table and how they would enable you to contribute effectively at Taylor Wessing. Start by identifying skills relevant to the firm’s work, such as problem-solving abilities, a strategic mindset, or strong analytical skills. For instance, if you have experience in legal research or contract drafting, mention how these skills have strengthened your attention to detail, enabling you to work more efficiently. This will be a quality essential in a law firm.
You could also touch on any soft skills as well, such as your ability to work collaboratively in teams, strong communication skills for client interactions, and adaptability to dynamic, client-driven projects.
- Sep 7, 2024
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- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @Hana ♥ , congratulations on getting to the next stage. Having spoken to a few of my colleagues in finance, the VI questions usually centre round the specific role itself, why GS, competency/SJT questions, as well as any commercial awareness questions. For example, it could be anything from why you are drawn to working in that department over others, to how the financial crisis impacted banks and their clients. Hope this helps!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @Soprano . I have created two threads on why commercial law and why a specific firm. I have linked these two below:
WHY COMMERCIAL LAW: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....commercial-law-investigating-your-‘why’.9113/
WHY THIS FIRM:
Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications
Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
On another note;
In all honesty, I recommend you applying to any firm out there you are drawn to. Firms generally don’t have a preference for law students over non-law students. In any case, you will still need to do the GDL/PGDL so you will otherwise still get the legal qualification. I believe leveraging your non-law work experience will also be a catalyst to your applications. For example, with your tech experience at Barclays, you could link it to many practice areas within data and technology transactions (if that’s something that still interests you as a wider industry). The key with non-law experience is leveraging your transferrable skills. Even soft skills like mastering digital email communication and interpersonal communication are a plus. The more technical elements, such as demonstrating an awareness of many practice areas from the clients perspective is another great point.
Another thing I recommend is attending a couple of open days, as this will introduce you to the legal/commercial world from a dual standpoint. Attending open days are not a prerequisite for getting a training contract, but they certainly help. Here’s a list of open day deadlines you could apply for: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ay-and-insight-scheme-deadlines-2024-25.9218/
Hope this helps!
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