TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Gday33]

They are both acceptable uses of the phrase actually. Americans say could care less while Brits say couldn't......See: https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/eb/qa/What-is-the-Difference-between-I-Couldn-t-Care-Less-and-I-Could-Care-Less-#:~:text="Couldn't care less" and "could care less,in formal or academic writing.

Could and couldn’t are opposites - it is widely viewed that Americans say it incorrectly…

 

[itwillcome]

Let's not forget the purpose of this forum. We're all trying to put our best foot forward, why waste time and energy trying to bring others down?

 

[Jessica Booker]

It is disappointing (once again) to have to say this, but please can we keep the forums civil and polite.

People can express differing opinions without resorting to personal attacks or subtle insults.

Please avoid one-upmanship and bragging too - this is not what our community is about and is not behaviour we want to see.

I will have no hesitation in removing/editing posts or giving out warnings if this continues.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,

A quick reminder to maintain a constructive and respectful atmosphere in our discussions. Let’s focus on providing insightful feedback and avoid personal comments to ensure a positive, supportive environment. Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I could care less who thought my response was mean. Your subjective views are immaterial. I could just stay quiet and let people shoot themselves in the foot. Instead of focusing on the delivery, focus on the message and stop being a victim. It will help you a lot in the end.

You might not care, but as a community we do.

Please feel free to provide advice and guidance but consider the language you use, as it is not always appropriate for this forum, such as referring to people as victims.

 

[LawyerUpPal]

You might not care, but as a community we do.

Please feel free to provide advice and guidance but consider the language you use, as it is not always appropriate for this forum, such as referring to people as victims.

I call it as I see it. And freedom of expression doesn't end in this forum, right?

 

[Tintin06]

I have a big bushy beard. Do I shave for open days?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I call it as I see it. And freedom of expression doesn't end in this forum, right?

Freedom of expression does not come without consequences of that expression.

I would encourage you to review our terms to remind yourself of our community rules that we expect everyone to abide by.

Terms and rules

You must agree to these terms and rules before using the site.

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[LawyerUpPal]

I don't need to read your entire collection of rules. Can you point me to a rule I've violated that the other people in this spat haven't?

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

hope everyone's having a nice Sunday!

 

[Jessica Booker]

I don't need to read your entire collection of rules. Can you point me to a rule I've violated that the other people in this spat haven't?

Actions have been taken against a number of members and posts this evening.

For reference, actions have been taken where posts have broken terms under section 1. As you are not going to read our rules, I will provide the section this relates to below, whether for your or for other people's reference:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Terms and Rules 1-5 will lead to the highest warnings, temporary suspensions, or instant bans. Repeated violations of Terms and Rules 6-7 will lead to warnings, temporary suspensions or instant bans.

1. Personal attacks​

Taking a firm stance on hurtful content is essential to fostering a supportive TCLA community. We do not tolerate personal attacks towards TCLA members or staff. This includes:

• Direct and indirect rudeness
• Criticising members for their responses or lack of responses
• Insults on personal character
• Badgering, harassment or baiting
• Repeatedly misrepresenting members and misconstruing posts
• Posts intended to anger other members or cause a negative reaction (trolling)

Rudeness sabotages conversations. If you debate an issue, you must focus on the substance of the debate and not on an individual’s character. If you disagree, you must think about your tone, and you must respect the decision of others to have a different opinion, or to avoid responding.

Use the report function if you feel another member is being aggressive towards you. Do not respond publicly as this derails topics and creates a hostile environment for other members. You will be warned if you act in a hostile manner to another member, even if you did not start the argument.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

Hey @IneedaTCASAP

I have found an excerpt from a past interview discussion with a trainee at the firm. You will be able to pick up some values from the discussion.

I have linked the article here: https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/law/life-trainee-solicitor-insider-view

Thank you Amma!

 

[Apple]

I have a big bushy beard. Do I shave for open days?

lol I always worry about this too and just go clean shaven. But I think the reality is it doesn't matter, I see plenty of trainees/associates with beards. Just keep it groomed.

 

[Deleted member 37508]

lol I always worry about this too and just go clean shaven. But I think the reality is it doesn't matter, I see plenty of trainees/associates with beards. Just keep it groomed.

This whole time I thought you were female 😭 Apple - gave off earthy female aura. No offence meant just a new revelation.

 

[Amma Usman]

for this question ‘tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application’ can I talk about my role as a committee member for ‘non-academic achievements and interests’ if I talk about an event I organised?

Hey @Unknowncabbage ,

Yes, absolutely. You can definitely mention your role as a committee member, but be mindful of how you structure your response. Simply stating that you're a committee member shows demonstrated interest, but it might not effectively convey a specific achievement or interest.

A more impactful response would focus on a particular event you organized and the success of that event, which can itself be viewed as an achievement. For example, if you organized a charity gala as a committee member, you could discuss how you coordinated the venue, secured guest speakers, and managed the budget. You might highlight the outcome, such as raising over £1000 for a local charity, which showcases your event management skills and commitment to community service.

Alternatively, you could state that event management is an area of interest for you and provide details on a specific example. For instance, you could mention your experience organizing a series of workshops for aspiring event planners, where you taught skills like marketing and logistics. You might share the success of these workshops, such as the positive feedback received from participants and how it inspired them to pursue careers in event management.

Also, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you frame your achievements and interests effectively. This will help you provide a clear narrative.


Hope this helps!

 

[helloj]

Anyone still waiting to hear back from Simmons WVS after test?

 

[studentdelaw786]

Hey @studentdelaw786

I’ve adapted the response with more detail to reflect key points applicable to an application for the firm’s TC. The key elements would also be applicable to an open day application.

I would also note: For open day applications, show more of what you will gain, rather than what you already know.

To start, it's essential to remember that the 400-word limit may seem restrictive, but it's more than enough if you focus tightly on the key points Freshfields is seeking. Breaking down the question is critical: it’s asking who you are, why you want a career in commercial law, why you want Freshfields specifically, and what makes you a strong candidate for their training programme.


1. Showcase Your Potential as a Trainee:

Begin by focusing on the line, “show us you have the potential to be a great trainee.” This is your chance to demonstrate the skills Freshfields values, such as initiative, academic rigour, and strong communication abilities. For example, you might mention any experiences where you’ve shown proactive problem-solving, whether in academic settings or work environments. Also consider highlighting organisational skills, time management, and attention to detail, as these are crucial for navigating a trainee’s diverse workload. Show how these skills will allow you to thrive in a fast-paced commercial law environment.

2. Articulate Your Interest in Commercial Law:

Next, express concisely why commercial law excites you. Think about how you can differentiate this from general statements; be specific about what draws you to the business world. Perhaps you’ve had exposure to commercial law through a university module, work experience, or even personal research into deals or case studies. Use one or two vivid examples that genuinely resonate with you. A strong opening line, such as, “I am drawn to a career in commercial law because…” can help to signpost and keep the narrative clear.


3. Explain Why Freshfields Specifically:

When answering "Why Freshfields," focus on what sets the firm apart in your eyes. For example, Freshfields’ eight-seat training structure offers broad exposure across different practice areas. Highlight why this appeals to you, such as the opportunity to gain a well-rounded perspective on commercial law before deciding on a specialisation. Then, link this preference to a relevant experience that reflects your adaptability or enthusiasm for diverse learning opportunities. If you’re interested in their private equity practice, research a standout deal they led; this can demonstrate both motivation and diligence. This section is about going beyond general praise—connect your reasons to specific aspects of Freshfields that align with your goals and experiences.


4. Present Relevant Experiences and Achievements:

Finally, include a concise summary of relevant experiences. Positions of responsibility, part-time work, internships, or volunteer roles—particularly those that required leadership, collaboration, or resilience—show your capacity to adapt and take on challenges. Briefly mention achievements, whether academic awards or extracurricular accomplishments, that showcase qualities Freshfields seeks in trainees. If possible, connect these experiences back to the skills you've discussed, reinforcing that you’re well-prepared for a career in commercial law at a leading firm.

Structuring Your Answer:


1. Introduction to why commercial law excites you.

2. Why Freshfields stands out to you among other firms.

3. Key skills and personal qualities relevant to becoming a great trainee.

4. Briefly highlight positions of responsibility, achievements, or work experience that showcase your strengths.


I believe this approach balances each part of the question and highlights what makes you a compelling candidate.

Hope this helps! 🚀

Hi Amma!

Thank you so much for this detailed response - this provides more clarity in how to answer the question, and I will use this to write a detailed answer!

 

[Amma Usman]

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.

Hi there!

In an answer to the question about describing an experience with an unexpected obstacle, I suggest focusing on professional examples that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

I’ve included a few key points to consider:

1. Select a Relevant Experience: Choose a professional scenario, such as managing a society, reviewing contracts, or working on a project where you encountered an unforeseen challenge. This could include things like dealing with a sudden change in project scope, unexpected regulatory requirements, or conflicts within a team.

2. Use a Structured Approach: When crafting your response, consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your thoughts. This will help you clearly articulate the situation, your role, the actions you took to overcome the obstacle, and the outcomes.

3. Focus on Impact: Highlight the positive outcomes of your actions, such as how you were able to maintain team morale, meet deadlines despite challenges, or improve processes based on what you learned from the experience.

4. Tailor Your Examples: It's also important to adapt your examples to the specific context of each application. While the general structure can remain the same, you might want to emphasize different aspects of the experience based on what each firm values, such as teamwork, adaptability, or leadership (etc).

For instance, if you faced an unexpected legal issue while reviewing contracts that could have delayed a project, you could discuss how you quickly identified the problem, consulted with stakeholders, and proposed a solution that allowed the project to proceed on time.

As for the second part of your question, I view an unexpected obstacle and challenge as synonymous with one another. An unexpected obstacle would be a challenge in itself, so you could consider approaching both questions in a similar way.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Hey @Unknowncabbage ,

Yes, absolutely. You can definitely mention your role as a committee member, but be mindful of how you structure your response. Simply stating that you're a committee member shows demonstrated interest, but it might not effectively convey a specific achievement or interest.

A more impactful response would focus on a particular event you organized and the success of that event, which can itself be viewed as an achievement. For example, if you organized a charity gala as a committee member, you could discuss how you coordinated the venue, secured guest speakers, and managed the budget. You might highlight the outcome, such as raising over £1000 for a local charity, which showcases your event management skills and commitment to community service.

Alternatively, you could state that event management is an area of interest for you and provide details on a specific example. For instance, you could mention your experience organizing a series of workshops for aspiring event planners, where you taught skills like marketing and logistics. You might share the success of these workshops, such as the positive feedback received from participants and how it inspired them to pursue careers in event management.

Also, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you frame your achievements and interests effectively. This will help you provide a clear narrative.


Hope this helps!

Hi Amma, thank you for your in depth response. It is super helpful!

 

[Amma Usman]

In the work experience section, I have listed all my commercial law events, virtual experiences, and webinars attended in one entry. As my other legal work experiences are more pro bono, legal aid etc, I really want to use these events to explain what I did (Case studies, interactive workshops) and the skills I picked up so my motivation for commercial law comes across as strong. @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman I would appreciate any insights on how best to put these experiences in writing.

Hey @lawyersum

It’s great that you grouped all your commercial law events, virtual experiences, and webinars under one heading—I did the same, and from a recruiter’s perspective, it’s an efficient way to organise information. Highlighting the skills and insights you gained from these experiences is also an excellent approach to reinforcing your motivation for commercial law.

Aim to keep descriptions brief; there’s no need to detail every activity in each experience. Instead, consider summarising the broader skills and commercial awareness points you developed in a single bullet point, followed by some succinct prose.

If there’s one experience you’d like to expand on, you could frame it like this: “During the X law firm virtual program, I gained insights into value creation in the private equity industry and observed how firms achieve this in practice.” From there, you could add specific skills and examples that align with the role.

Hope this helps!