-
💬 Ask Graduate Recruitment Your Questions!
Hey Guest, do you have a question for graduate recruitment? Gemma Baker from Willkie is live to answer your questions!
-
Get line-by-line feedback on your applications, access to our weekly application workshops, and our law firm profiles. Use the coupon code 'SIXWEEKS' at checkout for 10% off.
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
- Start date
-
- Tags
- vacation scheme
This is a practise test -
Damage to roads in the area has made them unsuitable for loads over one ton. These loads are being transported to the capital by air, but as air resources are limited they are restricted to carrying food and medical supplies. Roads cannot be repaired until medical emergencies are dealt with. Therefore, ...
| Currently only food or medical supplies are arriving in the capital. Currently only food or medical supplies are arriving in the capital.
|
Is this for Stephenson Harwood? I thought 600 words for each question is quite excessive. I am definitely using geopolitical conflict as one of the examples, especially with the recent presidential election.
I would say it does not follow because loads under one ton can still arrive in the capital according to the first sentence. This could exclude food and medical supplies.
im not sure, I still haven't heard back after my initial app in early sept lol. but some people have done vI and ac
yes... tempted to give up on the application because why is it basically 2000 words
is this something all applicants get, or is it selective? I got one too but wasn’t sure whether I should be happy or not haha
- Sep 7, 2024
- 241
- 443
Hiya @emma.d 😊
@Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu would certainly have valuable insights to share, but I’ve done a quick search and found a few resources that could help. I’ve hyperlinked them along with some points you might want to consider. I’ve skipped over common topics like ESG and AI since there’s already plenty out there on those. Here are some other areas worth reflecting on:
- Broader Economic Pressures: A recent Law Society article discusses how the volatile UK economy is affecting clients, leading to pressures on law firms to reduce fees and boost efficiency. It cites an industry survey showing that 44% of partners are facing client demands for fee reductions, and 46% report clients moving to less expensive competitors. It might be useful to think about how these economic pressures could affect firms over the next several years.
- Professional Regulatory Pressures: An excellent recent piece in The Times covers how the Solicitors Regulation Authority is ramping up scrutiny, especially around fraud, money laundering, and firms' internal risk management. This focus stems from several high-profile financial crime cases across UK firms.
- Competitive Market Pressures: The Financial Times recently highlighted how UK firms' hourly rates and salaries are shifting, influenced not only by the growing presence of US firms but also by specialist boutiques. With clients becoming more price-sensitive, firms may need to navigate this carefully. More on this can be found here.
Oh nice one lol good luck with yours!they screen applications first and send out WG invites after
Hey guys what (free) resources would you suggest to prepare for AC case studies in general? @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam
That is what I thought! I think the question I am going to struggle with the most is, 'With reference to your professional, academic and personal experiences, what makes Stephenson Harwood the right place for you to train?'. It's had to come up with 600 words to write about a firm that has had no events. I looked for an open day and the website says 'dates tbc'. I am just hoping that, if I send it off early enough the competition is less because most people will be struggling in the same way.
- Sep 7, 2024
- 241
- 443
Hiya @Apple
Absolutely! It's definitely worthwhile to apply directly for training contracts! One of my first training contract offers came despite having no prior commercial legal work experience or vacation schemes. While the direct training contract process can sometimes be more thorough/searching for those without vacation scheme experience, most firms understand that candidates may have legitimate reasons for not doing one—like limited annual leave or visa constraints, both of which affected me at one point.
Plus, some firms actually prefer hiring through direct training contract applications. We've compiled a llist of firms that offer direct routes here. Remember, focus on demonstrating your commitment to law, any relevant skills, and experiences that have helped you grow professionally or personally. Many candidates successfully secure training contracts without vac schemes, so go for it! If you need help fine-tuning your strategy, feel free to ask away 😊
- Sep 7, 2024
- 241
- 443
Hiya @tarty23
For many City firms, a 2.1 isn’t a disadvantage at all. This is because the majority of firms aren’t overly strict about academic results (although some specifically state a requirement for a high 2.1 or first). Plenty of firms focus on other key aspects, like how deeply you've researched the profession, the work and volunteering experience you've gained, how well you understand the firm, and the overall quality of your applications.
I’d recommend focusing on how you present these other strengths in your applications, especially since many applicants' grades might already be set by now. I’ve met brilliant trainees at silver circle and magic circle firms who have 2.2s but have shown incredible growth and a real commitment to the profession through their experiences and insights. Don't worry about the 2.1 😊
Heya
They have an event I think on the 26th November on all about law - it is to do with AI
I do not know if i am just making that up but i think that is the only one i could find!
I spoke to grad recruitment at one of their events and they said that the applications for their Open Days open nexr year (but i could be wrong)
- Sep 7, 2024
- 241
- 443
Hiya @KSV
Yes, it’s definitely possible you might be asked about the impact of the US election in a law firm interview. I was asked a similar question during a partner interview once and thankfully felt confident in answering it because of my political science and econ background. I've just written some thoughts below to prompt your own thinking on this.
With Trump now re-elected, you might think about how his administration's stance on everything from trade, tax, and regulatory policies could impact UK businesses. For example, if Trump introduces new tariffs or adjusts trade agreements (as he's indicated he will), this could affect cross-border transactions and supply chains, and will almost certainly increase the demand for legal guidance on international trade. UK law firms with US clients or transatlantic operations might see changes in deal flow or regulatory work. Additionally, you can also consider also how Trump’s stance on climate policies or tech regulations might affect clients in those sectors. Again, depending on the firm you're interviewing at, you might want to think carefully about how you're discussing some of these points.
In general, it's good to get in the habit of thinking about how these large news stories can impact firms and their clients. Law firms value candidates who can discuss how global political shifts may impact their clients, and being able to articulate these points thoughtfully could be a strong asset in interviews. This is a skill (just like application writing and Watson Glaser tests) and does take time to develop.
Let me know if you have any other questions
Similar threads
- Sticky
- Locked
- Sticky
- Sticky
