TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Andrei Radu]

Hi, this is great! I was wondering whether it would be possible to get any examples on the first application questions, I'm really struggling to fit two examples in 200 words. Thank you

Hi @lolasparks I have copied my answer bellow (with the names of some lawyers redacted). It is mainly based around my previous work experience with DLA, but I hope it might still be helpful. Also, feel free to post your thoughts on how you think of approaching the question or a draft answer for it - I would be glad to give you some high-level feedback!

The principal reason I want to join DLA Piper is the firm’s supportive and collaborative culture, since during the Summer Associates Programme at DLA Piper Dinu I benefited from the entire team taking an active interest in my development. As I was the only first-year student and the only intern who had not studied Romanian law, senior associates like (lawyer name) spent additional time to explain each task in detail. Another instance was when Counsel (lawyer name) invited me for lunch to discuss my future career goals and allocated me tasks that involved multi-jurisdictional research, enabling me to leverage my English contract law expertise. This continuous support allowed me to perform at a high standard and earn a letter of recommendation from the country’s managing partner.

While attending the ‘A day in the life at DLA Piper’ online presentation, I became convinced that the English offices place just as much emphasis on these values. Natalie Dalton explained that during the pandemic, the firm encouraged people to join periodic online meetings to play social games. The fact that DLA cared about making their employees feel connected further confirms my conclusion that the firm’s culture is aligned with my personal values.

 

[bella98]

Hill Dickinson application
As a firm, we operate across a number of sectors and specialisms, and offer sector-specific training contracts in each of our business services, health and marine groups. Which of our teams would you be most interested in completing a seat in and why?

I think the word "seat" confuses me here. Are they asking whether I want to pursue the Business Services, Health, or Marine training contract?

I started my answer by saying I’m especially interested in the Business Services TC and explaining why. Then, I talked about a specific seat I’d like to experience within that.
Just want to make sure I'm on the right track.

@Andrei Radu 🙏

 

[Rosscarr08]

How long does it take to receive Arctic Shores test?

 

[m12]

people who have gotten cov ac - when did you apply pls

 

[Amma Usman]

What are some challenges facing ALL law firms in the next 5 years?

Hey @emma.d

This is a great question! I was actually going to post a similar thread on this in the weekly commercial awareness brief today, and have included it in some more detail here. I’ve focused on five general headings, with some subheadings under each for ease of navigation.

1. Adapting to Technological Advancements and AI

- Automation of Legal Processes: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used for tasks like document review, legal research, and contract analysis. While this can improve efficiency, it also raises questions about the future of junior roles traditionally responsible for these tasks.

- Digital Transformation: Law firms are expected to embrace technology in various ways, such as remote collaboration, virtual trials, and digital case management. Firms that don’t keep pace with digital transformation may struggle to stay competitive, while those that invest heavily will face higher costs and implementation risks.


2. Increasing Competition and Pricing Pressures

- Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs): ALSPs, including legal tech companies and consulting firms, offer specialised services at lower costs, capturing more of the market for basic legal tasks. This requires law firms to justify higher fees by demonstrating added value.

- Client Demand for Fixed-Fee or Alternative Billing: Clients are pushing for predictable legal costs, moving away from the billable hour model. Law firms will need to adapt their pricing structures to offer value-based billing models, which may reduce revenue and demand a rethink of traditional budgeting and resource allocation.

- Globalization and Market Saturation: Larger firms are expanding into international markets, but this comes with regulatory, logistical, and cultural challenges. Increased competition from global firms means local firms must find ways to distinguish themselves or risk losing market share.


3. Meeting Rising Expectations Around ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)

- Environmental Compliance and Climate Risk: Clients are seeking legal advice on sustainability and regulatory compliance as global environmental standards evolve. Law firms will need to build expertise in environmental law and advise on sustainable practices, which may require investing in new areas of practice.


4. Talent Retention and Workforce Expectations

- Demand for Work-Life Balance: The younger workforce prioritizes work-life balance, flexibility, and purpose-driven work. Rigid, traditional law firm cultures may struggle to attract and retain talent if they don’t adapt to these expectations.

- Remote and Hybrid Work: Post-pandemic, many lawyers want flexibility in where they work. Firms must balance remote work options with the need for in-person collaboration and mentorship, while ensuring productivity and maintaining a cohesive culture.


5. Navigating Regulatory Changes and Increasing Compliance Demands

- Complex Compliance Landscape: Law firms will face pressure to stay updated with global regulations, from data protection (like GDPR in the EU) to anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. Compliance demands can be costly, especially for firms with international clients.


Overall, I would say that these challenges will require law firms to innovate, invest in technology, and evolve their cultures and practices to stay competitive and attract clients and talent alike.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi Amma,

I just wanted to bounce off this and ask another q related to this. So the firm I'm applying to is quite strong in EM and so I wanted to potentially talk about how the US tariffs would impact the trade deals in EMs going forward as a topical issue if I were to be asked. Would you still advice against it?

@Andrei Radu would love your thoughts too!​

Hey @mfuturetrainee

I agree with @Andrei Radu ’s point on circling round the general impacts and effects on law firms. It will be a great way to demonstrate commercial awareness during an interview - just be mindful to not focus too heavily on reflecting any personal political opinions on the matter.

 

[Parsorandini]

Has anyone heard for Hogan Lovells post WG for WVS AC?

Are we just being silly still keeping hope? The VS starts in less than 4 weeks! Surely the most likely thing is just that anyone offered an AC place is just not on this forum?

 

[josiemusgra]

Hi, does anyone have any tips for Wilkie's video interview as I failed mine last year ?

 

[lolololol]

white and case open day pfo 😔

 

[Uch21]

Have HSF changed their test from last year?

No, it is still the same format. SJT then personality questionnaire.

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Tie it to you first - you should focus on your challenges, rather than generically what most trainees could say.

Then tie it to the firm. Try to be specific about the firm's resources you could use. Name them using the terminology the firm uses - be specific as possible.

Ensure your answer is forward looking rather than relying on past examples to show your skills. You should picture yourself in the firm with the challenges you identify rather than talking about how your previous experiences have set you up well (if that is the case, it would not be a challenge for you).

thank you!! am I right to say that what they're looking for in the answer would the ability to recognise challenges within yourself and identify how to overcome with them?

 

[Uch21]

Oh my lord!

I think I’d rather HSF just use a WG test after hearing all these comments.

Is there any way to practice?

Grad rec at the open day made the SJT to be a rather trivial impediment and not a huge barrier in the application process.

This time, I practised with their test provider instead of generic SJTs. Then, I also entered their values into Chat GPT and asked it to give me situational questions where I could demonstrate those values.

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Hi is this automatic?

i dont think so!

 

[-legal-]

Have HSF changed their test from last year?

Yes, they removed the critical thinking part.

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Just to add to @Jessica Booker's great response here, since I ended up being progressed by DLA last year, I thought it might be useful to copy here the answer I wrote. The first paragraph illustrates Jessica's point about connecting the key challenges to your experiences and profile, while the second illustrates the point about using the firm's specific terminology when mentioning resources.

The first challenge I anticipate is delivering high-quality work even when I must simultaneously manage multiple workstreams with tight deadlines. Firstly, to prioritise effectively I would ask the assignor of any work how long it should take me to finish it and how strict the deadline is. Secondly, I would ask for the support of my trainee buddy to learn how to complete routine tasks more efficiently. In my summer internship I finished my Legislative Update email quicker by using (lawyer's name)’s tips, which enabled me to focus on research for a presentation I delivered in front of the entire firm. Consequently, I received positive feedback from my supervisor for the many cases and academic sources I cited.

The second challenge I envisage is starting from the beginning with each rotational cycle, which can be difficult after finally gaining some experience in the previous seat. I would attempt to make the transition easier by anticipating and preparing for the usual trainee work in that practice area, using resources like the Internal Knowledge Hub. I would also invite trainees from that seat for a coffee, where they can share advice and experiences in adapting to the style of the supervisors.

This is amazing thank you!!

 

[yasmars]

Yes, they removed the critical thinking part.

Oh that’s good 😂

 

[studentdelaw786]

white and case open

I don’t think it indicates anything beyond that if you secure a place on the open day you will automatically receive an assessment centre spot.

I would wait until you know the outcome of your open day application before applying to the vacation scheme.

Thanks Jess, that is interesting because the firm hasn’t implied that at all, unlike Latham.

The Open Day is on the 20th and the deadline is the 12th, so let’s hope you’re right!

 

[Jessica Booker]

thank you!! am I right to say that what they're looking for in the answer would the ability to recognise challenges within yourself and identify how to overcome with them?

Yes - this and that you understand the realities of how you will work as a trainee on a practical level.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Thanks Jess, that is interesting because the firm hasn’t implied that at all, unlike Latham.

The Open Day is on the 20th and the deadline is the 12th, so let’s hope you’re right!

You’d know before the 20th if you got on the open day though.

And if you did get on the open day, that have said you have got a spot on the assessment centre, so you wouldn’t have to worry about when (or possibly if) you applied.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi, does anyone have any tips for Wilkie's video interview as I failed mine last year ?

Hiya @josiemusgra


I’m sorry to hear that your previous attempt at Wilkie’s video interview didn’t go as you hoped. I’d like to share some tips that helped me prepare and pass the video interview.

When it comes to content, it’s essential to spend some time reflecting on why you want to join Willkie specifically and what sets them apart from other US-headquartered firms in London. Understanding their unique teams and areas of practice, and identifying which ones resonate with you, can make your responses more compelling. I found it helpful to thoroughly research the firm, writing down and familiarising myself with a variety of motivational points. I also had a think about any news stories that might be relevant to them and any skills that I could bring to the table as a trainee. This kind of comprehensive preparation allowed me to draw on my research when faced with questions that I hadn’t prepared for in advance but were related to the firm.

Outside of content, I think it's really important to practise recording yourself either on a voice notes app or on camera. This will help you identify any areas of improvement in terms of your delivery and give you an indication of whether you're efficiently using the time limits imposed by many video interviews. For instance, you can sense check whether you're making adequate eye contact, whether you've added too many or too little depth to the points you're raising, whether your answer has a decent structure, and so forth. Again, when practising, I focused on why I was interested in joining the firm, what I could bring as a trainee, and discussing a news story that related to the firm and its clients. This kind of practice really helped me ensure that I could clearly and succinctly convey my motivations and research within the typical one or two-minute timeframe that most video interviews impose on candidates.

I hope these tips help you feel more confident and prepared for your next interview. Best of luck!