OMG thank you so much!! This is really helpful!!Hey there @Zaraa.x ,
Yes absolutely! This is a very good question and one in which I frequently had whilst applying too.
First of all, it’s worth distinguishing the type of firm you’re applying to into transactional or contentious-focused. The reason is because, from my experience, the transactional focused firms tend to centre their case studies towards corporate topics, whereas contentious firms may sway towards current affairs, or article-based discussions. Now, there are so many things that could make this not be the case, such as a firm swaying towards a different approach per cycle. However, more often times than not, this helped me narrow down which types of materials I needed to study for.
For corporate-based discussions, the typical issues will revolve around M&A case studies or PE. I have made a few practice case studies on these topics and I will link them, along with other sources from the team, to help. I also realised that I did not cover how to actually structure such case studies when presenting to an assessor. The same applies when you’re writing your responses too.
1. Salutations first, then summarise each point you’ll cover.
2. What the overarching case study idea is on. What parties? What deal and what does each party want to achieve? This should be a summary.
3. For M&A case studies, assess the risks and opportunities mentioned/ or which you could reasonably extract from the facts.
4. Ways to mitigate those risks. Due to time constraints, you may not be able to cover all points, so only focus on substantial areas.
5. If risks are really going to be an issue, should the deal even go ahead?
I remember once taking part in a case study. The party to be acquired hadn’t disclosed their full financial statements. This is a common question usually asked in corporate case studies and I’ve come across it multiple times. Firstly, more questions need to be asked to the target, prompting a release of these crucial documents. If refused, the deal certainly shouldn’t proceed.
Now, with article-based discussions, the same structural approach should apply. You may find that in the former, you will need to engage more with contemporary issues and how it relates to the subject matter or specifics of the article. That said, commercial awareness should flow well in any case study discussion.
Helpful links:
Mock M&A Case Study: Analysis
Hello everyone! I hope you’re all having a fantastic day. We’re entering the season of assessment centres (ACs) at law firms, and a hot topic for many of these ACs is Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)! So, in this thread, I’ll be guiding you through a short fictitious M&A case study and highlighting...www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Private Equity Case Study - OPEN ENGAGEMENT ENCOURAGED ;)
Hey TCLA Community! We’re back again with the mock case studies ;) This time around, I decided to take a different approach. I’ve included the case study below, and will leave the floor open for a couple of days so you can all provide your thoughts and ideas on the commercial and legal issues...
(NEW) Corporate Case Study Analysis
Hi everyone! I hope you’re all having a wonderful Sunday. As we get closer to more interviews and assessment centres (AC’s) I thought it would be helpful to include a new fictitious Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) case study analysis. Hope you enjoy the read, and feel free to pop any questions...
Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies! *Monday Article Series*
Hi all, please see below the third of my Monday Article Series! This week is my definitive guide to case studies. It's a long one - you might want to go get a coffee and settle in! Introduction This week’s Monday Article will cover how to approach law firm case studies, one of the most...
Essential Terms For An M&A Interview
Hello TCLA family! I’ve listed below a non-exhaustive list of M&A terms/definitions that should help out with interviews. As this becomes a hotter topic for law firm case studies, we hope you find this useful. Merger: When two companies join to form a single new entity, usually to expand...
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- vacation scheme
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @billyonthespeeddial , this is a great question. I usually recommend candidates applying to more vacation scheme’s than training contracts, for two main reasons. First, most law firms I know of usually take direct TC applications from people that have completed more than one VS. However, this policy differs between firms. Second, firms may recruit more from their VS’, than direct TCs. For more info on this, I‘v attached a thread HERE to help. That said, I also know of people that have not done any VS and succeeded on getting direct TCs.
Hi - does anyone have any experience with a missed WG deadline? I received an invite but for some weird reason it went to my spam and I didn't see it. I got an email saying that I did not pass the test (which I never completed) so I emailed the firm explaining the situation. I know these deadlines are strict so is there even a possibility that they will allow me to take it? 
- Sep 7, 2024
- 590
- 519
Hi @legalxp2 ,
That’s a great question! I actually encountered this in two interviews during my application cycle, and at the time, I wasn’t entirely sure how to approach it either. Reflecting on it now, I think the key is finding a balance.
It’s important not to focus too heavily on your strengths, as this might come across as skirting the question about areas for growth. At the same time, you want to avoid mentioning a weakness that’s fundamental to the role or presenting it in a way that makes it seem like you’re not working on it.
What worked for me was to structure my answer by first highlighting a strength in one paragraph, something relevant to the role and backed up with examples. Then, I’d discuss an area for growth, framing it as something I’m actively working on with clear steps.
This shows self-awareness and also demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development.
Hope that helps!
does anyone who has done the Mayer Brown simulation/VI have any advice/insight? just trying to gauge how much research on the firm is required to answer the VI questions - whether there are any motivational questions in the mix or if they're strictly related to the simulation
I’m sorry to hear that! This is just a part of the process dw! Can you pls tell when exactly you did your WG?
These abbreviations 😂😂Hi, thank you for letting me know
Edit: I was talking about addleshaw Godard not akin gump!
is it okay to re-use application question answers from the last intake if you managed to get quite far in the application process? I don’t want to write something different because I know it works so i want to double check @Jessica Booker
@Jessica Booker
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Congratulations!! May I ask when you applied? I just applied two days back and gave the test yesterday!
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