TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[xxx]

CMS VI is genuinely the hardest one. Because they had such open ended questions with sm to cover in only 1 minute.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi there, I have a question regarding the Marriott Harrison VS application. One of the questions is: "Where do you see your career in five years, and how does this align with the work Marriott Harrison does?" Would greatly appreciate some pointers on how to approach this question, and how to differentiate my answer from the "why this firm" style question. @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker

Hey there @Will123 ,

This is a really good question. It often got me thinking during the application cycle last year too.

The way I see it, there is a difference between this particular question and ‘why X firm’. The reason is because why X firm directly requires you to focus on the work of a firm and why it appeals, whereas this question focuses more on how you’ve envisioned your career to go, more generally, in the next 5 years.

There are a plethora of things you could include on this. As opposed to the strict why firm question, this enables you to really touch honestly on your plans and how it aligns with MH. For example, if your goal is to go into a certain practice area, your answer will benefit from touching on what steps you have taken to get knowldge on it, and how you plan on building this in the next 5 years. This will surely need to be a practice the firm is well-versed in to substantiate why you want to explore it there, over other firms. Similarly, say you are drawn to a certain type of pro-bono, explain why. Subsequently, touch on why the firm may be able to support this - perhaps they are known for supporting refugees or have a strong domestic abuse advisory practice? The crux of the question is really understanding two things: (1) your plans (2) how and why you believe the firm can support that. The two questions you mentioned are certainly similar, but the first has subtle differences.

I have drafted a short response to a question of this type to give you an example of how I would personally answer it. I hope it provides more insights structure-wise:

Other than day-to-day practice area related work, I envision my career in the next five years to involve a variety of pro bono work. I am particularly drawn to supporting victims of displacement claim asylum. The reason I am drawn to exploring this stems from my role as a founder of a charity headquartered in France, where I work to supercharge the educational opportunities of children in similar situations. I admire the breadth of exposure working at a global law firm offers, particularly in relation to expanding the base of individuals I can support legally. My desire to build this foundation further at ABC specifically, stems from the firm‘s role in advising on the largest XYZ in Europe. The opportunity to work on similar deals, within a niche as specialised as this, is an opportunity many firms may not necessarily offer me.

 

[Amma Usman]

For Mayer Brown's SJT, normally I'm quite cautious in answering questions as I'd be a trainee who's very junior, but on their website it says they really like creativity and innovation. So, should my answers be a bit more geared towards risk/like pursuing novel alternatives if there's a case for it, or to be conservative?

Hey there @floral.tcla ,

Unfortunately, there is no correct answer to this. What is considered right or wrong differs per question. I’d say to just always trust your instinct. It’s great you’re bearing the firm’s values in mind whilst answering. I’ve usually kept these in mind when answering every question, and the approach has served me well. Above all, prior to clicking on an answer, ensure that it sits well with you - and what you will genuinely do in that situation. There is usually no perfect answer in an SJT. However, there are usually answers that are evidently wrong from the start. This is where you can start cancelling them out mentally to focus on weighing more likely accurate answers. With regards your other specific question, a mentor once told me that there is a certain level of mindfulness a trainee needs to possess to ensure that they make the most of the learning and development opportunity. However, this should not come at the expense of speaking up and conveying your views on a discussion. In fact, it is very much needed as you were hired for your opinion - hired to add value. So, I recommend keeping both approaches in mind whilst responding.

Best of luck, and I’m sure you'll do great!

 

[Jessica Booker]

For Mayer Brown's SJT, normally I'm quite cautious in answering questions as I'd be a trainee who's very junior, but on their website it says they really like creativity and innovation. So, should my answers be a bit more geared towards risk/like pursuing novel alternatives if there's a case for it, or to be conservative?

I'd suggest that creativity and innovation are quite different aspects to pursuing approaches that are risky. You can be creative/innovative and still be risk adverse in the way you test out/ensure quality in your outcomes.

 

[Will123]

Hey there @Will123 ,

This is a really good question. It often got me thinking during the application cycle last year too.

The way I see it, there is a difference between this particular question and ‘why X firm’. The reason is because why X firm directly requires you to focus on the work of a firm and why it appeals, whereas this question focuses more on how you’ve envisioned your career to go, more generally, in the next 5 years.

There are a plethora of things you could include on this. As opposed to the strict why firm question, this enables you to really touch honestly on your plans and how it aligns with MH. For example, if your goal is to go into a certain practice area, your answer will benefit from touching on what steps you have taken to get knowldge on it, and how you plan on building this in the next 5 years. This will surely need to be a practice the firm is well-versed in to substantiate why you want to explore it there, over other firms. Similarly, say you are drawn to a certain type of pro-bono, explain why. Subsequently, touch on why the firm may be able to support this - perhaps they are known for supporting refugees or have a strong domestic abuse advisory practice? The crux of the question is really understanding two things: (1) your plans (2) how and why you believe the firm can support that. The two questions you mentioned are certainly similar, but the first has subtle differences.

I have drafted a short response to a question of this type to give you an example of how I would personally answer it. I hope it provides more insights structure-wise:

Other than day-to-day practice area related work, I envision my career in the next five years to involve a variety of pro bono work. I am particularly drawn to supporting victims of displacement claim asylum. The reason I am drawn to exploring this stems from my role as a founder of a charity headquartered in France, where I work to supercharge the educational opportunities of children in similar situations. I admire the breadth of exposure working at a global law firm offers, particularly in relation to expanding the base of individuals I can support legally. My desire to build this foundation further at ABC specifically, stems from the firm‘s role in advising on the largest XYZ in Europe. The opportunity to work on similar deals, within a niche as specialised as this, is an opportunity many firms may not necessarily offer me.

Thank you so much! This is really helpful, especially your draft response!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Amma Usman!
I had a question about this response. When writing the areas for growth and saying what I am doing to improve, should I include tangible results highlighting improvements? I am worried that providing these results suggest that it is no longer an area for growth per se.

Thanks a lot!

Hi there,

Yes, I recommend touching well on the progress so far - it shows you can set a plan on something and get positive results from adopting a focused approach to solving the issue. I see that you are also worried on it no longer appearing as an area for growth. The way I see it, growth is a consistent learning curve. There will always be more room for improvement, so consider mentioning how you intend on exercising that/building on it further, perhaps in a last sentence at the end.

 

[Amma Usman]

hey guys. anyone know if its still worth applying for summer vs of hogan lovells and white and case, considering they are rolling and deadlines are 3rd jan and 12th jan respectively and vi offers have started to go out?

Hey @suhana ,

Most firms receive the bulk of their applications in the last two weeks, so I believe there is no harm in doing so.

 

[zeydi]

For anyone who has taken the Assessment Centre at the Bank of England? How was your experience, was it very technical / what would you expect from programme/stream specific questions? please PM if you taken the test or have insights to it!

 

[zeydi]

Is there any guides or tips to best prepare for Group Exercises?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi,
To anyone that can help please maybe @Andrei Radu or @Amma Usman.

I have my first AC coming up and I’m trying to research deals from the firm. Should I focus on deals from the same area or a wider range please?

Hi @EK_27 , congratulations on securing your first AC!

Are you referring to the same practice area you're interested in, or the same geographic region where the firm operates? Perhaps I’ll be able to shed more light then!

 

[floral.tcla]

Hey there @floral.tcla ,

Unfortunately, there is no correct answer to this. What is considered right or wrong differs per question. I’d say to just always trust your instinct. It’s great you’re bearing the firm’s values in mind whilst answering. I’ve usually kept these in mind when answering every question, and the approach has served me well. Above all, prior to clicking on an answer, ensure that it sits well with you - and what you will genuinely do in that situation. There is usually no perfect answer in an SJT. However, there are usually answers that are evidently wrong from the start. This is where you can start cancelling them out mentally to focus on weighing more likely accurate answers. With regards your other specific question, a mentor once told me that there is a certain level of mindfulness a trainee needs to possess to ensure that they make the most of the learning and development opportunity. However, this should not come at the expense of speaking up and conveying your views on a discussion. In fact, it is very much needed as you were hired for your opinion - hired to add value. So, I recommend keeping both approaches in mind whilst responding.

Best of luck, and I’m sure you'll do great!

Thank you so much!

 

[floral.tcla]

I'd suggest that creativity and innovation are quite different aspects to pursuing approaches that are risky. You can be creative/innovative and still be risk adverse in the way you test out/ensure quality in your outcomes.

Thank you!

 

[zeydi]

Hello, to anyone that can help me @Andrei Radu or @Amma Usman.

I have been invited to my first Virtual AC with a in-house company with group exercise, how would you reccomend hving a strategy to prepare for it or what should I focus in preparation anything I should be careful of to make a differnece.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Audric_T , I’m unsure about the specifics on DLA’s assessment process, but I’ll take a stab on your second question.

Commercial awareness is a crucial skill in the law firm application process, and it’s one that requires consistent effort to build and maintain every day. I always say this – it’s not just about skimming through the Financial Times(FT) every morning. It’s about truly understanding the fundamentals, even the smaller details: for instance, knowing the definitions and distinctions between types of loans or bonds, and understanding how fiscal policy differs from monetary policy. It’s about balancing theoretical knowledge with an awareness of current affairs, as both are equally essential.

For case studies, commercial awareness can encompass a range of knowledge. Take an M&A case study, for example. It’s important to understand practical concepts like the differences between drag along and tag along rights, the role of due diligence, or how a change of control clause could impact the deal. On a broader level, having knowledge of landmark M&A deals – such as the proposed merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard – shows not only that you are up to date, but also that you understand how such deals shape the legal and business landscape.

In terms of building commercial awareness, I recommend starting with accessible resources like Finimize, LittleLaw, or ZipLaw. These are great tools for breaking down complex commercial concepts into digestible pieces. From there, podcasts like the FT News Briefing or The Economist Podcasts can keep you updated on global business and economic trends in a conversational format. You can also reinforce this knowledge by subscribing to the FirstFT newsletter, which summarises the main developments of the day. Highlighting a couple of key stories daily and delving deeper into how they affect businesses and their legal teams will help solidify your understanding.

When it comes to incorporating commercial awareness into law firm presentations, it’s essential to weave it in naturally rather than forcing it. Demonstrate how you view commercial trends through a legal lens, aligning them with the firm’s values and the role of a trainee solicitor. For group exercises, the collective knowledge of your team can be a real asset. Everyone brings their own perspective, so it’s important to contribute your insights while being open to learning from others. Together, you can craft a well-rounded, commercially aware presentation that showcases collaboration and critical thinking.

As you prepare for your assessment centre and beyond, adopting this structured approach will help you develop commercial awareness as a habit rather than a chore. Personally, these resources and strategies have been invaluable to me, and I’m confident they’ll help you as well.

I’m sure @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu will have more thoughts on this.

Hi there,

Absolutely! For group exercises, the key is to stay calm and focus on working well with others. Make sure you’re actively listening to what everyone is saying and contributing in a way that shows you’re engaged. It’s not about taking over or leading everything; it’s about being collaborative and ensuring the group stays on track. Paying attention to time is also important. If you notice things are running over, gently steer the group back without sounding bossy.

Speak clearly and confidently when you share your thoughts, but don’t feel like you have to talk constantly. Quality over quantity always makes a better impression. If the discussion starts to feel chaotic, just stay composed and focus on how you can add value to the task. Showing positive body language is another great way to make an impact. Simple things like maintaining eye contact, nodding when someone speaks, and sitting upright show that you’re engaged and approachable.

Remember, the assessors aren’t looking for perfection but for someone who works well in a team, stays focused, and brings a positive, solutions-oriented mindset to the table. You’ll do great!

Is there any guides or tips to best prepare for Group Exercises?

Hey there @zeydi , I’ve quoted some past posts I’ve made on this in the past! Best of luck with the exercise - please remember to take some time to rest during the holiday though!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hello, to anyone that can help me @Andrei Radu or @Amma Usman.

I have been invited to my first Virtual AC with a in-house company with group exercise, how would you reccomend hving a strategy to prepare for it or what should I focus in preparation anything I should be careful of to make a differnece.

Hi, congratulations again on your first virtual AC invite!

For the group exercise, focus on presenting your views in a way that’s both respectful and collaborative. Express your ideas confidently, but also engage with and encourage others’ contributions to showcase your ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Since this is for an in-house role, it's essential to understand how the advisory scope differs from private practice. In-house lawyers are typically specialists in the specific industry they serve, providing expert advice tailored to the business's needs. However, when matters require niche expertise or go beyond their scope, they may seek support from private law firms. I have usually been asked about this difference in past ACs I’ve been to, so it’s helpful having some points under your belt on the advisory-related differences.

To prepare, familiarise yourself with the industry the company operates in and think about how their legal team might approach commercial and operational challenges. During case studies or group discussions, focus on offering practical, solution-oriented advice that balances legal compliance with business priorities.

Best of luck, you’re going to do great!

 

[legal18]

For the question. 'How would you describe the role of a commercial lawyer and why have you chosen a career in commercial law?'. I am going to provide two reasons so would it be okay to do one introductory sentence which 'describes the role of a commercial lawyer' and then have the rest of the paragraph focus on 'why have you chosen a career in commercial law.'

Also, would these descriptions suffice: 'The role of a commercial lawyer involves approaching legal problems with an awareness of the commercial world.' + 'The role of commercial lawyers involves working with change-makers in the commercial world.'

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone, hope you're all having a good week, particularly leading up to the holidays. I think this is lowkey a rant and I want to get it off my chest but also hopefully this resonates with someone in the same situation. I have been applying to law firms since 2022 and two cycles, in I am exhausted. What is truly triggering about this process is that back in 2023 when I was in my final year of a non-law degree I was invited to assessment centres with Ashurst and Macfarlanes. Fast-forward to this year when I not only graduated with an 81% in my PGDL but also ended up for the semis on some of the most coveted commercial awareness competitions. You'd think I'd have a competitive application? Well, I'd think again because I literally cannot get past the application stage for a single firm this entire year. I literally do not know what else I could possibly do - I cannot even land a paralegal role to get my foot in the door. Does anyone have any advice or ideas on why this may be? Is this because I am an international student? If so why make the promise to offer sponsorships? I am absolutely deflated and not going to lie, the upcoming holidays when you see families and friends etc is not making it any better. I absolutely in my bones KNOW I want to be a lawyer and know this dream will come true but boy it's tough out here. Being a part of TCLA has also made me realise how tenacious and hard-working this community is, and if you're feeling low and disappointed too, you are not alone and I am praying for you all!

Hi @futuretrainee! ,

Thank you for being so open about what you’re going through.

First off, you’ve already achieved incredible things: an 81% on your PGDL and making it to the semis of major commercial awareness competitions? That’s something to be so proud of.

This reminds me of Albert Bandura’s “self-efficacy theory” which I was reading about on the train the other day. It’s the idea that the belief in your own ability to succeed plays a massive role in achieving your goals. Bandura talks about how we can build self-efficacy through mastery experiences (like your academic and competition successes), social modelling (seeing others succeed and knowing it’s possible for you too), and resilience/overcoming challenges and setbacks.

The thing is, you’re already doing everything Bandura points to. You’ve had mastery experiences that prove you’re capable. You’re surrounded by this incredible community of people, showing you that there’s a way through. And most importantly, you’re building resilience every time you push forward, even when it feels tough. That resilience is going to carry you further than you realise right now.

It’s so easy to feel like you’re stuck in a loop, but every application, every rejection, and every moment of reflection is adding to your strength and skillset. It’s not a straight line, but it is progress. The system might be competitive, but you’re already proving you have what it takes to stand out, not just in achievements, but in character, grit, and determination.

The holidays can bring up all sorts of emotions, but try to take this time to celebrate you: the version of yourself that keeps showing up, even when it’s hard. You’ve got a fire inside you, and that dream of becoming a lawyer? It’s yours.

You’re not alone in this. Everyone here is rooting for you. Keep believing in yourself, because every step forward is bringing you closer to where you want to be. You’re already doing amazing things, and there’s so much ahead for you.

You’ve got this.

 

[Amma Usman]

For the question. 'How would you describe the role of a commercial lawyer and why have you chosen a career in commercial law?'. I am going to provide two reasons so would it be okay to do one introductory sentence which 'describes the role of a commercial lawyer' and then have the rest of the paragraph focus on 'why have you chosen a career in commercial law.'

Also, would these descriptions suffice: 'The role of a commercial lawyer involves approaching legal problems with an awareness of the commercial world.' + 'The role of commercial lawyers involves working with change-makers in the commercial world.'

Hey @legal18 ,

If I were to approach this, I would personally split the question into two paragraphs. I would not make it an even split because I would want to touch more on why commercial law. However, not at the expense of fully explaining the other arm of the question. Thus, I’d say be mindful of how you divide the word count.

The descriptions are good, but to further improve it, you could be more specific on the role of a commercial lawyer. As such, you may find it worthwhile touching on things like the unique aspects of the job that can’t be applied to any other job in the corporate world. For example, for the second description you provided, any corporate professional will work with change-makers in the commercial world. To provide a more specialised answer, you will need to dig deep into what really drives you about the role. The reason I’m saying this is because we find it easier as humans to talk about things that excite us. What excites you, @legal18, about the role of a commercial lawyer? It certainly isn’t the most easy question to answer, but one which will elevate your descriptive analysis on this question once you tackle it. So take a moment to uncover this, perhaps through a nice hot cup of tea, or something that will relax you enough to dig deep. This applies to the why commercial law question as well. Law firms want to see your story (communicated professionally).

You are on a really good track. Best of luck with the application!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, does anyone know whether a cover letter is necessary (or encouraged) for Cripps please? The application form allows you to upload one but nowhere on the grad recruitment part of the website does it say that it is required. It also lets you turn to the next page without a pop up that the section is incomplete without uploading a cover letter. Thanks in advance!

Hey @sibs23 , I always include a cover letter when the space for it is provided. However, I would also note that the situation may be different if there exist application questions. In any case, it would not take anything away from your application but it’s worth emailing grad rec if ever in doubt on the specifics of the firm.

 

[plshireme]

What time does the DWF application close tomorrow?

@Amma Usman do you know if it's usually 11.59 p.m. on the day of the deadline? or is it midnight tonight?