TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Ram Sabaratnam]

I am writing my NRF application. The first question asks why are you interested in commercial law and why NRF. As the 2nd question asks about which sector has the most potential for growth in 12 months. Wanted to ask if I focus on the energy Sector growth for Q2 will it be okay to talk about the firm's project finance work in Q1 or will that be repetition. Any advice will be appreciated @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman @Kay Aston

Hiya @nliro85

This is a great question! I remember feeling the same way when applying to firms with a strong sectoral focus. I often wondered if there was too much overlap when I mentioned a firm’s sectoral strengths (like energy) as a reason for wanting to join, and then subsequently talking about that same sector in another question. That said, it’s definitely possible to discuss both energy and project finance without sounding repetitive.

To avoid repetition, it's worth asking yourself a few questions. If you're genuinely interested in NRF’s project finance work, are there other industries where their project finance practice stands out to you? Perhaps you could highlight their work in areas like infrastructure, telecommunications, or public-private partnerships? Focussing on these areas will also allow you to showcase a broader understanding of the firm's project finance.

If you’d rather not focus on project finance when discussing developments in the energy sector, consider exploring other aspects of NRF’s energy-related work. For instance:

• Regulatory and Policy Changes: Are there any recent or upcoming policy changes in the energy sector you find interesting? How might NRF help clients navigate these? You could highlight any standout advisory work the firm has done in this space, particularly around helping clients adapt to regulatory shifts.
• Technological Innovations: Are there any technological developments that you have recently learned about? Perhaps something in renewable energy, smart grids, or energy storage? If so, how is NRF positioned to advise clients on these innovations? You could even look at such developments in the energy sector from an M&A or intellectual property perspective.
• Geopolitical and Economic Trends: If you want to discuss the energy sector without focussing too much on project finance, you can also consider factors like commodity prices, supply chain issues, or geopolitical tensions. Again, when discussing these shifts, it's useful to think about whether NRF has any previous experience assisting clients in navigating these sorts of changes.

These are just a few ideas to help you think about the wide range of topics you could cover when discussing the energy sector. By focusing on these broader aspects, I think you can avoid any overlap with your answer on project finance. Ultimately, the most important thing is to write about areas you're genuinely interested in. My questions above are just to help you brainstorm the various angles you could take.

Hope this helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

I have just started my Jones Day application, and it feels like the firm really values interactions that candidates have had with the firm, e.g. has a separate question asking if I have completed their virtual work experience. I know completing any firm's virtual work experience is a plus, but I had never seen a separate Yes/No question for it before. Does anyone know if this is a borderline deal-breaker for Jones Day (even if not officially)?

 

[nliro85]

Hiya @nliro85

This is a great question! I remember feeling the same way when applying to firms with a strong sectoral focus. I often wondered if there was too much overlap when I mentioned a firm’s sectoral strengths (like energy) as a reason for wanting to join, and then subsequently talking about that same sector in another question. That said, it’s definitely possible to discuss both energy and project finance without sounding repetitive.

To avoid repetition, it's worth asking yourself a few questions. If you're genuinely interested in NRF’s project finance work, are there other industries where their project finance practice stands out to you? Perhaps you could highlight their work in areas like infrastructure, telecommunications, or public-private partnerships? Focussing on these areas will also allow you to showcase a broader understanding of the firm's project finance.

If you’d rather not focus on project finance when discussing developments in the energy sector, consider exploring other aspects of NRF’s energy-related work. For instance:

• Regulatory and Policy Changes: Are there any recent or upcoming policy changes in the energy sector you find interesting? How might NRF help clients navigate these? You could highlight any standout advisory work the firm has done in this space, particularly around helping clients adapt to regulatory shifts.
• Technological Innovations: Are there any technological developments that you have recently learned about? Perhaps something in renewable energy, smart grids, or energy storage? If so, how is NRF positioned to advise clients on these innovations? You could even look at such developments in the energy sector from an M&A or intellectual property perspective.
• Geopolitical and Economic Trends: If you want to discuss the energy sector without focussing too much on project finance, you can also consider factors like commodity prices, supply chain issues, or geopolitical tensions. Again, when discussing these shifts, it's useful to think about whether NRF has any previous experience assisting clients in navigating these sorts of changes.

These are just a few ideas to help you think about the wide range of topics you could cover when discussing the energy sector. By focusing on these broader aspects, I think you can avoid any overlap with your answer on project finance. Ultimately, the most important thing is to write about areas you're genuinely interested in. My questions above are just to help you brainstorm the various angles you could take.

Hope this helps, and best of luck with your application!

This is really insightful and really helpful thank you very much for this. This is more than enough and appreciate this insight.

 

[Interested_In_Law]

Sidley Austin interview!

 

[0livia.pope]

are Latham open day applications rolling?

 

[sammm10101]

Hogan Lovells open day invitation wooo

 

[Shah74k]

Sidley Austin interview!

Is this for WVS or SVS?

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

Hi what’s a PFO haha

well apparently this means an automated rejection email

 

[Interested_In_Law]

Is this for WVS or SVS?

WVS

 

[Izzy1026]

WVS

May I ask when did you submit your application? Also huge congrats on the interview invite!

 

[Interested_In_Law]

May I ask when did you submit your application? Also huge congrats on the interview invite!

Thank you! I applied on 6th August.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Surely Sidley would’ve sent out all the interviews for successful applicants, right?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

hi @Jessica Booker if an employer is asking you to provide a copy of your visa is this just asking for the sharecode?

 

[Jessica Booker]

hi @Jessica Booker if an employer is asking you to provide a copy of your visa is this just asking for the sharecode?

If the visa is in your passport, they may need a scan of that, but if there are any formal documents you can provide that confirm the name and expiry date of the visa, then you might be able to provide that as well. I would check with the firm as to what they specifically need if it is not clear from their instructions.

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏]

Surely Sidley would’ve sent out all the interviews for successful applicants, right?

not necessarily, it may depend on who applied first; we'll have to just wait and see

 

[laurenn42]

Does anyone have any top tips for the WG, more specifically the inferences section?

 

[l789]

Hogan Lovells open day invitation wooo

Congrats!!! Is this the REAHL open day via allaboutlaw

 

[sammm10101]

Congrats!!! Is this the REAHL open day via allaboutlaw

It was the LGBTQ+ one

 

[l789]

It was the LGBTQ+ one

Ah that’s amazing! I can’t remember seeing that opportunity!

I’m very happy for you and hope you get a lot out of the open day )

 

[gazdgazd11]

Surely Sidley would’ve sent out all the interviews for successful applicants, right?

Do they send rejection emails?