• Are you a future trainee?

    We're hiring at TCLA. Apply by midnight on 25 February 2025.

    Apply Now

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

suhana

Distinguished Member
Mar 17, 2024
59
30
Hey @suhana ,

I have linked a couple of helpful resources by the team below;





Best of luck! You’ll do amazing!
Thank you so much! This is incredibly helpful. However, I just reviewed the PE case study, and I noticed that I cannot see any responses to your message after you posted the case study. Specifically, I’m unable to access the discussion thread and YOUR response to the case study Is there any way I could access this discussion now, or is it no longer available?
 

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
812
964
Thank you so much! This is incredibly helpful. However, I just reviewed the PE case study, and I noticed that I cannot see any responses to your message after you posted the case study. Specifically, I’m unable to access the discussion thread and YOUR response to the case study Is there any way I could access this discussion now, or is it no longer available?
No worries @suhana , I will post my responses shortly!
 

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
812
964
Regarding the Forster’s feedback, what is meant when they say they like a legal element to be discussed? Is this like a specific case?

Hey @tarty23 ,

I’ve just seen the post and quoted the section below for more context;

“ Options picked considered too safe: many candidates avoided talking about clients, cases, lawyers and departments. In summary, they avoided talking about anything legal. We want to know which areas are of interest to you, and be able to see you have researched them thoroughly. We would advise you aim for a legal element, as well as talking about the easier elements to talk about, such as values, culture, D&I and CSR (which required less research) “

From what I have gathered, may candidates did not talk about the legal side of the profession. In other words, what drives you about business law? The reasons must be highly specific. Law firms want to see that candidates are generally and genuinely interested in their work. You could touch on this in a variety of ways, and the points the firm has mentioned show the most specific interest, when backed up by your own life and professional experiences. Overall, the legal element encompasses factors such as practice area awareness and interests. Which practices appeal to you and why? Are they core focuses at the firm to even begin with? Have you spoken to any lawyers at the firm who have given you more insight into the work and values of the firm? Why did you find that enlightening and which aspect of your past experiences can you link to back up that interest? The latter part on linking is very important because when someone tells one about the values or work of a firm, one shouldn’t immediately use that as a rationale for wanting to train there - indeed, any candidate can do this. The connection needs to be made to you personally, to show individuality. I appreciate this is a difficult connection to make at first, and it certainly was for me. I took some time to understand my drivers, motivations, and areas of interest. This enabled me to seamlessly make such connections on practices/values to my own self.

On your second question, a case can be added to highlight and further emphasise your passion for a specific practice. However, ensure to not just drop it since many firms work on similar deals. Was there anything landmark about that particular deal? Did it change or introduce something new in the industry? Are there specific factors about it that seamlessly link to an interest or experience of yours, that may not necessarily be seen among other firms?

In summary, I would personally interpret the firm’s inclusion of the word safe, as lacking specificity on practices of interest. To help me develop this skill during my cycle, I had literally gotten a big cardboard and written out all my interests/experiences that I could think of. I then researched on firms based off all the info on the cardboard, frequently referring to it during applications and interviews.

Best of luck! Hope this helps.
 

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
812
964
im so scared too!!! my first VI and i feel like im prepping for ages and still not got enough, i'm not too sure what questions they will ask hhaaha

Hey @Tiffanychan4 ,

I completely get that feeling. I felt the same way during my first VI as well. My take on it is that once you know your skills, passions, experiences, and drivers well, then you’ll be able to answer ANY question asked that is situational/competency based. Add a sprinkle of commercial awareness in your prep, and you’ll be able to answer those types of questions too!

Best of luck, we’re rooting for you all! ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tiffanychan4

Uch21

Star Member
Jan 25, 2024
36
32
I have an interview coming up with Farrer & Co, and this is what they told me they will be testing: "In this interview, we will delve a bit more deeply into your motivations to pursue a career in law, which areas of law interest you, your understanding of the role of a solicitor, and your wider knowledge of the legal sector in the UK today (e.g., recent cases or trends in the industry)." For the wider knowledge part especially, asides regularly listening to the news, how else can I prepare, and what type of questions could come up?
@Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam any insights you have will be really helpful
 

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.