TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[fitzer401]

Has anyone heard from Goodwin post VI? Thank you

 

[OliverTwist]

For the Orrick app, does anyone have any tips, specifically how to approach the cover letter, at the moment I am focusing this on myself as there is a why comm law and a why Orrick question. Open to any ideas/suggestions.

These are the questions I am referring to:
1. Please paste your covering letter here 500 words
2. Why have you decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer working in an international law firm? What factors and influences have affected your decision 250 words
3. Why specifically are you interested in training at Orrick? What makes us different to the other firms you have applied for? 250 words

 

[Kakaboo]

Just checking, for cleary you have to be fluent in mandarin?!?

 

[sooae]

Has anyone heard from Goodwin post VI? Thank you

I don't think anyone has. Maybe they'll get back to us end of January.

 

[klazza]

anyone heard back from:

mishcon?
withers after test?

Mishcon said they will get to people today or early next week!

 

[James Wakefield]

I know some people have heard back from Withers after-test. I’m hoping that’s just for Spring though? Has anyone heard for summer?

 

[VacSchemer]

Pinsent Masons AC (middle east)! Please PM me if you have had any experience with them before, would really appreciate it!

 

[Jessica Booker]

For the Orrick app, does anyone have any tips, specifically how to approach the cover letter, at the moment I am focusing this on myself as there is a why comm law and a why Orrick question. Open to any ideas/suggestions.

These are the questions I am referring to:
1. Please paste your covering letter here 500 words
2. Why have you decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer working in an international law firm? What factors and influences have affected your decision 250 words
3. Why specifically are you interested in training at Orrick? What makes us different to the other firms you have applied for? 250 words

Your cover letter should cover “why you” and I would also include anything about the firm that isnt related to training - eg more of the cultural aspects of the firm that you align with/are interested in.

 

[isabelle888]

I have the White & case VI coming up — I know lots of people did it already, and would appreciate any tips! Would the questions be more standard competency questions or should i prepare myself?

How did it go?

 

[legalxp2]

Mishcon said they will get to people today or early next week!

Hi did you receive a general email about this or did you personally email them to find out?

 

[sapphireoreos]

Mishcon said they will get to people today or early next week!

When did they say that? Applied for the summer VS and heard nothing

 

[Katy12345]

Has anyone braved the Bristows VI yet? Just curious how many questions there are to answer and the timings as there’s been no details whatsoever! Happy to share insights into CMS, Reed Smith and AG 😊

 

[AlegalA]

Can anyone who has done DACB's critical thinking test mind sharing what that actually means?

 

[aphelion]

guys how do you stop yourselves from checking email every 10 minutes. I got used to getting lots of responses from firms in december and now I'm getting withdrawal symptoms.

 

[NCTC2025]

guys how do you stop yourselves from checking email every 10 minutes. I got used to getting lots of responses from firms in december and now I'm getting withdrawal symptoms.

I've learnt to embrace it... I swear I refresh mail and spam every 5 minutes 😭

 

[OliverTwist]

guys how do you stop yourselves from checking email every 10 minutes. I got used to getting lots of responses from firms in december and now I'm getting withdrawal symptoms.

Set up an email specifically and only for job applications and turn on push notifications on your phone. This way you only have job updates coming through the notis.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

does anyone have any idea how to structure an answer to the question "what are xyz's competitors?" in an interview?

Hiya @AnAnonymousDuck

It can be tricky to answer these at interview, but I typically tried to take the following approach:

1. Acknowledge how you are defining competition: I always tried to pre-empt what I was saying by acknowledging that competition can be defined or measured in different ways. A firm's competitors could be defined by a range of factors, including practice area strengths, sectoral capabilities, international reach, client base, or their firm structure (e.g. traditional partnership vs swiss verein). Stating this upfront shows your interviewer that you’re aware of the different angles the answer could be taken.
2. Name a few (2-3): After setting out the above parameters briefly, I'd then say "taking this all into account, I think firms X, Y, and Z really stand out as key competitors to the firm."
3. Make it relevant: I'd then try to explain why these firms are competitors specifically to the one you’re interviewing for. Again you can make reference to the factors you initially set out/mention in step 1 of making this answer.

If you're also asked how the firm you're interviewing at stands out, then I'd include a fourth part to your answer: wrap up by highlighting what makes the firm you’re interviewing with different or better than the firms you mentioned. Maybe it’s their niche expertise within certain practice area, or just a stronger reputation in an area that matters to you. Overall, I'd recommend just being as structured as possible, leading your interviewer through your reasoning.

Hope this helps! Good luck with any upcoming interviews!

 

[James Wakefield]

guys how do you stop yourselves from checking email every 10 minutes. I got used to getting lots of responses from firms in december and now I'm getting withdrawal symptoms.

I do this and I also check for missed calls too. 😅

 

[aphelion]

Set up an email specifically and only for job applications and turn on push notifications on your phone. This way you only have job updates coming through the notis.

This should be part of TCLA's core curriculum

 

[amieclark]

Does anyone have any insight into Burges Salmon AC? First AC so anything is helpful!