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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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does anyone have any advice in how to approach a tell me about yourself question at the start of an interview. especially when the interview is CV blind so this will lead the discussion. any potential structuring tips, or things to def include?
Do the Paul Hastings PHirst Steps placements lead to training contract offer? Or is it better to apply directly to TC? (I'm final year oxbridge non-law, good grades, w/ some impressive non-law work experience).
When I asked Jessica, she said that we didn't need personal examples but I hadn't noticed there was no work experience section! I will probably weave in personal experiences in a like "this experience showed me the importance of XYZ" or stick a sentence in at the end of my paragraph linking the skill to me
Also Ropes lets us choose between 2026 and 2027 intake when applying but on the website says only 2027 - will I be disadvantaged if I pick 2026 or will they assume I would be fine with 2027 if no 2026 places?
Is anyone in the same position as me - I applied to Slaughters on 30/10 for their vac scheme but I am yet to hear back.
This despite the fact that others applied much later than me and have received invites/PFO's.
Should I assume PFO or write an email asking for updates? I felt as though my application was strong and have extensive history with the firm so I'm genuinely lost here 😭
This despite the fact that others applied much later than me and have received invites/PFO's.
Should I assume PFO or write an email asking for updates? I felt as though my application was strong and have extensive history with the firm so I'm genuinely lost here 😭
Jessica Booker
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- Aug 1, 2019
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The question is not asking for personal examples. Most people who include these do not end up answering the question in sufficient detail.
Anyone know what Gateley is looking for in their application when they ask "Please provide relevant detail and information from your work experience to date."?
Given that there aren't any other questions apart from one about their Forage work ex, should the answer to this read like a cover letter? Like what I've done, what I've learned and how the skills apply to Gateley?
Given that there aren't any other questions apart from one about their Forage work ex, should the answer to this read like a cover letter? Like what I've done, what I've learned and how the skills apply to Gateley?
From what I remember, I think Paul mentioned during an application workshop that we would hear back from the firm in February and those who passed the spelling and grammar review stage would do the online SJT.
Not entirely sure though tbh because it depends on how many applications they have received.
Best of luck for Paul, Weiss! 🙂🙂
I remember @Andrei Radu (I believe) making a post on how prepare for SJTs, or what to look out for, etc. Would really appreciate any additional advice on how to do well in SJTs because I never seem to progress with firms that use them. Thank you x
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi there,
This is a really good question. As you can imagine, there is no one exact answer to it. In my opinion, this is a good thing actually. There is no set formula one can use for any firm, to get an offer. This goes to show that firms appreciate individuality and want to really hear your individual stories to know why you want to work at their firm. There are certain factors to mention which fall higher up in the rank of good answers, than others. For example, people often start off with training points or pro bono to demonstrate this interest. This is not bad in itself, particularly if there is something the firm does within these streams, to stand out. However, it will often be largely the same among firms. I only applied to firms with relatively small trainee intakes as this, in my view, enables higher responsibility early on. However, this was not the first thing I mentioned in interviews - it complemented other, well-researched points. As you would have guessed by now, the best thing to focus on with questions like this is a firm’s work. Many firms will be full-service, or well-versed across multiple practices. However, they will be more often times than not, specialised within certain sectors. Why a firm with a core disputes practice? Why a firm with a strong life sciences and tech practice? Why a transactional-focused firm? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before said interview. It is not enough to mention highly generic points such as rankings on Chambers Partners or proficiency in these practices - many firms will be proficient. The starting point is relating this work to your experiences and why that matters. Further, why does it matter enough that you know it is what you want to do for the next two years of your life. Look back at your portfolio - what webinars, work experiences, coffee chats, have you had which made you realise this? Mention these in the interview - it is what will bring your application to life and convey genuinely why this firm is for you and why you are the candidate for them.
Despite me brushing over the training points, you can still certainly mention those with specific examples on why that appeals and/or examples of how you thrived in that similar environment, to show a transferability of skills.
So in summary, always focus on the work first. At the end of the day, this is what you will be hired to do. Through more research, you will also find that firms are market leaders in certain niches within practices. If these niches appeal, mentioning them with specific examples from your experiences, will further strengthen your candidacy.
No they don’t lead to TCs. Completely separate process as I understand. People asked this at open day.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Honestly, there’s no exact formula for smashing SJTs, and I think it’s so important to remember that! A lot of people fall into the trap of trying to pick the answers they think the firm wants to hear, but, in reality, it’s more about how you instinctively respond to business scenarios and your approach to problem-solving. Trust your intuition, it’s more reliable than you think because you already have a general sense of what’s right in a workplace context.
I know people often say to keep the firm’s values in mind while doing SJTs, which is good. However, sometimes it can backfire. If you spend too much time overthinking how to align your answers to their values, you risk running out of time. Most firms value things like proactivity, intellectual curiosity, commercial awareness, and teamwork - you don’t need to stress trying to memorise or focus solely on those. Trust that your instincts already factor these in because they’re a given in professional settings.
One trend I’ve noticed in SJTs is the “demanding deadlines” scenario, like when you’re already swamped, and someone asks you to take on another task. It’s tempting to say “yes” to show you’re proactive, but in reality, a professional workplace values honesty and prioritisation. It’s often better to acknowledge your capacity and explain why you can’t take on extra work without risking the quality of your other tasks. Being upfront shows self-awareness and professionalism.
At the end of the day, SJTs test how you’d navigate realistic situations, so trust your gut.
Best wishes and I know you’ll do amazing!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi there,
I presume there is no need to structure this in a cover letter format. If there is already a cover letter to provide, and/or application questions which cover why Gateley and commercial law, then you can simply use the standard work experience structure format.
When I was applying, I will simply list out each experience (my role, firm, duration/dates), and some description of my responsibilities, as well as skills acquired. These do not need to be Gateley-specific as I’m sure any skill acquired will be valuable and transferable to a law firm setting. Further, the motivational questions or cover letter would enable you to centre more on Gateley anyway.
I personally used a mix of bullet points and prose to address such sections, but I know most people prefer prose so it’s really up to you and if there’s a word limit. I would say don’t make this excessively long though - anything less than 150 words is fine in my opinion. However, I also know of firms that have a 250-300 word limit so it really depends.
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