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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

FM302989

Legendary Member
Junior Lawyer
  • Oct 16, 2020
    300
    1,183
    I disagree. I was asked this in an interview last week. I was even asked about the firm's role and how it can ensure it is best equipped to tackle it... i.e., litigation. But the little law article is very informative and it tells you all you need to know. I read that the day before my interview because I saw a few people on the forum saying they too were asked!
    Damn! I'm actually kinda shocked that question is being asked on future trainees. Okay, yes it now appears to be relevant for interviews, but I don't see this affecting the role of the majority of UK lawyers. I've had 3 seminars in the last fortnight and Trump ain't on the itinerary

    I wonder if this is more of an HR-oriented question than a future lawyer one?
     
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    Reactions: Chris Brown

    3000to1shoteverytime

    Legendary Member
    Dec 9, 2023
    176
    215
    Damn! I'm actually kinda shocked that question is being asked on future trainees. Okay, yes it now appears to be relevant for interviews, but I don't see this affecting the role of the majority of UK lawyers. I've had 3 seminars in the last fortnight and Trump ain't on the itinerary

    I wonder if this is more of an HR-oriented question than a future lawyer one?
    Not really. They ask whether interviewees think the impact of the DEI news in the US will impact the UK and how it will affect UK law firms - this doesn't mean just the firm itself but the advice they give.
     

    Legalgirl

    Star Member
    Oct 28, 2024
    25
    104
    Damn! I'm actually kinda shocked that question is being asked on future trainees. Okay, yes it now appears to be relevant for interviews, but I don't see this affecting the role of the majority of UK lawyers. I've had 3 seminars in the last fortnight and Trump ain't on the itinerary

    I wonder if this is more of an HR-oriented question than a future lawyer one?
    To be fair, in the little law article it does state that it doesn't massively impact UK law firms, and it has more to do with US external stakeholders.. or something like that I can't remember the article well. Also, the article mentions that Labour are tightening DEI policies. Technically the fact that it doesn't affect us is still an answer. I suppose being aware of how things don't affect us is relevant if that makes any sense - especially nowadays when it feels like every day you wake to another crazy news story...
     

    FM302989

    Legendary Member
    Junior Lawyer
  • Oct 16, 2020
    300
    1,183
    To be fair, in the little law article it does state that it doesn't massively impact UK law firms, and it has more to do with US external stakeholders.. or something like that I can't remember the article well. Also, the article mentions that Labour are tightening DEI policies. Technically the fact that it doesn't affect us is still an answer. I suppose being aware of how things don't affect us is relevant if that makes any sense - especially nowadays when it feels like every day you wake to another crazy news story...
    Yes this is what I was looking for. Agree with this
     

    3000to1shoteverytime

    Legendary Member
    Dec 9, 2023
    176
    215
    Okay, well I don't work in employment law (one field I suppose would be interested). I've not heard it discussed even in passing anywhere else
    It wouldn't just be within employment law though would it? For example it may impact tendering processes as one example. Lawyers need to think more holistically and be able to spot issues they may need to refer to colleagues in other practice areas internally.
     

    3000to1shoteverytime

    Legendary Member
    Dec 9, 2023
    176
    215
    Okay how so? I'm sorry I'm really not understanding how it would or how someone would be expected to answer a question like that
    I actually amended my answer to give one example . This comes down to your own commercial awareness. Wider reading helps in that regard. There are other examples but as I am still in the process I think this is another area where I would be willing to give a fuller answer after I have secured my own TC.
     

    FM302989

    Legendary Member
    Junior Lawyer
  • Oct 16, 2020
    300
    1,183
    I actually amended my answer to give one example . This comes down to whether commercial awareness. Wider reading helps in that regard. There are other examples but as I am still in the process I think this is another area where I would be willing to give a fuller answer after I have secured my own TC.
    Exactly! Sadly you only really get the chance to understand law firms and even personally what areas you enjoy after working there.

    I had Partners ask questions such as 'any legal developments that we or our clients should be aware of'. If anyone is interested in property/finance, you could discuss planning rules changing, Building Safety Act to be mindful, overseas entities and corporate transparency of property ownership, the importance of Guarantors getting full legal advice on loans (Murfet v Property Lending?), interest rates and the Bank of England base rate changing in an active development market

    But I digress!
     

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