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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
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Hi! I’m new here, I have been reading the comments for weeks but never actually signed up to comment.
I’ve been invited to a an AC at Addleshaw Goddard, which I’m very surprised about!
I only decided to apply to one this year with a view to then fully go for it next year after I graduate.
Any tips are very welcome please!

Congratulations on the AC. My main tips:

  • This depends on which components you will be assessed on. Competency, situational, and commercial awareness interviews each require different competencies. In the first two, you will need to know your experiences and interests inside and out. This way, you will be able to answer any question without being tripped up when asked. You will find any question easy as if you know your skills and ways to substantiate these, ANY question can be answered well by you.
  • Keep up with general industry trends. Each update will somehow link to the firm through its clients, or its own work directly. Talk about these in your interviews. If you are starting off your commercial awareness journey, some sources will be more helpful than others. For example, jumping straight into the FT is great, but spending some time reading sources which break complex concepts early on first, will make your long-term assimilation of current affairs more quick and is thus, a more sustainable approach.
  • Some sources here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/10-commercial-awareness-sources.9412/
Best of luck, we’re all rooting for you!
 
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LawLawLawLawLaw

Star Member
Sep 23, 2024
26
17
i've been sent the WBD tests and I've done similar tests for Reed Smith before which didnt go that well - on the email it says there is a practice test which i cant see as a link and also i was wondering if anyone had any practice tests for this kind of " Blended High Potential Assessment" or any test websites for it, i know its an amberjack test but i dont know how to improve on these tests in particular?
 

Amma Usman

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
872
1,040
For why the firm question at an interview - I want to make three points. 1.) How I am interested in their practice areas 2.) Their international outreach and secondment (particularly Middle East presence).

I'm struggling for a third if anyone can help. Culture/diversity is all I can think of but I personally believe this is a weak point - do people really talk about this at interview?

How long should my 'why firm' answer be also?

Hey,

I would avoid talking about culture or diversity - many firms have a good culture. Also, you wouldn’t really know about it till you’ve experienced it for yourself.

The first point is great. However, ensure to bring out something specific about the work that can’t be necessarily seen among other firms - since again, many firms have similar practices. You may find it helpful considering any niches they operate in, or any standout deals in the industry (maybe the first in a particular type of advisory), to showcase their expertise.

On international outreach, many firms have offices in several continents. Many firms also offer secondment opportunities. I like how you reference their ME presence. The international point could work, provided you give strong enough reasons to say why this matters to you. Do you have any connections to the region? Can you speak some primary languages there?

Overall, some points show more specific interest than others in the law firm application process. Sometimes, a point can work, but it depends on how you link it to your experiences, and how extensively you have researched the firm.

Best of luck, I know you’ll do amazing and best of luck in any upcoming interviews!
 

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