TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

desperateTCseeker1998

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2023
240
198
The Jones Day cover letter is only 300 words... I'm thinking that maybe I essentially just do it as why Jones Day considering I have a VS under my belt already and work full-time in a relevant legal role so it can basically be covered in my work experience section?
 

desperateTCseeker1998

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2023
240
198
Also considering we only have 100 words for these, could I do bullet points? I have a lot of extra-curriculars:

Please give a brief summary of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements gained at School, University, Law School or in employment.
-
Please give a brief summary of any activities you've been involved in outside academic study or work over the last four years.
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
14,437
20,118
Also considering we only have 100 words for these, could I do bullet points? I have a lot of extra-curriculars:

Please give a brief summary of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements gained at School, University, Law School or in employment.
-
Please give a brief summary of any activities you've been involved in outside academic study or work over the last four years.
You don't need to use bullet points as such but can provide more of a list of your activities under sub headings if you have a lot.
 

Brandon93

Valued Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
M&A Bootcamp
Sep 25, 2018
120
112
Hey, I did the Pinsent’s blended assessment last recruitment cycle and I do remember one of the video questions being scenario based. It was based on receiving feedback from your supervisor regarding improving your attention to detail and how you would react and implement this. Obviously the questions must have changed now, but basically do be prepared for maybe one scenario question. The other question was firm-based.

Apart from that, there’s a decent amount of numerical reasoning so keep a calculator and pen paper handy. The assessment itself I found to be quite time pressured given the firm advises you not to spend more than 1 hour on it. But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll smash it- hope this info helps! :)
Thank you very much, this helps a lot!
 

fingersarecrossed

Esteemed Member
  • Feb 11, 2024
    92
    148
    I’d try to not get too worried about taking one approach to reading the news. Some articles are going to do the analysis for you, so you don’t necessarily need to go into full PESTLE or SWOT type structures of analysis as that has already been done for you. Where it hasn't, rather than just going into in depth analysis through something like PESTLE, ask yourself more general questions like:

    Why is this happening?
    Who does it impact?
    Why would lawyers care about this?
    Why is this interesting to me?
    What could influence this in the future?

    These types of questions then start on a more foundation level getting you thinking about things that may make up a more formal analytical review like SWOT or PESTLE.
    Thank you so much Jessica! This is incredibly helpful.
     

    legal18

    Distinguished Member
    Feb 17, 2024
    70
    59
    Does anyone have any tips for filling out the work experience section of applications. Should it be chronological? Can I include open days? Virtual internships (if so, how many - can I group them together? How can I make the most out of this section to benefit my application? Thank you!
     

    Jessica Booker

    Legendary Member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Graduate Recruitment
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Aug 1, 2019
    14,437
    20,118
    Does anyone have any tips for filling out the work experience section of applications. Should it be chronological? Can I include open days? Virtual internships (if so, how many - can I group them together? How can I make the most out of this section to benefit my application? Thank you!
    • Reverse chronological - your most recent experience should be the first in the section and then all other entries in that section should be listed in reverse chronological order so your oldest example is last.
    • You can include open days. However, sometimes there are other sections in the application form for this type of information and if that is the case, include it there instead of in your work experience section. I would only definitely include it in a work experience section if it was with the firm I was applying to. Sometimes you can include these details if you have been asked to detail careers events you have attended or if there is an "additional information" section.
    • Incude the open days you feel are relevant - if you are forutnate to have loads and feel you can be selective, then do so.
    • Focus on your key responsibilities and impact within roles. Do not describe the self-explanatory or repeat details like your job title/employer name (as these will be in the heading entry). Keep descriptions really punchy - you don't have to tell a story like you do with competency questions. Focus on the most relevant/challenging/interesting responsibilities and try to show how you created success/improvements/positive outcomes from what you did.
     

    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.