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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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Hey! I'm currently writing an application but am struggling with the latter end of this question: 'How did your interest in commercial law develop, and how have you built your understanding of this sector/industry?'
I am pretty comfortable with the first limb of the question. As for the second part, I'm not sure if they're looking for me to list resources that have helped me build my understanding of commercial law or if they're looking for other specific things. What would they be looking for here? SHould I make mention of any resources produced by the firm?
Would appreciate your help with this @Jessica Booker, as well as anyone else!!
I am pretty comfortable with the first limb of the question. As for the second part, I'm not sure if they're looking for me to list resources that have helped me build my understanding of commercial law or if they're looking for other specific things. What would they be looking for here? SHould I make mention of any resources produced by the firm?
Would appreciate your help with this @Jessica Booker, as well as anyone else!!
I think another way of looking at the second bit of the question is ‘what events, webinars, open days etc. have you attended. Who have you spoken to? How did that interest you?’
Yeh they are. Spoke w their grad rec and they basically said 68 and above. That aligns w the fact they ask for a ‘strong’ 2:1.
So makes no sense to apply if the overall grade is low 2:1 and not excellent work experience or extra curricular activities. Is this true? @Jessica Booker
Hey @jojo23 , it's amazing that you're taking this step again, and that's already something to be proud of! Every application is a new opportunity, and even though it can feel daunting, you've likely gained so much experience and insight since your first round. It's never too late to find the right resources, and it's great that you've discovered this forum now! Just remember, every bit of progress, no matter how small, counts.
Standard Motivational Questions
- In an application for a commercial law firm, it would be good to cover your motivations for a career in the profession. Why have you decided to go into law? Why is it ’commercial’ law you want to go into? What it is about a career in this specific profession you want, that other jobs in say marketing or investment banking may not offer you? Really dig deep into your passions, interests, and work experiences to answer this. This shows demonstrated interest. Another thing candidates often forget is that you don’t necessarily need legal work experience to show demonstrated interest. Leverage all your experiences.
- Another focal point is to address the reasons why a particular firm appeals to you. Avoid generic points like stimulating work or an international presence - a lot of law firms, and indeed professions outside law, offer this. Firms will have specialties across a broad range of practices but will generally specialize in some practices more than others. Thoroughly explore a firm‘s practice offerings.
- Leverage any extracurriculars or achievements as this would suggest an ability to juggle multiple commitments - soft skills for lawyers. You would want to dig deep into your past involvements to answer this. Often times as candidates, we forget about how much we have done and how valuable these are to employers.
Number of Applications
There are two thoughtful approaches to consider when deciding how many applications to submit.1. On one hand, some may choose to focus on a select few applications, dedicating significant time to understanding each firm’s values, practice areas, and aligning these with their personal passions. This approach allows for a deeply tailored application but can be seen as a higher-risk strategy, especially if only applying to a small number of firms.
2. On the other hand, the process can also be viewed as a numbers game. By applying to a wider range of firms that genuinely interest you, you not only increase your chances statistically but also improve with each application. The more you write, the more refined your responses become, which enhances your chances of progressing to assessment centres. Each stage you reach helps to strengthen your interview skills, ultimately increasing the likelihood of success.
@Jessica Booker - hello, apologies for chasing but please can you kindly check your PM when you have a moment in relation to my mitigating circumstances. Many thanks.
Hey @jasonbourne , great question!
It looks like the two parts of the question are closely connected, which is common with hybrid questions such as this. The first part focuses on how your interest in becoming a commercial lawyer developed. The second part builds on that, asking you to demonstrate how you’ve taken steps to deepen your understanding of the field. You can highlight this through various means—perhaps you’ve read relevant books, attended open days, participated in online webinars, or had conversations with trainees and lawyers.
While the first part assesses whether you understand what a career in commercial law involves, the second part wants to see your commitment to continually learning and staying informed about the industry.
I think I would just focus on the impact on the the firm's clients, as the question doesn't ask you about HL's role so you risk not answering the question/not going into detail on the points being asked.
I disagree! I applied with 3 2:2s in my first year and got through to interview with Jones Day!
Have a strong application overall and you should be good.
I'm a paralegal at a commercial firm in London and I have a 2 month notice period. I think 2/3 months is pretty standard for these sorts of roles. I'm at 1 year of experience and from discussions with potential new employers I don't think the notice period is a problem if you're a strong candidate!
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