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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- vacation scheme
may i ask if this is for the 13th or 27th one?
i assume it's a PFO if i haven't received an email by now... but just out of curiosity!
Heya, how long was it between when you did your written exercise and hearing back for an interview?
Yes, which is a shame actually. The strikes have been called off.
Agreed - no merch! I am, however, quite glad to not have to travel!
Linklaters open day invite 👀
Does anyone know what they mean by fast track vacation scheme app if you attend the OD?
Does anyone know what they mean by fast track vacation scheme app if you attend the OD?
What was your WG percentile if you don't mind sharing. Also anyone else who got the open day can you share your WG score if you are happy with sharing it.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @Lopez2017 ,
This is a really interesting question. I totally agree with @Ram Sabaratnam ’s point on the question intending to enable candidates to bring out their true personalities. I would say focus less on making your response tailored to what you think the firm wants to hear, and more on being concise with your past experiences and values. @Ram Sabaratnam had also mentioned going back to the firm’s core competencies and tailoring any qualities you have with these as well. This is great as it allows you to show demonstrated interest in some way within all parts of the written application. The firm is trying to see something, trying to uncover something about you’re interests and personality from the question - so take some time with it.
Here’s a draft of what I would’ve told my favourite plushie when I was a child:
‘Stay curious and resilient. Life’s a big adventure, full of wonder and challenges. Don’t fear mistakes – they’re just learning steps. And remember, kindness and empathy matter most, even in tough times. Hold onto your playfulness; it keeps things joyful’.
it means that you'll get fast tracked to the AC (last stage of the application process) after attending the open day! congrats!
At least that's what I have been told on email
I got the email at 15:47 today and it went into my junk
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @AS24 , great question.
The question is indeed a hybrid, so dividing your word count between "the steps you took" and "what appeals to you about this career" is a solid approach. However, don’t feel bound to an exact 50/50 split. Instead, use your discretion to ensure each point is fully developed. For instance, you may find that your interest in a career as a solicitor in an international law firm requires more explanation than the specific steps you took, especially if those steps can be covered succinctly with a few examples and some detail.
Consider the question as asking both, “What steps have you taken to confirm that this is the career you want?” and “How have these experiences solidified or deepened your interest in commercial law specifically?” For the first part, focus on experiences that directly exposed you to commercial law or the day-to-day work of a solicitor, such as open days, vacation schemes, networking events, or specific workshops. Highlight any moments that were particularly formative—such as learning about the role of solicitors in complex transactions or understanding the way international firms approach cross-border work.
When explaining what appeals to you about this career, go beyond the surface level to show why you chose commercial law over other fields like immigration, criminal law, or even professions in adjacent industries like banking or marketing. Reflect on what aspects of commercial law excite you most: is it the strategic problem-solving involved in high-stakes deals? The dynamic nature of working with international clients and navigating varied regulatory environments? This is also a great opportunity to discuss any insights you gained about the commercial or business side of legal work and why that focus appeals to you. For instance, perhaps your research or work experiences revealed the value lawyers bring by understanding clients' industries, or you realized you thrive in environments where legal expertise intersects with business strategy. Remember to solidify the points here with remnants from your past experiences, to avoid your answer being labeled as generic.
Additionally, because the question specifically references international law firms, consider contrasting the appeal of international work versus domestic-only practices. You might mention the diversity of clients, the chance to address complex cross-border issues, or the appeal of working with multiple legal frameworks and regulations. This could be through direct examples, such as a case study or insight you encountered, or through your own aspirations to engage in a more globally connected practice.
Overall, think of this answer as an opportunity to demonstrate both why this career path is meaningful to you and how you’ve actively engaged in exploring and validating that interest.
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