TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Amma Usman and @Jessica Booker . Do you have any advice on answering this question - Describe an experience where you encountered an unexpected obstacle? I'm not sure what type of example to use or what firms are looking for in terms of "unexpected obstacles"/ examples to draw upon. Also, would you expect to see a change in example for answering a question which asks you to draw upon a challenge you have faced in a different application?

Any advice would be highly appreciated - thank you.

Hi there!

In an answer to the question about describing an experience with an unexpected obstacle, I suggest focusing on professional examples that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

I’ve included a few key points to consider:

1. Select a Relevant Experience: Choose a professional scenario, such as managing a society, reviewing contracts, or working on a project where you encountered an unforeseen challenge. This could include things like dealing with a sudden change in project scope, unexpected regulatory requirements, or conflicts within a team.

2. Use a Structured Approach: When crafting your response, consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your thoughts. This will help you clearly articulate the situation, your role, the actions you took to overcome the obstacle, and the outcomes.

3. Focus on Impact: Highlight the positive outcomes of your actions, such as how you were able to maintain team morale, meet deadlines despite challenges, or improve processes based on what you learned from the experience.

4. Tailor Your Examples: It's also important to adapt your examples to the specific context of each application. While the general structure can remain the same, you might want to emphasize different aspects of the experience based on what each firm values, such as teamwork, adaptability, or leadership (etc).

For instance, if you faced an unexpected legal issue while reviewing contracts that could have delayed a project, you could discuss how you quickly identified the problem, consulted with stakeholders, and proposed a solution that allowed the project to proceed on time.

As for the second part of your question, I view an unexpected obstacle and challenge as synonymous with one another. An unexpected obstacle would be a challenge in itself, so you could consider approaching both questions in a similar way.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Hey @Unknowncabbage ,

Yes, absolutely. You can definitely mention your role as a committee member, but be mindful of how you structure your response. Simply stating that you're a committee member shows demonstrated interest, but it might not effectively convey a specific achievement or interest.

A more impactful response would focus on a particular event you organized and the success of that event, which can itself be viewed as an achievement. For example, if you organized a charity gala as a committee member, you could discuss how you coordinated the venue, secured guest speakers, and managed the budget. You might highlight the outcome, such as raising over £1000 for a local charity, which showcases your event management skills and commitment to community service.

Alternatively, you could state that event management is an area of interest for you and provide details on a specific example. For instance, you could mention your experience organizing a series of workshops for aspiring event planners, where you taught skills like marketing and logistics. You might share the success of these workshops, such as the positive feedback received from participants and how it inspired them to pursue careers in event management.

Also, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you frame your achievements and interests effectively. This will help you provide a clear narrative.


Hope this helps!

Hi Amma, thank you for your in depth response. It is super helpful!

 

[Amma Usman]

In the work experience section, I have listed all my commercial law events, virtual experiences, and webinars attended in one entry. As my other legal work experiences are more pro bono, legal aid etc, I really want to use these events to explain what I did (Case studies, interactive workshops) and the skills I picked up so my motivation for commercial law comes across as strong. @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman I would appreciate any insights on how best to put these experiences in writing.

Hey @lawyersum

It’s great that you grouped all your commercial law events, virtual experiences, and webinars under one heading—I did the same, and from a recruiter’s perspective, it’s an efficient way to organise information. Highlighting the skills and insights you gained from these experiences is also an excellent approach to reinforcing your motivation for commercial law.

Aim to keep descriptions brief; there’s no need to detail every activity in each experience. Instead, consider summarising the broader skills and commercial awareness points you developed in a single bullet point, followed by some succinct prose.

If there’s one experience you’d like to expand on, you could frame it like this: “During the X law firm virtual program, I gained insights into value creation in the private equity industry and observed how firms achieve this in practice.” From there, you could add specific skills and examples that align with the role.

Hope this helps!

 

[yasmars]

On a Sunday?!!

Sorry to hear that, when did you apply?

 

[marisachr]

Does anyone know if the Taylor Wessing online assessment includes a video interview?

 

[👩🎓]

Hi there!

In an answer to the question about describing an experience with an unexpected obstacle, I suggest focusing on professional examples that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

I’ve included a few key points to consider:

1. Select a Relevant Experience: Choose a professional scenario, such as managing a society, reviewing contracts, or working on a project where you encountered an unforeseen challenge. This could include things like dealing with a sudden change in project scope, unexpected regulatory requirements, or conflicts within a team.

2. Use a Structured Approach: When crafting your response, consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your thoughts. This will help you clearly articulate the situation, your role, the actions you took to overcome the obstacle, and the outcomes.

3. Focus on Impact: Highlight the positive outcomes of your actions, such as how you were able to maintain team morale, meet deadlines despite challenges, or improve processes based on what you learned from the experience.

4. Tailor Your Examples: It's also important to adapt your examples to the specific context of each application. While the general structure can remain the same, you might want to emphasize different aspects of the experience based on what each firm values, such as teamwork, adaptability, or leadership (etc).

For instance, if you faced an unexpected legal issue while reviewing contracts that could have delayed a project, you could discuss how you quickly identified the problem, consulted with stakeholders, and proposed a solution that allowed the project to proceed on time.

As for the second part of your question, I view an unexpected obstacle and challenge as synonymous with one another. An unexpected obstacle would be a challenge in itself, so you could consider approaching both questions in a similar way.

Thank you so much @Amma Usman, I will definitely take this on board.

 

[-legal-]

Describe how you think the innovative developments taking place in the legal industry will change the role of a commercial lawyer at Dentons. Please outline your research and reference the sources you used to inform your opinion. Max 250 words

How should i structure the answer to this question and how should I go about the referencing part of the question?

 

[IneedaTCASAP]

For the DLA WG feedback, I got 2 “Further Exploration” and 2 “Opportunity for Development”, has anyone received anything similar/are my chances of being progressed to VI slim now?

I did a little better than you and haven’t received a VI. Passed the WG 3 weeks ago. Many others are in the same position. It sucks.

 

[lookingforaTC]

for PwC VI - how long do we have to answer?

 

[LB24]

Anyone heard back after completing the critical thinking test for AG? Pretty sure I didn’t do very well but don’t won’t to be left waiting until after the app deadline to actually receive a PFO

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

for PwC VI - how long do we have to answer?

2 minutes prep and 2 minutes to answer

 

[helloj]

Wishing everyone positive news this week!

 

[tc67]

The assessment is untimed but we have 2 mins for each video interview question.

Hi, do we have unlimited time to prep for vi? Thanks

 

[OrangeCherry1800]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back post A&O AC?

 

[HelpAStudentOut]

You're an absolute legend - massive congratulations!! You should be super proud of yourself 👑👑
I'd appreciate if I may ask a question about your approach to the direct TC app for Slaughters. You mentioned that it was your first app cycle - how did you find applying for a direct TC when you (if I understand correctly) had not done a VS? I'm interested in Clifford Chance but (like Slaughters) they don't offer traditonal vac schemes + i haven't done a VS anywhere yet. I was a bit worried about applying for a direct TC without any experience so I'd really appreciate any insights/advice on how you approached it.

Thank you

Hiya,

Thank you for the kind words! the slaughters application process is super straight forward -- only a cv and cover letter, so the process was pretty simple in that sense. I did have some other legal work experience, but nothing structured like a vac scheme etc. It was more a case of doing a few insight events, virtual internships, and then using other work experience to support my application in terms of transferrable skills etc.

 

[V2002]

hello does anyone have an idea how to approach or structure this question We believe that successful lawyers are great Shapers: individuals with interests, hobbies, passions or visions; and the drive and motivation to develop these in order to shape the world around them. We're looking for people who can shape the information they are given; shape arguments; shape relationships; shape solutions. Tell us about a time that you have demonstrated being a Shaper. (300 words max) *

 

[AS24]

Hi @Amma Usman and @Ram Sabaratnam

Apologies for disturbing you, but your last tips were so good that I finished two apps in one day, so much food for thought.

I am planning my application for the Hogan Lovells vacation scheme and I have some doubts regarding their commercial awareness question.
'Please tell us about a commercial news story you have recently been following. How might it impact Hogan Lovells' (HL) clients?'

Do you think I need to mention how HL can help them?

Thank you in advance for your continued help, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[ellastevens]

Any updates from fieldfisher?

I haven’t heard back since submitting my application either, any updates for you?

 

[yasmars]

I haven’t heard back since submitting my application either, any updates for you?

No updates on my side

 

[studentdelaw786]

Anyone heard back re White & Case’s November Open Days?