TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

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Star Member
Premium Member
Oct 31, 2023
43
9
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.
 
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Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Jul 5, 2023
73
70
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?
 

LB24

Legendary Member
Sep 26, 2023
128
96
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
 

HelpAStudentOut

Distinguished Member
Aug 8, 2024
71
267
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

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Sep 1, 2024
21
11
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

Valued Member
Apr 16, 2024
103
75
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.
 

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