TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Apple]

uhhh I am bombing these video interviews. What do people say when a question asks you, 'how do you build rappor with a client who is seeking to expand into a new market?' More specifically how do you speak for 2 minutes

Something I noticed was that if I was nervous in a VI I'd talk really quickly, but its counterproductive because you blurt everything out 50 seconds in and have nothing left to say.

A structured approach to answering, i.e. having two clear things you address in turn, as well as talking slowly and clearly, are helpful for me. Although that is a fairly difficult question to answer on the spot.

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

uhhh I am bombing these video interviews. What do people say when a question asks you, 'how do you build rappor with a client who is seeking to expand into a new market?' More specifically how do you speak for 2 minutes

This is such an odd question. The two things aren’t necessarily linked.

If the question was purely ‘how do you build a rapport with a client’, I’d understand.

But them expanding into a new market has little to do with how you’d build a rapport with them lol.

Answering video questions like these feel like the written applications at times. There’s little substance. It just feels like repetition, buzzwords, and corporate waffle.

 

[Apple]

This is such an odd question. The two things aren’t necessarily linked.

If the question was purely ‘how do you build a rapport with a client’, I’d understand.

But them expanding into a new market has little to do with how you’d build a rapport with them lol.

Asking about their motivations behind expansion is logical in terms of providing commercial advice, but that’s certainly dull, and not how I’d build a rapport

Could it not be that as the client is entering into a new market, and is perhaps less sure about what/how they will do things, you may need to establish a different sort of rapport than to a client who knows precisely what they want and their issue is more routine?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Need help with this Withers application question -
''If your favourite childhood toy suddenly came to life, what advice would you give it today? (60 words max)''. These law firms are getting too creative 🤣 @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

As someone with neurodiversity, this question grates on me a lot.... it really doesn't work in your favourite toy was lego bricks, a bike or something that couldn't have a personality/character.

I think @Ram Sabaratnam does a great job in their advice on this same question by not focusing on the "toy" but actually the fact that the theoretical situation is an opportunity to reflect on the difference between childhood and being an adult. Ram's post is here:

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Which firms are biased in favour of younger applicants? Realistically where do I, as a 27-year old, have a chance? 27 is still very young and I was always under the impression US firms had more mid 20s onwards intakes.

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[Amjaya]

Anyone heard back from Cooley about the virtual open day coming up?

They said they would get back today!

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

Could it not be that as the client is entering into a new market, and is perhaps less sure about what/how they will do things, you may need to establish a different sort of rapport than to a client who knows precisely what they want and their issue is more routine?

Yeah, that’s a very good point. I completely agree. I’m just not sure I’d build a rapport with the client in any different way.

It feels less like a question on rapport and more on ‘how would you advise this client differently’

It’s a difficult question. I’m not entirely sure how I’d answer tbh

 

[Jessica Booker]

HSF WVS offer!!! Unfortunately, the dates clash with my W&C WVS, so I am contemplating whether I should ask HSF to be moved to summer or spring, but I'll have to have some reason...Any ideas?

You don't need to hide you have another offer - most candidates who ask to move are going to do so because they have a competing offer.

 

[Audric_T]

Hi,
I received the email from DLA saying I had successfully passed the WG test a week ago and I was wondering how long it took for people who go the VI?

I got the vi a week later and the AC a week and a half after the VI but they shortlist every stag

 

[elsx]

I got the vi a week later and the AC a week and a half after the VI but they shortlist every stag

Okay thank you. I guess I'll see if I get something tomorrow and otherwise assume I wasn't shortlisted.

 

[Tintin06]

I’m getting a lot of messages about VIs. I’m not in a frame of mind to deal with these and have been depressed since not converting the VS I did in spring. I’m not sure how many more months of waiting I can take. I’m 27 and I was once told that if you don’t qualify by 30 it seriously impacts your chances of making Partner. That, plus my concern that multiple VSs raises questions about your abilities. I know resilience is important here but even so.

 

[hazanelson]

anyone heard back from baker's general open day - i applied on the deadline, and didn't realise it was rolling, so assuming rejection.

 

[lolololol]

just got a cooley open day pfo i am losing hope already 😭

 

[Aspiringsolicitor01]

I am really losing hope over VIs. Whenever I think I’ve got them nailed I get another scenario based one that I can’t understand how to fill 2 minutes without waffling

 

[Gday33]

I’m getting a lot of messages about VIs. I’m not in a frame of mind to deal with these and have been depressed since not converting the VS I did in spring. I’m not sure how many more months of waiting I can take. I’m 27 and I was once told that if you don’t qualify by 30 it seriously impacts your chances of making Partner. That, plus my concern that multiple VSs raises questions about your abilities. I know resilience is important here but even so.

I’m pushing 30 (5 months to go) so you’ve got 2-3 years on me! The competition is insane so don’t take it too personally (hard to do, I know.) As well there are plenty of careers outside of law that give better working hours with just as much money so not necessarily the end of the world (which maybe you’re not in the mindset to hear but it’s true.) I’ve been in insurance for 5 years and would recommend it to anyone. I work in London, earn a great wage, and it’s a genuine 9-5 with fantastic people - plus you get invited to lots of firm events and networking so you get that side of it too. Keep your head up and keep your options open. Best of luck! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

 

[Amjaya]

Meet Cooley virtual event invite !!! Thank GOD kept receiving rejections. I know this is a small win but honestly having the mentality of not giving up and that it only takes one yes has helped me incredibly.

 

[futuretrainee202X]

just got a cooley open day pfo i am losing hope already 😭

Really sorry to hear that, and if you're happy disclosing, when did you apply?

 

[bella98]

DLA’s email:

“As we have recently confirmed, we are pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed our online assessment.

At present, our team are carefully reviewing candidates before deciding who to shortlist for the next phase of our recruitment process, an online video interview. We are working diligently to update you and will be in touch in due course.”

I really don’t understand - I passed the WG a month ago!! 🤣 I assumed PFO, what is the meaning of this email? Are they still considering my app after all?

 

[Apple]

DLA just sent me an email reconfirming I passed the test and they are working through shortlisting people for AC. If you haven't heard back in a while I don't think its necessarily indicative of a PFO yet.

 

[NCTC2025]

DLA’s email:

“As we have recently confirmed, we are pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed our online assessment.

At present, our team are carefully reviewing candidates before deciding who to shortlist for the next phase of our recruitment process, an online video interview. We are working diligently to update you and will be in touch in due course.”

I really don’t understand - I passed the WG a month ago!! 🤣 I assumed PFO, what is the meaning of this email? Are they still considering my app after all?

Was halfway writing my own post about how I just received this heart attack of an email but at least im not alone😭. Did my WG about a month ago too and still no VI

 

[NCTC2025]

Does anyone know how much Linklaters takes the WG into account when shortlisting candidates?