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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- vacation scheme
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi @ParsorandiniI am sick of getting rejected post app, and so I am overhauling my work experienc/employment section in the hope that it helps (I am almost 30 so have a load of different employment that is very varied). Just wondering if anyone has a structure for these employment descriptions that they know are what graduate recruitment wants to see? I have tried putting in loads of detail, and then less, and never really been happy with it. I understand that my application answers also need improving, but it can't harm to fix up my work section.
@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman if you have any insights please do let me know. Or anybody else of course tooThank you!
I completely understand how overwhelming it is to face rejections post-application – it’s a tough process, but the fact that you’re taking the time to rethink your work experience section shows your dedication. Sometimes even small adjustments can make a huge difference, so it’s great that you’re focusing on this.
To start off with, I suggest sticking to about six experiences that are well-detailed, concise, and demonstrate the skills that graduate recruitment teams are looking for.
1. Be Selective but Strategic: Focus on roles that best highlight your transferable skills, even if they’re not directly legal. Think of experiences where you showed communication, leadership, organisation, or problem-solving – those are always valued.
2. Add Specific Examples: For each role, focus on what tasks you did, what results you achieved, and if possible, quantify the outcomes. For example, did you streamline a process, lead a team, or receive positive feedback? Something like:
While working as a marketing assistant, I developed a social media strategy that increased engagement by 25% in three months. My manager praised my ability to analyse trends and adapt content to our audience.
3. Group Similar Experiences: If you’ve done multiple similar things – like open days, or forage programmes – group them together under one entry. For example:
Completed virtual work experiences at Firm A, Firm B, and Firm C, gaining exposure to key areas of commercial law, including M&A and litigation. Learnt how to analyse contracts, conduct legal research, and present findings to senior associates. In particular, during the virtual work experience at Firm B, I …
This avoids repetition and keeps your section clear and focused.
4. Keep Links to Law or the Firm Minimal: Unless the word count allows or the firm specifically asks for it, I don’t usually try to link my experiences to the firm or the law in this section. I save that for the main application answers. However, if there’s a role that clearly aligns with the firm’s values or a key trainee skill, you could include a short mention of it.
I’ve also made a few posts on this thread which I hope will be of help as well - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/work-experience-section.9392/#post-189202
@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam - apologies i know Andrei already provided some support on this but could you kindly provide some insight to Analytical presentations and group exercises that DLA use for their assessment centre and links to examples I can practice with (having not done this before)
could you also help with commerical awareness questions practice and advise on how to build commerical awareness for the presentation and case studies used in the group exercise please
could you also help with commerical awareness questions practice and advise on how to build commerical awareness for the presentation and case studies used in the group exercise please
any1 just received an email from pinsent masons to update app with SQE engagement but can't edit their app?
Yes ! i sent them an email asking for help
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi @Audric_T , I’m unsure about the specifics on DLA’s assessment process, but I’ll take a stab on your second question.
Commercial awareness is a crucial skill in the law firm application process, and it’s one that requires consistent effort to build and maintain every day. I always say this – it’s not just about skimming through the Financial Times(FT) every morning. It’s about truly understanding the fundamentals, even the smaller details: for instance, knowing the definitions and distinctions between types of loans or bonds, and understanding how fiscal policy differs from monetary policy. It’s about balancing theoretical knowledge with an awareness of current affairs, as both are equally essential.
For case studies, commercial awareness can encompass a range of knowledge. Take an M&A case study, for example. It’s important to understand practical concepts like the differences between drag along and tag along rights, the role of due diligence, or how a change of control clause could impact the deal. On a broader level, having knowledge of landmark M&A deals – such as the proposed merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard – shows not only that you are up to date, but also that you understand how such deals shape the legal and business landscape.
In terms of building commercial awareness, I recommend starting with accessible resources like Finimize, LittleLaw, or ZipLaw. These are great tools for breaking down complex commercial concepts into digestible pieces. From there, podcasts like the FT News Briefing or The Economist Podcasts can keep you updated on global business and economic trends in a conversational format. You can also reinforce this knowledge by subscribing to the FirstFT newsletter, which summarises the main developments of the day. Highlighting a couple of key stories daily and delving deeper into how they affect businesses and their legal teams will help solidify your understanding.
When it comes to incorporating commercial awareness into law firm presentations, it’s essential to weave it in naturally rather than forcing it. Demonstrate how you view commercial trends through a legal lens, aligning them with the firm’s values and the role of a trainee solicitor. For group exercises, the collective knowledge of your team can be a real asset. Everyone brings their own perspective, so it’s important to contribute your insights while being open to learning from others. Together, you can craft a well-rounded, commercially aware presentation that showcases collaboration and critical thinking.
As you prepare for your assessment centre and beyond, adopting this structured approach will help you develop commercial awareness as a habit rather than a chore. Personally, these resources and strategies have been invaluable to me, and I’m confident they’ll help you as well.
I’m sure @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam and @Andrei Radu will have more thoughts on this.
do you think it means we passed the previous round?Yes ! i sent them an email asking for help
With the way I answered those questions, let me not get my hopes up 😭
Maybe it was a system error?
Did everyone get the email from Pinsent about the SQE or some of us?
2 more weeks until HL WVS starts. Assuming if I haven't heard back yet it's a PFO?
I got the email too. I think it's just a system error. I don't think it's any indication of progression.
How was the phone interview? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks
I went to the discovery day and have been on hold since passing the WG like a month ago
They literally interview 30ish people for direct TC London. It’ll be very slim pickings for the AC invite. Highly doubt we all passed.
I went on the portal and there is now an option to update the SQE details
Won't let me click submit details
For anyone waiting to hear back from W&C, grad rec said today that everyone should hear back early next week as they are in the final processes of reviewing feedback. Good luck to everyone!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey again @Audric_T. Just to build on my last response, I believe it will be particularly helpful to also have a glossary of key terms applicable to the financial/legal worlds. It’s a strategy that personally helped me track my commercial awareness a couple of years back. I will make a thread on this tomorrow and make the post .)
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