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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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- Sep 7, 2024
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Hiya @Amehta1
I think it’s absolutely fine to mention a career path that’s different from banking or consulting! In fact, choosing something you’re genuinely passionate about, like software engineering, can make your answer stand out (and show you have a personality!). The key is to explain why that career appeals to you, ensuring it isn't too far at odds with the sort of skills expected in a legal career.
For example, when I’ve answered this type of question, I’ve mentioned roles like investigative journalism or research in foreign policy at one of my favourite think tanks . I focused on what drew me to those paths, describing the way I'd be using my analytical thinking or problem-solving, or even just getting the chance to work on impactful issues. Similarly, you could highlight what fascinates you about software engineering, like logical thinking, creativity in problem-solving, or attention to detail, and discuss these in a way that shows (rather than explicitly tells) the reader that you're interested in the sort of skills, challenges, and opportunities that make for a good commercial lawyer.
The aim isn’t to choose something “commercial” but to show that you’re reflective and thoughtful about your interests. Best of luck, and let us know if you need more advice!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hiya @Tclarocks123 👀
I think it's understandable that you don’t want to change what worked (I remember feeling this way with some firms that I re-applied to during my second cycle), but depending on how long ago you applied, giving your application a bit of a facelift is important. Without some updates, there's a risk that your application may come across as though you haven’t developed your experiences or motivations, which could reflect poorly.
Not everything needs to change. Your academic results, degree, or some work experience entries may still be relevant and appropriate to keep. However, here are just some things to keep in mind when updating and strengthening your application:
- Work Experience: Have you undertaken any new roles, attended any legal or commercial events, or gained insight through extracurricular activities? Even if the roles are unrelated to law, think about transferable skills you’ve developed, such as teamwork, leadership, or analytical thinking.
- Motivations for the Firm: Your core interests in the firm might remain the same. For example, you might still be interested in a firm's strength in private equity or disputes or certain sectors. However, how has your understanding of the firm's capabilities in these areas deepened since your last application? Have you read about recent deals, awards, or initiatives that resonate with you? Have you had any new experiences that have given you fresh insights into these areas? Again, you don't need to radically rethink your main motivations for joining the firm, but think about how your personal experiences and the firm's work have developed since your last app.
- Commercial Awareness: For any commercial related questions, it's worth reflecting on any industry trends or challenges the firm might face. If you're still mentioning news stories or trends that are a bit outdated, this is your chance to think about how to update this area in a way that makes your application more relevant.
- Personal Growth: Think about how you’ve evolved since your last application. Have you developed skills like resilience or adaptability, especially if you’ve faced challenges (like the video interview itself)? Share how these experiences have prepared you for a legal career.
Well, right after I said that Dechert grad rec emailed saying they've filled their places for WVS and asking if I'd like to be considered for Spring ahah
In the email it said we would here back by the end of November so I’m thinking in the next few days (this was for the spring scheme)
Hi, do you have any tips on how to prepare for the VI section please? The situation based questions sound difficult!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hi @andreilover01
I’m sure you'd just LOOOOOVE some insight from @Andrei Radu (and I would too tbh), but I just wanted to chime in to say YES, you can absolutely talk about debate and the steps you’ve taken to improve your skills. It’s a great example that can be taken in a lot of interesting directions. That said, the question isn't mainly asking you to focus primarily on how you've developed your competency in the activity, but trying to explore what you find interesting or appealing about this activity. You can definitely mention your ability to use/develop certain skills when carrying out this specific extracurricular activity and describe how you've gone about doing so. Just make sure not to lose focus of what the question is mainly asking you to do, which is to describe why you find the activity interesting/inspiring. Is it the intellectual challenge, the challenge of presenting a strong argument and persuading others, or the collaboration with teammates to find the best arguments for your position? If it's one or another of these, bring that reason right up top when discussing the activity. Showing what interests you will help bring your response to life and give the reader a real sense of your personality.
If the word count allows, it might also be worth mentioning another interest or two which showcases a broader range of activities and what you enjoy about them. For instance, if you’re into art, a particular sport, or anything else really, how do these hobbies inspire or challenge you in unique ways? By discussing multiple activities, you can demonstrate different facets of your character and the skills or qualities they’ve helped you develop. Ultimately, as Andrei mentioned, the question is about giving the reader a glimpse of your personality: what excites and motivates you outside of education and work. So while debate is one great activity to mention, try to give the reader a multifaceted window into your personality. Good luck with your application!
Hi there, obviously I appreciate an application can always be refined or updated, but do you know whether firms can access/retain old applications and if not, how will they know whether or not you've updated your app?
@Ram Sabaratnam I recall you previously mentioned avoiding the generic response, 'I am interested in both law and business,' when addressing the question of why I chose commercial law. I typically prefer a structured approach to these types of questions where I write three key points, starting with how my interest in the field began and so on. Could the intersection of law and business be one of those points, or does that come across as too broad? The reason I ask is that I studied law and also ran a small business, so I often incorporate that into my answer as one of the key points. Thank youu
applied on 23/10 - received email about the test on 28/10 and received the test on 01/11 and then nothing 😭
W&C rejection post-app.. whilst not the ideal outcome, getting some closure is nice.. I knew a rejection was imminent!
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- Sep 7, 2024
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Hiya @milo
I think @Jessica Booker would have a better sense of this, but my impression is that this will depend on a firm's data retention policy, as well as other factors. I know some firms have application forms which explicitly ask whether you're re-applying and what stage you'd previously reached (you should answer this question honestly). I suspect firms who do so will look for evidence to see if much has changed since your previous application. Additionally, I've spoken to some recruiters who've told me their firms use anti-plagiarism software which can bring up similarities between different applications. If your answer is exactly the same as an application from a previous cycle, this could potentially be another way to raise a red flag. Overall, I think the safe option here is just to update your application, which shouldn't be too time consuming. Again, I'd be curious to see what Jess has to say here, but hope this was helpful/accurate.
Kill me nowwww spent an hour putting in all my grades and work experience for macfarlanes app yesterday, only to log back in today and see everything had been erased. These apps are gonna be the end of me 😭 😭 😭
If it is 3 questions with 300 words each, my total word count can’t exceed 1,125? Just want to be sure
@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu
Got rejected at from DLA piper which stings because the AC was actually quite fun and I liked the firm. Owell, does anyone have know whether you are supposed to filter in firm specific facts about, Eversheds Sutherland for the application.
When have you worked in an ambitious goal?
When have you delivered a piece of work where quality was an important factor?
Got rejected at from DLA piper which stings because the AC was actually quite fun and I liked the firm. Owell, does anyone have know whether you are supposed to filter in firm specific facts about, Eversheds Sutherland for the application.
When have you worked in an ambitious goal?
When have you delivered a piece of work where quality was an important factor?
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