TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

SamaraJ

New Member
Apr 6, 2024
3
0
does anyone have any tips on the best way to approach this question for Fieldfisher's diversity access scheme, how should I structure my response:

Please provide us with more details of your achievements, scholarships, positions of responsibility, insight schemes, open days and virtual work experience opportunities, extra-curricular activities and everything else that interests you (2000 characters)
 

j3llyfish

Active Member
Premium Member
Sep 8, 2022
11
23
Having done it before, I agree😭😭
Any advice this time around though? I've heard they changed it up a bit?
I am not well positioned to advise as I got a PFO after test, sorry hahaha - I think read up on SJTs and techniques, my (bad) approach is to chance it and rush which is not working well for me, I actually got annoyed towards the end of it and clicked random answers very quickly to end it lmaooo so don't do that!
 

Ram Sabaratnam

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
241
441
does anyone have any tips on the best way to approach this question for Fieldfisher's diversity access scheme, how should I structure my response:

Please provide us with more details of your achievements, scholarships, positions of responsibility, insight schemes, open days and virtual work experience opportunities, extra-curricular activities and everything else that interests you (2000 characters)

Hiya @SamaraJ 🥳

I think it’s worth approaching it as a “catch-all” question which gives you the opportunity to showcase all the brilliant aspects of your profile that might not fit neatly into standard motivational or competency questions on application forms. For me, I’ve always found that having a structured approach works best for this type of question, given how broad and open-ended the question can seem. An organised approach will make it much easier for the reader.

When I answered similar questions, I'd use the first paragraph to highlight any academic scholarships or achievements I’d received, as they’re often strong. From there, I moved on to talk about extracurricular roles or achievements, like my volunteer roles abroad, which showed a bit more of my personality and some of the unique things I've had the chance to get involved in. Finally, I’d wrap things up with a paragraph about my key hobbies and interests, like my love of improvised comedy, my attempts to learn French, and my extensive travelling/backpacking. Again, I think adding these little details help make your application feel more personal.

As always, this is just one way to approach the question, and you should definitely take an approach that feels authentic to you and which you think best showcases your profile. That said, whatever structure you go with, I’d recommend ensuring each paragraph focuses on a distinct area (whether that’s academic achievements, extracurriculars, or personal interests) and flows smoothly into the next.

I'm sure @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman would also have much to say here! Good luck with your application. I’m sure you’ll smash it! And if you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
 

AI212121

Star Member
Sep 21, 2024
31
19
does anyone have any tips for squire patton boggs? i've never seen so many questions, and i'm not sure how to avoid repetition. is it so bad to use the same experience if talking about a different aspect to it? i feel like i'm running out of evidence to back up my reasons, but there are like 4 questions which are all rather similar
 

Ram Sabaratnam

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
241
441
Hi guys, does anyone have any tips for AC nerves? I have my first one tomorrow

Hiya @nodustollens

First off, amazing news on getting to AC! The firm sees something in your application and profile, so let’s channel that energy and show them exactly what you’ve got! Without hopefully sounding too cliche, I also wanted to say that it’s totally normal to feel nervous before an AC. It shows you care about doing well!

I'd be interested to know what strategies @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman had when they felt nervous, but when I’ve been in similar interview situations, I typically took the following steps:
  1. Don’t overdo the preparation. I can't emphasis this enough - some candidates try really hard to memorise as much as they can about the firm. This can sometimes end up making answers to questions seem somewhat contrived or superficial. Just try to understand a reasonable amount about the firm's key practice areas, clients, and culture without having your answers sound forced or rehearsed. Additionally, try to reflect on yourself as much as the firm.
  2. Remember, you're in control of your interview too! This was something I didn't always appreciate until I spoke with @Jaysen. Oftentimes, I went into interviews thinking that my interviewers would try to 'catch me off guard' or 'trip me up'. In those situations, I'd frequently jump into answering a tricky question, and didn't always ask for a minute or two to help me structure my answer. If you get a tricky question, just ask for a minute and then walk them through your thought process.
  3. Do something to hype yourself up! Highly recommend listening to a song or playlist that makes you feel confident! I've always found that music is an amazing way to shift my mindset!
  4. Why not you? A partner at Jones Day once reminded me that the people interviewing me weren’t born knowing this stuff! They were in your/my shoes once. Everyone gets nervous, even the partners you’ll meet. You don’t need to be perfect!
Again: They already like what they see on paper, and now you just need to bring that same energy in person! You’re prepared, you’re capable, and you’ve got this! Good luck!

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