TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

NCTC2025

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 27, 2022
    157
    526
    Does anyone have advice on this BCLP question?

    "Please describe a time where you showed courage in the face of adversity. What was the situation and how did you react?"

    I'm not really sure what the firm means by "show courage". Would this just be a resilience response or are they looking for something more?
     

    Eye of the Sun

    Active Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Nov 6, 2024
    10
    6
    @Andrei Radu
    Hi Andrei, I had two quick questions about Davis Polk application form.

    First, in terms of why we are attracted to the work DP carries out, how would you go about it to make sure your answer is persuasive enough?

    I was told that DP requires a CV for partners to use during interview, but I cannot see anywhere in the application form a section for uploading our CV. Is this something you prepared later?

    Thank you
     

    ilovegardening1111

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Nov 12, 2024
    39
    15
    I got a 2.1 (62.5%). I got several ACs last cycle. White & Case. Latham & Watkins. Ropes & Gray. I think you should try here. It's just one firm of many. Don't restrict yourself when there's time. Just go for it and try.
    Congratulations on getting so many ACs at great law firms first of all! I wondered if you had legal experience? And if you went to a RG or Oxbridge university? If you dont mind answering
     

    fcac98

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
    Dec 16, 2024
    58
    35
    For shorter/less substantive work experiences (say, a Forage course) I think a few sentences describing the nature of the main tasks you completed will suffice. For longer/more substantive experiences (say, a part time job or internship) I think you would ideally use the STAR structure: describe the situation of the job (how you applied, context etc), tasks you were assigned, actions you took to complete them, and any results in terms of feedback or performance metrics. I would also sparingly make some inferences as to skills this demonstrates.

    As for your other question, I think you can connect the experience with the firm, especially if there are any overlaps with your 'why the firm' motivations or the firm's USPS. However, I would only do so where there is a natural way to connect the two instead of pulling at straws. The other point I wanted to make here is to be mindful of how you make use of the work experience in application form answers to avoid being repetitive.

    For your use, I copied here one of my more substantive work experience answers I used in one of my successful applications. I did not make use of the full STAR structure because I already explained the context and my feedback in one of the application form, but I thought the example may still be useful:

    During my one month at X firm, I mainly worked in the Litigation and Corporate departments. In litigation, I gained experience in complex cross-border disputes by conducting extensive legal research into the validity of choice of court clauses, workplace discrimination and fictitious accounting. I also honed my public speaking skills by preparing and delivering a 30-minute presentation in front of the entire firm. Together with a fellow intern, I discussed the cases in which a lawyer can be legally obligated to testify as a witness against his own client.

    In corporate, I improved my attention to detail by researching and then drafting client emails about the validity of powers of attorney issued before a change in a company’s management. I also enhanced my understanding of complex M&A deals by conducting research on the legal implications of a subsidiary acquiring the parent company with a consequent reduction in share capital.

    Finally, I developed my organisational skills by completing cross-departmental tasks, such as sending weekly emails to the entire firm with a summary of recent legislative and regulatory changes for each practice area.
    I really appreciate this answer, thank you!
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Andrei Radu

    AS24

    Legendary Member
    Apr 16, 2024
    135
    111
    I think it makes for a nicer and more formal look if you can include your details as well - it may just be an aesthetic preference in my case, but I really like a cover letter that looks similar to an actual letter. That said, it is definitely not a requirement, and I would only advise you to do it if this is possible without messing up your formatting or cutting away too much word count.
    Thank you, @Andrei Radu
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Andrei Radu

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.