TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Jessica Booker]

@Amma Usman @Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu

What is the best way of approaching answers to why law vs why commercial law? I did law undergrad and had debated changing careers until I decided to pursue masters degree in international commercial where I took a practical M&A module which made me realise i wanted to go into commercial law. This is what I have talked about in my applications/VIs and have given this answer regardless of whether I was asked why law or why commercial law. If asked in an interview to elaborate on the difference between the two, how would you suggest approaching an answer to this?

thank you so much in advance!

I honestly don't think you would be ask to elaborate on the difference between the two - I think you would just be asked the questions individually.

 

[NCTC2025]

Well done Did you have to do a VI before or anything? When did you apply?
Best of luck with the AC!

Congratulations!! Can I know when you applied if that's okay?

No VI, straight from WG to AC.
I applied on the 10th of October so quite early on. WG on the 7th of December.

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

I honestly don't think you would be ask to elaborate on the difference between the two - I think you would just be asked the questions individually.

In application forms, I've only ever been asked either why law or why commercial, so I've always used the same answer and same experience but obviously elaborating a bit more on the commercial aspect if asked the latter. If I am asked why law, would it be acceptable to say that I didn't realise I wanted to go into law at all until I took the module that sparked my interest in commercial law?

 

[Jessica Booker]

In application forms, I've only ever been asked either why law or why commercial, so I've always used the same answer and same experience but obviously elaborating a bit more on the commercial aspect if asked the latter. If I am asked why law, would it be acceptable to say that I didn't realise I wanted to go into law at all until I took the module that sparked my interest in commercial law?

Yes - that would be perfectly reasonable. Some people don't start at law - they start on the commercial aspects first and then consider law.

 

[AnAnonymousDuck]

Yes - that would be perfectly reasonable. Some people don't start at law - they start on the commercial aspects first and then consider law.

Thank you so much!

 

[Amakaa]

Anyone have any Info on Akin’s online test. Are they automated?

 

[Amakaa]

Willkie Written exercise 🤭

 

[vr36]

Anyone have any Info on Akin’s online test. Are they automated?

Don’t think so. When did you apply?

 

[helloj]

Akin assessment invite! Does anyone know if it is the next stage or part of the first?

 

[Amakaa]

Don’t think so. When did you apply?

sometime in early December. Deadline was 5th January and it was rolling but i think they sent all the test invites today as the deadline to take them is friday

 

[Amakaa]

Do I assume a PFO from Kirkland if I haven’t heard back yet, considering a lot of people have done VI’s

 

[vr36]

Should assume Akin pfo if I haven’t heard back yet? Applied on deadline day tho

 

[sapphireoreos]

The question will cover extracurriculars and hobbies. I wouldn't use bullet points. I would try to highlight 2-3 key activities you think are most important/relevant to you or that you are not covering in the work experience section - you'll just need to be super concise. I would recommend focusing on the results/outcomes from your activities rather than detail on your actions.

Okay thank you Jessica!

 

[legal18]

Willkie written exercise!!!!!

 

[Shandy101]

Willkie, WE invite! Ironically the only good news this week came from a firm I'm not ecstatic about training at.

 

[Chris Brown]

Willkie Written Exercise!! 😮

 

[studenttolawyer]

just did the Trowers capp assessment. gosh was it long!

 

[Chris Brown]

I’m working on an application at the moment and one of the questions is asking:

‘Why would you like to pursue a career as a solicitor at [x firm], and how do you see yourself contributing to the firm’s success?

Am I right in thinking this is asking:

(1) why law / why commercial law as a solicitor?
(2) why this firm?
(3) why me i.e., what will I bring to the firm?

Or is it to be interpreted differently? Any help would be greatly appreciated 🙂🙂​

 

[jacksollaf]

I’m working on an application at the moment and one of the questions is asking:

‘Why would you like to pursue a career as a solicitor at [x firm], and how do you see yourself contributing to the firm’s success?

Am I right in thinking this is asking:

(1) why law / why commercial law as a solicitor?
(2) why this firm?
(3) why me i.e., what will I bring to the firm?

Or is it to be interpreted differently? Any help would be greatly appreciated 🙂🙂

Honestly, I would personally interpret it in the same exact way as you! Good luck!

 

[jacksollaf]

Withers interview. Anyone got any information, happy to give info on White & Case (did vac scheme there)

is that for the vs or tc?