TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

thelawnet

Star Member
Sep 7, 2023
39
87
Just got (virtual) AC from Farrer:

Following your performance in the proofreading task, we would like to offer you a place on one of our virtual Assessment Mornings.

We will be holding four Assessment Mornings with around 25 applicants attending each one. From the 100 or so candidates that attend the four Assessment Mornings, we will be selecting 30 to attend one of our three vacation schemes.

We would be pleased if you could join us on an Assessment Morning on 18 February 2025. This will start at 10.00 am and finish at about 12.00 pm. There will be an individual written exercise and a group case study exercise (no preparation required although you might find it helpful to look at our online guidance so you know what to expect - https://farrer-co.foleon.com/grad-r...t-can-i-apply-for?overlay=Virtual assessments).

If you are available to join us virtually on this date, please confirm your acceptance as soon as possible and if you require any adjustments. We will then follow up with further details including a Zoom access link.
 

Andrei Radu

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 9, 2024
532
861
Hi Amma,

I was wondering what you would recommend to discuss when asked 'why this firm' in an interview? Do you go for particular talking points each time and how in depth would you recommend going?
Just before @Amma Usman can get back to you on this, in interviews, just like in applications, I think you should try to discuss the firm's unique selling points (USPs) - the important features that distinguish them from most other firms. Different firms will have different types of USPs, so you should vary your talking points accordingly. However, I find that particular talking points tend to be more persuasive than others; in that certain features of firms have a more direct and profound impact on people's training contract experience at a firm.

For me, those tended to be points around firm's practice areas focus, strengths, and expertise (which I would evidence using market recognition in the form of rankings/awards rather than past mandates). This is because the work done by the different practice can vary greatly; thus, it naturally matters a lot to go to a firm specializing in (or at least offering a seat in) the type of work you are most interested in. Building on that, it also matters a lot if the firm does or does not have top credentials for its practice. Great market recognition is only possible if the firm has great practitioners, and you should be naturally interested in working with and being mentored by the very best.
 
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Andrei Radu

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 9, 2024
532
861
I just wanted to thank everyone for the openess on this forum. I am a first year law student and is very helpful.

I did some research on some firms and have a question about written exercise. does this website allow personal message and are members ok with personal contact to ask questions? I am sorry I only found this forum recently so i am trying to go through more pages a
The website allows for personal messages, but community assistants will normally respond with a message redirecting you to post your query on the forums and will only respond to it there. The reason for that is to make information available to as many people as possible, which means keeping it public. Furthermore, posting on the forums will encourage others to get involved in the conversation as well, thus potentially resulting in more useful advice and input for you.
 

m.phan

New Member
Feb 6, 2025
2
2
The website allows for personal messages, but community assistants will normally respond with a message redirecting you to post your query on the forums and will only respond to it there. The reason for that is to make information available to as many people as possible, which means keeping it public. Furthermore, posting on the forums will encourage others to get involved in the conversation as well, thus potentially resulting in more useful advice and input for you.
Thank you for your reply
 
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Moo&mak

New Member
Feb 27, 2024
4
2
Good afternoon @Amma Usman

Could you please provide tips on discussing a deal during an interview. The deal I really find interesting is more related to sports which is not their main practice but I am more confident discussing it because of my interest.

Do you think that okay or if I should go for another deal.

Also how would you advise on the structure of discussing a deal during an interview.

Thank you
 
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thelawnet

Star Member
Sep 7, 2023
39
87
Received a 'we are still checking applications' email from Slaughters:

Thank you for applying to Slaughter and May, and we apologise for not being able to get back to you yet with a decision on your training contract application.



We received a very high number of applications just before the deadline at the end of November - as every application is individually reviewed as part of our selection process, we are still reviewing applications and will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
 

Smart water 0403

Star Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Feb 17, 2024
34
21
How should you tackle the interview Q 'What is our place in the legal market?' Should you talk about a combination of practice areas, revenue and geographical strength? Also, would it be okay to say a firm is 'mid-market' or similar, without sounding offensive? Should you reference other firms?

Sorry for the long Q but any help would be much appreciated. @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam
 

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