TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[User5678]

I think it‘ll be good to combine both a sector-based analysis and a size and market positioning analysis.

Starting with the sector-based approach is logical because Browne Jacobson is well known for its work in specific areas such as health, education, insurance, local and central government, and corporate sectors. Competition shifts depending on the sector in question, meaning that firms which may not rival Browne Jacobson in overall size or breadth of services can still be key competitors within certain markets. For example, in education law, firms like VWV (Veale Wasbrough Vizards) and Stone King are strong players, particularly in advising schools, academies, and universities. In health and social care, firms such as Bevan Brittan and Capsticks frequently act for NHS trusts and other healthcare providers, competing directly with Browne Jacobson in that space. In insurance and public sector work, DAC Beachcroft and Kennedys are relevant competitors given their focus on risk, claims management, and advising government bodies.

After considering the sector view, I’d say it is equally important to analyse competitors based on size, revenue, and overall market positioning. So Browne Jacobson is a national law firm with offices in major UK cities and a growing London presence. As such, firms like Weightmans, Freeths, TLT, Shoosmiths, and Wright Hassall become relevant. These firms operate within a similar revenue range, have national footprints, and often pursue similar mandates in both public and private sectors. They compete with Browne Jacobson for mid-market corporate work, real estate deals, and advisory roles for public sector clients. So this is just one angle to look at it from.

I‘d say using both approaches provides a fuller picture. This is important because understanding a law firm’s competitors is not only about scale… but also about sector leadership/influence and many other factors.

I’ve also created a more detailed thread on this back in the day which you can refer to. This should cover the “many other factors point” - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/guide-to-identifying-a-law-firm’s-competitors.9422/

Hope this helps

This is absolutely amazing and super helpful! Thank you very very much Amma!

If a question is asked in relation to what gives BJ an upper hand over competitors, what are the best points to cover that? Should I be looking for usp’s? Should I answer separately for sectors and then for size or just mention the points that give the firm an upper hand over competitors in the end all together?

 

[Amma Usman]

This is absolutely amazing and super helpful! Thank you very very much Amma!

If a question is asked in relation to what gives BJ an upper hand over competitors, what are the best points to cover that? Should I be looking for usp’s? Should I answer separately for sectors and then for size or just mention the points that give the firm an upper hand over competitors in the end all together?

You could use the approach I put above to highlight who the competitors are in the first place. This gives direction to your answer. Then, you could within those sectors identify any niches, which make the firm standout.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

does anyone have any advice on how to prepare for a commercial written task in a week?

Hiya @legallyells

This could depend on the nature of the written task. Some tasks might involve case studies where you're expected to perform a SWOT analysis, while others may require you to conduct a PESTLE analysis. Understanding the difference between these two methods will help you prepare effectively.

A SWOT analysis is internally focused, helping you assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing a particular business or project. Strengths and weaknesses typically cover internal factors such as resources, capabilities, or organisational structure, whereas opportunities and threats examine external factors, including competitors or market trends. By doing this, you can show your assessor that you understand how businesses pursue opportunities and mitigate potential threats.

In contrast, a PESTLE analysis is entirely external and focuses on the broader environment in which a business operates. It involves considering the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors. For example, changes in government policy (political), economic downturns (economic), shifting consumer behaviour (social), new innovations (technological), regulatory updates (legal), or sustainability pressures (environmental).

To prepare effectively, I'd suggest practising your ability to think through commercial news stories. You could spend the next few days reading an article or two from the Financial Times and applying SWOT or PESTLE analysis to break down risks, opportunities, and relevant considerations. You might also want to use ChatGPT or even just google how material is presented to clients in memos and so forth. I think this is particularly important in helping candidates understand the importance of formatting and organising information in a way that's client-friendly.

Hope this helps and let us know if you have any other questions!

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Jessica Booker,

If a firm stipulates that all future trainees should do the SQE together (in-person) at BPP or ULaw London (depending on who they have partnered with), and they offer a maintenance grant worth X (e.g., £20,000), is it ever possible for firms to offer additional financial support to people who live very far from London AND are from a socially mobile background? It seems that most firms offer a standard maintenance grant to all future trainees, which doesn’t take into account personal or financial circumstances?

Do you know of any instances where city law firms have offered additional support, either as a grant/bursary or interest-free loan? How do firms deal with future trainees who may be of a particular faith or religion, where they can’t take out on an interest-based loan from student finance, due to their religious beliefs? Also, is it true some firms request their future trainees to not work part time whilst studying the SQE? If so, how do people usually survive in London (I don’t really know how expensive London is but I have heard it is really bad, especially rent prices)?

Apologies for the long question. 🥲🥲​

Hiya @Chris Brown

I've got very little to add to the sage advice of @Jessica Booker. However, from what I've gathered from having spoken to friends of mine on the SQE, some firms do offer interest free loans and additional financial support but sometimes choose not to publicise such benefits. Others, by contrast, have made it more widely known. I've spoken to trainees at firms such as Cleary, Ropes & Gray, and Jones Day, who've all mentioned that similar types of support do exist for some of their future trainees. For your reference, I've also included a link to an article outlining the maintenance funds provided by other firms for trainees undertaking the SQE. Some of the entries mentioned in the link also state whether or not a firm does offer support in addition to any maintenance fund it offers to SQE/GDL students. I hope this helps!

 

[legallyells]

Hiya @legallyells

This could depend on the nature of the written task. Some tasks might involve case studies where you're expected to perform a SWOT analysis, while others may require you to conduct a PESTLE analysis. Understanding the difference between these two methods will help you prepare effectively.

A SWOT analysis is internally focused, helping you assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing a particular business or project. Strengths and weaknesses typically cover internal factors such as resources, capabilities, or organisational structure, whereas opportunities and threats examine external factors, including competitors or market trends. By doing this, you can show your assessor that you understand how businesses pursue opportunities and mitigate potential threats.

In contrast, a PESTLE analysis is entirely external and focuses on the broader environment in which a business operates. It involves considering the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors. For example, changes in government policy (political), economic downturns (economic), shifting consumer behaviour (social), new innovations (technological), regulatory updates (legal), or sustainability pressures (environmental).

To prepare effectively, I'd suggest practising your ability to think through commercial news stories. You could spend the next few days reading an article or two from the Financial Times and applying SWOT or PESTLE analysis to break down risks, opportunities, and relevant considerations. You might also want to use ChatGPT or even just google how material is presented to clients in memos and so forth. I think this is particularly important in helping candidates understand the importance of formatting and organising information in a way that's client-friendly.

Hope this helps and let us know if you have any other questions!

thank you so much, i’ll definitely be doing this! so helpful!

 

[jta227]

Would it seem weird to schedule """coffee chats""" (as people call them) and then drink water/another non-coffee beverage?

 

[Chris Brown]

Would it seem weird to schedule """coffee chats""" (as people call them) and then drink water/another non-coffee beverage?

I have been thinking about this question today because I have never actually drank coffee and I don’t think I’m prepared to suddenly change that for a VS lmao. I hope it’s okay to drink a non-coffee beverage. 🥲​

 

[jta227]

I have been thinking about this question today because I have never actually drank coffee and I don’t think I’m prepared to suddenly change that for a VS lmao. I hope it’s okay to drink a non-coffee beverage. 🥲​

Same! Never had coffee or alcohol and am slightly worried lmaooo

As context, I read this thread last week:

https://www.reddit.com/r/uklaw/comments/1jaz2sr

Obviously every firm won't be like that but it did slightly unsettle me. Hopefully the firm I join will have a good culture in this regard 🙏

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

This might sound like a silly question, but how do people prepare for VS? How do you know what to do during a VS? Is there anything that I should be doing now in advance of a VS? I haven’t worked in a city law firm before so I’m starting to overthink this whole process lmao. Any advice would be appreciated. Please help. 🥲🥲

@Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam​

Hiya again @Chris Brown!

I don't have too much else to add to what the others have said. But when I was preparing for my vacation scheme, I found Aspiring Solicitors' Head Start event incredibly helpful in addressing exactly this sort of anxiety. It's free, and it provides structured, reassuring guidance on what to expect, how to make the most of your vacation scheme, and practical tips on navigating the unfamiliar environment of a city law firm. I'd strongly encourage you to register for one of their upcoming sessions. As someone who had also never worked in a corporate setting before, I found the session extremely useful! You can read more and sign up here.

Additionally, there is one thing I'd say, particularly when it comes to coffee chats and meetings. These conversations can indeed be valuable ways of learning more about the firm, but only if you use them to pursue genuine curiosity. I'd say resist the temptation to set up meetings simply because you think you ought to; instead, reflect carefully beforehand on what truly interests you. Is there a practice area you're drawn to? Are you intrigued by how a particular team operates, or perhaps curious about how someone's work fits within the larger vision of the firm? Aside from the fact that feigning interest can be conspicuous, I think asking thoughtful/genuine questions will allow you to build connections that are ultimately based on more sincere engagement with the people you meet.

Hope that's somewhat helpful to you!

 

[billyonthespeeddial]

Would it seem weird to schedule """coffee chats""" (as people call them) and then drink water/another non-coffee beverage?

Yes, you need to drink coffee. Law firms are testing your ability to withstand unimaginable amounts of caffeine per day (this is what they mean by "resilience") as this is arguably the most important skill a lawyer must have

 

[Miss Chocolate]

im not sure i thought the vi's were sent in batches, i received my vi invite later, but maybe im being hopeful lol

that's really useful to know...fingers crossed for us both

 

[User5678]

Would it seem weird to schedule """coffee chats""" (as people call them) and then drink water/another non-coffee beverage?

Oh don’t worry about it, it’s defo okay! Just grab hot chocolate (it looks like coffee as well )

@jta227 @Chris Brown

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Would it seem weird to schedule """coffee chats""" (as people call them) and then drink water/another non-coffee beverage?

Not weird at all! There was only so much coffee I could drink after having scheduled a few back to back coffee chats! Don't get jittery!

 

[missTCLA]

linklaters pfo, saw it coming but idk why it took them this long to send it

 

[summerk27]

Hi has anyone heard from Blake Morgan, Irwin Mitchell or the Samsung Paralegal role

 

[Amma Usman]

CRS PFO after VI

its so hard to continue pushing more applications especially with how much effort goes into researching a firm and writing an app, idk where my legal career is going hasnt moved one bit since graduation lol

congratulations to the people who got through to the next stage!! hoping to learn from you guys yall are doing something i am not 😭

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep going Xx..!!!

 

[tosin4774]

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep going Xx..!!!

What websites could one use to thoroughly research a firm and what questions should I be asking myself when researching @Amma Usman

 

[Jessica Booker]

Would it seem weird to schedule """coffee chats""" (as people call them) and then drink water/another non-coffee beverage?

Definitely not - a coffee chat does not have to involve any coffee. In fact, you don't have to drink anything - its just an informal meeting.

They just get called coffee chats as they sometimes happen in coffee shops - e.g. away from the office, or in the firm's coffee bar, or break out area (if its a make it yourself deal in the office).

Although a lot of people will offer to buy you a drink (and feel free to take them up on this offer), if you have instigated the coffee chat the rule is be prepared to make/buy them a coffee (or other suitable drink they want to drink). Many people will decline your offer and will buy their own, and may even buy yours.

 

[ohnoselim]

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep going Xx..!!!

thank you so much !

 

[BillSikes]

My email says by the end of the week starting 17 March.

My bad. I’ll be here to ask again on Friday!