New Threads

Hi All,

We have been actively working to update the content we have within TCLA Premium. Here is a selection of the latest updates to premium over the last few months:

Applications

New Law Firm Application Guides

We have written 10 new law firm application guides, which can be found in our updated "Law Firm Profiles & Application Guides" course.

The goal of these application guides is to provide a thorough breakdown of how to think about each of the application questions, step-by-step. This includes:

• What we feel the question is looking for
• How to approach the question (How did we research the firm? How did we pick apart the question etc.)
• How to make your answer to the question stand out
• Our top tips for this application form

In each guide, we have provided sample application snippets to demonstrate the point we are making.

1-1 Training Contract Calls

Every month, Gold members can book a 1-1 call for training contract advice. New slots open up on the first of every month, and it's your chance to discuss anything related to the application process, from mapping out a strategy to seeking advice on particular assessments.

Interviews

Interview Database*

This is a growing database of questions asked by particular law firms in live interviews. It can be found alongside our database of 300+ applications.

Commercial Awareness

Legal News Analysis*

It’s not easy to stay up to date with the latest stories in commercial law. How do you understand the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the legal sector, or the business strategies of law firms? In the premium forum, our Legal News Analysis is designed to provide you with access to reliable resources, allowing you to engage in insightful commercial discussions on the legal industry.

Commercial Interview Discussions*

What commercial topics do I need to know for my interviews? That’s one of the most common questions we are asked, and here is our solution.

In these premium threads, the TCLA team kicks off a discussion on the most interesting and interview relevant commercial story. We help you understand the technical terms, consider mock interview questions, and provide you with a detailed analysis of why the story is relevant to law firms.

Curated Forum Content*

As TCLA’s free forum continues to grow in size, some of the most valuable information posted on our most active threads is quickly lost among the multitude of new posts daily. We’ve noticed that this has made it increasingly difficult for members to locate discussions on specific firms, application questions, or other topics. Exclusive to Premium members only, the TCLA team provides a monthly update containing summaries and links to the best posts from the main forum - ensuring you never miss the best of our users' advice and discussions.

* Note, these links will work if you have joined the TCLA Premium forum.

Hi,

I am looking to gain some legal work experience, at either a boutique or high-street law firm, prior to applying to this cycle of vacation schemes.

Can anyone recommend a template for speculative applications?

Thank you for any help!

Does anyone have a map which marks where each firm is located? I've looked and looked online but I can't find a recent one. Would be really interesting to see where they all are in relation to one another.

Also, does anyone have any opinions on whether it's better to be in Chancery Lane or Liverpool Street?

Hi all!

I am again posting after several months of hibernation (exams, yay!). Hope you're all well! I have a slightly long story but will try and keep it nice and short for convenience

I have a 2.1 Degree from City, University of London and have no resits in the degree. However, I have had to resit several exams on my LPC (to my utter heartbreak *sobs*). I have secured a paralegal role back in January this year but have recently left the role. I am now being offered another role as an operations executive, but I am unsure whether I should take it (I have until the 17th to decide). Will law firms frown upon my transition from paralegal to non-legal role, as well as me resitting a few modules? I will intend on doing virtual work experiences in the meantime, no matter the role(s) Shall I stick to law-related roles only, or will law firms be okay with other roles after leaving a law-related one?

I also possess pretty mediocre A- Level grades (ACCC) and redid my AS Levels too (I guess I am not very academic...). Pretty sure that most law firms are out of my reach, but I did attend several open days and have passed the application stage for Kennedys and BCLP ))

Sorry if this post is a bit silly - I'm just feeling a little lost...

Any advice at all would be much appreciated - thank you so much!

Hi guys,

I thought I should just pop on here and let you know that I am a brand ambassador at CMS for the 2021/22 academic year!

It might be useful for me to share some of the most relevant opportunities CMS has available for this year. Applications for both the CMS Academy and the CMS First Steps are now open, and both close on the 24th of December 2021.

A little bit about CMS Academy: The CMS Academy is an innovative and varied three-week programme, and it is the only route to securing a training contract with the firm. CMS Academy participants across the UK offices spend one week in London; and the week's activities are dedicated to learning the business of law. This includes a client visit, a work simulation exercise, panel discussions and plenty of networking opportunities. The second and third weeks are similar to traditional vacation schemes, where participants are placed in a particular department and are assigned work from a supervisor.

You can learn more about the CMS Academy here: http://ocply.co/cms-ba2021-apply-warw

CMS First Steps: This is a one-week programme where you have the opportunity to shadow a trainee solicitor and take part in various skills sessions. The programme’s blend of practical work experience, skills sessions, trainee shadowing, and networking will build your knowledge and your contacts in equal measure. You will be invited to social events, lunches, and coffee networking where you’ll get to meet representatives from across the firm. Successful completion of this programme fast tracks you to an assessment centre for the CMS Academy programme!

You can learn more about CMS First Steps here: http://ocply.co/cms-ba2021-apply-warw

Now I'll add a few reasons why you should apply to CMS and why I am also deciding to apply to CMS:

• 90% of participants on CMS Academy receive a training contract!
• No minimum a level or degree requirements anymore. I am aware that some websites still state that CMS does have minimum a level and degree requirements, but I was told at the training day that this has been scrapped and their website also reflect this, so perhaps the websites have not updated this yet.
• Future-facing firm that has been quick to embrace technology in all aspects.
• Offers a good work-life balance compared to other firms of its size.
• First year trainee salary: £44,500. Second year trainee salary: £49,500. Qualification salary: £82,000 (London Office)

So just to let you know, I just started as a Brand Ambassador so I may not have all the answers to your queries, but if you do have any queries I will contact CMS on your behalf and get back to you as quickly as possible.

i've just done 2 weeks work experience at a nearby university (did work in many departments). This is my only form of work experience, do you think this is sufficient for first-year schemes or would it be wise to do some part-time work also?

Hi everyone,

I have launched our new 5-minute survey for 2021-22. If you can complete this, you'll be in for a chance to win a 6-month premium subscription and a £50 Amazon Gift Card. If you don't want the premium subscription, you can also trade this in.

Our yearly survey is an opportunity to better understand our forum members. I promise it doesn't take long at all and it really helps us to showcase TCLA when we present data to our partners. We then know how many of our users are university students or career changers, for example, or how many of our users are the first in their family to go to university.

START THE SURVEY​

A big thank you to anyone who is able to complete this, it is very much appreciated.

Best,
Jaysen

Hi everyone, I am being offered solicitor shadowing and training by a recruitment agency for an amount of money. After the shadowing, there will be a final interview, if I am successful I will be offered a permanent job as a trainee paralegal at the client firm. This is the first time that I am coming across such kind of scheme. Has anyone had a similar experience? As I have no work experience, I am considering accepting the offer but would like to know if paying for that is worth it or not.

Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm.

September 2021

Please specify what the interview was for.

Candidate Attorney position for 2023 (Articles)

Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings.

8:30 - 9:00: Introduction and written assignment
10:00-10:30: Individual Interview

Please provide a summary of each assessment on the day with approximate timings.

The introduction was run by the HR Graduate Recruitment. We introduced ourselves and were then given a short written assignment. The assignment question was "If you could change any piece of legislation, what would it be and why?". We had 15 minutes to complete the task.

The interview was hosted by 5 of the partners of the firm and was 30mins long. I was allowed to ask questions at the end.

Both took place on MS Teams.

What is your best advice for each aspect of the assessment on the day? Please break this down for each assessment. This can include advice for preparation, as well as tips for the day.

For the written assignment, keep your writing clear and concise. It is about the quality of your work rather than quantity. Try not to panic.
For the interview, go over the basics of important subjects like contract and be able to explain why you enjoy certain subjects you have studied. Ensure you are up to date with current events.

Questions I was asked:
- why law
- what is your understanding of transformation
- do you support transformation
- how do you think transformation should be implemented at WW
- tell us about what you've learnt in some of your favourite subjects
- tell us about a time you worked in a difficult situation within a team
- I was asked questions relevant to my CV
- they asked me technical law questions about contracts / contract law

Were you successful?
Have not heard back yet.

Hi all,

I have come to the forum because I have quite the conundrum. I have just graduated with a first in a non-law degree at a Russell-Group university. I have a place to study the PGDL at BPP this month and have applied for the masters' route to provide me with some financial help. Originally, I was supposed to have financial aid from my parents to pay my tuition and at the last minute they have backed out on this agreement. My living situation is not ideal, and I need to move out in order to protect my mental health and to have an appropriate place to study. However, the funding for the PGDL does not provide me with enough money to support myself financially and pay my tuition. I am really set on completing the PGDL as soon as possible as I really want my legal career up and running, however, don't think it will be possible for me to study full time and work enough part-time hours to pay rent. I am now seriously considering taking the GDL part-time, whilst working to support my living situation. Would studying the GDL part-time place me at a disadvantage when it comes to getting my career underway/applying for TCS/VSs? I am currently very time conscious. Could it also be possible to study the GDL at BPP part-time from this September and perhaps transfer to full-time in January when I have more financial stability?

Would really appreciate any advice/help/guidance as I feel at a loss.

Thanks!

And how does this trasnslate into trainee work?

Hey guys,

Writing an application about applying skills to a trainee role and I am talking about using collaboration/ communication within transaction and leasing between different departments in a firm. feedback I got was more information on what a trainees role is in a an M&A transaction and how collaboration/ teamwork is necessary. I know vaguely what to write but could anyone help me out about more- its hard to know when you're only going off second hand research

Hello everyone ! Could anyone come up with some ideas and provide samples as to how to answer the "skills and attributes required for the role of a trainee" ? How am I supposed to phrase the answer for this type of question ???

Hi,

I am applying for Firms with CV Applications, however, i was wondering whether you think that i can be automatically rejected if my CV makes one page and a half?

The reason for this length is my work experience section ( i have listed 5 work experiences)

Thank you.

Hey all, I'm trying to get my hands on the paper copies of the Chambers Student Guide for 2017, 2019, and 2020. If anyone has one or all of these, message me!

I am an LLB (Hons) Law graduate from The University of Manchester and a Junior Legal Engineer at SYKE with a strong passion for continuous and consistent progress in my career journey. I have had ample opportunities at growing professionally and legal work experiences that have blessed me with essential skills and knowledge. My career aspirations are imbued with a heightened interest in legal innovation especially through legal technology. I love getting inspired and inspiring others in the legal community where connection and collaboration can do wonders for us all. Building on this trajectory, I aim to refine further my expertise and deliver impeccable service in my current role.

Having come from a heavily disadvantaged and underrepresented background in Malaysia means that it has been extremely challenging even to arrive at this point. I am particularly proud of having fully supported and sustained myself financially throughout my course. I will strive to improve further and give back to the community when the time comes. This background and passion are what inspire me to help others in the volunteering and professional roles that I have taken since university.

At university, I have engaged in many unforgettable experiences through activities and in communities out of school, making lifelong friends. Many of these experiences such as music, characterise who I am, my humanity, and my most artistic expressions. Feel free to check out my acapella groups, the Singles that I am soloing in, and the EPs that we have released and will release later this year! There are links and features of these on my social media accounts below, including LinkedIn.

Currently, I am open to work and am still looking for additional roles in the legal industry. I have a lot to offer and am looking for opportunities where I can prove my passion and dedication in ways that matter most to the firm or business and their clients.

Instagram: alvan_james
Facebook: Alvan James
LinkedIn: Alvan James

Hi,

I was wondering if there was anyone on this forum who has experience of deferring a TC, particularly because of mental health struggles, mainly depression. I've just started my LPC and it's already been a demanding experience, so I was thinking to ask my firm if I could defer my studies and TC start date because of this. Does anyone know if firms are particularly accommodating on this front? I don't want to risk pre-emptively asking and giving my firm a bad impression of me. Thank you.

Hi everyone,

It's my first year applying, and the firm I've gotten through to the assessment process with - so no prior experience to go on here.

The first two assessments involve one proofreading exercise (which takes 30 minutes, timed), and one drafting exercise (one hour, timed).

I have never done any paralegal work before, so I am quite daunted as to what to expect. What exactly does proof reading a legal document involve? Just spelling errors and ambiguity? Or big omissions, such as a key legal issue which isn't included? I worry that the latter will be a problem if the document involves an area of law I know nothing about, as I've never studied it (e.g. M&A, company law...). There's only so much research you can do in 30 minutes!


If anyone has completed a similar exercise at an MC/international firm - any thoughts?

Thank you in advance

I am starting my LLM at BPP University on 20 September 2021.
I am a career changer, & my main aim is to secure a vac scheme and a TC in London.

Hi, im a first year LLB student and whilst strong academically, i have very literally no work experience or extracurriculars. Work experience at my sixth form was cancelled due to covid and i recieved my firm offer rather early so didn't see any need to do any. Im currently looking to apply to first-year schemes such as SPARK, however i have nothing to add any substance to my CV, for questions on application forms, and even if i got through initial screening id have nothing to talk about in an interview. Could someone give me a very short bullet point list of things i can do starting from now to make me a strong candidate for first year schemes outside of academics. I was currently thinking about entering mooting competitions, boxing, and perhaps trying to become a first-year rep for the law society? Although, even if i was successful in all of these, i would still have a pretty lackluster application. I would greatly appreciate any feedback so i can stop worrying and get to buffing up my CV

Hey guys,

As you may have seen from our newsletter, we now have a new careers page where we'll be posting any new vacancies to join the TCLA team.

As of September, we're hiring new Application Reviewers (apply by 22 September 2021) and Community Managers (apply by 28 September 2021) to help us with the busy application season. In both cases, we're generally looking for future trainee solicitors to apply. That said, we will be open to strong applications for the Community Manager role.

You can read more about the roles and apply here.

Thank you!

Jaysen

Hi there, a little background about me : I'm a career changer (used to work in telco regulatory compliance), and have recently migrated to the UK on a family visa. I graduated from my LLB and Master's in 2016/2017, and my past few years' work experience has been at a large telco company in my home country due to some scholarship obligations.

The last application cycle, I applied to mostly direct TCs and was not successful with any of them, though I did manage to get a vacation scheme placement that I requested to defer to this winter due to visa/travel challenges. Whilst I am hopeful that this placement would result in a TC offer, I'm well aware that sometimes it can take a few application cycles and a couple of vac schemes (or more) to land an offer. As I am not currently in employment, I'm considering self-funding the SQE to start early next year, in case I'm unsuccessful with this vac scheme. I think earlier on when the SQE was first being marketed this wasn't advised as it was still uncertain as to what the firms would do, but looking at their updated websites and having attended the Legal Cheek Law Fair yesterday it seems like many of them will be migrating over to the SQE within the next year or two. I was wondering what the general consensus is at the moment on whether this would be a good move or still too risky. My alternative is to get another job, I was hoping to be able to paralegal but I see that many paralegal positions these days advertise that they prefer if you have done / will complete the SQE/LPC so it's a bit of a catch 22 :S Being in full time employment next year would also basically limit me to applying only for direct TCs as I wouldn't have flexibility to do a vac scheme.

Appreciate any advice on this! @Jessica Booker any thoughts?

I have just written my first draft for an open day application and I was hoping to get some feedback on it.

Please use this space to outline why you would like to attend an Open Day with Shearman & Sterling (London) LLP. (250)



Meeting Shearman & Sterling (Shearman) at The Legal Cheek Law Fair, I was interested to hear that the firm’s London office was not seen as just a satellite office. To me, this appears to set Shearman apart from many other US firms, since it indicates trainees have the opportunity work on deals won by the London office in its own right. It is important to me to train at a US firm which recognises the value of its London office as highly as its US counterparts, and attending an Open Day with Shearman would offer the opportunity to hear more how the London office operates within the wider infrastructure of the firm.



I am also keen to attend an Open Day with Shearman to discover more about trainees’ experience within a small cohort of only 15. I am an individual who learns best through exposure and enjoys taking initiative with my work. Currently, my understanding is that the small trainee intake means trainees are trusted with greater responsibility early on. Attending an Open Day would offer the opportunity to ask questions about how this small intake translates into trainees’ day-to-day work.



Finally, I wish to attend Shearman’s Open Day to gain a deeper understanding of its practice areas before applying. Shearman’s expertise is Finance and M&A is clear. However, after independently reaching out to a trainee on LinkedIn, I was interested to learn about her enjoyable experience in the firm’s impressive infrastructure practice. Shearman’s Open Day would offer greater insight into the firm’s full-service offering.