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Many applications ask questions similar to 'discuss a business story that you are interested in'
I was wondering how best to structure the answer and what aspects to discuss and what would count as going off topic? For example, I'm looking at a story concerning a certain retailer and why its failing but would it be going on a tangent if I then mentioned another company and why their business model if failing.
The limit is only 300 words so I'm unsure what topics and in how much detail they want me to discuss.

Thanks for your help!

How do salaries progress post NQ at London firms?

I’ve just been offered a job in my current industry that matches the NQ salary of a lot of firms plus an average salary pension. Though the scope for increase is limited and bonuses are small.

I’m still very keen on the switch to law but I just want to compare the finances in the longterm as obviously it’ll involve 2 years of no income plus another 2 years before I am earning about the same as I get now.

The other factor is it’s a very stable job, which in the current climate you start to appreciate the value of (though these things are cyclical and I think the recovery will be a lot quicker this time).

I know I’ll find law a much more fulfilling career but it is a big risk.

Interestingly my head says continue pursuing law, while my gut is slightly more uneasy. If I ca set out the financials it’ll help add some objectivity to my thinking.

Many thanks in advance!

Hi all,

I've seen a lot of advice being given to training contract hopefuls about making sure that you have 'learnt something' during this lockdown period so you can demonstrate at interview that you have used the time productively. However, I am still in full time employment, and while I'm not completely slammed, the time I have got spare I'm spending on the applications themselves.

Should I be looking to undertake a coding course/something similar nonetheless? How have other people coped with working from home and writing applications? I'd be interested to know!

I'm currently doing the requested pre-reading for the LPC. I was just wondering if the marks from the assessments/quizzes we take on the portal are sent back to our respective law firms? The header says 'If you are satisfied that you have the correct answer, please do not concern yourself about your mark for that test being affected. The tests are for your benefit.' TIA

BPP unlike ULaw have decided that for Sept 2020 ; all their courses will begin online virtually. For any future trainees or LPC/GDL'ers are you considering still moving to London/or the city of your course? Or are you planning on just staying at home as the course will be online?

As I'm so unsure myself...the financial benefit of staying at home is swaying me, but also fairly keen to move out now and start my life in the city....

Hi! Has anyone already submitted their application or is working on it now, and could perhaps help me with this question (under Careers Choice section):
"Are there any particular matters which you wish to raise if invited to interview? Word count (max. 150 words)"
What are they asking for here? I am quite struggling to figure out, thank you!

Hello everyone,

First time using this - apologise if I make any silly mistakes.

I feel like the question I am most afraid of in interviews is 'what current issues do you think our firm is facing?'

I am unsure how to come up with a good answer to this. If someone could guide me in the right direction i.e. by explaining some current issues that are affecting the business of law firms (preferably not Covid-19 related) it would be very helpful.

Cheers,
Ruby

There's a similar thread on TSR which I found quite entertaining, so I thought I might as well start one here and see if it gets off the ground!

I can start with a contribution to the 'stupidest thing you've said' side. Had an interview in January where the partner and I started discussing batteries. He asked me if I knew what they were made from. My mind went completely blank, so he took pity on me and said lithium was a core component, and did I know where it came from.

Me [almost verbatim]: "Well... it's a chemical sort of thing, isn't it... in fact I think it's actually a metal... which means it doesn't grow on trees, and we don't get it from animals like milk, so... I guess we mine it from underground?"

Does anyone else absolutely HATE the Addleshaw Goddard application form?!
There's no opportunity to say ANYTHING on it. The only want your work experience for the three years which just completely excludes older people who have more experience over a longer period of time. You don't even get to explain your work experience or say anything about your role or responsibilities. The questions are absurd - telling us what their best feature is and then asking what their best feature is. Either you look like the moron who thinks you know the firm better than they do or you're the moron repeating the question - is there are way to answer that question without looking stupid?! Unless I'm missing it, there's no opportunity to talk about mitigating circumstances, they only accept certain disabilities as credible - mine is a pretty mainstream, well-known and debilitating physical disability but it's not on their list.
I really like the firm but their application form alone has made me genuinely consider not applying to them. Am I the only one?

Hi everyone,

By way of background, last week I started my first online vacation scheme.

Although I'm happy, I am experiencing major imposter syndrome. I simply do not feel good enough. I added a few of the other candidates on LinkedIn and everyone has way better A Levels than me, experiences, went to better unis and have really cool hobby's.

I really feel out of place and I'm starting to feel unworthy of being a candidate on the vac scheme.

I already suffer from anxiety and I kept chocking every time it was my turn to speak.

I come from a very disadvantaged, working class, BAME background.

Hope someone understand what I'm going through and can maybe share their experience or help instil some confident in me.

I might come across dramatic to some, but I genuinely feel this way and have no one to talk to about it.

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all well and staying safe given the current climate.

I was wondering whether anyone had a good knowledge of equity derivatives and could explain it in a simple way. I am keen to learn more about the area of law, the types of clients operate in this field, and how they are being impacted by today's economic climate?

Insight into this field would be really appreciated and incredibly helpful! Good luck in all your schemes and make sure to enjoy some of the summer!

Hi Everyone,

I have some questions regarding a PESTLE analysis and the legal industry.

If, for example, you were asked to consider the current business environment in which a firm operates in and asked to select one issue/factor you feel is most important, would you be tempted to discuss one PESTLE factor affecting the legal industry? E.g. Politics

Secondly, what route would you take on PESTLE analyses for law firms/legal industry? I'm struggling to think of examples. I find myself discussing legal clients as opposed to law firms. Example: for 'Environment' I would discuss the paradigm shift in focus towards 'clean energy' and the way in which businesses within the energy industry are diversifying their products to include renewables etc. I'm not sure how I would apply such an analysis to a law firm besides the fact that law firms may assist clients in such processes (incl. setting up pipelines, agreements, financing projects).

Thanks!

Hey guys,

So I have an insight scheme this week, and I've noticed that there are a lot of sessions for FAQs and obviously they will always ask at any interview if you have any questions. This always stresses me out as usually I've been researching pretty hard so I don't have any burning questions about the TC/the firm, but I don't want to seem disinterested. Does anyone else have this anxiety/does anyone have any tips of how to overcome it/does anyone have examples of questions to ask/good ways to think of questions? I also always worry about just asking a random question and it being really obvious that I'm just asking for askings sake.

Hi all,

For this question, I am considering talking about being in the top 5% of my high school graduating class - around 400 people graduated with me. However, I am a little unsure because I graduated over 10 years ago and I feel this achievement may be a little too old to mention. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Hi all,

As part of my firm's website redesign, I have been tasked with producing a short introduction about myself which will be used on the website. I am currently a paralegal at the firm.

I'm quite nervous as I have no idea what to write or even how to write it - the firm has stated it should be close to 200 words which makes the task even more nerve-wrecking.

I was thinking it would be a good idea to talk about my current role, my interests, maybe where I'm from?

If anyone could provide me with an example that comes across professionally I would be so sooo grateful!

Hello everyone!


I’m an enthusiastic follower of this forum, though I haven’t posted anything before. I’ve a TC interview with a Silver Circle firm early next week, which will include a business case study. We haven’t been given additional information on it, so I suppose no specific preparation is possible, such as reading up on M&A. What’re your tips on how to approach a business case study? How do you structure your thinking and answer, for instance with “PESTLE”? etc.


I agree this is a very board question, but any tip would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance!!


James

As above. Thanks in advance!

Hi, I was wondering whether someone could someone point me towards McDermott's TC application? I can't seem to find it on their website.

Hi Guys,

I thought I would make this thread as there is a 30 page Linklaters application thread where everyone asks and answers questions about the application process which I found really helpful. I would like to create something similar for Slaughter as the application window is now open and they will be offering interviews in the next couple of weeks! So please post everything Slaughter here!!!!!

Hi all,

Having read a few M&A's, I was wondering why and how the FCA would get involved (e.g. stopping a proposed merger) in such deals and how businesses negotiate with the FCA to progress with their plans of merging with company X?

I'd really appreciate a comprehensive response!

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to apply for Freshfield's summer tc and I know that we're supposed to write a 850-word personal statement. For the life of me I cant seem to find anywhere in the questionnaire to paste the personal statement! Am I meant to upload it as an attached document? The Jobpage itself does not mention the personal statement at all.

Any help/guidance is greatly appreciated! So sorry if this is a major oversight on my part!

Are there any websites you'd recommend which provide updates on legal tech/AI?

I am interested in legal tech and couldn't find any threads/sub-forums dedicated to providing updates (and maybe alternative options in law?).

Thanks

Hello everyone! I am currently stuck between choosing the PGDL at BPP and the GDL at ULaw. If anyone has any advice on which would be best that'd be great! I am an international student from a non-UK university so I am leaning towards doing it online but I am not too sure yet. The PGDL seems more interesting because its shorter and it has an additional Company Law module but its also more expensive. I was wondering if it is worth it? Thank you so much!

Hello everyone,

Just trying to do the DWF application and a little confused about what to focus on.

Question
Please complete the personal statement below in no more than 650 words. Within your personal statement please answer the following questions: What do you think differentiates DWF from its competitors? (50%)

What transferable skills have you developed that you think will be relevant as a DWF trainee solicitor. In your answer please consider how you have demonstrated them and how you would apply them as a trainee solicitor. (50%)

The first part seems to be just an appriasal of the company, but I can't decide if it would require more.
Any help about how to approach this?

Hi everyone, I’m new on here!

I have been figuring out who to talk to regarding this. I have been googled my way and it lead me to here...

So I graduated my law degree in 2018 and have had two years just working - a paralegal role.

I am now at the decision of whether to go back to uni in September and do the LPC or wait until 2021 and start the SQE.

I am really unsure what route to take as to be honest I don’t really know what the pros and cons are of each. I have friends who have done the LPC however I feel like I need other advice.

Some advice would be really appreciated.

Many thanks in advance!