New Threads

Hi All,

It has come to our attention that a number of students are looking for an application review without the requisite number of trophy points, please note that an application review will only be completed if you have enough trophy points. I will explain how trophy points are allocated and how application reviews take place further below:

1. Trophy points

Trophy points are allocated to members based on a number of factors such as exceptional contributions to post likes, as the screenshot below explains:




You can view your points in the 'Members' sections of the forums, however for ease, your trophy points are also noted just below your user name/avatar, example (below)




2. Application reviews:

Once you have attained the required points, you are then eligible for an application review. In order to sumbit your application for review, follow the below steps:


1. go to the homepage, which looks like this ( see below)




2. top right hand corner, beside 'forum', click on application review and the following screen will emerge (see below)



3. Your application will then be sent to the team for review, please expect a response in 2-3 working days.

Also, please note that application reviews is per review not per application. To put this into context, say I want to submit one application for a review, that application will count as one review, however, following this, I submit the same app again for another review, this would then count as a second review.

The application review points are below:

• 10 points = 1 Application Review
• 25 points = 2 Application Reviews
• 50 points = 3 Application Reviews
• 100 points = 4 Application Reviews

Please note, that if you do not have enough points but would like an application review, consider signing up to TCLA Premium: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/pember/membership-new.

I hope this clarifies any confusion.

As always, message with any questions.

Best,

TCLA

Hi All,

Due to popular request we have decided to create a separate thread relating to firm updates following submissions of vac scheme/TC applications this cycle. We hope this thread will make it easier for everyone to keep track of which firms are responding and when. Please feel free to post your application update (whether good or bad) here.

Also, check out @yanerlim's (https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....-back-from-firms-ac-interview-tips-share.709/) post re interview tips and uplifting videos.

Remember:



Finally, please keep us all updated with your applications, I love reading success stories ( it really motivates me and I am sure others aswell)

Hi all,

Just a quick note: we have updated our homepage to introduce the TCLA writing team, so you can meet the people behind the commercial knowledge section of our website.



@kaveesha @Ginevra Bizzarri @Christy @EstelleK @Shynee

Thanks,

Jaysen

Hi all, can anyone applying for Squire Patton Boggs please share if you know who I should address my cover letter to?

Feeling a little clueless at the moment due to some misinformation and SQB isn't responding at the moment!

Thanks!

I've got an interview coming up soon so I was wondering if anyone has been through the process and can share some tips. It is going to be my first interview at a law firm so I really don't know what to expect. Thank you!

As interviewing and AC season is coming upon us, I wanted to start a thread for us to share whether we have heard back about any successful applications, as well as provide each other support and tips for upcoming interviews and ACs! So far I have only heard back from rejections and waiting for a handful of firms. This thread also helps us comfort each other if we have been rejected from the same firm

Let me start on some interview tips! Here are some videos I watch to lift me up and make me feel less socially anxious in interviews:

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Leave some comments below and let's support each other over this nerve recking time!

Hi All,

Sign ups for our next commercial awareness class close on Friday. See a snapshot of the prep material below.

Hi guys,

Is it worth trying to amend an application if you notice any grammatical errors after you have submitted it?

For instance, with an 'apply4law' application should I amend the errors in the supplementary information section?

Thanks,
Daniel

I came across this question

Please give an example of where you feel you have gone above and beyond the expected level of service with a customer or client? Or alternatively where you have received outstanding service. What makes you feel this was beyond the expected level? (300 words max)*

Im curious what the angle your supposed to go for when approaching this? Is it to exemplify customer service skills that translate into client interaction in a city firm? If so do you only mention things that would be relevant when dealing with a client at a law firm?

Moreover, even though not strictly asked for do you think we should explain why we went out of our way (motivations + values etc to delivering excellent customer service and benefits to business etc) rather than simply stating why it was beyond the expected level?

Do you include Open Days within the Work Experience section? Also, I struggle to fulfil the 250 words maximum on the work experience section - should I worry about that?

Hi guys,

How long should the W&C cover letter be? There is no official word limit on the application from.

Just a question regarding those firms that require you to submit a CV. Is it better to have a one page CV or 2? I'd drafted one of 2 pages, but sent it to my careers advisor at uni and she insisted it had to be 1...

Looking for any advice on the matter!

Thanks!

I came across this question

Excluding work experience, please detail all the events you have attended/organised which demonstrate your commitment to increasing your understanding of a career as a Solicitor. (250 words max)*?

My issue is should I include careers events that arent specific to the firm? or should I limit to more 'general careers events' such as LCN live , City Law Live , Law fairs etc?

When you're trying to develop your commercial awareness, it can be hard to know where to start. Please find below a compilation of our best articles, guides and forum posts to help structure your reading.

Topic Guides
What is private equity?
How do companies raise finance?
The mergers and acquisitions guide
What is an IPO?
The lawyers' guide to blockchain
Lawyers' guide to Big Tech regulation
What is the GDPR
The financial crisis

Region Analysis
The Indian Legal Market
The Battle for Africa
Iran dividing the US and Europe

Recent Commercial Topics
UK ringfencing legislation
Collusion in the car industry
The Aston Martin IPO
Impact of interest rates on businesses and law firms
How NAFTA impacts law firms

The Business of Law
The Business of Law: Evolution of the Legal Services Market (External link but a highly recommended read)

China-US Trade War
Could the US win?
Impact on the car industry
Why is China devaluing its currency?
The trade war timeline
Impact of tariffs on businesses and law firms

Commercial Awareness Updates
April 2018
May 2018
July 2018
August 2018
September 2018
November 2018
December 2018
January 2019
February 2019
March 2019
April 2019

Law Firms
Diversity and Inclusion
Flexible working
The future of legal talent
Future of legal education
How do law firms stay competitive
Pros and cons of a sector based approach
International strategies: alliances, mergers and Swiss vereins

Threads to Follow
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How to stay on top of commercial awareness

Hi all!

Pretty quick and mundane question I have to ask. Are bullet points a safe option when filling in the "brief summary" parts of an application form?

I'm thinking the work experience section but also sections such as Jones Day's Extracurricular Activities, which ask "Please give a brief summary of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements gained at School, University, Law School or in employment" and "Please give a brief summary of any activities you've been involved in outside academic study or work over the last four years." Both have word limits of 100.

Does everyone else generally use bullet points for work experience (unless the firm has explicitly stated not to) and would anyone advise I use bullet points for these two questions or go with narrative form?

Hi guys,

Currently working on the Norton Rose application. I'm wondering what the best way is to approach this question, given the tight word limit.

What issue have you been following in the press and how might this affect our global practice? (200 words)

I'm not sure of what topic I'd like to do yet, but I'd likely spend a sentence or two introducing it, then get into the details of its impacts. However, I'm wondering the best way to tie this into their global practice?

Thanks in advance guys!

Hi All,

Sign ups for our next commercial awareness class close by end of day tomorrow. See a snapshot of the prep material below.

What type of person are you?

I used to be a morning person but now I have turned into a night owl ‍

Hi guys,

I have an open day tomorrow with a firm and this will be my first one (ever). I am not too sure as to what this day entails as we haven't been given much information apart from the fact its an all day event

What does a typical open day entail? - Is it scary?

Hi everyone,

I'm seeing this question in some vac scheme apps this year. I was just wondering whether you think that I should just list the names of the events, or also add a line or two explaining what the events were about.

The word limits for the answers are usually very generous (around 250-350 words), so I have room to add detail if it's necessary.

P.S. I've seen this on the HL and W&C apps so far.

Thanks

Any tips on how to answer the above question without sounding so boring? Trying to prepare for my upcoming VI so any tips and guidance would be welcomed

Hello!

In BCLP's vacation scheme application, one of the questions is to -
"Please detail any academic awards, positions of responsibilities and/ or any interests or hobbies outside of academics and work experience (please list in bullet points)."

In comparison to other law firm applications, this question specifically asks for the achievements to be listed in bullet points. How should we go about structuring an answer? Do we simply list our achievements (e.g. just listing the positions of responsibilities), or should we still include the actions, outcomes and skills learnt during our positions of responsibilities?

Thank you!