New Threads

.....any tips for the GDL people amongst us?

Officially started the GDL today and I have to say, I'm feeling do deflated.
we had prep to do for the workshops today and i was up until 5am today making sure everything was done. got to WS and it seemed the people who said they haven't done it are the ones who were so much more understanding of what was going on and bale to answer questions.

Public law is not at all something I am feeling confident with so if anyone is really willing to help, i'd very much appreciate the support?

thanks for reading my rant, any advice would be much appreciated

This is pretty ambitious and probably pretty irrelevant, but I am toying with the idea of applying for a masters should I have the opportunity. Is it possible to still apply for a training contract and have one lined up, and if I decide to do a masters (provided I am accepted) be able to defer it? Or do you have to defer it when applying?

Any help would be very much appreciated! Particularly with regards to what people know regarding different firms.

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if everyone is familiar with video interview as this is a relatively new method of recruitment. So I will give a brief explanation of what it invovles before proceeding to expressing my concerns.

Whenever I speak to someone about video interview, most people mistake it for Skype interview where you speak to recruiter through video call. The type of video interview I'm talking about is the self-recording one. You'll be signing into a web portal with brief introduction about the firm and the interview you're going to take. The interview question will pop up on the screen and you'll be given a few minutes to prepare your answer (in my experience this may range from 30 seconds to 2 minutes). As soon as your preparation time runs out (there is a time bar that you'll have to keep an eye on), the camera will start rolling and you'll have to record your answer. There is a limitted recording time so you have to take notice of the time bar and make sure you wrap up your answer before it runs out. Average time I had been given to record answers was from 1 - 2 minutes). Most video interview I'd done do not give you a second retake, you have one shot to give the best recording of yourself answering the interview questions!

For myself, I'm not a fan of video interview. I'm very uncomfortable with looking at and speaking to myself in the camera. I often got distracted from answering the question as I had to keep eyes out on the time bar. I also started to freak out when time was about to run out when I was no where close to finishing my answers (2 minutes is very short time allowance in my opinion). I also had problem with making eye contacts with the recruiter (the tip is you have to look straight into the camera instead of your own recorded image). But I found it quite difficult to remain engaging while having to check the remaining time, and on top of that, trying to pull off a great interview asnwer!

But as more and more firm are adopting this method of interview to screen candidates to invite to AC, I know this is something I cannot avoid and I must get better. I've done 2 video interviews with Eversheds Sutherland (my other video interview experiences that I accumulate to write this thread were with consultancy firms), one for vac scheme and one for TC, and I failed both times. I would really really appreciate any tip, advice or sharing of expereinces on how to nail this sort of interview.

Thanks so much guys! Looking forward to your responses!

Hi! To celebrate passing 650 forum members and the launch of TCLA Premium, we are giving away five one-month subscriptions to TCLA Premium.

What do I have to do to win?
Please answer the following question: "What is your best piece of advice for writing a successful vacation scheme or training contract application?" This could be something you wish you had known when you had started or maybe something you picked up from a law firm event.

Where should I post my advice?
Please post it as a comment to this thread:
https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/vac-scheme-application-advice.579/.

How much should I write?
That's up to you! But remember, we are judging based on quality not quantity.

When is the deadline?
The deadline is Friday, 5 October 2018 at 5pm. The prizes will be announced on Monday, 8 October 2018.

How will my answers be judged?
Each of our staff members (@Jaysen and me) and moderators (@Rufat, @Selma95 and @yanerlim) will pick one answer that they think is the best - so it is subjective!

Remind me, what do I get from TCLA Premium?
You get access to our best application resources:

• Our application review service
• Our business and legal news summaries
• Our high-level application advice
• Our commercial awareness analysis
• Our AMA thread for quick advice on your applications
• Our law firm insights
• Our new case studies
• Our private vacation scheme forum

... and more!

See the full list here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/pember/membership-new

Am I still eligible if I already have a subscription to TCLA Premium?
Yes! We will add a free month onto your existing subscription.

I have more questions...
Please PM us at [email protected].

Per @Jaysen 's request, I have decided to start a thread on offering advice to all prospective vac schemers on how to write a strong application. This is my approach to writing a strong application. There are several different categorisations of questions in these applications, and I will write down my approach accordingly.

1. Commercial Questions:
- Avoid very general topics (This is why I avoided general Brexit discussions), because general topics mean a lack of personalisation for the firm you are applying to, and also mean there is a very large scope of research to be done. The more general it is, the more things you need to cover. And often, it is not rewarding because this general topic does not even tailor to the firm you are applying to. (For instance, why focus on Brexit when you can focus on China's trade policies if the firm you are applying to has a strong presence in China?)

- Research thoroughly but don't research without a purpose. What is the purpose of bringing this topic up? Always link it back to the firm and how it impacts the firms and its clients. Why should the firm care about this?

- Don't only state facts, show your thinking process and demonstrate your critical thinking on this issue. In my opinion, commercial questions are the best way to demonstrate to the firm how interested you are in their firm.

2. Why This Firm?:
-I view this as analogous as courting a guy/girl, you want to show certain values that impress them, knowing their favourite food/colour/music etc. It is easy to state facts but difficult to show how you care about their interests. Back to the guy-girl scenario, it is great to show that you know they like jazz but how do you impress them or let them know your interests are aligned? This applies to the firms you apply to too.

- Research thoroughly, and don't select information that is too old. You need to be updated and understand the current "trend" of the firm. Did it just undergo a merger? Is the industry it is working in trouble because of new regulations?

3. Why Law?:
- Understand that you are competing with so many candidates who have gone through the same academic path as you. This question is an opportunity for you to set yourself apart from other candidates. This is the same reason why I rarely mention my academic achievements in law is why I become interested in law.

- Use your work experience to show how they cement your opinion on a career in Law.

- Think outside of yourself, what is it that lawyers are doing now that interest you?

3. Competency Questions:
- Use the STAR approach to structure your answers

-Quantify your results

- Have a few stories in the bag for both applications and interviews

-Really think hard about what you have done and never EVER diminish your accomplishments. People are often their harshest judges, don't undersell yourself. Think of every little impact you have made and work you have undertaken which made you a valuable member of the team.

4. Situational Judgment Questions:
- This is rare, but they still exist in applications. Imagine yourself as a trainee and don't make sweeping remarks such as " I will make time for this task" -- How do you make time? What concrete steps are you going to take?

- Always ask for help and run things by your supervisor! Speaking to a few friends who have been trainees, this is often the best solution to things instead of taking the responsibility and burden of a whole task alone.


These are all the questions I can think of. Leave comments below or message me and I will help you as much as I can! I would also like to hear some ideas from all of you and expand more questions or points I have missed out.

All the best in your applications!

Hi everyone,

Sorry for making yet another thread in such a short period of time!

I've recently come across several questions that ask the candidate to tell the firm about their achievements, extracurriculars, and so on. However, quite a few of them are phrased in the following way:

"In 300 words, we are keen to hear more about you and the extra curricular activities you have been involved in." (this is for the CC Open Day)

My question is this: should I simply set out my extracurriculars, achievements, etc., or does the firm want to know about me me? So, for example, about my more personal extracurriculars (playing football once a week), or about my background ("I grew up in X and moved to Y when I was 14").

Hi All,

Here's a fillable PDF we designed for you to use on your vacation schemes so you can keep track of your work each day. It's also handy for the final TC interview -- often you'll often be asked questions about what work you did each week.




Click on the image to be taken to the PDF.

Hi All,

Please post all your queries here.

Thank you

Hi All,

Please post all your queries here.

Thank you

Hi All,

Please post all your queries here.

Thank you

Hi All,

I hope you're all doing well.

In order to make this website easily accessible for all old and new users, we have decided to create a thread solely for the vacation scheme* and training contract cycle this year (2018-19.)

If any users have questions relating to applications, interviews, post vac scheme tips, guidance and advice, please post all your queries in this thread only. This will help avoid confusion, for new or old members alike whom find all the (very helpful and relevant) information a bit overwhelming to locate and comment on.

The vacation scheme cycle threads will be divided into three:

1. Winter Vacation Scheme 2018

2. Spring Vacation Scheme 2019

3. Summer Vacation Scheme 2019


All three threads will inevitably overlap in some way but please try and post in the most relevant thread to your current circumstances.

For those who do not know just yet, the 2018-19 cycle officially begins next week Monday. We all wish you the best and as always post any questions you may have.

Thank you all!

Hey everyone,

I'm back with yet another question!

My first round of vac schemes didn't result in me getting a TC offer that I wanted, so I'm reapplying for 2019.

However, I'd like to flag up my previous work experience at certain firms in order to show a motivation for wanting to work at a certain type of firm, or at a firm that excels in certain practice areas.

My question is whether, in an application form, is it okay to mention the names of the firm(s) you previously vac schemed at.

For example, should you have an interest in a financing practice, is it okay to say "During my work experience at <firm X>, I developed an interest in financing, for reasons Y and Z"? Or "While at <firm X>, I really appreciated the working environment/culture/etc. that is commonly found in firms of that type."

Thanks in advance for your responses!

Hi, has anyone done a HSF online assessment? Where should I go to practise this?

Hi All,

Just a quick note to say if you are an SEO London candidate, you should join their group: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/groups/seo-london.6/groupinfo.

SEO London staff will be posting regularly within the group with law firm events and opportunities over the upcoming academic year. I encourage you to attend as many as you can.

As an alumnus, I wholeheartedly recommend the organisation -- they were instrumental in guiding me through the application process.

Thanks to @Julie SEO for driving this forward!

Best,

Jaysen

Morning All,

Really enjoyed reading this

https://www.legalcheek.com/2018/09/...-cv-blind-in-revamped-trainee-hiring-process/

FYI for this considering to apply to Ropes and Gray

Hi All,

Thank you to those of you who attended my commercial awareness classes this weekend. I enjoyed meeting many of you.

On Sunday, 30 September and Monday, 1 October. I will be running commercial awareness classes for our second topic.

The topic will be the US and China trade war. I've chosen this because it's one of the most common commercial interview questions I've seen this year.

The purpose of the class will be to teach you everything you need to know about the ongoing trade war for an interview discussion.

The class will be split in half. The first half will cover the technical information:

• What are the most important events in the trade war so far?
• Why does the US have a problem with China's trade policies?
• What is the impact on businesses and law firms?
• Who is winning?

The second half will cover how to answer this question in an interview. This will take the form of an interview simulation where you will be asked questions about the trade war. This will include:

• How do you argue and defend your point of view in an interview?
• How do you respond to challenging questions?
• At what point should you concede?

The case study will be released on Tuesday, 25 September. As with the private equity case study, you will be required to prepare and submit answers before the class.

To purchase a class voucher, please book here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/pember/membership-new. You can either purchase an individual class or a pack of four, payable in installments.

You will be allocated a time slot over the course of the week. Any questions, let me know.

Thanks,

Jaysen

anyone following the above story?

What are your thoughts?

I'm applying to attend the HSF open day but I've found that I'm unable to use generic answers that I've used before.

The question is: please explain how you would benefit from attending this workshop.

I'm not quite sure as to what to write about so any input that sparks my imagination would be extremely helpful.

Hello! I hope everyone is well!

I was just seeking some advice about whether it is better to apply for direct training contracts or vacation schemes. I have graduated and have done two vacation schemes and am unsure of which to apply too?

Also, does anyone have a list of firms that do not accept graduates for their vacation schemes (e.g. Slaughter & may, Clifford Chance, Freshfields)?

Finally, I've heard a few firms don't actually recruit heavily from their vacation scheme and thus it is better to apply for their training contract. Does anyone know which firms do this?

Thank you in advance!

I took the time out to collate some resources to ace in the WG Test, feel free to share any more free and accessible resources below!

Practise questions:
https://www.wikijob.co.uk/aptitude-test/watson-glaser
https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/watson-glaser-critical-thinking.htm
https://www.jobtestprep.co.uk/watson-glaser-test?idev_username=ACHQ-JTP

Guides and Tips:
https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/media/1344440/watsonglaser_form_ab_example_questions.pdf

Hello everyone, I am recently starting to prepare for my WG Test after submitting a few applications. I have come to discover a few things about the test. Here's a bit of background for the test:
- It consists of (i)Arguments Section (ii)Assumptions Section (iii)Deductions Section (iv) Inferences Section (v)Interpretations Section

- Arguments -- Identify what is a strong argument and a weak argument. My tip for this is to read the question that is presented in front of you, and understand what is the objective of this sentence. Then read the argument a few times. Is it trivial, irrelevant and state mere facts instead of an advantage/ disadvantage? Then it is weak. Does it answer the question directly and present a good perspective on the advantage/disadvantage of the question> Then it is a stong one.

- Assumptions -- Identify whether an assumption is made or not. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of reading both the question and assumption. Sure certain "assumptions" that were presented LOOKS like it could make sense in the argument presented to you, but was it actually mentioned or could be assumed from the question? It is so important to not jump to conclusions and treat the question/ assumption as a blank slate.

- Deductions -- This is similar to Assumptions but applied to conclusions.

- Inference -- Identify which statement if True, Probably true, more information required, probably false and false. In my opinion, this is the trickiest of them all because it requires very close readings and understanding the nuances of what is true or probably true. Here is a way to identify and categorise those five elements: true = its is a fact on the passage, and true beyond reasonable doubt; probably true = you can infer it from the facts you have but it is not true beyond reasonable doubt; more information needed = this applies when the question poses an assumption and you need more information to verify these facts (ie: things are probably not written in the passage); probably false= based on the facts you have at hand, this is probably not possible; false= straight up LIES and contradicts the facts you have at hand. The way I approach this test is treating it like I am speaking to someone very sensitive or suspicious towards me whos waiting for me to slip up. You want to get all your facts right and not jump to conclusions and if it's false, you need to identify that it is not a fact.

- Interpretations-- I find this similar to Assumptions and Deductions because the essence of this test is to ensure you read everything accordingly and not jump to conclusions / make assumptions.

This may not reflect the actual WG Test as I have been doing practice tests on : https://www.assessmentday.co.uk/watson- glaser-critical-thinking.htm
However, having done a few WG tests before, this is the approach I would have taken.
Everyone have differen thought processes and ways to approach this test, if anyone has any tips/tricks, please share below!

I am interested in listening to 1. What is a strong/weak argument to you? and 2.How do you read and dissect a question to ensure a more effective and efficient way of responding to the questions?

Any views/advice on this? I know some are more traditional than others. But would help a lot with word count on application questions.

E.g just an example Herbert Smith Freehills=HSF or WFW for Watson Farley William

Bit confusing as even firms refer to themselves differently is various materials.