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I am interested is it just me, or applications become a bit easier to write down after you have had an interview at a firm? I'm not talking about copying and pasting (although I don't see an issue with using similar sentence structures), but rather the general flow of the application becomes more natural. Having practised all the competency, motivational and commercial questions for the interview - this is the situation I find myself in now.

Is it just me who struggles to continue applying since I feel that I am missing valuable time I can spend studying rather than on an application that can get me nowhere if rejected?

I wanted to ask (if its not too personal) what kind of news stories are you guys using in apps that ask for such questions?

I was hoping maybe I can get some inspiration from anyone here.....


Thank you.

In addition to my previous thread regarding Milbank, I thought I'd start a similar one for S&C. They are quite a small firm in London that doesn't have the aggressive marketing strategy of some of the bigger firms. Thus, please feel free to share any advice and tips on their recruitment process or your first-hand experiences with the firm.

Does anyone have any tips for the cover letter of Milbank and/or for the recruitment process more generally?

Hi

I am completing White & Case vacation scheme application, but I am a bit stuck with the section on 'career events', which basically asks to provide details of any open days, workshops or presentations I have attended. As I have attended only one open day so far, I wasn't so sure if mentioning this is good at all? Or if in my case it's better to leave the question blank?
If anyone has already completed this app/ question in the past and has suggestions on the matter it would be very welcome.

Thank you!

Came across this as part of a 300 words questions, performance being one of the firms core values.

How 'performance' impacts what we do and the way we work with clients?

I was curious as to what exactly people think 'performance' means in this context?

I was thinking along the lines of maximizing client value?

Hi guys,

Do you think that identifying self-doubt as something that you struggled in the past would provide a credible answer to this interview question? I've explained why I developed it at my junior university years and all the steps that I have taken to overcome it (e.g. taking various positions of responsibility) and that I am aware of having to manage it?

Hi folks,

First time I've encountered one of these open ended cover letters (1000 words). I'm wondering what the best way to approach it is?

I was going to follow this structure: brief intro (me, what i'm applying for etc), second paragraph will be about my qualities learned from internships/extra-curriculars, third paragraph why them, their work, and reason for interest.

However, for the second section, I'm so used to using the STAR technique but I've been told that I shouldn't use that in this style of application?

Hopefully I can glean some insight off those of you who have done these before!

Hi!
I wanted to ask how do you normally approach the work experience section in an application form. Do I just need to describe what my tasks consisted of during my placement? Or can I also add what I have learned/ why this experience has reinforced my interest for commercial law, so treat it like another application question?

Thank you!

Hi,

I couldn't go to the law fair at my uni this year and I am a bit stick when completing the applications now. I'm applying for smaller US firms that do not have a strong marketing presence at my uni and I was unable to meet the firms' teams. Would not being able to talk about a discussion I had with a firm's lawyer put me in a disadvantage when applying to the firm? Firms that I will be applying to include Skadden and Milbank. Do you think it is a good idea to reach to people from these firms via LinkedIn?

Hey,

This may be a very dumb question but how long should my answers to interview questions generally be? I am preparing a bunch of competency-based answers using the STAR technique but I have no idea how long I should talk for...

I came across this question

What current issues do you think have an impact on the legal profession? How will they impact and why?

Is this looking for what will specifically affect the day to day practice of the legal profession such as A.I or fintech?

or broader commercial issues that will affect corporate clients and in turn the legal profession such as LIBOR replacement or GDPR changes etc

or is either fine?

I have been reading up lately on smart contracts and found it interesting. So I would like to share a few things here on what I have learnt!

what are smart contracts?:
Smart contracts are a blockchain-based technology which executes and self-perform through coded instructions based on the information that is replicated and stored on a blockchain.

what is a blockchain?:
A blockchain is essentially a public ledger that allows the public to modify, contribute and store data records. It is highly secure because it is protected by powerful cryptography, and it is transparent and reliable because it is public and everyone can see each other's transaction on this digital ledger. It essentially cuts out the middleman of transactions, which renders this technology a MASSIVE DISRUPTOR in many industries.

3 main takeaway points on smart contracts:
1. It optimises the workload of a contract lawyer and made transactions transparent, convenient, reliable and cost/time effective. The opportunities it poses for clients, firms and lawyers are apparent.
2, Lawyers need to adapt its role when integrating this technology in their work. Issues such as having to recreate certain legal concepts (esp abstract ones like 'in good faith') to be compliant with code, and having to consider the multi-jurisdictional aspect of blockchain and take measures to resolve cross-border conflicts. This changes the priorities of contract lawyers and the complexity of the work they undertake.
3. This technology exists in an unregulated landscape, we can predict the rise of regulatory controls on blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

For more reading materials:
https://hackernoon.com/even-the-bes...lawyers-out-of-work-anytime-soon-a224736e0235
http://www.cms-lawnow.com/ealerts/2018/02/building-blocks-of-the-future

Feel free to add more to this summary (I wanted to keep it short and informative) and feel free to correct any information I have gotten wrong! Let's discuss more about this exciting new legal technology.

Hi guys,

I am having some trouble to structure my answer to the commercial question. My issue is to discuss a topic that is going to impact on the GLOBAL practice rather than the UK firm.
I was thinking to talk about the Iran sanctions or the impact of GDPR on EU and international companies.
Any advice? How should I structure my answer?

Hi guys,

I just wondered if anyone knew the structure of the Macfarlanes Assessment centre and how to impress? If anyone had any hints/tips for me or knows anyone who has partaken in the assessment day before, that would be much appreciated

Thanks a lot,
Daniel

Hi All,

We are very close to 1,000 members and in celebration of this we will be giving out free TCLA Premium (Silver) memberships to students over the course of November. We will choose one student every week based on their active/helpful contributions.

Happy posting all and as always, any questions comment below or message us!

Best,

TCLA

Hi Guys,

Just had a small question - I got accepted at HSF's open day - I just wanted to ask who has done their open day before and how many people do they select? coz my application wasn't even good and I got picked this make me worry that HSF treat open day as if it was nothing ?

How important is attending HSF open day? does it put you in a good step for VAC or TCs?

Hello all,

Apologies if this thread has already been created but I was wondering if anyone had any insight into Latham & Watkins' video interview? I tried to look in the interview insights section but couldn't find anything so thought this would be the best place to ask!

Thank you!

Hi All,

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

As winter vacation scheme applications are coming to an end, I was wondering if anyone is thinking of applying straight for a TC? If so, information on whether firms recruit heavily from vacation schemes are important to understand the likelihood to be accepted for a TC.
Awhile ago, I was reading up on this and came across this list.
https://www.thelawyer.com/which-firms-take-most-and-fewest-trainees-from-vac-schemes/

Thought it would be helpful, if anyone has anything to add, please leave a comment below!

I have an open day next week and the dress code is smart casual. What kind of stuff do you guys think is appropriate to wear? Anyone have any experiences with a smart casual dress code for an open day or similar event?

I was thinking a suit but without a tie. Don't want to be overdressed or underdressed.