New Threads

Hi all,

I've got an assessment centre coming up and it involves an abstract reasoning test. I had a look online and there aren't always tests which are specifically listed as such - but it seems it involves identifying patterns etc. I was wondering if anyone had advice on resources I could access to practice/tips for this type of test.

Thanks in advance!

Hi, I have an AC next week on Thursday for a training contract.

Please can you let me know if you have any advice/tips.

Well, unfortunately, my score from the last term is 2:2.

However, I have just found out that Clifford Chance scrapped the school grade requirement.
So I am going to apply for its vac scheme. And I have just found out that the first question of CC vac scheme is

"Have you had work experience at ANY Clifford Chance office for a period of 3 days or longer? If so then please give some brief details here."

I think I have! though it was not the real office of the CC. I have 3 days Pro Bono Shadowing experience in this summer so that may be the answer for the question. Do you also agree with my idea? Do you think my three days experience with CC can be the suitable answer for the question?

I can not understand the meaning of the question 3 of the vac scheme application. "So that we are aware of decision deadlines, could you please let us know whether you are holding any other Training Contract offers?" I would like to get the Training Contract offer if I have a chance to get it. But I am not sure about the underlined intention of the question. What can you recommend me to this question?

Thank you so much

Hi everyone,

I've just received a first round interview invite from Forsters. I was wondering if anyone had any experience interviewing with them and any advice - I would really appreciate it!

Thank you

Hello,

I’ve managed to secure a TC via a straight training contract application with an MC firm and I’m incredibly chuffed. This is after 1.5 years of trying, two vacation schemes, 5 ACs, 22 applications, and my family fairly sick of me... so I hope that shows trying again and again pays off!

Student room and this site has been immensely helpful, so thank you!

l have a question though...

Should I email GR in order to get my offer email as the partner rang me yesterday and I haven’t got it yet ?!

Also I was a bit spluttery on the phone and thought I should email the partner to formally say thank you or would this be over kill?!

Hello everyone!

I was thinking of waiting to get a TC offer and to then apply for LPC, but with only a few applications left in the running and it getting near the start date, I've decided to apply just in case. I would be grateful if I could get some tips on the personal statement, to maximise my chances of getting a place.

I also was wondering generally what my chances would be of getting a place (I have a 2:1 law degree, done two vac schemes, pro bono fundraising work and have worked for 5 months as a paralegal)

Thank you!

Is there anyone out there that started their LPC without securing a TC?

I am in just two minds I do not know whether to self-fund it or wait until I secure a TC?


Thoughts, please.

(I can't believe it's already August!)

For those of you applying for training contracts for the 31 July deadline, I hope it all went okay!

In the meantime, I thought I'd start writing up some stories for the week. Everyone is welcome to contribute any links/updates of your own if you want to.

Here is the first one:

The story: The Federal Reserve kept its interest rate unchanged. It noted that economic activity is rising at a strong rate, with low unemployment rates and strong business spending growth.

Japan’s central bank also pledged to keep interest rates “extremely low” for an extended period and to keep buying bonds under its big stimulus programme.

Meanwhile, the UK central bank, the Bank of England, raised interest rates by 0.25% to 0.75%. This is the second time interest rates have risen since 2007 and it’s now at its highest level since the financial crisis.

Impact on businesses and law firms:

The decision to raise interest rates follows faster rises in prices and wages than had been expected. Interest rates have been very low for a long time, and the decision follows a rising inflation rate which is above the target rate of 2%.

Some business groups criticised the decision to raise rates, especially as the UK is still suffering from significant uncertainty over Brexit, which will be a shock to business and consumer confidence on its own.

Rising interest rates could lead to less spending, as businesses and millions of consumers face higher costs on existing loans, and may be hesitant to take out more expensive mortgages and other loans.

But on the other hand, financial markets and investors were well prepared for the decision (which is why the pound didn’t rise by much). Savings banks will do well as consumers save more to take advantage of the higher rates and commercial banks will make more money on their loans.

I have been following a few stories that have interested me such as the Disney Comcast battle, the takeover of GKN and the Pret acquisition because I like to understand why these deals were done (eg- increasing competition by online platforms like Netflix) and the different strategies (share purchase or asset purchase, bids fuelled by debt etc) used.

Is it appropriate to use these as examples to speak about the impact on a firm from a news story that I am interested in?
Some factors I could speak about are how a similar deal could bring in business for the firm from employing different departments as finance and corporate or how that deal could create opportunities or threats to a client.

Thanks.

Applications for Clifford Chance TC’s opened earlier this week, FYI for those hoping to apply! A whopping 95 places...

https://www.legalcheek.com/2018/08/...-circle-increase-since-2008-financial-crisis/

Hey guys!

So recently, I saw a post by Sandrou on how he would approach the 'why commercial law?' question. Thank you so much for that! However, us non-law students might have a trickier time developing an answer for this question, since we did not academically study law, or have any prior exposure to contract/commercial law.

So I wanted to start a thread where any non-law applicants or future trainees approached this question! Jaysen had some great tips in the TC app guide form, where we could, for example, talk about why we chose commercial law over management consulting, banking or academia. Do any other non-law applicants have any advice or examples for what worked for them?

I am guessing legal work experience and shadowing is useful to include. The trouble is, I feel like some of the aspects of this work that I am mentioning (e.g. strategic thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, organisation, interpersonal skills, teamwork etc) could be applied to other professions as well (banking, consulting etc). Any tips on how I could make this unique/exclusive to the legal profession?

Thanks guys!

Hi guys, I hope everyone is well.

Perhaps Jaysen can answer this in more detail as I'm no expert. However, I've recently been asked a question in respect to answering the 'why commercial law?' question on applications and I felt perhaps it might be helpful if I post my 'strategy' on a general thread.

'Why commercial law/legal career' and 'Why this firm'? are perhaps the most difficult questions to answer because not only does it need to be personal to you, but it also needs to be tailored to the firm you are applying to.

In terms of strategy, I make a list of why I'm interested in commercial law or a legal career. For example: I studied law at university and enjoyed it; I enjoy the intricacies of business (I run my own business); I've attended open days, workshops, completed internships/vacation schemes etc; I've been interested in economic developments since university etc.

I would then answer the question directly as to why and how these activities have cemented my interest or desire to pursue a career in commercial law and NOT any other career paths.

Ultimately, the question aims to seek your motivations towards commercial law, therefore if you're a non-law student (or law student), you need to formulate an answer to show your motivation towards commercial law. Talking about your experiences, whether that's within a commercial sector, position of responsibility or volunteering - you must relate it back to why this influences your decision to pursue commercial law.

Hi

I had a little scan and couldn't see one, so hoping nobody has asked this before!

I'd like to hear opinions on direct TC applications vs vac scheme applications. I graduated in 2015, did the Teach First programme, paralegal'd for 6 months and have worked at a litigation funder ever since. I've done solely direct TC applications this year (I haven't been so successful, but I think that was more technique as my apps are getting better.)

Just wanted to hear thoughts on whether I should bother with applying for vac schemes. I worry that, if I did get a vac scheme, it's a lot of time to take out of your annual leave - particularly if you then don't get offered the TC (though of course, getting a TC offer would make it all worth it).

Just wondered if anyone else is working and favours one application type over the other?

Any insight is hugely appreciated
Thanks
Lottie

I just wanted to ask, how long did it take you guys to secure a training contract

This was my first year of applying, I had three interviews and I was unsuccessful in all 3 along with no vacation schemes. I am a law graduate.

The prospect of waiting another year is killing me and all my non-law friends have secured top jobs some with GSK , some with Merril Lynch and I am not jealous at all, it's just I am feeling like a failure and for the first time, I literally have no energy left in me.

People are telling to go join IBM become a business consultant or data consultant as you won't have to wait 2 years and Its just a downward spiral feeling.

I dont even know why I am typing but I am hoping somebody is out there with a story that motivates me to get back up.

Hello,

I have recently come across an application question that states "Details and explanation of how you feel you have benefitted from this experience." in the work experience section.

Is it alright to directly state how certain responsibilities in an experience have helped to improve a certain skill?
e.g- ...and as a result, I improved *insert skill.

Is it better to give an explanation of the skill it helped develop or Is it better to "show" law firms than to tell them?
What are your opinions on this?

P.s. - I am directing this question in relation to skills only. I understand that there may be other ways an experience would have benefitted you.

Thanks.

Hey guys!

So I just completed my second year of a non-law (politics) degree (Russell group uni, if that is relevant) and I am currently planning out my application strategy for the upcoming academic year. I just wanted to know about how much firms care about specific module grades? Or to be more blunt, if somewhat mediocre grades should mean that I should lower my ambitions?

I am on track to achieve a high 2:1 in my degree, but got low 2:1 (62%) grades in 2 modules, and I got a high 2:1 (68%) for first year. My A-level results were good, but not exceptional by any standards, and the same is the case for my GCSE grades. The issue is that one of these grades was in a law outside option (EU law specifically) so I am worried that that might weaken my application.

Some law firms (Slaughter and May, Cleary and Sullivan and Cromwell, from what I have heard) are quite picky about individual grades. I am keen on applying to Skadden, Cleary, Slaughter and May, Freshfields and Hogan Lovells. Do my grades mean that I need to lower my ambitions, and apply to other firms?

In terms of work experience, I have undertaken two work experience/shadowing schemes at law firms in my city, and two internships in an asset management and a PE firm. For extra-curriculars, I've set up a society which I currently lead, and held positions of responsibility in two other societies at university. I've also participated in commercial law competitions.

Any advice would be appreciated,
Thank you

Hello!

I'm currently preparing for an interview and I read online that they tend to ask curveball questions that force you to think on your feet.

For example: "How would you explain Britney Spears to an alien” or “how would you explain your favourite sport to an alien”?

What's a good answer to those questions specifically?

Do you have any tips for responding to curveball questions in general?

Thank you so much!

Hi everyone,

Over the summer, I did two vacation schemes, one at an MC firm, the other at a regional firm's London office.

I got rejected from the MC's scheme, and the regional firm is not one that I feel particularly strongly about (the firm was quiet, nice, unexceptional, and left me feeling a bit dead inside). I see myself turning that firm down.

I therefore wanted to ask you guys a couple of questions about re-applying, if that's okay:

- Will the fact that I did two schemes count against me when I reapply in third year? Would it help if I explained that one firm rejected me and the other gave me an offer I turned down?

- Should I be aiming towards other MCs or good SCs this year? My grades are at a high 2:1 level (4/8 Firsts across first and second year, 68 average).

- What other work experience etc. should I be doing between now and October to improve my position?

- Are winter schemes a waste of time vs the full summer schemes? Should I apply for them?

- By when should I be sending in applications for 2019 summer schemes? They do say 'as early as possible', but I don't know whether that's a thing haha.

I'll obviously be putting in a lot of time reflecting upon this summer and preparing apps for next year, but I'm hoping to maximise my chances of getting something this time round.

Thanks in advance for all comments and advice. Much appreciated!

GGLove

It's deadline day for most of the big commercial law firms, which means some of you will be trying to squeeze one more application in before midnight.

In addition to writing my own applications a few years ago, I review a lot of training contract applications. I wanted to share some quick advice, so you can give yourself the best possible chance of converting your application to an interview.

Writing your application

• Use short sentences and simple language.
• Use the active voice, for example: "I set up the society in June", as opposed to the passive voice "The society was set up by me in June".
• Omit unnecessary words. You don't need to write about how you are very interested in commercial law, or how you were really involved in your university's law society.
• Avoid simply describing your qualities. Instead, use examples to demonstrate your organisation or your team-working skills.

Why are you applying to this law firm?

• Remember to write about why you are applying, not just what you know about a law firm
• Back up each reason with specific information about a law firm.
• Ask yourself: Could my reasons be applied to any other law firm? If the answer is yes, your answer is not specific enough.

Why do you want to be a commercial solicitor?

• Make sure your answer is relevant. Avoid describing what commercial solicitors do, or what skills they need.
• Back up your answer with specific information. For example, if you write that you like the combination of law and business, how do you know? Have you studied company law? Have you completed vacation schemes?

For more detail, I encourage you to read our training contract application guide and Ben Staveley's application guide. Otherwise, good luck!

Just got an invite for a Video interview with Hill Dickinson?

Anybody had any experiences with HD?

Hi there,

I have an upcoming Slaughter and May interview and from what I know (I've read the interview exp) it requires a lot commercial acumen. How do you suggest I prepare for it? I have spent today trying to acquire as much commercial awareness as possible but it has been very unsuccessful. I do not feel like I am doing the right thing.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Best regards,
Leke

Hi, I have an AC at Dentons in 2 weeks and was wondering if anyone could offer any advice?

I know the day will consist of a written exercise, role play, case study, and interview. I'm particularly worried about the role play as I haven't been to an AC with a role play so I'm unsure what to expect.

Will appreciate help on any part of the AC

Thanks!

I have have been having some difficulty pinning down a concrete answer as to why am I attracted to a particular firm.


How or rather why are candidates attracted to firms that open new offices? How does that make that firm an attractive place?

And secondly, some people say they are attracted towards a firm because of their PEP.

How? or why does this attract a candidate?


Any suggestions or specific examples as to what attracted you about a particular firm - This would be most helpful.

I just wanted to say thank you for all the guides/helpful advice/application reviews from the team and everyone on this site. I found out yesterday that I was offered a training contract following an assessment centre and I'm so so over the moon!! I have been applying for training contracts for five years!

This website in general has by far been the most helpful resource in helping me to prepare and I'm not sure if I would have been able to do it this year if it weren't for finding this place!

Hi everyone

I've been trying to answer the following question for an application :
Life is inherently challenging at times, whether it be at work or at home. Please give an example of a challenging situation you have faced and explain how you overcame it and what you learned from the experience.

I'm not sure which examples to use for this question - I was considering describing a difficult situation at work (conflict between team members & resolving that) or at university, when I was organising an event in a team and we faced some setbacks - but I'm not sure these address the question. I'd appreciate some advice on how to go about answering this and what sort of examples I should avoid.

Thanks in advance!