TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

Status
Not open for further replies.

YJ

Valued Member
Premium Member
Jan 16, 2021
106
135
How many applications have you guys sent in on average? (that you think are high quality and not just BS/ sending It for the sake of applying)
I sent 4 as I didn't have time to produce anymore high quality applications. So far I have had 2 Acs (one successful, one still waiting for result) and I am still waiting to hear back from the other 2 post-app :)
 

Plato

Well-Known Member
Dec 17, 2021
22
52
Briefly speak about why you want to be a commercial solicitor then speak about why Dechert so I’d say 30/70 or 40/60
by the looks of it, it seems these are two separate, yet equally weighty, questions. I'm curious about how you came to these percentages. It'd be great to know because I often struggle with this sort of questions too. Cheerzzzz
 
  • Like
Reactions: Donuttime

Donuttime

Legendary Member
Premium Member
May 17, 2021
163
131
by the looks of it, it seems these are two separate, yet equally weighty, questions. I'm curious about how you came to these percentages. It'd be great to know because I often struggle with this sort of questions too. Cheerzzzz
Given the tight word count of 250 words, it wouldn’t really make sense to split it 50/50 IMO. They want to know your motivations for commercial law but I feel like they’re looking more for why the firm. Why commercial law can be very succinct but why dechert needs to show you’ve done deep research and have an interest in their firm in particular.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Plato

James Carrabino

Legendary Member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Forum Team
Junior Lawyer 11
Oct 12, 2021
666
1,552
It’s Colombia. The firm closed both its Venezuelan and Colombian offices but still operates in Brazil and Mexico. But Colombia has some really interesting large infrastructure projects happening in 2022 (and ofc has big mining/resource/agricultural economy) something which the firm specialises in. I know for example that Baker McKenzie still operates in the country, and that Dentons took over this firm’s Venezuelan office so I feel like it’s not a lost cause financially lol!
Hi @thirdtimelucky I think you are on to something very interesting! Obviously it may be an unusual choice to pick a location where the firm recently closed their office, but if you explain it well then your answer could intrigue your interviewers!

The main thing I would ask you is whether you feel that you properly understand why the firm closed their Colombian office? Furthermore, do these large infrastructure projects actually require having an office in the country or could a lot of the work be done through the Brazil and Mexico offices? The interesting thing about closing in 2019 is that this was pre-Covid and there is talk of increasing aversion to international travel going forward, which may be a reason why the firm would want to consider re-opening!
 

M&Amakesmyday

Star Member
Oct 30, 2021
45
81
Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance
 

GXA123

Legendary Member
  • Nov 30, 2020
    804
    887
    Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

    I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance
    netwooooorrrkkkkk, go to every event online and participate and force yourself to be on camera and talk, join societies in uni. just practice public speaking more, it would be hard at the beginning but then you will enjoy it a lot :)
     

    Jaysen

    Founder, TCLA
    Staff member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    M&A Bootcamp
  • Feb 17, 2018
    4,692
    8,565
    Can I just take this opportunity to really thank the entire TCLA team and @Jaysen for creating this forum! Because i honestly would be 1000% lost and would have felt completely alone in this process had it not been for TCLA!!! I have been able to speak with and contact soo many wonderful people from this forum that I know I would not have been acquainted with had I not been part of this community!...so yh truly thank you! 🥲👏👏
    This was a kind message to log into, thank you very much. We adore this community :)
     

    James Carrabino

    Legendary Member
    Future Trainee
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Junior Lawyer 11
    Oct 12, 2021
    666
    1,552
    @AvniD @George Maxwell @James Carrabino @Jessica Booker

    What would you guys say are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the legal industry at the moment. I am talking about general awareness of the current and foreseeable market - so if you were perhaps the managing partner at a city law firm, what would be you top considerations currently. Would love to hear people's opinions.

    I'll start - I was thinking: (1) Retaining talent and well being; and (2) for a UK firm, probably US rivals coming in and dominating some areas in London.
    Hi @Dwight this is an excellent question!

    You have started with some excellent points although remember to address opportunities as well. I also have some thoughts on this question.

    Retaining talent is a great point. In addition to the 'war for talent' which revolves heavily around salaries and perks, you are right to address well-being initiatives, which increasingly include WFH provisions. The threat is not just from other major law firms, as there is a rise in boutiques doing top-quality work as well as lucrative in-house legal positions. Being flexible with staff during an extremely dynamic commercial environment (a plethora of restructurings one minute, followed by even more M&A deals the next!) is also important.

    There have been a lot of regulatory changes around the world in recent years which law firms will have to navigate on behalf of their clients. These include increasingly complex foreign direct investment and national security regimes governing international investment. This is sort of a symptom of the increased economic nationalism of recent years, exacerbated by the pandemic. Also consider the role of advocacy campaigns and activist investors, who have a certain agenda (e.g. divesting from fossil fuels). Law firms need to be very aware of business and reputational challenges arising from these considerations.

    The opportunities here are of course that the companies which succeed in adapting to the rapidly changing commercial environment may soon find themselves with significant market share in their respective markets, along with the prestige that accompanies such commercial success. Law firms can help their clients to achieve strong market positions, earning reputational and financial benefits in the process.

    Technology investment will provide a major opportunity for improving operating efficiency and enhancing law firm profitability but a challenge will be balancing this increased automation with personalised client service.

    I will try to think of more but I hope that is helpful for now :)
     

    Rob93

    Legendary Member
    Dec 29, 2020
    627
    1,677
    Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

    I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance
    It's not the most dazzling insight, but practice goes a long way. I also, if the formatting permits, like to get interviewers to tell me about stuff and then kind of springboard off of that.

    It might be helpful to practice a bit with friends, family, or mentors, really anyone you're a bit more comfortable with. You can then kind of translate that energy into interview ('it's just a conversation') making any appropriate adjustments to tone, formality level, what have you.
     

    Homer

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 12, 2021
    49
    102
    Hi everyone,

    This is for those that have completed Freshfields' WG test for their direct TC app. Did you guys receive a confirmation email after submitting it? I have received one and I'm worried something went wrong. Have emailed grad recruitment but they don't open until Monday.

    Would help put my nerves at ease if I knew if this was normal or if something went wrong.

    Thanks
     

    YUKI1201

    Valued Member
  • Mar 3, 2021
    124
    518
    Hey guys, I need some advice because I'm not really sure what to do. I've been lucky in securing a fair few interviews this cycle but I've been unsuccessful after all of them. I think my commercial awareness is generally okay, and I don't think I do badly in researching the firms.

    I think I fall short in answering the more casual questions (e.g. tell us about yourself) and maintaining a rapport with the interviewers. Basically, I'm not the most social, charming and confident person and I know that commercial law is a 'people' job. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve? Or any success stories of people who weren't that confident still securing TCs to give me a boost of confidence? I'm losing hope but I really am determined to secure a TC in commercial law. Thanks in advance
    I may not be the best person to answer this (I'm quite outgoing and a people-person) but here's a few things I did at my AC:

    1) stayed relaxed and smiled - small step but the most important:)
    2) talked about my personal *non-polished* experiences - so be authentic. Interviewers asked me to talk about a mistake, I said I applied for biochemistry initially and "absolutely hated" the lab job during an internship so it was a bad decision, they had a good laugh. I usually polish up 90% of my experiences and leave like 1-2 examples non-polished, so that my polished answers sound authentic too.
    3) appropriate jokes - a bit more difficult, depends on the personality of your interviewer. If they're the poker-face type of person, or if you're not sure about your sense of humour, I'd be careful with this.
    4) listened to what they said and showed that I was interested in them - their work, experiences, hobbies. Engage with what they're saying. My interviewer mentioned that he's specialised in ESG, I brought up a recent case in ESG, and we joked about making the world a whole lot better (LOL).
    5) advice: don't script your answers or deliberately make yourself sound like a politician or diplomat. Talk normally and use normal conversational language. And if you're an introvert, no need to pretend that you're not one - just communicate clearly, show good respect and friendliness.

    Just my two cents!
     
    Last edited:
    Status
    Not open for further replies.

    About Us

    The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

    Newsletter

    Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.