TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[bangarangbass39]

I was looking at a draft of my motivation for wanting to join a firm that I handed in a long time ago. (i'm not sure if it was the official one I handed in). I realised in my first paragraph I kinda bombed it. In it, I said that it was a regional firm when it's considered a national firm. I also said that I want to work in a firm that has a strong multi-jurisdictional environment (whatever the f that means). Lol don't judge, sometimes we have shakey starts and performances.

I just wanted to clarify on the differences between a National and Regional firm. there's so much crossover that sometimes I get confused about how a firm should be classified. I realise a rule of thumb is to go by what the firms say about themselves but it's hard to keep up when you read multiple sources about the firm that say different things.

For example, Chambers Students and AllAboutLaw will say Pinsent Masons, Addleshaw Goddard and CMS are national firms. But they are also international, particularly CMS because it was created by a merger with a German firm. A lot of the time these firms will say they are "global or international".

Mills and Reeve and Womble Bond Dickinson are considered national but M&R is referred to highly for its regional strengths and base by multiple sources. Sometimes it will be mentioned as a Regional Firm. Also, WBD is a US-based firm.

I know it's pedantic but I'm worried these minor references are super important for GradRec when reviewing. Do you think I will be forgiven if I make this sort of mistake when it's not wholly true or false?

With the multi-jurisdictional bit, I realised I should have been clearer because the firm is national and has no offices abroad but it regularly advises clients in different jurisdictions such as South Africa. It's not grouped as an international firm though.

Any advice?! Lol, I hope what I've said makes sense.

 

[lolololol]

does anyone know what kind of questions are for the bdp pitmans VI

 

[S87]

I was looking at a draft of my motivation for wanting to join a firm that I handed in a long time ago. (i'm not sure if it was the official one I handed in). I realised in my first paragraph I kinda bombed it. In it, I said that it was a regional firm when it's considered a national firm. I also said that I want to work in a firm that has a strong multi-jurisdictional environment (whatever the f that means). Lol don't judge, sometimes we have shakey starts and performances.

I just wanted to clarify on the differences between a National and Regional firm. there's so much crossover that sometimes I get confused about how a firm should be classified. I realise a rule of thumb is to go by what the firms say about themselves but it's hard to keep up when you read multiple sources about the firm that say different things.

For example, Chambers Students and AllAboutLaw will say Pinsent Masons, Addleshaw Goddard and CMS are national firms. But they are also international, particularly CMS because it was created by a merger with a German firm. A lot of the time these firms will say they are "global or international".

Mills and Reeve and Womble Bond Dickinson are considered national but M&R is referred to highly for its regional strengths and base by multiple sources. Sometimes it will be mentioned as a Regional Firm. Also, WBD is a US-based firm.

I know it's pedantic but I'm worried these minor references are super important for GradRec when reviewing. Do you think I will be forgiven if I make this sort of mistake when it's not wholly true or false?

With the multi-jurisdictional bit, I realised I should have been clearer because the firm is national and has no offices abroad but it regularly advises clients in different jurisdictions such as South Africa. It's not grouped as an international firm though.

Any advice?! Lol, I hope what I've said makes sense.

Hey, I understand your frustration.

It is my opinion that marketing plays a big role. You might want to adhere to how firms describe themselves on Chamber Students, Legal Cheek etc..because they approved it. However, I agree that these firms have also a strong national presence. In fact, in my AG application, I spoke about its strong national and international position (with specific data) and how this aligned with my professional experiences and ambitions. I hope it helps!

 

[bangarangbass39]

Hey, I understand your frustration.

It is my opinion that marketing plays a big role. You might want to adhere to how firms describe themselves on Chamber Students, Legal Cheek etc..because they approved it. However, I agree that these firms have also a strong national presence. In fact, in my AG application, I spoke about its strong national and international position (with specific data) and how this aligned with my professional experiences and ambitions. I hope it helps!

Okay cool. That's kind of what I did. In the first bit, I mentioned that I wanted to work for the firm because of its regional dominance/impact and that it connects with my upbringing and the work experience I've done in the area. Essentially I want to work in that firm because I want to witness and be a part of the impact it has on the region I've grown to be connected with.

I mentioned the multi-jurisdictional work because it highlights the broad range of specialisms on offer. I'm a non-law student who doesn't know exactly which area they want to work in. Also, the jurisdiction the firm is familiar with connects to my interest in that area because of my previous academic work and familial ties - I like that the firm offers the opportunity to work on alternative cases, especially in areas that I am personally close with. (I did a dissertation that researched the legal and political system in that area, I conducted interviews with people who experienced that system to support my thesis and family members/friends have exposed me to the complexity of the system through their personal experiences).

 

[cattlawapps324]

Here is a link for 75% off, which is the biggest discount we've ever offered! Valid until Monday!

A little thank you for being part of our community

Hi Jaysen,

I don't think this is working anymore - price comes to £60 when I clicked on it. Is there a coupon code? Thanks!!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi Jaysen,

I don't think this is working anymore - price comes to £60 when I clicked on it. Is there a coupon code? Thanks!!

It may have "sold out" if we only set a number of purchases. Jaysen will be back online tomorrow, so I will flag to him in case there is anyway we can honour the discount still.

 

[cattlawapps324]

It may have "sold out" if we only set a number of purchases. Jaysen will be back online tomorrow, so I will flag to him in case there is anyway we can honour the discount still.

thanks!

 

[NJS]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I've been asked to prep a recent legal update for an interview, what would class as recent?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi @Jessica Booker, I've been asked to prep a recent legal update for an interview, what would class as recent?

Updates in the legal sector aren't always rapid/high volume, so I would say anything in the last 12 months would be fine to highlight.

 

[NJS]

Updates in the legal sector aren't always rapid/high volume, so I would say anything in the last 12 months would be fine to highlight.

Thank you!

 

[hopefulforatc]

Is the RPC Watson Glaser automatic?

 

[axelbeugre]

Thanks so much for the reply Jessica Following on with another quick query, if a firm has a practice area that it isn’t particularly renowned for, would it not be advised to mention that as one of interest?

Say if I mentioned I was interested in employment but the firm’s bigger practice area strengths are banking/corporate? Or does the fact the firm offers it make it a fine answer?

I think it is important to be interested in one of the main practice areas the firm is known for, otherwise they might question your genuine interest in the firm which might work against you in the application and interview stage.

I would highlight the most important practices of the firm at least in the application stage, and then elaborate your interest in a variety of different stages in a potential interview as then you will be more eloquent in explaining that you are a very curious person and you would like to explore more practices of the firm such as employment, always recognising the importance of the banking/corporate department.

 

[axelbeugre]

Hey guys, when mentioning a firm's awards in an interview, is it ok to mention that a firm is ranked Band 1 in a practice in 2023, and not talk about how that same practice is ranked Band 3 in 2024?

@Jessica Booker

Mentioning awards in interviews is not as effective as you might think in my opinion. I have personally never done it and your answer might not appear as genuine too so I would stay away from mentioning them, at least at interview stage.

Alternatively, if you are mentioning one, make sure it is the most recent one being careful of the changes occurred.

 

[axelbeugre]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre hi, I have an application question to ask. I'm currently applying for a placement year and in the application form, there are 4 questions each with 500 words max. Should I max out the word limit in all four questions or keep it in the 300 words range? Thank you

I personally always tried to use the full word count as I always thought that there is a reason why they gave an exact number, however this does not have to be the case. If what you are saying is exhaustive and perfectly answers the question, I do not see why you should use unnecessary words. Being concise is also important too.

As a rule though, I would try to use all the words if possible, this was my personal approach whilst applying.

 

[pineappleonpizza1]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back
from W&C post VI. I’ve tried calling several times but they haven’t yet picked up.

 

[Sharon Wu]

Anyone have any idea when Stephenson Harwood usually get back to applicants with regards to their Spring and/or Summer Vacation scheme?

 

[laby201]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back
from W&C post VI. I’ve tried calling several times but they haven’t yet picked up.

How long have you been waiting?

Unless it’s been an abnormal amount of time, I would never choose to call to chase a response to a VI and would only consider that step if it’s been outside of a specified time after an AC.

They have a lot of VIs to get through and in my experience with W&C last cycle, it took over a month after completing my VI to hear I’d received an AC spot.

I really wouldn’t chase unless it’s been about 2 months and even then I would send an email. You’ve not been forgotten!

 

[LawyeryMcLawyerface]

Russell Cooke pfo

 

[Aga123+]

Morning @Jessica Booker and @axelbeugre: Does TCLA have an example cover and/or CV template that could be used as a base for writing one? Thanks in advance

 

[Happycloud100]

Anyone has advice for ropes AC/interview?