TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[rosedunn]

also does anyone know the time of the deadline for morgan lewis?

 

[eddiemxlii]

If no A&P interview invite do you think it is a n

Anyone else hear from A&P, should we start marking it as PFO?

They still appear to be scheduling interview slots - so not all hope is lost.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi! Just received a VI invitation from GLD/Government Legal Department - was wondering whether anyone has any experience with them? (or just any tips on virtual interviews because I seem to always get rejected at this stage!)

Following - received it too!

 

[t-0147]

Mayer Brown - has anyone heard post initial test recently? Mine was delayed by 3 weeks due to problems on their end rearding adjustments, but I still havn't hear pass/fail or gotten a job sim yet. Is it worth popping an email as it seems most people have gotten a rejection oemail or a job app sim at least?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi! Just received a VI invitation from GLD/Government Legal Department - was wondering whether anyone has any experience with them? (or just any tips on virtual interviews because I seem to always get rejected at this stage!)

Hey hey,

Well done on getting to that stage! Here’s a thread by Andrei to help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi. Can someone clarify the differences between a strengths-based interview and a competency-based interview? From what I've come across, a strength-based question is just a competency in disguise, as both require evidence of previous experience. If that's the case, how should I go about preparing for and actually structuring my answers? Is there a list of common strength-based interview questions I can use to prep?

So at first glance, strengths based and competency based interviews seem quite similar - they both often involve talking about past experiences, and both aim to assess whether you're a good fit for a role. However, the differences between them are there. They diverge in purpose, structure, and what they aim to uncover. Competency based interviews are designed to test whether you can do the job well based on past performance. The idea is that past behaviour is the best predictor of future success, so these questions are tightly focused on how you’ve demonstrated specific skills like teamwork, leadership, or resilience, often requiring structured responses using the STAR method. In contrast, strengths based interviews are less concerned with what you’ve done and more focused on what energises you. Rather than simply asking whether you can perform a task, they ask whether you genuinely enjoy doing it, with the belief that people excel when working in areas aligned with their natural interests and motivations. That’s why strengths questions tend to be faster paced, more open, and reflective, such as “What does a good day look like for you?” or “What kind of tasks do you enjoy most?”. Now while you might still draw on past experiences, the emphasis shifts from proving competence to revealing enthusiasm. And that’s a key distinction…in competency interviews, your evidence is scrutinised, in strengths based ones, your tone, spontaneity, and energy carry more weight. So although they might look alike on the surface, they are evaluated through very different lenses, and understanding that subtle shift is essential to performing well in both.

There are mixed views on this, but this is how I’ve always interpreted the difference. Generally speaking though, they’re quite similar.

 

[Amma Usman]

Does Macfarlanes prefer bullet points or longer written text for the WE descriptions?

Unsure about Macfarlanes, but a mix of both is often encouraged. I have spoken to many graduate recruiters who often prefer prose though - just ensure to not make it long winded.

 

[TortillaTC]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

Unsure about Macfarlanes, but a mix of both is often encouraged. I have spoken to many graduate recruiters who often prefer prose though - just ensure to not make it long winded.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi there, I’m making a direct training contract application to Macfarlanes and would appreciate some thoughts on one of the application questions:

“Tell us about yourself
Please use this section to tell us anything else that you feel would support your application. Examples can include, but are not limited to, key achievements, successes, non-academic interests, your skills etc. (Max 300 words).”

This is one of the two longer questions—the other being “Please explain why you are applying to Macfarlanes.”

I know many people would answer by highlighting positions of responsibility, extracurriculars, volunteering, or insight events. However, I’ve already listed all of those in the Work Experience section.

I’m considering using this space to elaborate on some achievements at work that didn’t fit in the Work Experience entries due to word limits. For example, I might condense answers from competency questions I drafted (from other law firm applications) so that each achievement only takes around 100 words or so.

As for personal interests, I’m not sure whether they would add much value here.

How would you approach this question? Any insights would be really appreciated!

Great question. Been in a similar situation myself. This may sound a bit obvious, but for the "tell us about yourself" question, focus on exactly what has been mentioned. They do say that you can go outside this scope, which is great, but I would personally start any answer by referencing one or more of those mentioned elements. There’s no need for an intro as it’s just 300 words and will eat up your word count, but starting with a thesis-like statement will help. So, for example, “I have taken part in many extracurriculars at university” – then you cover those in that little paragraph. Then move onto the next element and do the same in another paragraph. It’s not necessary to do this, but it helps with structure.

Another thing is that it is great you’ve listed some of these things in the work experience section, but remember that you may not have been able to touch on it in depth. In my opinion, the word count will never be fully enough to expand on these in the depth your application needs to bring it to life – and the additional question is giving you an extra green light to shed light on these even more. So, take your time with ensuring that you don't just “list”, but also expand and link to its relevance to the trainee role at Macfarlanes and their values. I remember once approaching a question like this by referencing skills, how I demonstrated them through past experiences, and then mentioning speaking to trainees at the firm who said XYZ, reinforcing my desire to train there. So, there are many ways to approach this question with whatever you choose to elaborate on. Just ask yourself: is it true to me, and does it sound convincing enough?

And yes, definitely worth highlighting those achievements!

Also, contrary to popular opinion, personal interests are actually really valued by law firms, but perhaps touch on those other main things at this point given the word limit, and shed more light on the personality-related point later down in the application stage if the needs of the situation demand it.

 

[Amma Usman]

also does anyone know the time of the deadline for morgan lewis?

When this is not clear, and you may not get a quick response from GR due to the short time notice, I usually try to submit a day early on, to forestall any situations where the deadline is midday or before midday. Often times, it tends to be 11:59PM, but I can’t always say this for certain as it differs based off the firm/ their needs at any given point in time!

 

[Amma Usman]

Mayer Brown - has anyone heard post initial test recently? Mine was delayed by 3 weeks due to problems on their end rearding adjustments, but I still havn't hear pass/fail or gotten a job sim yet. Is it worth popping an email as it seems most people have gotten a rejection oemail or a job app sim at least?

I completely understand the feeling of not hearing back and the anxiousness which flows from this. Not hearing back may not instantly mean a rejection - it could just mean they are still sifting through applications. This makes sense, especially at this point in time where vacation schemes are ongoing - so a very busy period for most firms!

 

[Amma Usman]

From Chambers Student:

“Firms with a restructuring/ insolvency seat:
Addleshaw Goddard
Akin Gump
A&O Shearman
Ashfords
Ashurst
Baker McKenzie
BDB Pitmans
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Charles Russell Speechlys
Cleary
Clifford Chance
CMS
Dechert
DLA Piper
DWF
Eversheds Sutherland
Foot Anstey
Freeths
Freshfields
Gateley
Gowling WLG
Hogan Lovells
Howes Percival
Irwin Mitchell
Jones Day
Kirkland & Ellis
Latham & Watkins
Linklaters
Michelmores
Morrison & Foerster
Muckle
Norton Rose Fulbright
Orrick
Osborne Clark
Paul Hastings
Pinsent Masons
Ropes & Gray
RPC
Sidley Austin
Simmons & Simmons
Skadden
Squire Patton Boggs
Stevens & Bolton
TLT
Ward Hadaway
Wedlake Bell
Weil
White & Case
Womble Bond Dickinson”

Thank you very much for this @Tintin06 - very helpful!

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone heard back from FF post first-stage interview?

Not yet no. Anyone else?

 

[legallady123]

Is there any point in applying to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius if I have multiple 2:2 grades in year 1 and 2? I do have mitigating circumstances and consistently received 1sts in year 3 and 4, and graduated with a 1st. Everything online indicates they really focus on grades and the deadline is tonight - unsure whether to spend my day doing the application in case my first and second year grades will result in automatic rejection. Would appreciate any advice @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

 

[Z48]

Is there any point in applying to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius if I have multiple 2:2 grades in year 1 and 2? I do have mitigating circumstances and consistently received 1sts in year 3 and 4, and graduated with a 1st. Everything online indicates they really focus on grades and the deadline is tonight - unsure whether to spend my day doing the application in case my first and second year grades will result in automatic rejection. Would appreciate any advice @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

I applied with a few 2:2 grades in first and second year + mitigating circumstances and got through to the telephone interview for the VS a couple years ago (my average was a 2:1 when I applied). I would say go for it, especially with your 1st overall!

 

[Amma Usman]

Is there any point in applying to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius if I have multiple 2:2 grades in year 1 and 2? I do have mitigating circumstances and consistently received 1sts in year 3 and 4, and graduated with a 1st. Everything online indicates they really focus on grades and the deadline is tonight - unsure whether to spend my day doing the application in case my first and second year grades will result in automatic rejection. Would appreciate any advice @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

You have a First overall which is great. The fact that you got a few 2:2‘s does not really matter in my opinion, especially since your overall degree classification is at the top of the scale. Additionally, firms will take mitigating circumstances into account, so nothing to worry about at all in my opinion. Apply to the opportunity - you never know where it’ll go!

Thank you for your specific insights @Z48 - that’s what this forum is all about - lifting each other up and sharing experiences!

 

[legallady123]

I applied with a few 2:2 grades in first and second year + mitigating circumstances and got through to the telephone interview for the VS a couple years ago (my average was a 2:1 when I applied). I would say go for it, especially with your 1st overall!

Thank you so much 😊 that’s really helpful to know!

 

[legallady123]

You have a First overall which is great. The fact that you got a few 2:2‘s does not really matter in my opinion, especially since your overall degree classification is at the top of the scale. Additionally, firms will take mitigating circumstances into account, so nothing to worry about at all in my opinion. Apply to the opportunity - you never know where it’ll go!

Thank you for your specific insights @Z48 - that’s what this forum is all about - lifting each other up and sharing experiences!

Thank you so much Amma for your quick and helpful response! 😊

 

[Tintin06]

Is there any point in applying to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius if I have multiple 2:2 grades in year 1 and 2? I do have mitigating circumstances and consistently received 1sts in year 3 and 4, and graduated with a 1st. Everything online indicates they really focus on grades and the deadline is tonight - unsure whether to spend my day doing the application in case my first and second year grades will result in automatic rejection. Would appreciate any advice @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman

I got multiple 2.2s in Finals. I still got their telephone interview. This was for the Vac Scheme.

 

[RPA200]

Not yet no. Anyone else?

Yes, just heard back