General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[LS12]

@Jessica Booker when mentioning my law degree in a cover letter is law capitalised? thanks

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker when mentioning my law degree in a cover letter is law capitalised? thanks

Depends on context. If it is a title then yes, if you are just talking about your degree then no. Examples below are correct:

University of a Manchester, Law LLB

During my law degree

 

[LS12]

Depends on context. If it is a title then yes, if you are just talking about your degree then no. Examples below are correct:

University of a Manchester, Law LLB

During my law degree

thank you so much

 

[Daniel Boden]

For questions such as 'What important rewards do you expect in your career at X'; 'What do you hope to get out of a career at X' is anyone able to give any pointers.

Obviously for lots of people it will be making partner etc, but not sure if that's personal/unique enough!

Thanks

For me the biggest reward is the opportunity to work with incredibly smart people every day and continually learn something new. Also, the opportunity to become one of the best in your field at a particular practice area and work internationally etc. could also be considered important rewards

 

[Velikilawyer123]

I think people are looking at this too superficially. It isn’t just about the financial rewards. Think more about the career satisfaction piece - why do you want to do the day job for 10+ years and be happy on that journey (rather than reaching the destination).

Ah I see, yeah that's a great way to approach it you're right! Thanks!

 

[WannabeSolicitor24]

Client interaction? Exposure to international jurisdictions? Secondments? Top-quality training?

For me the biggest reward is the opportunity to work with incredibly smart people every day and continually learn something new. Also, the opportunity to become one of the best in your field at a particular practice area and work internationally etc. could also be considered important rewards

Thank you both, really helpful!

 

[Law2022]

Has anybody else had an email from NRF inviting them to apply for a 2023 training contract? My application for a 2022 TC was not reviewed because of the disruption surrounding second-semester grades & covid.
Has anybody been successful in their application to NRF and have any tips? I am in the process of rewriting my cover letter as I feel like it definitely needs improvement!

 

[Pallatablelawyer]

Weird Q.. but is writing team-work instead of teamwork going to get your application discarded ?

 

[Law123]

single line spacing, nothing lower than font size 10, margins not too narrow. If the page looks crowded, no one will want to read it. Normally margins would be 2 or more on all sides

Thank you, if there is no one to address the cover letter to, would Dear Sir or Madam be okay, or I've seen examples which state Dear Hiring Manager? Thank you!

 

[bethbristol]

Weird Q.. but is writing team-work instead of teamwork going to get your application discarded ?

Unlikely that a rejection will be based on one typo!

 

[M1999]

Does anyone have any tips for doing a virtual interview? I.e where you should look, what kind of helpful things to build rapport etc
Very nervous as I’ve never done one before
Thanks!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Weird Q.. but is writing team-work instead of teamwork going to get your application discarded ?

no

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you, if there is no one to address the cover letter to, would Dear Sir or Madam be okay, or I've seen examples which state Dear Hiring Manager? Thank you!

either is fine.

Lawcareers.net usually tells you who to address it to

 

[Velikilawyer123]

single line spacing, nothing lower than font size 10, margins not too narrow. If the page looks crowded, no one will want to read it. Normally margins would be 2 or more on all sides

Jess, would a font size 10 (Times New Roman) also be appropriate for a CV? Assuming margins are standard 1", single line spacing.

 

[Rene]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to know if I get a TC offer from a winter vacation scheme, how long do I have to accept it? I have an offer for a vacation scheme later on in the year as well as this December and would prefer a TC from that firm over the firm this winter.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Jess, would a font size 10 (Times New Roman) also be appropriate for a CV? Assuming margins are standard 1", single line spacing.

10 is slightly small - depends on the content you have and how visually cramped it is though.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to know if I get a TC offer from a winter vacation scheme, how long do I have to accept it? I have an offer for a vacation scheme later on in the year as well as this December and would prefer a TC from that firm over the firm this winter.

4 weeks - possibly shorter if the firm puts pressure on you to accept quickly. Most firms give a standard 4 week rule though.

 

[LS12]

@Jessica Booker If I'm referring to a firm receiving a tier 1 ranking from The Legal 500 in a cover letter is it:

Tier 1
tier 1
Tier One
tier one

I noted in one of TCLA's sessions it was mentioned numbers under ten should be typed but obviously this is an award and I can't find it type out as one anywhere

 

[PEN1]

Hi guys - I am taking a bit of time off studying/work before starting my TC at a Magic Circle firm. Having been through the application process myself I know how stressful and draining it can be (there is light at the end of the tunnel, I promise!). Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you would like a second opinion on your applications. Good luck!!!

 

[bethbristol]

How in depth do your reasons for being interested in a commercial story have to be? I have recently become really interested in the regulation of BigTech (in particular Google/Amazon's antitrust allegations), and took part in a virtual internship which had a section on competition which I enjoyed due to its emphasis on black letter law. I feel I could link this to the firm I would be talking to this about, as they have a good competition and technology practice. But do I need more to show why I particularly am interested in this?