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

[George Maxwell]

Here goes...look at this string of successes in the last three days alone 😮 CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!!!!! It makes all of us at TCLA so proud to see our members passing application stages, SJTs, VIs, ACs and VSs!! Keep up the excellent work and I am sure that this serves as inspiration for everyone If I have missed out anyone who is proud of their progression then let me know and we would love to celebrate you as well!!

Completely agree! You guys are killing it.

I should say though, for those who have not yet progressed past the application stage, keep hustling. We are here to support you just as much (if not more than) we are to recognise the successes of our other members. We have not forgotten about you and are always here if you need anything.

Remember, that an application season can all change with a single firm spotting something interesting in your application. It really is still to play for.

In the lead up to Christmas put your best foot forward and grind. Then make sure to give yourself a break, at least for a few days (this really is so important). Look after yourself and prioritise your mental health always. At the very least, make sure that you are fresh to come again in early January!

Tag me, @James Carrabino or @AvniD if you ever want our thoughts on things!

 

[James Carrabino]

Completely agree! You guys are killing it.

I should say though, for those who have not yet progressed past the application stage, keep hustling. We are here to support you just as much (if not more than) we are to recognise the successes of our other members. We have not forgotten about you and are always here if you need anything.

Remember, that an application season can all change with a single firm spotting something interesting in your application. In the lead up to Christmas put your best foot forward and grind before giving yourself a break at least for a few days (as this really is so important). Make sure that you are fresh to come again in early January!

Tag me, @James Carrabino or @AvniD if you ever want our thoughts on things!

Absolutely!!! When I recognise the successes of others I am certainly not trying to make those of you feel bad whose successes are yet to come - this is rather to serve as an inspiration. Look how many members have written that they just received their first ever AC!! 😊

I remember when I was applying I did start feeling a little bad when I saw everyone else having success but me (or so it felt at the time)... until many months into the application process I got my first AC invite (I still remember the date and what I was doing at the time - around 5pm on January 29th, 2021 - meaning that there is still plenty of time for all of you)!

I was immediately so excited to post anonymously on TCLA that I had just received an AC invite!! I was more enthusiastic to share this success with the forum than with my family 🤣 @Jaysen congratulated me (having no idea who I was at the time since I was using an anonymous account) and I simply could not have been prouder. After months of toiling away at applications I finally had proof that I was not doing something completely wrong. The system was exceptionally tough to navigate, but it was not broken. It's impossible to overestimate how much confidence that moment gave me and I know that that moment is awaiting all of you.

As @George Maxwell says, keep hustling. If you have not received a VI or AC yet, then your turn will be soon. Use the first-time successes of our fellow members as inspiration going forward and have a lovely holiday

 

[F99]

Those who have applied to DLA Piper, for the recent business story qu how much did you link your answer to the firm and its prominent practice areas? It doesn't say to link it explicitly but I assume this is what they are looking for? Any tips on how best to answer this qu would be really appreciated!

 

[caitlinayre]

Thank you for replying! If you don't mind me asking how many questions are there and how long do you have to prepare/answer?

I found it to be really enjoyable, probably one of the better video interviews I have completed. They are definitely generally the worst part of application processes for me as I essentially forget how to speak and start babbling every time. As long as you know your strengths and points about the firm you should be fine.

 

[xtinew]

Those who have applied to DLA Piper, for the recent business story qu how much did you link your answer to the firm and its prominent practice areas? It doesn't say to link it explicitly but I assume this is what they are looking for? Any tips on how best to answer this qu would be really appreciated!

Talk about the news with some analysis, why you're particularly interested in it, and why it's relevant to the firm (expansion plans? Client opportunities? Challenges? etc.)

 

[F99]

Talk about the news with some analysis, why you're particularly interested in it, and why it's relevant to the firm (expansion plans? Client opportunities? Challenges? etc.)

Thank you!

 

[AvniD]

Those who have applied to DLA Piper, for the recent business story qu how much did you link your answer to the firm and its prominent practice areas? It doesn't say to link it explicitly but I assume this is what they are looking for? Any tips on how best to answer this qu would be really appreciated!

Definitely link it back in some way! Think about sector expertise and practice areas in the firm that may be getting engaged in similar future deals- along with expansion plans, client opportunities and challenges that @xtinew mentioned in their brilliant reply to your post!

 

[F99]

Definitely link it back in some way! Think about sector expertise and practice areas in the firm that may be getting engaged in similar future deals- along with expansion plans, client opportunities and challenges that @xtinew mentioned in their brilliant reply to your post!

Thank you!

 

[GXA123]

@George Maxwell Hi George! I realised that as soon as I accept the cookies for Taylor Wessing's website it blocks me from viewing it, this is really confusing and working with only half of the screen is not convenient. Should I email grad recruitment? I am not sure if they can help with their cookies issues?

 

[S87]

Good Lord, here in London not catching Covid has become the new Squid Game!
Stay safe out there guys!

 

[George Maxwell]

@George Maxwell Hi George! I realised that as soon as I accept the cookies for Taylor Wessing's website it blocks me from viewing it, this is really confusing and working with only half of the screen is not convenient. Should I email grad recruitment? I am not sure if they can help with their cookies issues?

Ah that is strange! This does sound like more of a technical issue. I would perhaps alert them that this is a technical issue you are facing just in case it means you cannot see updates/receive communications from the firm. They may then be able to troubleshoot for you or to make allowances in any case. Just letting them know in advance will mean that they are more likely to make allowances/adjustments if you are progressed further in the process (if you require usage of the website after you are progressed)!

When you say that you work with only half of the screen after accepting cookies, what do you mean?

 

[GXA123]

Ah that is strange! This does sound like more of a technical issue. I would perhaps alert them that this is a technical issue you are facing just in case it means you cannot see updates/receive communications from the firm. They may then be able to troubleshoot for you or to make allowances in any case. Just letting them know in advance will mean that they are more likely to make allowances/adjustments if you are progressed further in the process (if you require usage of the website after you are progressed)!

When you say that you work with only half of the screen after accepting cookies, what do you mean?

I can only access the website if I don't accept cookies (and the cookies banner takes half of the screen). I will email them now, thank you

 

[Veep9]

I used an example of a time I tried to give back scholarship money because I felt that I had not been able to adequately fulfil my terms of the grant (due to the pandemic/circumstances outside of my control). The foundation then insisted that I keep it as I had been upfront with them and had still gone out of my way to complete the course of study that I had outlined in my proposal, despite having to modify it somewhat.

Integrity is about being honest with yourself first and foremost. That will then percolate into your interactions with others and your approach to your work. Being an officer of the law requires you to have the utmost integrity given the potential for abuse of your position. Think of an example that will convince the reader of your unflinching commitment to upholding the law.

This is such a great example @James Carrabino! I think you've broken this down really well 👏 👏 👏

In my mind, you display integrity when you do what's right, despite it being the harder option to choose or you being under pressure to do the wrong thing. James' example fits really well into this definition.

I can think of a few more in the legal context- alerting about and deleting confidential emails that you may have mistakenly received from opposing counsel, returning excess funds you have may receive from your client, calling out any bullying/harassment that you may be witnessing at your workplace. I hope these help @Veep9?

Thank you, @James Carrabino and @AvniD ! This is super useful.

 

[ZaraB]

Those who have applied to DLA Piper, for the recent business story qu how much did you link your answer to the firm and its prominent practice areas? It doesn't say to link it explicitly but I assume this is what they are looking for? Any tips on how best to answer this qu would be really appreciated!

I was invited to AC, I didn't link mine at all explicitly, but one of my news stories was on a prominent practice area DLA focus on so I guess it was implicit, but I went in depth with the story giving predictions on what I thought would happen going forward with it, I also had very strong motivations for choosing that topic in particular and could link it to myself well, I think motivation behind the story is a particularly important component here, to me linking this question back to the firm seemed slightly artificial (although ofc it might be great in your answer) as for me it didn't flow naturally within the points I was making

 

[bibss]

Just did the Reed Smith VI and want to disappear 🤣😭 I did a lot of preparation in the past 2 days, but still need to practice more. Hopefully, I’ll get better at video interviews with time ☺️

 

[unserious candidate]

Just did the Reed Smith VI and want to disappear 🤣😭 I did a lot of preparation in the past 2 days, but still need to practice more. Hopefully, I’ll get better at video interviews with time ☺️

oddly I find I do better in them when I do less prep. I think from now I'll vaguely prepare the why firm, why law, and commercial story/case answers and then just treat it like a conversation.
I stumble over my words when ive over prepared because I end up trying too hard for it to go as I practised lol

 

[Anoned]

oddly I find I do better in them when I do less prep. I think from now I'll vaguely prepare the why firm, why law, and commercial story/case answers and then just treat it like a conversation.
I stumble over my words when ive over prepared because I end up trying too hard for it to go as I practised lol

I'm the same with sticking notes on my laptop etc. I feel when I do that, I end up focusing too much on trying to remember my cues/ cover what I want to say rather than just letting my answer flow naturally!

 

[Veep9]

I have absolutely no clue how I did at the Reed Smith VI. I didn’t stumble or, a specialism of mine in past VIs, trail off mid sentence and stare blankly at the camera. But the questions were framed in such a way, I’m not entirely sure whether I nailed even one answer. Ugh.

 

[TcApp97]

I have absolutely no clue how I did at the Reed Smith VI. I didn’t stumble or, a specialism of mine in past VIs, trail off mid sentence and stare blankly at the camera. But the questions were framed in such a way, I’m not entirely sure whether I nailed even one answer. Ugh.

My personal favourite in one vi this year was stopping half way through, laughing and going "so yeah". I am sure you did better than you think, the questions are incredibly hard to judge.

 

[Hamilton]

Those of you that have done the Reed Smith VI, could you please share how much time there is to prepare and answer, and how many questions there are? Thank you