Thanks for that, this is exactly the kind of anecdote I was hoping to hear.
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)
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You are staying late in the office tonight because you are leaving work early tomorrow to go away for the weekend. A partner invites you to a client dinner. How would you respond?
How do you approach a question such as this?
I am inclined to say I would stick to my own commitments?
How do you approach a question such as this?
I am inclined to say I would stick to my own commitments?
What's better for the client and for the firm? Are you going to work for this client? Probably more yes than no..so it would be good to know how to approach them. Clients are likely to drink and become more loose and open about certain things and if you make a good impression...
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I’d say something around it depends on the situation for example if it’s someone’s wedding or a really important thing I would thank them for the offer and apologise respectfully and make sure that I tell them the reason.
if it’s something I could delay or postpone I would accept the offer happily as it would be a great opportunity to form stronger bonds and relationships and network and develop!
This is how I would approach it personally. Hope it helps
Jessica Booker
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Yes, that is fine. Anything within the last 6-12 months is generally fine.
LOL - I still haven't heard from NRF post-WG 🤣 🤣 😭😭😭😭Baker McKenzie Summer VS WG invite!
Also, does anyone know how long after the telephone interview NRF normally gets back to you? Haven't heard anything in the past 10 days since mine 😭
One last thing - does anyone have any tips for Clyde & Co's virtual interview? Have mine in the next few days
Jessica Booker
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Generally you shouldn’t miss out on these opportunities unless you are going to miss out on something bigger (either your other work or your personal life).
But there can often be compromises.
- Is what you are working on time urgent or can it be delayed?
- Could you get into the office early the next morning to cover the work you wanted to do tonight?
- If you are leaving early tomorrow, could you stay slightly later to get work done and still have time to travel for the weekend?
- Could you come in early on Monday?
- Could you go the the early part of the dinner but leave early/could you attend the dinner later on in the evening, once you have done your work?
Sometimes it doesn’t need to be black and white, there is often a whole host of options somewhere in the middle.
Anyone else just find it so difficult to align your interests with the firm like I don't have experiences in most of the legal practice areas so it seems really empty saying "I find private equity work interesting" because I can't back up that statement.
Try to link it to a virtual experience, an event or maybe an article you read
@TCApp2021 for why commercial law, either structure makes sense as long as you give a solid reason with evidence demonstrating your motivation. I'd speak about a career in commercial law in general as the trainee role will only last 2 years and I'd want to demonstrate an interest beyond that period.
As for why this firm, you should ideally be ready to build on your answers at the interview stage, especially if you've picked them up from your written app. Otherwise, it might sound too rehearsed or under-researched.
@ELSA19 firms can (and do!) have more than one office in a country/region so you should be okay on this front. This question essentially tests your ability to link a city/country/region that's had heightened business activity or new commercial opportunities with the firm's expansion strategy, allowing you to demonstrate both your commercial awareness and firm research in one answer. If you're able to show this link, irrespective of which location you choose to open the office, then your answer will stand out. I hope this helps?
@SCN I completely understand your predicament- I was in a similar position as you when making applications. My best tip to you would be to try and attend webinars, talks, panel discussions and online events on such practice areas so that you can demonstrate a grounded interest in them. In the absence of relevant work experience, nothing is more convincing than the initiative you take to educate yourself and learn more about a firm's practice areas and develop an interest in them.
Yeah, I answered one question horribly.
I started talking about something completely unrelated to the question, and that answer made me laugh nervously.
I still progressed to the next stage.
I once rushed through an answer and had nothing left to say so I just kept staring into the camera for the 10 or so seconds that were left because I had no idea what to do/how to end that segment of the VI early. Still progressed 😅
Like the Links one if you have ever done it.
Wouldn't worry about it. CMS, as well as other firms, do this. It is so they ensure that they have done everything in their power to make you aware of the interview (at least that is what I think). Also, as has been confirmed earlier in this forum thread (someone on here sent an email to CMS grad red and they confirmed), the deadline is 23:59 on the day. Therefore 23:59 03/01/2022 in your case. Best of luck with your VI! Great advice posts from @AvniD and @George Maxwell earlier in this forum thread (I advice you check them out!).
Is it worth applying to firms on the day of the deadline?
Jessica Booker
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If you really like the firm, then yes.
If they are non-rolling recruitment, then definitely yes.
If you have the time to do so, then yes.
If there isn't another opportunity to apply to, then yes.
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