What’s it actually like to be a trainee solicitor?
Follow our TCLA member as they progress through their training contract at a leading international law firm.
Hey Ami!
Thank you for this question - I'm delighted to help.
1. The following really is my approach. There is no one way of being successful on a vacation scheme. My approach worked for me, but that's not to say it would for everyone. So first tip: be your authentic self. Follow your...
Hey @NMA,
If I were you, I would follow Jess's excellent advice here. Always better to be smarter than you need to be. Dressing down is always possible. Personally when I went in for my schemes I wore a suit. I did bring a tie with me but never used it (except for my interview but even then I...
Hi @A.Diane01,
I am sure Jess will get back to you quickly! My thoughts are that firms ask this sort of question primarily to encourage candidates to show their creativity, clarity of writing and ability to reason/persuade. They are also looking to find out more about applicants' personalities...
Hey @x_Charlotte,
I think it really is difficult to tell how you did in a video interview. I was progressed to the next stage of the application process after (what I thought were) disastrous VIs.
On reflection though, is there anything that you would do differently for next time?
If it helps, I addressed mine (a successful VS application) to "Ms. Wilson". I'm not sure if that was right or wrong, but I got past the initial screening with it. I agree with others though, addressing it to Graduate Recruitment is also acceptable ☺️, especially if Jess says so!
Hi @app03,
So in this case, I think that it could be appropriate to mention how you enjoyed your interview and that this encouraged you to make another application. You could also mention something specific that the partners told you in the interview about the firm. Was this along the lines of...
If you can draw out a specific example of someone being approachable or appreciative of your work, I think that this might really enhance your application Asil!
Hey @Ameliaa,
My advice would be to email graduate recruitment informing them of the mistake. Ask if it is possible for them to make the alteration. For what it is worth, I highly doubt that this will equate to an automatic rejection!
I empathise with you though as I know how stressful finding...
Hey @NaimK,
It is definitely a very tangible step towards that goal though. Getting some legal experience under your belt will make justifying your choice of career easier and will provide you with tonnes of practical examples to use in applications and interviews!
Do you start this (i.e...
Hey @Asil Ahmad,
I would avoid using the word 'culture' explicitly. I think that it can seem a bit wooly. But mentioning specific things about the firm that you like, backed up by examples, is a fantastic strategy and I think would evidence tangible reasoning as to why you wish to apply to a...
Hey @app03,
This is another great question. However, as with many answers on here, this is a subjective opinion (as I don't think there is a right answer).
I think that mentioning a previous interview in a subsequent application can be a very powerful way of demonstrating maturity in addition...
Hey @Jane Smith, I just wanted to thank you again for providing such thorough insights to the community. Also it's great to see you pop up again too @Daniel Boden 🚀
Hey @John Doe 555 333,
The only firm that I can give an insight into is Akin Gump. I completed their vacation scheme in 2021 (and think they are an awesome firm - I really had the best experience there). My understanding is that the firm looks to recruit all future trainees from its vacation...
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