Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

[ChambersLoading]

Before the rest of the team gets back to you, I see no harm applying again. I know firms such as Jones Day do not have a re-interview process, but even this according to the Firm, is subject to whether your application has changed significantly from last time (meaning you can still re-apply). I presume most firms will not have a problem considering your candidacy again if you haven’t interviewed with them before. I know many people that have applied to firms for a second year and gotten past the application stage, after refining their initial applications and/or spending the time to gain more experience.

What if you get rejected after an interview or an assessment center? I contacted graduate recruitment to ask about reapplying, and they said there is no strict policy against it. However, they mentioned that my previous application and performance would still be considered, and they seemed somewhat hesitant over the phone.

This is my dream firm, and I feel crushed. Is it worth reapplying? Also, if my motivations for pursuing a career in law and specifically at this firm remain unchanged, would it be acceptable if the overarching themes of my application remain the same, so long as I demonstrate growth and deeper insights based on my additional experiences? @Jessica Booker @Jaysen @Amma Usman

 

[Andrei Radu]

What if you get rejected after an interview or an assessment center? I contacted graduate recruitment to ask about reapplying, and they said there is no strict policy against it. However, they mentioned that my previous application and performance would still be considered, and they seemed somewhat hesitant over the phone.

This is my dream firm, and I feel crushed. Is it worth reapplying? Also, if my motivations for pursuing a career in law and specifically at this firm remain unchanged, would it be acceptable if the overarching themes of my application remain the same, so long as I demonstrate growth and deeper insights based on my additional experiences? @Jessica Booker @Jaysen @Amma Usman

Firms have different policies for reconsidering applications post-AC rejection. I know some that have absolutely no issue with it and I know others that will not do it under any circumstances. If you were told the firm has no policy against it, I think it is worth a shot. Perhaps it will be somewhat of an upclimb because of the prior rejection, but you also know that the firm has liked you enough before to progress you out of a huge pool, so I think overall the odds are worth it. I also have heard of several candidates who secured a TC with a firm after they were rejected post AC in the previous cycle, so it is not a very uncommon situation.

As for your second question, I am quite confident it is ok to keep your fundamental motivations unchanged; but try to (i) add insights into them and update the factual points about the firm with the newest information you can gather; and (ii) look as to how you can improve your writing and articulate those themes in a more clear manner.

 

[ChambersLoading]

Firms have different policies for reconsidering applications post-AC rejection. I know some that have absolutely no issue with it and I know others that will not do it under any circumstances. If you were told the firm has no policy against it, I think it is worth a shot. Perhaps it will be somewhat of an upclimb because of the prior rejection, but you also know that the firm has liked you enough before to progress you out of a huge pool, so I think overall the odds are worth it. I also have heard of several candidates who secured a TC with a firm after they were rejected post AC in the previous cycle, so it is not a very uncommon situation.

As for your second question, I am quite confident it is ok to keep your fundamental motivations unchanged; but try to (i) add insights into them and update the factual points about the firm with the newest information you can gather; and (ii) look as to how you can improve your writing and articulate those themes in a more clear manner.

Thank you!! This gave me hope

 

[DarrenB]

Hi @DarrenB my main tip for the competency interview would be to come very prepared to be challenged and questioned on your motivations and experiences. Firstly, you need to be able to discuss any point in your CV in depth, and particularly any educational point. Be ready to explain every grade in university and to be asked why you have not performed very well in certain modules - particularly if any of them have links with commercial law. Secondly, you should have a watertight motivation for why commercial law and to be able to explain your preference for over your other passions and potential careers. It will likely not suffice to state some of the commonly met reasons as you will likely get a number of follow up questions. Thirdly, you should have a very good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the firm's model, particularly when compared to the other Magic Circle firms.

For the article discussion, as you prepare you should think of different arguments to support potential views about the subject matter, as you may be asked to defend positions you do not necessarily agree with. You should also expect to be challenged a lot here, as partners want to test your resilience and advocacy. Be flexible and willing to integrate their points into a synthesis view, but stand your ground and do your best to justify your core claim despite their pushback.

Best of luck !

Thank you so much @Andrei Radu!! Great advice as always!!

 

[MD123]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in applying to the Hogan Lovells FY scheme.

I was wondering if it still worth applying. It opened on 6th Jan and gives out offers on a first come first serve basis. Deadline is 28th Feb.

Would love to get your thoughts on this as I am really interested in applying but fear it may be too late.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in applying to the Hogan Lovells FY scheme.

I was wondering if it still worth applying. It opened on 6th Jan and gives out offers on a first come first serve basis. Deadline is 28th Feb.

Would love to get your thoughts on this as I am really interested in applying but fear it may be too late.

Hey. You never know unless you try…

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in applying to the Hogan Lovells FY scheme.

I was wondering if it still worth applying. It opened on 6th Jan and gives out offers on a first come first serve basis. Deadline is 28th Feb.

Would love to get your thoughts on this as I am really interested in applying but fear it may be too late.

Definitely worthwhile applying still - its only half way through the application window - I'd just try and get it in by mid-February, especially as a lot of unis will have a reading week where candidates may have more time to dedicate to writing applications.

 

[MD123]

Definitely worthwhile applying still - its only half way through the application window - I'd just try and get it in by mid-February, especially as a lot of unis will have a reading week where candidates may have more time to dedicate to writing applications.

Thank you very much Jessica and Amma for your help!

 

[floral.tcla]

Hi all, thank you so much for taking your time to help others, you've truly helped so many of us!

Please can you advise on the following questions:

1. How did you prepare for assessment centres, especially for case studies? How do you get used to being able to remain calm and explore logical solutions when the interviewers propose counter-arguments to your ideas for case study tasks? I feel like I should be used to it since I'm at uni but it sound so nerve-wracking!

2. Do you know what would happen if a candidate experienced a medical condition the day of their AC that impacted their ability to concentrate? After informing grad recruitment, is there any chance that they could still be successful in the AC?

Thank you

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi all, thank you so much for taking your time to help others, you've truly helped so many of us!

Please can you advise on the following questions:

1. How did you prepare for assessment centres, especially for case studies? How do you get used to being able to remain calm and explore logical solutions when the interviewers propose counter-arguments to your ideas for case study tasks? I feel like I should be used to it since I'm at uni but it sound so nerve-wracking!

2. Do you know what would happen if a candidate experienced a medical condition the day of their AC that impacted their ability to concentrate? After informing grad recruitment, is there any chance that they could still be successful in the AC?

Thank you

I thought I would respond to question 2.

It is really going to depend on the circumstances, the level of impact and how many of the assessments were impacted - this can vary significantly and so its quite hard to give one direct answer on this. However, typically a firm would look to reassess you if they felt your performance had been impacted by the circumstances to a level where they could not assess your abilities clearly.

 

[floral.tcla]

I thought I would respond to question 2.

It is really going to depend on the circumstances, the level of impact and how many of the assessments were impacted - this can vary significantly and so its quite hard to give one direct answer on this. However, typically a firm would look to reassess you if they felt your performance had been impacted by the circumstances to a level where they could not assess your abilities clearly.

thank you

 

[tjeya26]

Hey TCLA team!

I have recently purchased the TCLA Bronze membership but have not had my request to access the Premium forum approved yet. I'd appreciate your help on this one thanks!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hey TCLA team!

I have recently purchased the TCLA Bronze membership but have not had my request to access the Premium forum approved yet. I'd appreciate your help on this one thanks!

Hi there - please feel free to send me a private message with your proof of purchase and I can process this for you.

 

[tjeya26]

Hi there - please feel free to send me a private message with your proof of purchase and I can process this for you.

Thanks Jessica,
I have just sent through my proof of purchase!

 

[MD123]

Just a quick question about: ‘Why are you interested in commercial law and this firm?’

Can I use training and pro bono as my two points of interest in the firm? Or should I use fee-earning areas e.g a specific practice.

I have heard it is better to use three points to show my interest in the firm, but I only have space for two. What would you recommend: three small points or two big ones?

Many thanks
MD

 

[Sophie101]

Hi TCLA Team! I purchased the TCLA Bronze membership but have not had my request to access the Premium forum approved yet. In particular I would like access to the premium database as I have a deadline soon. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Amma Usman]

Just a quick question about: ‘Why are you interested in commercial law and this firm?’

Can I use training and pro bono as my two points of interest in the firm? Or should I use fee-earning areas e.g a specific practice.

I have heard it is better to use three points to show my interest in the firm, but I only have space for two. What would you recommend: three small points or two big ones?

Many thanks
MD

The highest points on the bar of showcasing demonstrated interest is work - practices. Pro bono and training are quite similar among many firms, so these should come last and in tangent to the firm‘s work. Even as you are highlighting these less specific points, ensure to pick out something the firm does that’s different. For example, training - many firms now seem to have small trainee intakes, so what is it about that which appeals to you? Give an example of how you thrived in a similar environment. Maybe it’ll also give you higher responsibility early on. Next, pro bono - any specific type of pro bono the firm works within/types of cases? Why does that appeal? Again, these are all quite similar among many firms so focus on the work first - these should come last as they aren’t as specific. It’s quite ironic how even the work is similar among firms. But with this, each firm will have its USP, some firms will be better than other in certain practices, etc. So, find this and address accordingly in your answers.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi TCLA Team! I purchased the TCLA Bronze membership but have not had my request to access the Premium forum approved yet. In particular I would like access to the premium database as I have a deadline soon. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

Hi there. I have gone ahead and approved this for you. Have a lovely day!, Amma

 

[Sophie101]

Hi there. I have gone ahead and approved this for you. Have a lovely day!, Amma

Fab, thank you, Amma! Have a nice weekend!

 

[👩🎓]

Hi, I hope everyone is well.

Does anyone have any specific advice on how I can approach applying for paralegal roles to fill the gap between finishing uni and beginning the SQE/starting a training contract. (Especially how to approach firms, where to look and if it is best to target firms I have applied to for VS and TCs). I would also appreciate your view on this to @Jessica Booker.

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank you!