General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Abgaal]

I am finding it hard to answer this question (Dechert Spring Vacation Scheme 2021). Is someone able to help me out with this - thank you?

"Dechert is frequently retained to work on the most challenging matters, and prides itself on its ability to deliver premium legal services and sound business judgment to its clients. In your opinion, other than the above, what are the three key reasons why our clients instruct us?"

 

[EMD]

Has anyone heard back from TLT? My portal has changed from "In Process. There is nothing you need to do" to just "In Process" - but I haven't had any updates. They said we'd hear back by the end of the month so I'm getting a bit antsy now.

Hi! I got an AC invite last week for the Manchester office but they might still be in the process of sending them out because I haven’t seen anyone else post about them yet! Mine said in process too so I wouldn’t worry about that, but maybe you could send a follow up email tomorrow if you don’t hear by the end of the day.

 

[DrowninginSQE]

Having spoken to grad rec, the scheme doesn't exempt applicants from taking the test. You still have to meet the benchmark to be guaranteed an interview.

Thanks for that! Do you know what the benchmark is?

 

[cryingoverTCs]

Hi all!
For this question: What skills, qualities and attributes would you bring to this role?, do you think I need to do one skill, one quality + one attribute?

 

[003]

Thanks for that! Do you know what the benchmark is?

No, sorry.

 

[Camilla]

I am finding it hard to answer this question (Dechert Spring Vacation Scheme 2021). Is someone able to help me out with this - thank you?

"Dechert is frequently retained to work on the most challenging matters, and prides itself on its ability to deliver premium legal services and sound business judgment to its clients. In your opinion, other than the above, what are the three key reasons why our clients instruct us?"

Hey

I would think that many firms deliver premium legal services on challenging matters whilst providing sound business judgment. Why would clients pick Dechert over any other firm with a similar profile?

I would have a look on their website firstly to see what they appear to be proud of in terms of the service they provide to clients. For example, some firms will talk a lot about their client centric or innovative approach (this is just an example, you would need to be more specific than simply saying they are 'innovative').

Once you have worked out how they entice clients to instruct them, and how this benefits the client, you should then have a good foundation to build upon with further research.

Hope that helps!

 

[Lawbour]

I used about 80-100 words for why Law and then the rest for Why Mishcon. But I don’t think it matters - as long as your reasoning is clear. If doing law doesn’t seem like an obvious career path then I would consider using more space to explain that.

Thank you

 

[Tintin06]

Having spoken to grad rec, the scheme doesn't exempt applicants from taking the test. You still have to meet the benchmark to be guaranteed an interview.

What is the benchmark?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Random question:

Travers - do you upload your cover letter and CV as a document, or are you replicating them in text boxes on their online system?

 

[champ591]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back from Hogan Lovells for the 22 direct TC after completing the WG? I've checked the portal and all of my email folders - no news whatsoever. They've already opened the apps for the next intake so just wondering if anyone else is on the same boat

 

[Abgaal]

Hey

I would think that many firms deliver premium legal services on challenging matters whilst providing sound business judgment. Why would clients pick Dechert over any other firm with a similar profile?

I would have a look on their website firstly to see what they appear to be proud of in terms of the service they provide to clients. For example, some firms will talk a lot about their client centric or innovative approach (this is just an example, you would need to be more specific than simply saying they are 'innovative').

Once you have worked out how they entice clients to instruct them, and how this benefits the client, you should then have a good foundation to build upon with further research.

Hope that helps!

Thank you so much!!!

 

[Hana G]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back from Hogan Lovells for the 22 direct TC after completing the WG? I've checked the portal and all of my email folders - no news whatsoever. They've already opened the apps for the next intake so just wondering if anyone else is on the same boat

Hi, I know they are currently holding (virtual) assessment days, but the recruitment process is ongoing.

 

[Miki3999]

Random question:

Travers - do you upload your cover letter and CV as a document, or are you replicating them in text boxes on their online system?

There is a special box provided for the cover letter.

 

[Velikilawyer123]

You'll need to mention it in your application - it would be silly to keep it out of your application entirely. But in any motivational answers you need a convincing answer that would help to allievate any concerns.

Basically a recruiter for a lower ranked firm with not much similar to the firms on your CV "is this person really interested in us, or are they likely to be the person who reneges or jumps ship at the first opportunity to the type of firms their CV suggests they are truly interested in". It is up to you to explain why that isn't going to be the case.

But hold on, I'm a bit confused now. I need to make sure the firm knows I'm committed to them, but at the same time I shouldn't speak negatively about a previous firm I've done work with even if the two are vastly different. The only way I can see my answer satisfying both of these points is by emphasising an aspect(s) of THIS firm which I like, which my previous firm happened to lack, though without explicitly mentioning in my app that this is what I missed at my previous firm - just hoping the HR will kind of infer that?

 

[LegalNim]

But hold on, I'm a bit confused now. I need to make sure the firm knows I'm committed to them, but at the same time I shouldn't speak negatively about a previous firm I've done work with even if the two are vastly different. The only way I can see my answer satisfying both of these points is by emphasising an aspect(s) of THIS firm which I like, which my previous firm happened to lack, though without explicitly mentioning in my app that this is what I missed at my previous firm - just hoping the HR will kind of infer that?

I'm no expert but I've previously said things about firms that were negative to me but not objectively negative. For example, that a firm didn't have much of a presence in Asia and due to my connections with Asia, I'd prefer a firm that did (the firm I was applying to did). So, whilst it was a negative point against the other firm, it's not objectively a bad thing - it's just a bad match for me.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Mishcon de reya have a question on their VS application which asks you to write about a topic that interests you and that you can talk about with your friends... would this need to be something lighthearted? I have an interest in some current affairs going on in Pakistan which are quite serious but not sure if should talk about that

Also, they have another question which asks about a 'legal case'... I wanted to talk about the Sainsburys v Mastercard case (Mishcon advised Sainsburys on the case) that has just been to the SC and the implications on competition law as a result of the decision but I've also briefly mentioned the case in the 'Why us' question so not sure if I should look for something else

Any insight is really appreciated

I got to the partner interview last cycle and they had the same question!

I chose to talk about the gentrification of a Latin American shopping centre in London which was linked to an organisation I volunteered with to protect it!

I think the important thing is to be genuinely passionate about the topic and know it inside out bc they do dig deep at the interview (they often google it before the interview)!!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

But hold on, I'm a bit confused now. I need to make sure the firm knows I'm committed to them, but at the same time I shouldn't speak negatively about a previous firm I've done work with even if the two are vastly different. The only way I can see my answer satisfying both of these points is by emphasising an aspect(s) of THIS firm which I like, which my previous firm happened to lack, though without explicitly mentioning in my app that this is what I missed at my previous firm - just hoping the HR will kind of infer that?

In short, find the positives of the firm that you are applying to that are very different to the firms you worked with and emphasise them.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I'm no expert but I've previously said things about firms that were negative to me but not objectively negative. For example, that a firm didn't have much of a presence in Asia and due to my connections with Asia, I'd prefer a firm that did (the firm I was applying to did). So, whilst it was a negative point against the other firm, it's not objectively a bad thing - it's just a bad match for me.

It’s more about the language used than anything else.

Negative: Joe Bloggs LLP could not offer the opportunity of a secondment to Asia

Positive: Your Firm LLP are able to offer an opportunity of a secondment to Asia.

 

[Lawbour]

I got to the partner interview last cycle and they had the same question!

I chose to talk about the gentrification of a Latin American shopping centre in London which was linked to an organisation I volunteered with to protect it!

I think the important thing is to be genuinely passionate about the topic and know it inside out bc they do dig deep at the interview (they often google it before the interview)!!

Ahh right that's great because I feel like I do know a lot about this topic! And your topic sounds like it was really interesting!!

 

[dosblancos7]

When HSF ask "tell us what skills, attributes and qualities you would bring to the role", can resiliency count as one of them? Or is it asking for more legal, technical skills