General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[AH97]

Ah ok, thank you! Did you write much about each event or just a sentence or two?

I didn't write anything about each event, but if I had a W&C specific one I'd have gone into a little more detail like @Alice G suggested

 

[AH97]

Thank you Alice, very helpful! What about things like insight days? Do they deserve a sentence or two too?

I don't think I have been to 12 standalone workshops or presentations.

Also, I'm a graduate so my events date back to 2015, and some of them are just webinars I've attended - I realise 12 may sound like a lot! I'd be happy to share exactly what I wrote if you message me

 

[futuretraineecity]

Does anyone know what proportion of places are given to direct TC applicants and VS attendees at White & Case?

 

[Lauren]

Don’t worry about the quantity and I’d only add a line or two if it’s with W&C, if the insight day was with them then yes I would do

Thanks a lot Alice!

 

[Mxkry]

Is it worthwhile applying to firms whose deadline in on the 31st and their schemes are on a rolling basis?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Is it worthwhile applying to firms whose deadline in on the 31st and their schemes are on a rolling basis?

Yes!

 

[Velikilawyer123]

@Jessica Booker If I'm abbreviating a firm's name in question one (e.g. "Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF)"), is it fine to keep referring to the firm as HSF throughout the application, or should I introduce it for the first time in every question as "Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF)"?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

@Jessica Booker If I'm abbreviating a firm's name in question one (e.g. "Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF)"), is it fine to keep referring to the firm as HSF throughout the application, or should I introduce it for the first time in every question as "Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF)"?

once in the first question/section is fine

 

[Aspiring.lawyer.to.be]

Has anyone received VI invites for White & Case vac scheme? Have they given out responses yet? Any insights would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[Jen E C]

Does anyone know what proportion of places are given to direct TC applicants and VS attendees at White & Case?

I believe that of 50 offers, about 10 go to TCs

 

[Velikilawyer123]

once in the first question/section is fine

Got it, thanks!

 

[M1999]

This may be a silly question but..
In the context of US firms, when talking about the work they do, would you focus on the work that the London firm is known for?
For example, if a firm is known for its corporate takeovers in the US but is only band 3/band 4 in London, is it not worth mentioning as I will be joining the London office?
Is it also redundant to talk about deals that the London office did not work on?

 

[Jen E C]

This may be a silly question but..
In the context of US firms, when talking about the work they do, would you focus on the work that the London firm is known for?
For example, if a firm is known for its corporate takeovers in the US but is only band 3/band 4 in London, is it not worth mentioning as I will be joining the London office?
Is it also redundant to talk about deals that the London office did not work on?

It would depend on the context of what you are saying. If the London office collaborated and supported the US side on a deal and you're interested in that sort of work, then it could make sense to bring up. If the London office had nothing to do with it, then it would be redundant.

More generally, and especially if there is a lower word count, you probably want to focus on what the London office is good at and known for. Although, growing areas of practice currently band 3/4 can also be interesting to mention from a strategy perspective.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

This may be a silly question but..
In the context of US firms, when talking about the work they do, would you focus on the work that the London firm is known for?
For example, if a firm is known for its corporate takeovers in the US but is only band 3/band 4 in London, is it not worth mentioning as I will be joining the London office?
Is it also redundant to talk about deals that the London office did not work on?

Focus on the work you are more likely to be doing. It’s not that it’s completely redundant, it just might be slightly misplaced

 

[Celestie]

Me with my new badge:

 

[Alice G]

This may be a silly question but..
In the context of US firms, when talking about the work they do, would you focus on the work that the London firm is known for?
For example, if a firm is known for its corporate takeovers in the US but is only band 3/band 4 in London, is it not worth mentioning as I will be joining the London office?
Is it also redundant to talk about deals that the London office did not work on?

I agree with everything that has been said but just wanted to say here and remind everyone, there is no such thing as a silly question on TCLA. Always best to ask us and clarify something - don't be afraid to

 

[NikkiT]

Does anyone know if it would still be worth applying to Dechert? I am still writing my application and the deadline is the 31st of December.

Additionally, if anyone has any advice for the question: '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?'

Finally if anyone has any ideas on would be beneficial to add in the box 'If applicable please state any additional information which you think is relevant to your application or which you think has not been covered adequately in this form' I would really appreciate any advice!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Does anyone know if it would still be worth applying to Dechert? I am still writing my application and the deadline is the 31st of December.

Additionally, if anyone has any advice for the question: '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?'

Finally if anyone has any ideas on would be beneficial to add in the box 'If applicable please state any additional information which you think is relevant to your application or which you think has not been covered adequately in this form' I would really appreciate any advice!

yes still worthwhile applying - i reckon over 30% of their applications are yet to be received.

The additional information section is there for you to include any relevant details or information that hasn’t naturally fitted into other sections/questions asked. It will be very unique to you, so hard to say what you could include, but typically any of the following can be covered in this type of question:

• Grade explanations (especially if you received adjustments of exemptions in 2020)
• Gaps in CV (eg time not working or studying but not evidenced with other details on your application)
• Extenuating circumstances
• International grade explanations
• Work experience that doesn’t fall into the work experience section if you are limited to the number of entries you can provide
• Availability for interview (especially important if you are highly restricted with when you can interview)
• Reasonable adjustments required
• Any additional information you think is appropriate to include

 

[futuretraineecity]

For the ‘why you’ section of the Freshfields personal statement, is it better to arrange paragraphs by quality/skill or by experiences? I feel like if I do it by experiences I can demonstrate more than one skill per experience but not too sure which approach to take.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

For the ‘why you’ section of the Freshfields personal statement, is it better to arrange paragraphs by quality/skill or by experiences? I feel like if I do it by experiences I can demonstrate more than one skill per experience but not too sure which approach to take.

no set approach - do what works best for you. My advice with the FBD personal statement is remember that it is just that, personable - it should reflect you not try to conform.