General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[cryingoverTCs]

Can I mention the name of the firm I am brand ambassador for in a answer to an application question for a different firm? Or should I just say "brand ambassador for a multinational law firm"?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Can I mention the name of the firm I am brand ambassador for in a answer to an application question for a different firm? Or should I just say "brand ambassador for a multinational law firm"?

I would name the firm. Being vague about these things causes more suspicion. Thoughts are “why are you being so vague about who you worked for?”

 

[Deleted member 8227]

If I have to email graduate recruitment and not a specific person on the GR team, is it fine to address the email as 'dear graduate recruitment team'?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

If I have to email graduate recruitment and not a specific person on the GR team, is it fine to address the email as 'dear graduate recruitment team'?

Yes - that’s fine

 

[Polyglot]

I got a CMS Academy place!!!!!!!

Fantastic, congratulations! You must be delighted!

May I ask how long you had to wait between doing the AC and the offer being made?

 

[aspiringsolicitor123]

Fantastic, congratulations! You must be delighted!

May I ask how long you had to wait between doing the AC and the offer being made?

It was just over the weekend! did it on the friday and received the call on the monday

 

[aspiringsolicitor123]

Has anyone heard from Simmons post VI and tests?

 

[cryingoverTCs]

Has anyone applied to the AS DWF Diversity Access Scheme?

 

[mserwaah1]

Has anyone applied to the AS DWF Diversity Access Scheme?

Hey, yes I applied about two weeks ago and just received an email to complete the stage 2 about 5 minutes ago.

 

[cryingoverTCs]

Hey, yes I applied about two weeks ago and just received an email to complete the stage 2 about 5 minutes ago.

omg same! I was confused if the VI is automatic or if we have to answer the questions in the form well enough to get to that point - do you know? also, how are you going to prep for the interview?

 

[mserwaah1]

omg same! I was confused if the VI is automatic or if we have to answer the questions in the form well enough to get to that point - do you know? also, how are you going to prep for the interview?

I've just sent you a message

 

[Legally brown]

I've just sent you a message

omg same! I was confused if the VI is automatic or if we have to answer the questions in the form well enough to get to that point - do you know? also, how are you going to prep for the interview?

Hi! Yh I have also been moved to stage 2! Still very confused and don't understand how I should answer the question!

 

[IntrepidL]

Does anyone know if there is a list indicating which GDL/LPC providers that each law firm send their trainees to?

Hi, I know several big US firms (Cleary Gottlieb, Vinson & Elkins, Covington & Burling) and Linklaters and Ashurst sends their trainees to Ulaw. Other MC firms and NRF send their trainees to BPP.

 

[Bonolaw]

Hi, I know several big US firms (Cleary Gottlieb, Vinson & Elkins, Covington & Burling) and Linklaters and Ashurst sends their trainees to Ulaw. Other MC firms and NRF send their trainees to BPP.

I had an interview with a graduate recruitment manager who when I asked her that question told me that firms don't really have preferred providers for the GDL and LPC, they send their future trainees to the provider who has given them the largest fee discount apparently.

 

[cryingoverTCs]

if a question is asking how a firm differs from its competitors, do I just need to say things about the law firm as a business i.e. practice area specialists or client-facing innovation etc? Or can I say things that would benefit me as a future trainee i.e. quality of training, international presence, trainee intake etc?

 

[LEL]

if a question is asking how a firm differs from its competitors, do I just need to say things about the law firm as a business i.e. practice area specialists or client-facing innovation etc? Or can I say things that would benefit me as a future trainee i.e. quality of training, international presence, trainee intake etc?

It's usually asking how the firm is different from competitors form the point of view of clients i.e. what would make a client seek advice from that firm over others? Their strength in a particular practice area? A particular legal market? The capabilities of their lawyers? Hope that makes sense

 

[cryingoverTCs]

It's usually asking how the firm is different from competitors form the point of view of clients i.e. what would make a client seek advice from that firm over others? Their strength in a particular practice area? A particular legal market? The capabilities of their lawyers? Hope that makes sense

Ah ok yes, that makes sense - thank you! Do you know of any specific examples? the question is asking me to find 3 examples of ways the firm differentiates but I only have 200 words *stress*

 

[LEL]

Ah ok yes, that makes sense - thank you! Do you know of any specific examples? the question is asking me to find 3 examples of ways the firm differentiates but I only have 200 words *stress*

I can't give specific examples as I don't know the firm you're referring to, but I would start by looking at the firm's practice areas - maybe using Legal500 to see the areas in which it really excels, and then go on to explain how this leads clients to prefer this firm over others, as the firm has more experience, expertise etc.

Maybe if it's a firm with a strong presence in the US and UK, say how it places the firm well in dealing with cross-border deals involving the US, while also still being a strong firm in London to deal with UK clients' businesses.

If the firm has exceptional client service (by using a tangible example) that can also make the firm stand out.

If the firm also uses unique technology to streamline its processes, it would reduce the hours and therefore be more cost-efficient for the client, so it would give the firm a competitive advantage over others.

Just a few ideas, but make sure to do your research and tailor it to the firm's practice areas, international presence etc.

 

[IntrepidL]

I had an interview with a graduate recruitment manager who when I asked her that question told me that firms don't really have preferred providers for the GDL and LPC, they send their future trainees to the provider who has given them the largest fee discount apparently.

Yes, agreed. Just answering because the person asked which provider is the LPC provider for which firm.

 

[Bonolaw]

Yes, agreed. Just answering because the person asked which provider is the LPC provider for which firm.

Right. I should have made that answer clearer, she implied that firms do liaise with the course providers on a regular basis to negotiate tuition deals, and it can change from year to year, so the only reliable source would be the graduate recruitment team for the firm in question.