TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
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reed smith pfo 🤪🤪🤪 don't get what was wrong with my application but we move on
- Sep 7, 2024
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I recommend reaching out to recruiters that work at recruitment agencies too, in addition to applying for vacancies at the law firm’s website directly. Some I know of are Lunaria Partners, Forte Legal, The SJP, etc.
- Sep 7, 2024
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I’m so sorry about this. I know how tough rejections can feel, but please don’t let it keep you down for too long. Take a moment to catch a breath, understand where you may have went wrong, jot it down on paper, then re-strategise for next cycle/ remaining applications.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Huge congratulations - this is amazing news!
I have just checked and seen that the interview is with a member of the HR team. In my experience, interviews of this sort don’t usually last more than 20-30 minutes and they mainly cover your main motivations. So essentially, why commercial law, why MLB, why you, etc. There may be a mix of skills-based questions or SJT type scenarios which will enable you to apply your past experiences and link that to how it’ll enable you to succeed as a trainee at the firm. However, I am unsure about MLB exactly, so it’s worth referring to the initial invite email, or reaching out to GR with any questions. I also recommend to reach out to future trainees/ trainees on LinkedIn as they’ll have more insights on the latest scope of the process and can advise better from there.
Another soft tip is that your face can’t be seen from telephone interviews. While what I’m about to say may sound silly yet obvious at the same time, you need to ensure your vocal intonation is on point, because of the latter issue I flagged. Speak smoothly and enunciate your words clearly. Also alternate between different tones to show enthusiasm and convey your passion adequately. Be polite at all times, ensuring to not interrupt the person on the other end. Again, because of the lack of video barrier, these are soft things to note.
A few additional sources to help -
A complete guide for competency interview preparation
This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Why Commercial Law? Investigating Your ‘Why’
The question that often makes you pause for a moment. You know why you want to pursue this, you’re certain it’s what you want. Yet, putting it into words — especially in a way that resonates with recruiters — is a challenge. Then, you see it in an application form, and it’s just like “argg!” How...
Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications
Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...
Well done on reaching that stage! The above post will help
let me know if you have any more questions.
- Sep 7, 2024
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This is a really good question. If you are not comfortable with going ahead with the assessment without reasonable adjustments, definitely mention it to graduate recruitment. I do not see a world where a law firm will not take this into account. In my opinion, you should not worry too much about this, so far as you disclose it to the firm.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @harris100 , well done on securing the interview invite!
First, I recommend having a look at TCLA’s Sidley Austin Law Firm Profile to brush up your knowledge about the firm. It will also be helpful to have a chat with any future trainees or current trainees/associates of the firm regarding any specific questions you may have.
Additionally, I have quoted a post I made recently on interview tips below:
1. Motivational-Based Interview: This will often cover ‘Why law?’, ‘Why commercial law?’, and ‘Why this firm?’. It’s essential to have clear, thoughtful responses that show your genuine motivation for both the profession and the specific firm. I’ve encountered a few assessment centres where they asked separately about law and commercial law, so it was useful to tailor my responses accordingly. For the ‘Why law?’ question, a general approach works well, supported by specific experiences and research showing your overall passion for law. For example, I highlighted how starting my degree sparked a commitment to the legal field, even before specialising.
When asked ‘Why commercial law?’, I knew I needed to highlight the intersection of commerce with legal practice, describing how this area of law aligns with my interests in business dynamics. This is where mentioning relevant experiences—like virtual internships via Forage, open days, or in-person internships—comes in handy. These can showcase a range of skills, plus a deeper understanding of the field.
2. Competency/Situational-Based Interview: In this segment, you’ll likely be asked about scenarios where you demonstrated specific skills, which may involve legal or business experiences but could also draw from any background. Each experience holds value, even if it’s not directly law-related. For example, during an assessment centre, I was asked to discuss a time I showed integrity. Off the top of my head, I remember approaching my answer similar to this:
While reviewing contractual provisions, I demonstrated integrity by going beyond a standard review to ensure that both parties’ interests were fairly represented. Instead of simply accepting terms as written, I took the initiative to scrutinise clauses that could lead to imbalances, especially around liability and obligations. When I identified provisions that heavily favoured one party, I recommended revisions to create a more equitable balance. For this step, I received feedback from my supervisor on my ability to swiftly communicate business-related concerns.Such a commitment to fairness, even when it meant additional effort or challenging initial drafts, allowed me to uphold both ethical standards and the trust of all parties involved. Ultimately, my integrity was the guiding principle, ensuring transparency and fostering long-term confidence on both sides.
As you can see, I followed the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format. However, while I keep this structure in mind, I adapt my answer in an interview to make it sound natural and conversational. For assessment centres, having a structured answer is excellent, but the ability to communicate it confidently and personably makes it even stronger.
3. Case Study Interview: While commercial awareness is key throughout the application process, it’s especially critical in case study interviews. Commercial awareness goes beyond just keeping up with the news—it’s about grasping the implications of business concepts on the legal sector.
For example, you might encounter a question on the impact of recent listing rule changes on law firms and their clients. If you’re interviewing with a firm that specialises in transactions, case study questions may centre around transactional areas of law like M&A. However, for firms with a disputes focus, case studies might lean towards litigation. Regardless, it’s helpful to be well-versed in both areas, so linking knowledge across disciplines can help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.
You might also be asked to discuss a recent news article rather than a fictional case. Here, they may ask you to assess broader impacts on clients and the firm itself. If, for instance, interest rates come up while you’re interviewing at a firm with a strong private equity practice, you could discuss how higher rates could slow private equity deals due to increased borrowing costs. As borrowing with high leverage is standard in private equity, you could point out that firms may see a dip in deal flow until economic conditions improve. Additionally, considering the law firm as a business itself, higher rates might mean it borrows less to fund operations, which could influence how it navigates the changing economic climate.
For case studies and article discussions, a structured answer is key. Start by summarising the main points, then address the implications for law firms and their clients, add any insights you think are valuable, answer the specific questions in the instructions, and consider any policy implications or open questions you’d like to raise.
Overall Tip: Confidence is key. If you speak confidently, you’ll be able to calm your nerves and let your skills come through clearly. Best of luck, and do keep us updated— we’re rooting for you!
That’s good to know. I’ve linked this thread to help. Another thing is that if you search these words individually on the main forum search bar, you would see many sources from either I or another member of the TCLA team (whether present or past). You can then choose which fits more neatly into the assessment structure you were made aware of, and learn over a range of resources. On this, I’ve also quoted some additional posts above.
A complete guide for competency interview preparation
This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Thank you! Is there a difference between situational questions versus situational judgment questions? I saw some were quite similar to questions I normally see in SJTs, and asking me what I would do.That’s good to know. I’ve linked this thread to help. Another thing is that if you search these words individually on the main forum search bar, you would see many sources from either I or another member of the TCLA team (whether present or past). You can then choose which fits more neatly into the assessment structure you were made aware of, and learn over a range of resources. On this, I’ve also quoted some additional posts above.
A complete guide for competency interview preparation
This is a guide for the purposes of preparing for competency interviews, be they in a VI, another intermediary step or an AC/final stage interview. The advice here is based on my personal approach, as I received VS offers from top US/MC firms 4/4 times I implemented it. This will include: A...
- Sep 7, 2024
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I don’t think there’s a difference since they both do the same thing in my opinion - testing how you react to different situations in the workplace.
- Sep 7, 2024
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I’m unsure about HFW but I’d say a week isn’t too much of a delay when it comes to hearing back. They’re probably still collating feedback from your AC, interviewing other candidates, or juggling the other demands within an early careers team.
No, it isn't automatic. We screen every response and approximately 50% of candidates progress to the next stage.
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