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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
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has any1 heard from travers smith TC? I know the deadline was 1 nov and was a pretty simple application
Hey guys, does anyone have any links that they think would be useful for a Slaughter and May Interview/Assessment centre?
- Sep 9, 2024
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This TCLA post about the Slaughter and May interview experience was really useful for me when preparing for my own - you can access it here. Although it is an older post (I think from 2018) I have found my own experience in the VS and TC interviews to be very similar to the one described there.
I have also quoted bellow a post from a someone who listed a number of useful links for preparing for the Slaughter and May interviews specifically:
Hi @Andrei Radu, @Jessica Booker
What two would you pick for this q and why would you pick them: What do you believe are two key qualities of a successful solicitor? How have you demonstrated these qualities in your education and/or experience to date? Max 300 words
Unsure which two to pick (there are many) and what criteria I should consider to pick them.
And how would you advise I structure my response please?
What two would you pick for this q and why would you pick them: What do you believe are two key qualities of a successful solicitor? How have you demonstrated these qualities in your education and/or experience to date? Max 300 words
Unsure which two to pick (there are many) and what criteria I should consider to pick them.
And how would you advise I structure my response please?
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- Aug 1, 2019
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I don’t think there are two skills to pick.
I would focus on your strengths first and maybe identify 3 or 4 where you are going to have strong examples of demonstrating those skills and then think which skills might fit most closely with the firm.
Although the question is asking about lawyers generally, the reality is the firm will be looking for people with similar mindsets to them, and so I would look at what the firm says it values in trainees, or their corporate values more broadly and then try to align your key strengths with the firm and skills needed to excel as a lawyer.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hiya @Lastseasonwonder
Just jumping in here briefly to add to what @Jessica Booker said (and what Andrei, I'm sure, might also say).
First, make sure you're actually discussing qualities and not skills (a distinction that applicants sometimes confuse). Skills refer to specific abilities or proficiencies (e.g., legal research or drafting), whereas qualities are more about your characteristics or attributes (e.g., being collaborative or resilient).
Whenever I've answered this sort of question in the past, I've generally tried to reflect on why the quality can really ensure a commercial lawyer is effective in their role. If you choose to discuss the importance of being (e.g.) 'collaborative', you could explain that this quality is essential given the complexity of the matters on which commercial lawyers advise. For instance, these matters often require expertise across various fields, meaning that successful commercial lawyers must work closely with colleagues from different practice areas. This could include their colleagues in areas such as corporate M&A, banking and finance, disputes, tax, IP, employment, and competition law. After identifying the first trait and explaining its significance, you can then provide a personal example of how you’ve developed the quality in question.
Once you’ve addressed the first quality, you can then move on to the second. Again, explain why this quality is important for a commercial lawyer and how it impacts their work. For instance, if you pick resilience or adaptability, discuss why such attributes help commercial lawyers excel given the demands of their role. Follow this with a specific example from your background where you showed the relevant attribute.
Structuring your response this way (by introducing each quality, explaining its importance, and illustrating with a personal example) will help you create a comprehensive and structured answer. Again, this is just one way to approach the question and I'm sure @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman will have things to add. Good luck with your application!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @Lastseasonwonder
Good question! I remember having the same queries when I was applying.
Looking at it now, some key qualities that come to mind are proactivity and strong communication skills.
Here’s how I would structure my answer:
- One-sentence Introduction: A brief opener highlighting which two skills I’ll cover. Though this uses a bit of the word count, it helps structure the response and allows the recruiter to quickly gauge the focus areas.
- Two Key Paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on one skill, beginning with an introductory sentence such as “The first quality I believe a successful solicitor needs is proactivity.” This gives clarity to the answer and prepares the reader for what follows.
- Concise, Relevant Examples: As @Ram Sabaratnam mentioned, the primary focus is on showcasing how you’ve demonstrated these qualities. You’ll need to give specific examples from your education and experience, staying focused on how these examples support your suitability for the role.
Here’s an example of how I’d write this answer:
I believe two essential qualities of a successful solicitor are proactivity and strong communication skills.
Proactivity is vital because a solicitor needs to anticipate client needs, adapt to complex situations, and consistently seek ways to improve their work. I demonstrated this in my role as a legal intern at a financial services company, where I was responsible for reviewing contracts to ensure regulatory compliance. When we trialled an AI contract review tool, I took the initiative to analyse its effectiveness, recognising the potential to streamline processes. I created a comprehensive report that evaluated the tool’s accuracy and suitability for long-term use, also proposing additional tools for further efficiency. My manager commended me on my proactive approach and my capacity to think strategically about our workflow—feedback that reinforces my commitment to bringing proactive solutions to your firm.
Strong communication skills are equally important, as solicitors must convey complex information clearly and build trusting relationships with clients and colleagues. During a group project to enhance talent retention in the insurance sector, I played a dual role in written and verbal communication. I synthesised survey data into a memo for stakeholders, ensuring the findings were accessible and actionable. Additionally, I delivered a concise presentation to the Board of Directors, summarising our key insights and proposed actions. This experience underscored the value of clear communication in advancing team objectives and influencing stakeholders, which I aim to bring to the role of a trainee solicitor at your firm.
In summary:
- Start with a brief, one-sentence introduction to outline the two qualities.
- For each paragraph, start with a sentence introducing the quality and its relevance.
- Use concise examples to show how you demonstrated the quality in a real setting, focusing on specifics of what you did, why it mattered, and any positive outcomes or feedback you received.
- Conclude with a statement connecting these qualities to the solicitor role at the firm.
Has anyone heard back from Irwin Mitchell’s online assessment yet?
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For the Clifford Chance TC app - does someone here have tips for the work experience section and the Watson Glaser test?
I applied last year and was rejected. It was mainly because I could not clear the WG test, which I am particularly not good at. I'm preparing to be better but do they not review the app if I don't pass the test?
And does anyone have any specific tips for CC's WG or any insights that may help?
Another side question is how do you track your progress and how much you are improving on a WG?
I applied last year and was rejected. It was mainly because I could not clear the WG test, which I am particularly not good at. I'm preparing to be better but do they not review the app if I don't pass the test?
And does anyone have any specific tips for CC's WG or any insights that may help?
Another side question is how do you track your progress and how much you are improving on a WG?
Does anyone know when Womble Bond Dickinson will open their training contract or vac scheme applications?
Why would the firm view an application that hasn’t passed the test benchmark. That would be a waste of their time. If the test is there I’d assume it’s for a reason and that would be to cut the numbers of applicants and “review the best applications”. I don’t believe those who pass the WG are the best of the bunch they’re just those who can pass the test. I found their WG to be pretty similar to Linklaters and CMS. I tend to say the question out loud and contradict myself when saying the answers. Whichever sounds better and more convincing I go with. don’t think.
I'm starting to think my grades are the reason I'm struggling to secure a TC. I have a (low/mid) 2.1 from UCL, but then I only have a pass (unfortunately resits too) in my LPC (59%) due to mitigating circumstances. What law firms tend to be less grade-focused? I know some smaller ones that are, but are there any leading ones that are known to be more chill? thanks!
DLA Piper, Osborne Clarke, Ropes & Gray (no minimum requirements)
Freshfields, CMS, Addleshaw Goddard, Fieldfisher, Shoosmiths (2:1 degree overall, doesn't need to be across all modules)
TCLA have an application tracker that detail undergraduate requirements, however I'm not sure about the impact of your LPC results, regardless you should check it out.
- Sep 7, 2024
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Hey @gazdgazd11
It's good to take a strategy when applying, but I'd also say that your grades are definitely within the requirements that many law firms typically set out. I know trainees and associates at firms like Freshfields and CMS who have similar academic profiles, so don’t be too worried. Since you already have mitigating circumstances for the LPC, I really think the key is how you present your overall profile.
@safari3 made some great suggestions, and I've seen applicants at those firms who have come to a legal career with a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds. To help determine which firms are worth applying to, you might also want to look at this Chambers Student table. You can use it to to check the academic requirements of various firms but, again, keep in mind that most leading firms do take mitigating circumstances into account.
If you can, I'd also recommend focussing on gaining (and adequately discussing) strong work experiences in your application. You'd be surprised by how many candidates often under-describe or fail to give enough attention to this part of the application. I often found it helpful to use my volunteer and work experience sections as a way to demonstrate my practical skills and maturity. It was also my way of showing grad recruiters that I was capable of handling trainee responsibilities effectively, even if I wasn't a student with a first-class law degree.
Feel free to each out if you have any other questions
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Thank you so much! Wow this really gave me hope! Appreciate itHey @gazdgazd11
It's good to take a strategy when applying, but I'd also say that your grades are definitely within requirements that many law firms typically set out. I know trainees and associates at firms like Freshfields and CMS who have similar academic profiles, so don’t be too worried. Since you already have mitigating circumstances for the LPC, I really think the key is how you present your overall profile.
@safari3 made some great suggestions, and I've seen applicants at those firms who have come to a legal career with a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds. To help determine which firms are worth applying to, you might also want to look at this Chambers Student table. You can use it to to check the academic requirements of various firms but, again, keep in mind that most leading firms do take mitigating circumstances into account.
If you can, I'd also recommend focussing on gaining (and adequately discussing) strong work experiences in your application. You'd be surprised by how many candidates often under-describe or fail to give enough attention to this part of the application. I often found it helpful to use my volunteer and work experience sections as a way to demonstrate my practical skills and maturity. It was also my way of showing grad recruiters that I was capable of handling trainee responsibilities effectively, even if I wasn't a student with a first-class law degree.
Feel free to each out if you have any other questions
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