TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[Law_APP]

Does anyone has a final interview with Fried Frank this week? I had mine on monday and would like to discuss if you have already completed yours.

 

[LegallyStressedOut]

Is it the SJT + VI?

Yes

 

[iklawapps]

Hi everyone! I’m haven’t posted much but I just made it past the application stage for the first time. I have the Reed Smith Amberjack due soon and I don’t think I’ve taken anything like it. I’m sorry to be annoying but if anyone has any tips or anything I’d appreciate literally anything about the types of questions or what a VI is like 🥺 (confidentiality in mind ofc) thank you <3 please feel free to dm or reply or anything

 

[B101]

So I finally have a TC offer!! Thanks to everyone on the forum for being such a supportive community. I’m rooting for everyone to win!! Keep pushing past all the rejections and refining your approach. And keep paying it forward there’s space for everyone to succeed, even more so when we help eachother out!

 

[MaryAra299]

Anyone who has taken the macfarlanes test, is there any numerical element

 

[rosedunn]

If we submitted on final day of reed smith and some people have already heard is it too late .. :/

 

[TortillaTC]

If we submitted on final day of reed smith and some people have already heard is it too late .. :/

I had the same thoughts but received the tests yesterday!! They said not to assume anything btw, they're still reviewing applications and people can hear back within a month.

On this note, does anyone have specific tips on how to excel in Amberjack - besides what's been posted already? I haven't done too well in the past and RS is my first online test this whole application cycle! I appreciate any advice, can offer insights into SH and HL

 

[lawelmo]

Have you heard yet ?

Hi, have you heard back from Browne Jacobson yet?

 

[lawelmo]

Just heard back from Browne Jacobson (Birmingham office) after applying on March 1st, SJT on the 30th of March. Got a Telephone Interview, (honestly, was not expecting it because it's been so long). Do they normally take ages? Also, any tips?

Have you heard back from them post TI?

 

[imperial_topaz23]

Anyone hear back from Perkins Coie about their LBA Programme? Thanks!

 

[helloj]

Morgan Lewis telephone interview - any tips would be greatly appreciated (it's my first TI)!

 

[Amma Usman]

So I finally have a TC offer!! Thanks to everyone on the forum for being such a supportive community. I’m rooting for everyone to win!! Keep pushing past all the rejections and refining your approach. And keep paying it forward there’s space for everyone to succeed, even more so when we help eachother out!

AWWWW. So proud of you - congratulations! Celebrate well

 

[Amma Usman]

I presume this is an online assessment and virtual interview. Here are some tips from @Andrei Radu to help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

I am unsure about the test structure for the firm, so I have linked a screenshot to help with general law firm assessments. It mainly centres on SJTs though. So, even if it’s not directly applicable to this firm, I’m sure you’ll find it useful for some other purpose. Best of luck - we’re rooting for you!

View attachment 7176

Hi everyone! I’m haven’t posted much but I just made it past the application stage for the first time. I have the Reed Smith Amberjack due soon and I don’t think I’ve taken anything like it. I’m sorry to be annoying but if anyone has any tips or anything I’d appreciate literally anything about the types of questions or what a VI is like 🥺 (confidentiality in mind ofc) thank you <3 please feel free to dm or reply or anything

These should help

 

[Amma Usman]

We are still screening applications and, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, we are moving successful candidates through to the next stage in batches. If you haven't heard back yet, that does not mean you've been unsuccessful. We are aiming to communicate all outcomes within 1 month of the deadline but please do bare with us!

If we submitted on final day of reed smith and some people have already heard is it too late .. :/

Not at all, don’t worry about this! @ReedSmithBecca has confirmed that they’re still reviewing applications!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi there,

The way I see it… as VIs are short one-way interviews with many questions asked, there isn’t so much scope to cover everything. You will (depending on the firm) have about 60-90 seconds to answer each question. Your idea to include 2-3 points is great, but may come at the expense of you being able to adequately answer the question to the fullest. As it says a news story, I believe one central trending topic, together with short descriptions of why it interests you (perhaps consider linking to your own work/life experience, something you read or watched) would be the more direct approach. This will enable you to hit the nail on the head and overwhelm yourself less with trying to cover the broader impacts of a law firm’s position in it all.

In my experience, video interviews typically tripped me up because I had so many things running through my head, only few of which were actually relevant to the question being asked. What helped me was walking into them with the intention of focusing on only one (very rarely, two) points and expanding on them in great detail. On more soft tips to ace these… hand gestures, vocal intonation, and overall presentation, also help elevate your responses.

This is an example of what I might say (adjusted to say a 60 second answer) to your question:

- The news story I have picked is one which aligns with the proposed changes in the 2024 Employment Rights Bill.

- Briefly explain the change - For example, the UK now offers statutory sick pay from day one, including for about a million low-income workers who were previously ineligible.

- Highlight why it matters– This ensures workers don’t feel pressured to work while sick, improving public health and financial security.

- Link it to employment law – It reflects a shift towards fairer workplace rights and protections, for example.

- Make it personal – Studying employment law, this demonstrates evolving employee rights and it interests me because of X Y Z.

Yay. This makes me soo happy! HUGE CONGRATS!

In terms of preparing for competency based interviews, it’s important to first acknowledge that it differs from a motivational interview. Competency interviews, quite literally, test certain competencies - organisational management, commercial acumen, etc. However, I also want to let you know that I’ve done interviews that were called “competency”, but still “motivational“ in some respects - so, asking the basic questions like “why the firm, why commercial law”. The competency part will likely cover “why you”. Prepare for the full spectrum just in case.

You can also book mock interviews with TCLA via here. If you have an existing membership, I recommend logging in first to the TCLA courses page - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/mock-interview-2/

In terms of general tips:

• I always say this: know your experiences in and out. That way, whatever question you’re asked, you’ll be able to ace it. The reason this works is because you’ll naturally be able to pick out the key skills and competencies you acquired through knowing each individual task you did.
• Know the core practices at the firm and weave into some answers (as is relevant) why you want to complete a VS there.
• Ask thoughtful questions at the end. I say thoughtful because you don’t want to be the person that asks really generic questions. My approach with this is always to ask interviewers something about their own work and experiences - that way, you learn a lot about the firm and the role at large.
• A great guide by @Andrei Radu to help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/
• Vocal intonation and eye contact - a given, but worth flagging still.
• Professional attire - even if it‘s an online interview, I recommend putting over a formal blazer.

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...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

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...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

Morgan Lewis telephone interview - any tips would be greatly appreciated (it's my first TI)!

I am sure you will find the above useful. Best wishes with the next stage!

 

[IBartlett]

Anyone had anything from MacFarlanes, RPC, Arnold Porter , White & Case and Reed Smith post VI and asestment?

I only just heard back from Reed Smith yesterday about completing a video interview and assessment. Nothing from Macfarlanes or Arnold Porter. Have people been asked to do an assessment for Arnold & Porter?

 

[IBartlett]

Sorry to hear about BCLP, can I ask when you completed the test if you don’t mind sharing?

Sorry only just saw this. I did it on the 1st June, and got a no the next day.

 

[lou1707]

hey guys! when writing a cover letter for a paralegal position, should we address it to "hiring manager" (e.g. "dear hiring manager")? thanks!

 

[Atam!]

Hey guys! does anyone have any idea when Reed Smith might get back to us to confirm if we were successful in the assesment/vi stage? or at least when they will be carrying out the assessment centre for DTC? just trying to make sure i will be in the uk by then! Thanks

 

[tobywstress]

Does anyone know if it is possible to apply to Faegre Drinker twice within the same cycle?