TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[M777]

I assume it is Simmons & Simmons

Ahhh I see- thank you!

 

[xtinew]

Got Clyde and Co’s VI invite on Thursday around 4pm - it says I have three working days to complete the interview, does that mean I have until Tuesday at 4pm?

Usually it's by the end of Tuesday but to be safe I would definitely submit it latest early Tuesday.
Is this for the Winter VS?

 

[sibs23]

I'm struggling with how to approach the following question: Describe a current commercial issue that has interested you and explain why it interested you? (250 words)

- I am unsure what the best structure would be for this answer - either narrative or PESTLE?
- Would the best approach be to go for a broad topic or more sector/practice specific maybe?
- To what extent should I be linking this answer back to the law firm?

Thanks!!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I'm struggling with how to approach the following question: Describe a current commercial issue that has interested you and explain why it interested you? (250 words)

- I am unsure what the best structure would be for this answer - either narrative or PESTLE?
- Would the best approach be to go for a broad topic or more sector/practice specific maybe?
- To what extent should I be linking this answer back to the law firm?

Thanks!!

1) There isn’t really a best structure - it’s really going to depend on the story and it’s connection to you. PESTLE isn’t necessary - I’d say most people go more with the narrative aspect.

2) either is fine. Although if you have a lot of specialist knowledge/experience in one practice area, this could be an opportunity to show your interest in something else.

3) this is more about you than the law firm. You need to clearly explain your interest in the story and how it’s links back to you rather than the firm.

 

[l0133]

Has anyone added an extensive additional bit for the 'anything extra than will aid your application' box on the Hogan Lovells app?

 

[BeGrateful.101]

I'm struggling with how to approach the following question: Describe a current commercial issue that has interested you and explain why it interested you? (250 words)

- I am unsure what the best structure would be for this answer - either narrative or PESTLE?
- Would the best approach be to go for a broad topic or more sector/practice specific maybe?
- To what extent should I be linking this answer back to the law firm?

Thanks!!

This is an example of a structure you could use. All the best.

Firstly, tell them about the story.

• Something that I’ve been following over the last couple of months is …..

Secondly, tell them why it has interested you.

• I’ve been particularly interested by this because… [relate to something you’ve done at university/or a passion]

Thirdly, tell them one way it could impact on the business/sector

• This will impact on the business/sector because

Fourthly, pick out another way in will impact

• Also, it could impact the business/sector because….

Finally, to take your answer to the next level, tell them how they could potentially alleviate this impact or make the most of it (depending if the impact is negative or positive)

• To make the most of this, the firm could consider this... or to ensure the firm is ready for this change, it could be important to...

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

Anyone heard back from Sidley regarding the Winter VS?

 

[ELaw2021]

Do you think I can use setting up a uni society and creating its resources, e.g. events, quizzes, etc., as an example of being innovative? Or is that not really an example of innovation?

 

[Kubed]

Do you think I can use setting up a uni society and creating its resources, e.g. events, quizzes, etc., as an example of being innovative? Or is that not really an example of innovation?

In my opinion, 'innovation' is doing something new or novel or different - for example putting a creative idea/concept into action or a way of doing something that makes an existing process more efficient. It can be something big or something small. So your idea of setting a society could fall under that depending on what it is but I think you would need to get across why it was different/creative/novel - probably a good one to use STAR with.

 

[ELaw2021]

In my opinion, 'innovation' is doing something new or novel or different - for example putting a creative idea/concept into action or a way of doing something that makes an existing process more efficient. It can be something big or something small. So your idea of setting a society could fall under that depending on what it is but I think you would need to get across why it was different/creative/novel - probably a good one to use STAR with.

That's really helpful, thank you!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Do you think I can use setting up a uni society and creating its resources, e.g. events, quizzes, etc., as an example of being innovative? Or is that not really an example of innovation?

They can be great examples for this. Focus on why what you did was different (and subsequently better) though.

 

[Dheepa]

I'm struggling with how to approach the following question: Describe a current commercial issue that has interested you and explain why it interested you? (250 words)

- I am unsure what the best structure would be for this answer - either narrative or PESTLE?
- Would the best approach be to go for a broad topic or more sector/practice specific maybe?
- To what extent should I be linking this answer back to the law firm?

Thanks!!

You’ve got some very helpful answers to this already but personally I always linked commercial answers back to the firm. In terms of how you’d link it back, think about the practice areas that would be involved in helping clients make use of the opportunity/impact from whatever you’re discussing.

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

Anyone know what the questions are for CMS this year?

 

[Samir_O]

Was wondering what sorts of things, if any, people decided to include for HL's optional question on their app "Please detail below any further information that you would like us to consider when reviewing your application." (Max 250 words)?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Was wondering what sorts of things, if any, people decided to include for HL's optional question on their app "Please detail below any further information that you would like us to consider when reviewing your application." (Max 250 words)?

This is for any information that couldn’t be answered in other sections. For instance, clarification of grades, mitigating circumstances, gaps in your CV (eg when you weren’t working/studying), and questions that you feel they haven’t asked elsewhere that are important to you (eg if they haven’t asked a why commercial law question and your CV has little/no evidence of your pursuit of commercial law).

It shouldn’t be where you just go into more detail because you ran out of space describing other answers though.

 

[Samir_O]

This is for any information that couldn’t be answered in other sections. For instance, clarification of grades, mitigating circumstances, gaps in your CV (eg when you weren’t working/studying), and questions that you feel they haven’t asked elsewhere that are important to you (eg if they haven’t asked a why commercial law question and your CV has little/no evidence of your pursuit of commercial law).

It shouldn’t be where you just go into more detail because you ran out of space describing other answers though.

Thank you very much for answering my question Jessica!

Separately - may I ask, do you think I should wait for Linklaters to give an answer on my application (whether i progress or not) before emailing grad rec for my WG report?

 

[Ooshmate]

Has anyone done the Ashurst Psychometric tests and if so, what are they like?

 

[rb26]

Oh my, that is a delay! What sort of response did you get after that length of time?!

"Please confirm whether you are still interested in applying"

 

[LEL]

Has anyone done the Ashurst Psychometric tests and if so, what are they like?

2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion

Has anyone any advice on what to expect from the Lewis Silkin pre-selection case study? Or how to prepare for it?

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

 

[John Travoni]

Any word from A&O yet whatsoever ?