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

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone!
Any advice on how to prepare for a news article discussion as part of an interview? It's my first one so not really sure what to expect. Thanks!

Some advice on these two links: Advice on the article interview and here too

 

[TeeLaw]

Some advice on these two links: Advice on the article interview and here too

Thanks so much! @Jessica Booker

 

[YUKI1201]

Hi everyone!
Any advice on how to prepare for a news article discussion as part of an interview? It's my first one so not really sure what to expect. Thanks!

I did an AC with Freshfields and they had an article based interview, here's my two cents

1. I'd say brush up on your business knowledge, i.e., not just current affairs/commercial news (these are very important too) but also how businesses function, improve performance and deal with difficulties. I personally found my GCSE business and A-level economics knowledge pretty helpful, if you didn't take those subjects you could try to find summary notes (or just go to Investopedia and search up).
2. Also you could go to FT and find an article, practise analysing it using SWOT and PESTLE - it doesn't mean you have to follow these structures in the interview, but this way you develop a mindset knowing what aspects to think about when reading an issue.
3. Make sure you know where and how the lawyers may fit into the issue you're reading.
4. I don't think this is necessary but could potentially be a bonus point and help you stand out: bring in external examples (i.e., news you have read, deals the firm has previously done) to demonstrate and substantiate your point. For example, when asked on why can't a business just collapse and leave everything in a mess, I used examples of Evergrand and Lehman to illustrate the impacts on stakeholders.

 

[TeeLaw]

I did an AC with Freshfields and they had an article based interview, here's my two cents

1. I'd say brush up on your business knowledge, i.e., not just current affairs/commercial news (these are very important too) but also how businesses function, improve performance and deal with difficulties. I personally found my GCSE business and A-level economics knowledge pretty helpful, if you haven't done those subjects you could try to find summary notes (or just go to Investopedia and search up).
2. Also you could go to FT and find an article, practise analysing it using SWOT and PESTLE - it doesn't mean you have to follow these structures in the interview, but this way you develop a mindset knowing what aspects to think about when reading an issue.
3. Make sure you know where and how the lawyers may fit into the issue you're reading.
4. I don't think this is necessary but could potentially be a bonus point and help you stand out: bring in external examples (i.e., news you have read, deals the firm has previously done) to demonstrate and substantiate your point. For example, when asked on why can't a business just collapse and leave everything in a mess, I used examples of Evergrand and Lehman to illustrate the impacts on stakeholders.

Ok great, thank you! @YUKI1201

 

[lawvc2021]

What is a good way of approaching the question 'why commercial law, and not finance?'.

 

[Abii]

What is a good way of approaching the question 'why commercial law, and not finance?'.

Personally I think the best way to approach any of these questions/type of questions is with what your personal reasons are, for me I never considered finance and I would say that. My journey to commercial law was quite organic - I explored the different legal professions so the bar and solicitor, did a masters, and worked in commercial law as a paralegal and found that that was what liked best and ticked all the boxes for me, I got a scholarship to do the LPC so the next step and progression for me is trainee solicitor in commercial law. I'd be interested to see what others suggest to answer such questions.

 

[selfcarequeenzzz1]

I have a final stage video interview with an in-house legal team for a summer internship - any advice? I have never had a video interview nor a final stage one either!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

What is a good way of approaching the question 'why commercial law, and not finance?'.

Focus on what law can give you rather than why you don't want to do finance.

 

[m.n]

does anyone have any tips on the MoFo first stage interview? thank you

 

[Law1099]

I have an Ac Tomorrow and I’m really struggling with my ‘why law’ answer. My answer just sounds so long winded and takes into account all my experience and academic because I didn’t have a lightbulb moment to go into commercial law.

does anyone have any tips to break down this answer so it doesn’t sound like I’m rambling about my life? Thanks!

 

[Leightoncass]

I really don't understand why firms always have to take so long to send out rejections. Especially when offers have already been given.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I have an Ac Tomorrow and I’m really struggling with my ‘why law’ answer. My answer just sounds so long winded and takes into account all my experience and academic because I didn’t have a lightbulb moment to go into commercial law.

does anyone have any tips to break down this answer so it doesn’t sound like I’m rambling about my life? Thanks!

Break it down to the 4-5 key points/most influential parts of the journey - you don't have to describe every step. You also don't have to describe what you did just why those 4-5 parts of your journey made you more determined to pursue the career.

 

[Law1099]

Break it down to the 4-5 key points/most influential parts of the journey - you don't have to describe every step. You also don't have to describe what you did just why those 4-5 parts of your journey made you more determined to pursue the career.

Thank you! What is a too long of an answer? If I speak for 3 minutes straight is that bad?

 

[Legalmel_99]

Clyde & co and ramsdens pfo

On the more positive side - ward hadaway WG test invite xx

 

[lucciblanca]

Can I please get in touch with you too?

Of course

 

[lucefrancesxx]

Pinsent Masons vac scheme omg!!

 

[A92167!8]

Pinsent Masons vac scheme omg!!

Omg which office and when/how did you find out? Congrats!!!

 

[lucefrancesxx]

Omg which office and when/how did you find out? Congrats!!!

Thank u!! Leeds and they literally just called me!

 

[GXA123]

Pinsent Masons vac scheme omg!!

what office? phone or email?

 

[Jaysen]

Hey All,

Just a quick reminder, in about 15 minutes, @Jessica Booker will be interviewing Laura Brunnen, a corporate lawyer and former partner at Fried Frank and Reed Smith. Laura will provide an insight into her experiences, and give her opinions on subjects like making positive impressions, navigating workloads and working relationships, as well as considerations when moving firms. It's going to be a really open and frank conversation.

While mainly targeted at future trainees, you are welcome to sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IzHhMElATkqCIVTkFVBcgg, especially if you are looking for something to do tonight, or you want to watch Jess in action