TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)
- Thread starter Jaysen
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I'd recommend comparing 2-4 things that stand out to you most about the firm. It could be their trainee intake/training contract structure, clientele, strategy, strength of practice areas- anything, really. Ensure you identify what the firm you're applying to does better than its competitors in your comparison to bring out how the firm stays competitive.
People do it all the time but I think it's a bit silly - you haven't done anything, you haven't gained any experience. That said, you *have* been vetted by grad rec somewhere and that serves as a shorthand to grad rec elsewhere that you're worth taking seriously. There's also the benefit of creating a sense of urgency as you will prospectively have other offers, but flipside is that the firm you're applying to will be less confident you'll sign with them for a TC. Would probably park it in 'other information' or similar because, again, getting through a recruitment process is not itself a work experience.
This is a great answer and I think a key thing is focusing on the points that stand out to you most. Very easy to agonise over this kind of question ad nauseum - @Paul - Shearman & Sterling will have had the misfortune of reading my overwrought answers to this question on several occasions (sorry Paul) - and this tends to lead to worse or, at best, inauthentic answers. At best I think this question allows you to demonstrate firm/market knowledge and demonstrate how you think and what you care about. Easier said than done, but try to do that.
Huge W, congratsRopes and gray VSthanks everyone
Anyone else still in the aether with Travers?
Imo also mention relationships with support staff. As a paralegal at a US firm I get most of my work from associates, but trainees take on a lot of work that can be passed down - trainees can be uncomfortable with delegating, but I like to make the point that the chargeout is higher for trainees than paralegals so it's better for clients the more work is passed to the paralegal desks. It's likewise very sensible to delegate to assistants/secretaries, and any doc support staff. I imagine displaying a client-interest mentality is always a good shout.
Ofc also good, if you can, to foster client relationships, and worth mentioning but it's good to recognise that depending on the firm that may be limited at trainee stage
Jessica Booker
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So my personal view with the BCLP question is to be more selective. Think about who the most important relationships are to build especially in your first three months and that will be important in the long term.
I think many people miss the “in your first three months” part of the question.
I think many people miss the “in your first three months” part of the question.
Re: the BCLP question, I believe the word limit is a bit tight so if you start listing everyone and their pet hamster you’re going to be left wanting for motive.
Why you would seek to build relations is just as (if not more) important.
Why you would seek to build relations is just as (if not more) important.
I chose two and spoke about the method of building that relationship through different means and that was successful so I second what Jessica says!
OC VC reserve list - did anyone else get this email?
case study invite for Mishcon! does anyone know what this entails or how to prepare?? never done a case study before.
I did it two years ago, so my advice may be a little off but it was 30mins to prepare with around 5 documents (think balance sheet, background, and a few other things ) and a 30 min interview with a senior associate where you do a 10 min presentation of all the facts/issues facing your client and come to a conclusion on the best solution for their problem. Mid way through they throw in a piece of information (in my case an email) that could change your recommendations! I didn’t really know anything but the absolute basics of business and got through so I’d recommend just understanding M&A and common sense around business issues and that’s enough to get you to the next round! Best of luck!
Was your assessor HR or an associate?I did it two years ago, so my advice may be a little off but it was 30mins to prepare with around 5 documents (think balance sheet, background, and a few other things ) and a 30 min interview with a senior associate where you do a 10 min presentation of all the facts/issues facing your client and come to a conclusion on the best solution for their problem. Mid way through they throw in a piece of information (in my case an email) that could change your recommendations! I didn’t really know anything but the absolute basics of business and got through so I’d recommend just understanding M&A and common sense around business issues and that’s enough to get you to the next round! Best of luck!
I currently have an administrator role in a Magic Circle firm and its such a good way to get in as the roles are typically less competitive and I really leveraged the experience gained in my applications. You also get access to firm resources and training etc so you can really get the most out of it and build towards perhaps a paralegal job moving forward!
They were a senior associate (from my memory!). I don't think its common to have a case study with GR but I may be wrong!
Thank you so much for that @George Maxwell !! Just waiting patiently with optimism at this point! No matter what happens, I believe we've given our best
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