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

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FutureLawyer99

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I have this application question for TLT: By having a sector approach, TLT is able to advise clients on the markets in which they operate as well as their own business needs. What recent work in one of our sectors have you found interesting and why?

Do I need to talk about one of TLT's recent deals in that sector? Or is it asking me to talk about a recent update in the sector as a whole?
 
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Jessica Booker

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I have this application question for TLT: By having a sector approach, TLT is able to advise clients on the markets in which they operate as well as their own business needs. What recent work in one of our sectors have you found interesting and why?

Do I need to talk about one of TLT's recent deals in that sector? Or is it asking me to talk about a recent update in the sector as a whole?
It doesn't have to be a deal as such, it could be advisory or contentious work too.

I'd try to link it to the work that the firm would be doing - that could be linked to a general update/trend in the market, but I think it needs a clear tie to the work the firm does for it to work.

TLT have some great insight articles under each of the sectors on their website - I suspect these could be a good starting point.
 

AvniD

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Hiya, just have a quick question, I've recently been offered a role at Dentons for a paralegal role, but I won't start for three months due to my current work's notice period. For upcoming TC apps can I include this within my work experience section even though the role is yet to commence?
I wouldn't list it as work experience as it hasn't commenced yet but would mention it in an additional info text box or something along those lines.
 

WiseOwl

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Hi @Jessica Booker - so sorry, not sure if I am posting this in the right thread! :/ I was hoping I could ask you for your advice. I have several vacation scheme exit interviews coming up and I was wondering what would be the best way to go about preparing for them? Would exit interviews normally revolve around the tasks completed during the vac scheme + our experience? Thank you so much in advance!
 
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BM99

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Hi does anyone know that can you reapply to Latham's TC after being unsuccessful in vac scheme application? The application portal said 'we strongly recommend you do not submit an application for TC vacancy', but my profile has been significantly stronger since I applied for VS.
 

Jessica Booker

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I have a question about disclosing a TC offer to firms that I have summer vac schemes with-
I am incredibly fortunate to have secured a TC which starts this year and since the offer was only open for 1 week I signed the offer letter thinking that I could renege later on if I needed to.

I also have some summer vac schemes coming up and one of the firms has given me a form to fill in that asks about any other vacation schemes, internships or grad schemes I have been offered/accepted for this year, and any direct Training Contract interviews i am still waiting to hear from

I have put down the other vac scheme that I have secured but am debating whether I should put down the training contract or not?

They know that I was in the process for that firm but not sure whether I would be required to specifically disclose whether I had accepted the TC offer or not?
Given the topic, I have responded to your PM on this matter. Hope that is ok, but let me know if you have any questions/queries on what I said.
 
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George Maxwell

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Orrick interview!
Hey @letmeintolaw,

This is awesome news congratulations! Do let me know if you would like any advice ahead of your interview. I never interviewed with Orrick, but have plenty of interviewing experience with US firms.

Fingers are crossed for you🤞
I have this application question for TLT: By having a sector approach, TLT is able to advise clients on the markets in which they operate as well as their own business needs. What recent work in one of our sectors have you found interesting and why?

Do I need to talk about one of TLT's recent deals in that sector? Or is it asking me to talk about a recent update in the sector as a whole?
Hey @davina99,

I think I would follow Jess's approach on this. I would interpret this question as asking primarily about work done by the firm on behalf of a client in one of their specialist sectors.

A suggested structure for this question might be:

1. Identify and (briefly) describe the deal/work. In one sentence describe why you have picked it/it stood out to you.
2. Contextualise the work (i.e., has the sector more broadly been significantly impacted by inflation/supply chain issues?) (Briefly) explain why this work is important.
3. Unpack the reason(s) why this particularly interested you and link back to yourself where appropriate.
4. Link back to wider themes and your ambitions as a future trainee (if not already covered in 3).

How are you thinking about structuring your answer so far?
Hiya, just have a quick question, I've recently been offered a role at Dentons for a paralegal role, but I won't start for three months due to my current work's notice period. For upcoming TC apps can I include this within my work experience section even though the role is yet to commence?
Hey @Amanpreet,

Great question and congratulations for your paralegal role! I know how competitive these are, so well done!

I think it would be appropriate to write something like "Incoming X Paralegal at Dentons" in your work experience section (replacing X with the relevant practice area you are starting with).

Others may disagree though and this is, to some extent, personal preference!

Let me know if I can help with anything else :)
Hi @Jessica Booker - so sorry, not sure if I am posting this in the right thread! :/ I was hoping I could ask you for your advice. I have several vacation scheme exit interviews coming up and I was wondering what would be the best way to go about preparing for them? Would exit interviews normally revolve around the tasks completed during the vac scheme + our experience? Thank you so much in advance!
Hey @WiseOwl,

Again this is a fantastic question. From my experience (I did three exit interviews), I would do the following:

1. Ask graduate recruitment/other future trainees at the firm/previous vacation schemers what the interview is likely to consist of.

2. Reflect on your vacation scheme. I would really encourage you to think about what the scheme taught you going forward and what you would do differently if you were to do the scheme again. For example, what work did you do? What did you enjoy most? What did you least enjoy? How did you develop during your scheme? What did you learn? Biggest mistake? How were you proactive? Why did you standout?

3. Treat it like a normal interview. For example, make sure that you have been keeping an eye on recent commercial events (even during the scheme). Think how this might impact the firm, which practice areas would likely be engaged. Use a SWOT analysis.

The above will depend on 1. to some extent, but broadly speaking in my experience, I was always glad to have prepared thoroughly (even if some of my preparation wasn't directly relevant to the interview in the end).

I found exit interviews were largely about the partners learning about my motivations, my ability to reflect on the experience, in addition to my willingness to develop and improve for next time. Often they were described as 'chats', although I always found that they tested me like a normal interview. I did not find my exit interviews as stressful as general application interviews though. They generally were less than an hour, and felt more relaxed (although I would be wary about being too casual, as ultimately they will form part of your assessment!).

I hope that helps! I am very happy to answer any follow-up questions that you might have 🚀
 
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