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

[Asil Ahmad]

I would like to ask how people answer questions like 'how our firm differentiate itself from our competitors?' In what way should we define competitors, and in what perspective should we look from?

Practise areas such as real estate if they are known for then what other law firms are strengths in real estate and then compare it like that.

 

[T.]

OMG Kennedys SST test invite finally some good news.

Omg yesss! Got it this morning as well

 

[Nemo11]

is the Kennedys SST automatic or have they screened applications?

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Guys, if you feel down or demotivated watch the new Disney cartoon "Encanto".
It is exceptionally good!

As a Colombian it is firmly at the top of my favourite Disney films but it’s also so empowering and has great music!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

Omg yesss! Got it this morning as well

Congratulations to you also and I got it an hour ago.

 

[Arche172372]

Hey all! I was wondering if anyone has heard anything from Davis Polk since applying? Their website said they will host interviews in mid-January, however, I haven't heard anything back yet. Wondering if others haven't back either or are they one of the firms which essentially air applicants if rejected. Thanks!

Yeah they’re doing interview between today and Wednesday

 

[S87]

I would like to ask how people answer questions like 'how our firm differentiate itself from our competitors?' In what way should we define competitors, and in what perspective should we look from?

I start with a practice area. For example, I am interested in litigation so I go on Legal500, check which other firms are ranked and then compare them. I also use the lawyer and google (news section) to see if the firm is on a particular company's legal panel.

 

[A.Diane01]

PFO from Mills & Reeve, post WG. Bit of a stinger as I was really taken with the firm, but still - we move

 

[GXA123]

PFO from Mills & Reeve, post WG. Bit of a stinger as I was really taken with the firm, but still - we move

I am so sorry! when did you submit your WG if you don't mind me asking?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

PFO from Macfarlanes.. This is my first proper round of applications (did 3 last year that were generic and rushed) and I really struggle to know if I'm writing them in the right way or if I'm just going the complete wrong route with them. I've done a year of IB applications where I got to AC multiple times and almost always got past the application stage/test stage, but I feel so uncertain with my law apps despite trying to implement all the advice around. It feels super hard to write apps without the confidence of knowing that your writing can get past a certain stage!

Having done IB recruitment, I would stress that what they are looking for can be very different to law firms.

I would encourage you to get your applications reviewed by someone from your careers service with specific knowledge of law firms or by someone in the profession. As well as TCLA’s information and services, there are a whole load of free resources or people you can utilise to make you feel more confident as to what you are doing is right (and to get constructive feedback on where to improve).

 

[LEL]

I would like to ask how people answer questions like 'how our firm differentiate itself from our competitors?' In what way should we define competitors, and in what perspective should we look from?

Identifying competitors is from all perspectives - firms with similar practice areas strengths, international presence (maybe in same jurisdictions or target particular markets), origins (i.e. if they're both US firms), strategy.

If you say how the firm distinguishes itself, identify things that make the firm different. It's difficult because they're mostly all international, full service firms, but you'll definitely find something unique. For eg, perhaps Firm A has a specialised crisis teams/committees, which Firm B doesn't have which will be useful for clients and shows more commitment to them (e.g. some firms have a Brexit crisis team).

Firm A might have incredible accolades in a particular practice area, which Firm B doesn't have, so clients are likely to entrust Firm A for their legal needs within that department.

Firm A might have a united firm culture, which Firm B doesn't have, which seamlessly blends all the work in its international offices and emphasises the unity of the firm.

It can be quite hard to identify them, but once you do you'll know if it differentiates the firm or not! Hope this helps feel free to PM if you'd like more info.

 

[APPLE619]

Yeah they’re doing interview between today and Wednesday

Oh, thanks so much! Appreciate it

 

[A.Diane01]

I am so sorry! when did you submit your WG if you don't mind me asking?

Thank you, gotta keep persevering! I submitted on the 07/01/2021 - hope that helps!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I would like to ask how people answer questions like 'how our firm differentiate itself from our competitors?' In what way should we define competitors, and in what perspective should we look from?

Often good answers will explain how they have defined competitors - there is no one way about this, but explaining how you have categorised competitors can often lead to a more compelling answer.

Often the factors people use are one or more of the following:

- location
- practice areas (and rankings)
- sector knowledge
- who they compete with from a client perspective (eg who they lose gain clients from)
- who they gain/lose talent to (eg partner hiring)
- business or financial models
- Culture
- Type of technology or infrastructure used and similarities to other firms

 

[GXA123]

Thank you, gotta keep persevering! I submitted on the 07/01/2021 - hope that helps!

Thank you so much, which office? I applied in dec and didn't hear back yet

 

[Lawfulx]

Taylor Wessing Arctic Shores invite!

Congratulations! When did you apply?

 

[samni]

Having done IB recruitment, I would stress that what they are looking for can be very different to law firms.

I would encourage you to get your applications reviewed by someone from your careers service with specific knowledge of law firms or by someone in the profession. As well as TCLA’s information and services, there are a whole load of free resources or people you can utilise to make you feel more confident as to what you are doing is right (and to get constructive feedback on where to improve).

Thank you for the advice, Jessica!
I definitely feel like I'm having trouble selling my motivations/experiences well through the lengthy app questions compared to the short IB cover letters. I'll have an ask around to get some of my apps reviewed.

 

[OB]

Congratulations! When did you apply?

Hi, I applied on 4th Jan

 

[gt1465]

does anyone know how long you have to prepare your answer for the AG voice interview?

 

[A.Diane01]

Thank you so much, which office? I applied in dec and didn't hear back yet

I applied to the Manchester office. will keep my fingers crossed for you!