TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jessica Booker]

If I am asked to discuss a 'particular area of law' can that be sector specific or does it need to be practice focused eg can I talk about law within energy/projects or AI?

What is the specific question?

 

[futuretrainee2024]

What is the specific question?

With reference to a particular area of law, what do you find to be the most interesting about it?

 

[Jessica Booker]

With reference to a particular area of law, what do you find to be the most interesting about it?

To me this is more practice area rather than sector specific. However, there tends to be cross-overs - for instance, Real Estate, M&A, Private Equity, Technology/TMT all can be seen as both practice areas and sectors. If you do go with more of a sector approach, I would focus on the legal work within it, rather than it as a topic though.

 

[futuretrainee2024]

To me this is more practice area rather than sector specific. However, there tends to be cross-overs - for instance, Real Estate, M&A, Private Equity, Technology/TMT all can be seen as both practice areas and sectors. If you do go with more of a sector approach, I would focus on the legal work within it, rather than it as a topic though.

If I go with a sector approach, can I discuss project finance and environmental litigation etc in Energy or should I just be safe and go with a more specific practice area?

I say this because even within Real Estate there are several types of law so I'm not sure how to approach this.

Thank you!

 

[Jessica Booker]

If I go with a sector approach, can I discuss project finance and environmental litigation etc in Energy or should I just be safe and go with a more specific practice area?

I say this because even within Real Estate there are several types of law so I'm not sure how to approach this.

Thank you!

You will need to pick one area - be mindful project finance will be considered one and environmental litigation another.

 

[Harold Gunderson]

If I'm applying for a VS with a firm's London office, is it okay to reference the work/reputation of their other offices in the UK when answering a commercial question?

 

[futuretrainee2024]

You will need to pick one area - be mindful project finance will be considered one and environmental litigation another.

Perfect, thanks!

 

[SemperParatus]

Anything from linklaters?

 

[Standardlawapplicant]

If anyone has completed Eversheds VI, please pm me!

 

[addy2004]

Hi, for those who have applied to Linklaters, what does your portal look like? After candidate review, does it just say interview or interview and interview outcome?

mine says interview and interview outcome, both are grey as I'm still 'on hold' for candidate review.

 

[amy2602]

Is anyone else's HSF summer VS scheme still under review? I'm slightly terrified at waiting so long for them

 

[laby201]

Is anyone else's HSF summer VS scheme still under review? I'm slightly terrified at waiting so long for them

I’m in exactly the same position. Been waiting since 4 December so seeing everyone else has already received either a AC or PFO is slightly unnerving! But it’s not a PFO until it’s a PFO so just have to keep our fingers crossed!

 

[Seven]

I’m in exactly the same position. Been waiting since 4 December so seeing everyone else has already received either a AC or PFO is slightly unnerving! But it’s not a PFO until it’s a PFO so just have to keep our fingers crossed!

Oh, where did you see everyone else receiving an AC? It’s only been about 2 or 3. As for PFO’s they’ve sent a handful.

If you haven’t heard back yet, I’d say that’s a good sign and I wouldn’t worry too much. January will be the month of outcomes from most firms.

 

[barbara]

Anything from A&O for direct TC?

 

[laby201]

Oh, where did you see everyone else receiving an AC? It’s only been about 2 or 3. As for PFO’s they’ve sent a handful.

If you haven’t heard back yet, I’d say that’s a good sign and I wouldn’t worry too much. January will be the month of outcomes from most firms.

I think I’ve seen 2 on here, so you’re right there, it’s definitely not loads. Probably seen 10 or so PFOs.

And thank you, think it’s just a time to be patient and keep our hopes up.

 

[amrita6399]

The key to this question is recognising an instance where changing your mind led to a better outcome. Lawyers need to have the emotional intelligence to realise where their approach to something or decision-making isn't the best route to take and then adapt to ensure a better outcome.

I would take the approach of briefly outlining your original decision-making and why you came to that conclusion. I would then explain the importance of how you changed your mind (e.g. what information/input did you have that helped you change your mind, how did you find this, why did it feel relevant/important in helping you change your mind), and then explain how the change in direction led to a better outcome.

Thank you so much Jessica! This is really helpful to brainstorm

 

[OliviaPope]

Hi, for those who have applied to Linklaters, what does your portal look like? After candidate review, does it just say interview or interview and interview outcome?

Mine says interview and interview outcome, but it's highlighted on candidate review still, hoping to hear back soon

 

[corplawperson23]

Hello! I have just been invited to an AC and I wondered if anyone had any tips on how to prepare for an inbox and client discussion exercise?

 

[legally.brown]

Is 73 percentile good enough for Linklaters? It is (33/40)?

 

[Petallove1]

For commercial awareness questions e.g. identify a current commercial issue which is relevant to X firm and explain why it's significant to stakeholders involved, how would you go about selecting the right commercial issue for that firm? Does it matter whether it's quite a prominent commercial issue if that really suits the firm you're writing about or is it better to go niche?