TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[77777law]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre- I am preparing for an interview and I'm wondering if 3min30 is too long for the 'Tell me about yourself' question? thanks!

 

[RonRod13]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre- I am preparing for an interview and I'm wondering if 3min30 is too long for the 'Tell me about yourself' question? thanks!

yeah 3 min 30 is extremely long, are you starting your response from birth? xD

 

[abhuzaifa]

Shoosmiths is a firm of individuals, with a culture that will actively allow you to grow your skills and challenge yourself. Focusing on one previous experience (in personal, work or study), what skills have you developed that will support your career as a solicitor? (300 words)

Guys, for this question, would you explain how the relevant skill would benefit your career as a solicitor with an example? Or, would you just use a STAR structure and explain what skill you have developed through your experience?

I’m asking this since the question doesn’t say “how” will ‘x’ skill support your career as a solicitor, so I’m not sure whether to explain that or not.

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre

Thanks.

 

[3000to1shoteverytime]

First ever Arctic Shores done and instant feedback report. At least it doesn't tell you that you are a dimwit!

 

[77777law]

yeah 3 min 30 is extremely long, are you starting your response from birth? xD

🤣 okay thanks will cut down on the details 😅

 

[Petallove1]

I read on here that some people have had feedback from firms on 'how do you differentiate yourself from other applicants' questions where they've said it's not sufficient to speak about skills that you've developed and how they would be applicable to the role (makes sense, but also explains why I've had trouble with this question haha). I've tried to think more about intrinsic traits I have rather than skills, like curiosity for example. Is that a good way of going about it or is there a better approach? @axelbeugre @Jessica Booker

 

[EM23]

Pinsent Masons AC anyone got any experience on what exactly the case study or business simulation exercises entail?

 

[Untilwinter]

Can confirm this is how it works. I work in BD in an international elite with a particular focus on client dev and no client as far as I am aware gives two hoots about degree. Most lawyers we put forward in pitches graduated years ago. At this point it matters more about DEI quota, hourly rates, and credentials ie matters worked on.

This is interesting. I never knew client cared that much about dei quota.
Why do some law firms care less/more about DEI quota than other firms though (from client/commercial perspective)?

 

[laby201]

Just completed a first ever Arctic Shoes for NRF and it was an experience 🤣 The face recognition one was particularly strange as there were 60 creepy faces that seemed practically identical.

I suppose you can't read too much into the feedback report at this stage? I'd say 90% of mine were in the middle, then a few to the right and a few to the left of the circles.

 

[Untilwinter]

Just completed a first ever Arctic Shoes for NRF and it was an experience 🤣 The face recognition one was particularly strange as there were 60 creepy faces that seemed practically identical.

I suppose you can't read too much into the feedback report at this stage? I'd say 90% of mine were in the middle, then a few to the right and a few to the left of the circles.

They all look like they are exhausted and want to go home asap imo😂

 

[EqualityNonNegotiable]

Does anyone know how long the prep/answer times are for Mishcon VI?

30 seconds prep, 60 seconds to answer.

 

[Percypig12]

Just completed a first ever Arctic Shoes for NRF and it was an experience 🤣 The face recognition one was particularly strange as there were 60 creepy faces that seemed practically identical.

I suppose you can't read too much into the feedback report at this stage? I'd say 90% of mine were in the middle, then a few to the right and a few to the left of the circles.

The one they used for winter was super time pressured and used these e-fit type figures that were creepy and low-quality. Was impossible lol

 

[laby201]

They all look like they are exhausted and want to go home asap imo😂

Don't even get me started on that one at the end either, I gave up after 10 minutes 😂 There's obviously some rationale/science behind it, but it amuses me that a firm is going to potentially pay someone an NQ salary of £110,000 based on how quickly they popped balloons.

 

[laby201]

The one they used for winter was super time pressured and used these e-fit type figures that were creepy and low-quality. Was impossible lol

It seemed the same for this year; I just find it such an arbitrary way of deciding who should progress to the next stage. Guess if that's their method though then fair enough!

 

[law2022x]

If Akin said theyd get back to me by the end of jan but I've still not heard bacl, should I assume PFO? Is it worth emailing to ask? cheers

In the same boat but haven’t seen any offers made or more TIs issued, I think we might hear back this week maybe

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre- I am preparing for an interview and I'm wondering if 3min30 is too long for the 'Tell me about yourself' question? thanks!

Possibly not too long but it depends how much you are trying to get in there. I would try to have three key points you want to highlight in a question like this rather than it being a descriptive story of your journey to this point. Make the three points or themes the most interesting or relevant parts of your experiences/interests/motivations.

 

[sediofoifsf]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre Hi, any idea on how to approach the 'what is your biggest failure' question? I am struggling to think of a solid answer. Thanks!

 

[77777law]

Possibly not too long but it depends how much you are trying to get in there. I would try to have three key points you want to highlight in a question like this rather than it being a descriptive story of your journey to this point. Make the three points or themes the most interesting or relevant parts of your experiences/interests/motivations.

Okay noted, thank you!

 

[law2022x]

Is the K&S deadline tomorrow night or tonight?

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @axelbeugre Hi, any idea on how to approach the 'what is your biggest failure' question? I am struggling to think of a solid answer. Thanks!

Try and think of it another way - often getting away from the very negative language of the question helps you identify something appropriate.

For instance, what has been your biggest learning when something didn't go to plan? If you focus more on the recovery from the failure, and the positives that come from that, you will usually find something appropriate.