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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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TCLA Community Assistant

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Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,526
21,765
Thank you so much to TCLA!!!!!!!! Just accepted a training contract at Skadden. Genuinely could not have gotten here without all of your help and resources.

Best of luck to everyone!
That is fantastic news! Congratulations and a massive well done 🥳

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CallumJR

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Jul 16, 2020
136
210
How do people answer „why this firm“ in interviews?

I have had several interviews and always
received the feedback that my answer for „why this firm“ was weak / too superficial.

I usually go with three points:
- deal / practices area that interests me
- technology / innovation
- culture / CRS
 

TCLA Community Assistant

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,526
21,765
How do people answer „why this firm“ in interviews?

I have had several interviews and always
received the feedback that my answer for „why this firm“ was weak / too superficial.

I usually go with three points:
- deal / practices area that interests me
- technology / innovation
- culture / CRS
It might be that there is not enough “you” or “why” in the answer - all of those things could be claimed by many applicants, but they want to get to the reasoning as to why you (as a unique applicant) are interested in these things or why they are important to you.

Alternatively, it may be that there is not enough specifically about the firm. Those are broad topics that apply to lots of firms - so what is it about the specifics of the firm’s CSR initiatives (rather than CSR broadly), what is it about the firm’s innovation that is particularly important or stands out to you, especially as to how it will impact your career and responsibilities as a trainee/junior lawyer?
 
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RonRod13

Legendary Member
  • Nov 18, 2023
    137
    200
    Does anyone else feel like HR and partners are after two different things in an interview? What tips do people have for initial first round interviews with grad rec? And what tips do people have for interviews with partners?
     

    WB2024

    New Member
    May 1, 2024
    1
    5
    Their deadline was today so they’ll probably start getting back to people starting next week.

    I don't want to derail this thread but I can't scroll past this comment without warning people applying here.

    I would strongly recommend not training at that firm. They have no real training structure (you won't always be trained by someone England and Wales qualified), their HR is clueless, they overhire and most trainees are unlikely to be retained. The issue is if you return to the UK no one will have heard of them and if you stay out in the Middle East you may struggle to find a junior position (there aren't many around), you'll be stuck in limbo.

    This is without mentioning the strong levels of racism which exist across the firm which can affect your work, the below-market salaries and the very questionable work they are often involved with (it won't get you struck off but only if the SRA don't find out).

    By all means, apply to other firms across the Middle East but stay away from smaller regional firms which don't have offices in the UK.

    Edit - happy to answer questions about the firm in PMs (not related to the application or interview process).
     
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