TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

bangarangbass39

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Sep 13, 2023
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How many firms to apply to? Is 30 applications enough quite honestly?
It’s not fixed.

I met multiple vac schemers during my internship who applied to 70+ firms. I’m not exaggerating. They only managed to get to 2 ACs. Bear in mind if you follow that approach, you’ll be applying for firms across the spectrum. From MC all the way to high street.

I see around online that 10 is the best. All my mentors have said the same. Many said you’re desperate if you’re applying for more than 30 and you shouldn’t be.

I strongly think you shouldn’t be desperate - you should be able to do something outside of law. It shouldn’t be your only career choice for the time being, no matter how passionate you are.

I think it’s best to apply for 10 - 15, focusing on a solid 10 you’re happy with and an extra 5 you use as back up if the cycle is not in your favour. After that I apply for different types of roles, some linked to law, because I can’t be waiting for a handful of positions forever.

It will come when it does. Applying for more, imo doesn’t help your wellbeing in the long term or massively improve your skillset as an applicant.
 
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TCLA Community Assistant

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Also bumping this again- if anyone could help it would be really really appreciated
1) I don't think you have to compare firms but I do think you have to be specific in why the firm is different to others you have applied to.

3) No - I don't think they need to be connected, but it won't be an issue if they are at the same time.
 
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Ram Sabaratnam

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Sep 7, 2024
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I submitted my CC app and there is a horrendous typo (half a sentence is missing). I received the WG link and it says that if I don’t complete the test before the deadline, they will withdraw my application. Does anyone know if you can reapply in the same cycle after your application is withdrawn by failing to complete the test before the deadline? Would really appreciate a response as I doubt GradRec would be sympathetic

Hiya @Bread

I completely understand the stress around typos – I’ve been guilty of similar mistakes in the past, and I know how much it can make you second-guess things. Having spoken to other trainees at Clifford Chance, I don't think you'll be able to reapply in this cycle, but I would email grad recruitment to be sure. Although I don't think there's much that can be done about the written application, you might also want to see whether they'd be willing to extend the deadline for completing the Watson Glaser test? I know it can feel nerve-wracking, but grad rec teams are generally more understanding than many expect!

Best of luck, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Typos and written mistakes happen to more people than you’d think! If you need anything else, feel free to ask here.
 
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3000to1shoteverytime

Legendary Member
Dec 9, 2023
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How many firms to apply to? Is 30 applications enough quite honestly?
If you have time to specifically research firms then as many as you can. With 2 to 3000 applying for each then it can be a numbers game to some extent. Those who only apply to 10 and get offers have been lucky to some extent if not falling completely in the exceptional category.
 

Bread

Legendary Member
Jan 30, 2024
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Hiya @Bread

I completely understand the stress around typos – I’ve been guilty of similar mistakes in the past, and I know how much it can make you second-guess things. Having spoken to other trainees at Clifford Chance, I don't think you'll be able to reapply in this cycle, but I would email grad recruitment to be sure. Although I don't think there's much that can be done about the written application, you might also want to see whether they'd be willing to extend the deadline for completing the Watson Glaser test? I know it can feel nerve-wracking, but grad rec teams are generally more understanding than many expect!

Best of luck, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Typos and written mistakes happen to more people than you’d think! If you need anything else, feel free to ask here.
Thank you! I am not too worried about the WG, just annoying that no matter how well I do in the test my application is going to get binned but oh well maybe it's fate 😌
 
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dekz28

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Aug 17, 2024
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Hey @-legal- ,

Thanks for the question!

Initially, I assumed “innovative developments” would mean focusing solely on technology, particularly AI. But as with any law firm application question, it’s essential to unpack the wording carefully. Here, “innovative developments” could encompass everything from the impacts of AI to the evolution of legal services and shifting client needs. Off the top of my head, here are a few innovative developments shaping commercial law at firms like Dentons:


1. AI and Automation: This is a major development that’s reshaping the way lawyers work. While many candidates might mention AI, it’s important not to over-focus on it but to recognize its broader impact. AI tools streamline routine tasks, particularly in contract review, allowing lawyers to focus on higher-value work. Dentons’ recent release of an AI-powered contract review bot is a perfect example of this innovation in action. Tools like ThoughtRiver and Kira are also widely used across firms to quickly sift through volumes of contracts and flag risks, which is an area Dentons has invested in heavily. Such advancements let commercial lawyers dedicate more time to client-facing, strategic work, ultimately contributing to long-term revenue growth. See the [full article on Dentons’ AI bot](https://www.dentons.com/en/about-de...s-launches-ai-powered-contract-automation-bot) for more on this.


2. Sector-Specific Client Expansion: An interesting development is the shift in client focus, especially with private equity houses investing in sectors like retail and healthcare. This has significant implications for commercial lawyers, as it requires them to gain in-depth knowledge of these specific industries, adapting to a range of new challenges and regulatory frameworks. For instance, advising on compliance or intellectual property in the healthcare sector demands specialized expertise that wasn’t as central for commercial lawyers before. As firms like Dentons expand their client base across these sectors, commercial lawyers are expected to develop an increasingly broad set of skills and become well-versed in emerging industries.


3. Alternative Legal Services and Flexible Delivery Models: Another innovative trend in the legal industry is the shift toward alternative legal service providers (ALSPs) and flexible delivery models. Dentons’ own Nextlaw Labs, an innovation hub, exemplifies this shift, as it allows Dentons to explore new service models and leverage technology to provide more efficient, cost-effective solutions. This means that rather than handling high-volume, low-complexity work directly, commercial lawyers at Dentons might collaborate with ALSPs or tech-driven platforms to provide faster, more scalable solutions. This model is gaining traction as clients seek more agile and affordable options, transforming the lawyer’s role from direct service provider to strategic overseer of tech-enabled solutions.


4. Data Analytics and Predictive Insights: The use of data analytics is becoming another critical tool in the commercial lawyer’s toolkit. AI-driven platforms such as Luminance and Kira use machine learning to perform tasks like due diligence, risk assessment, and document review with incredible speed and accuracy. By using these tools, commercial lawyers can draw predictive insights from past data to assess contract risks or likely litigation outcomes, for instance. Dentons could see this technology enhancing decision-making, allowing lawyers to provide clients with data-backed strategies and solutions more quickly and with greater precision than ever before.


So its clear that each of these developments are redefining the role of commercial lawyers at Dentons. It’s no longer just about delivering legal advice; it’s about adapting to a rapidly evolving landscape of client demands, leveraging new technologies, and providing industry-specific insights across diverse sectors.


In terms of structure, adopting a paragraph for each point and hitting the nail on the head, addressing each of the points the question asks, will be a great starting points. Also ensure to reference any sources as the question also wants to dig out your research skills.


Hope you found this useful!
@Amma Usman

Hey Amma, I came across your post on the Forum about the Dentons VS question, ‘Describe how you think the innovative developments taking place in the legal industry will change the role of a commercial lawyer at Dentons. Please outline your research and reference the sources you used to inform your opinion.’ (250 words)


When I was drafting my skeleton, I thought I could make more than one point. Now, as I write down my answer, I can honestly only discuss one development and give two or three good points on how it changes commercial lawyers' roles at Dentons.


I would be grateful for any opinion you have on this.
 


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