TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[legallyells]

fieldfisher test! is this automatic?

 

[xMontmorency]

Hello!

I'm a bit concerned about a potential inconsistency in my Goodwin application. My primary reason for applying is my interest in Intellectual Property. However, when listing other firms I've applied to, I mentioned a strength in the Life Sciences sector.

Given the 100-word limit, I couldn't include this in my main reason. Would this be seen as a significant inconsistency, or is it acceptable to prioritize one area of interest over another?"

NB most of the IP work you would do at Goodwin is life science focused and vice versa. The entirety of Goodwin's Cambridge IP practice is pharma and biotech focused, and nearly all of their corporate deals in life sciences have IP intertwined. So you should probably mention both.

 

[Law queries]

December 6th!

Ahhh. Congratulations!! All the best

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Jessica Booker
A firm I'm applying to is asking "Have you used AI in preparing your application? If so, how? If not, why not?" I have used AI to spell check and to ask if my answer is structured and easy to read, but not for anything else. This is mainly just because I did research myself and attended webinars, and I genuinely think AI-generated text would have made my application worse. The firm in question does a lot of work in technology and AI startups, etc. Would my answer be something that the firm would view as negative or see it as me being distrusting/not open-minded to AI?

Hi @AI212121 if anything, I think your approach shows you are walking a fine line and finding a good balance between (i) being open-minded and using AI to improve efficiency; while (ii) also taking responsibility for for the main substantive aspects of the task yourself, in areas where it is not yet certain that current AI tech would be able to reliably deliver the right output with sufficient accuracy and nuance. This is the same approach I have seen a number of successful candidates take and write about this year, so I would be really surprised if the firm had an issue with it. Nonetheless, I would advise you to focus on the 'why' part of the answer - ie provide a through explanation as to why you thought you personally researching the firm and writing your answers provided you (or the application) with value that would have been lost if you relied solely on AI (such as developing valuable writing/researching skills, the application ending up having a more personal touch, etc).

More generally, I do not think the "How did you use AI" question has a clear right and wrong answer; rather, it seems to me the point of the question is for the firm to test your commercial awareness regarding AI and to see if you can come up with a well-considered explanation as to what particular usage of AI best fits your working style, goals, and skillset. Thus, while an answer based on a restricted use of AI can definitely work, so can an answer based on a more expansive use. For instance, if one explains they used AI to redraft certain parts of their application, to find better ways to structure content, to cut word count, or to find resources to research the firm, and that this strategy improved their output and skills in a time-effective manner, I cannot see how a firm would take a negative view of this. The only potentially straight-up "wrong" answer here would be if one said they had an AI bot write their entire application and/or come up with most of their core substantive points, as firms are interested to see how you generally write and what you think about the topics they are asking about.

 

[navigatinglegal]

Does anyone know the vi deadline for mishcon? it doesn't say in the email or on the link.

 

[V2002]

Does anyone know the vi deadline for mishcon? it doesn't say in the email or on the link.

Hi in response to that I received a sjt assessment Link was it the same for you ?

 

[Smart water 0403]

Does anyone know the vi deadline for mishcon? it doesn't say in the email or on the link.

Also, does the hints and tips link not work for anyone else ?

 

[navigatinglegal]

Hi in response to that I received a sjt assessment Link was it the same for you ?

It was an amberjack link. But im sure that's what we have to use for the interview.

 

[TheInevitableTCholder2025/26🙏]

MDR VI! But does anyone know when the deadline is and does anyone have any tips?

 

[Tintin06]

Any advice on this question: "What challenges do you think Fried Franks clients are facing in respect to the changes in the UK economy and how can Fried Frank help them with these challenges?

 

[AS24]

Hi guys,

How long after completing the Bakers test did you receive the assessment report?

 

[member481973]

Nothing from Mishcon, if people have already received vi should i assume a PFO? do firms send vi emails at staggered times?

 

[HarmonyN]

Mishcon VI!

 

[LawAspirer]

Hi guys,

How long after completing the Bakers test did you receive the assessment report?

For me it was immediate.

 

[Boating]

hogan lovells summer vs wg 🫡

Is the WG automatic?

 

[Shandy101]

Mayer Brown Trainee Job Simulation email. Has anyone done this before? Please PM me.

 

[a1024]

Mayer Brown Trainee Job Simulation email. Has anyone done this before? Please PM me.

hey! may i ask when you completed the first test?

 

[Hana ♥]

Also mayer brown job simulation test invite if anyone else is waiting don't worry! I got mine just now

 

[legal18]

Weil VI!!!

 

[hfbjsdhfbhf]

Fieldfisher AC 🥹!!