TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[legal18]

For the question. 'How would you describe the role of a commercial lawyer and why have you chosen a career in commercial law?'. I am going to provide two reasons so would it be okay to do one introductory sentence which 'describes the role of a commercial lawyer' and then have the rest of the paragraph focus on 'why have you chosen a career in commercial law.'

Also, would these descriptions suffice: 'The role of a commercial lawyer involves approaching legal problems with an awareness of the commercial world.' + 'The role of commercial lawyers involves working with change-makers in the commercial world.'

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone, hope you're all having a good week, particularly leading up to the holidays. I think this is lowkey a rant and I want to get it off my chest but also hopefully this resonates with someone in the same situation. I have been applying to law firms since 2022 and two cycles, in I am exhausted. What is truly triggering about this process is that back in 2023 when I was in my final year of a non-law degree I was invited to assessment centres with Ashurst and Macfarlanes. Fast-forward to this year when I not only graduated with an 81% in my PGDL but also ended up for the semis on some of the most coveted commercial awareness competitions. You'd think I'd have a competitive application? Well, I'd think again because I literally cannot get past the application stage for a single firm this entire year. I literally do not know what else I could possibly do - I cannot even land a paralegal role to get my foot in the door. Does anyone have any advice or ideas on why this may be? Is this because I am an international student? If so why make the promise to offer sponsorships? I am absolutely deflated and not going to lie, the upcoming holidays when you see families and friends etc is not making it any better. I absolutely in my bones KNOW I want to be a lawyer and know this dream will come true but boy it's tough out here. Being a part of TCLA has also made me realise how tenacious and hard-working this community is, and if you're feeling low and disappointed too, you are not alone and I am praying for you all!

Hi @futuretrainee! ,

Thank you for being so open about what you’re going through.

First off, you’ve already achieved incredible things: an 81% on your PGDL and making it to the semis of major commercial awareness competitions? That’s something to be so proud of.

This reminds me of Albert Bandura’s “self-efficacy theory” which I was reading about on the train the other day. It’s the idea that the belief in your own ability to succeed plays a massive role in achieving your goals. Bandura talks about how we can build self-efficacy through mastery experiences (like your academic and competition successes), social modelling (seeing others succeed and knowing it’s possible for you too), and resilience/overcoming challenges and setbacks.

The thing is, you’re already doing everything Bandura points to. You’ve had mastery experiences that prove you’re capable. You’re surrounded by this incredible community of people, showing you that there’s a way through. And most importantly, you’re building resilience every time you push forward, even when it feels tough. That resilience is going to carry you further than you realise right now.

It’s so easy to feel like you’re stuck in a loop, but every application, every rejection, and every moment of reflection is adding to your strength and skillset. It’s not a straight line, but it is progress. The system might be competitive, but you’re already proving you have what it takes to stand out, not just in achievements, but in character, grit, and determination.

The holidays can bring up all sorts of emotions, but try to take this time to celebrate you: the version of yourself that keeps showing up, even when it’s hard. You’ve got a fire inside you, and that dream of becoming a lawyer? It’s yours.

You’re not alone in this. Everyone here is rooting for you. Keep believing in yourself, because every step forward is bringing you closer to where you want to be. You’re already doing amazing things, and there’s so much ahead for you.

You’ve got this.

 

[Amma Usman]

For the question. 'How would you describe the role of a commercial lawyer and why have you chosen a career in commercial law?'. I am going to provide two reasons so would it be okay to do one introductory sentence which 'describes the role of a commercial lawyer' and then have the rest of the paragraph focus on 'why have you chosen a career in commercial law.'

Also, would these descriptions suffice: 'The role of a commercial lawyer involves approaching legal problems with an awareness of the commercial world.' + 'The role of commercial lawyers involves working with change-makers in the commercial world.'

Hey @legal18 ,

If I were to approach this, I would personally split the question into two paragraphs. I would not make it an even split because I would want to touch more on why commercial law. However, not at the expense of fully explaining the other arm of the question. Thus, I’d say be mindful of how you divide the word count.

The descriptions are good, but to further improve it, you could be more specific on the role of a commercial lawyer. As such, you may find it worthwhile touching on things like the unique aspects of the job that can’t be applied to any other job in the corporate world. For example, for the second description you provided, any corporate professional will work with change-makers in the commercial world. To provide a more specialised answer, you will need to dig deep into what really drives you about the role. The reason I’m saying this is because we find it easier as humans to talk about things that excite us. What excites you, @legal18, about the role of a commercial lawyer? It certainly isn’t the most easy question to answer, but one which will elevate your descriptive analysis on this question once you tackle it. So take a moment to uncover this, perhaps through a nice hot cup of tea, or something that will relax you enough to dig deep. This applies to the why commercial law question as well. Law firms want to see your story (communicated professionally).

You are on a really good track. Best of luck with the application!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, does anyone know whether a cover letter is necessary (or encouraged) for Cripps please? The application form allows you to upload one but nowhere on the grad recruitment part of the website does it say that it is required. It also lets you turn to the next page without a pop up that the section is incomplete without uploading a cover letter. Thanks in advance!

Hey @sibs23 , I always include a cover letter when the space for it is provided. However, I would also note that the situation may be different if there exist application questions. In any case, it would not take anything away from your application but it’s worth emailing grad rec if ever in doubt on the specifics of the firm.

 

[plshireme]

What time does the DWF application close tomorrow?

@Amma Usman do you know if it's usually 11.59 p.m. on the day of the deadline? or is it midnight tonight?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi, in a typical written case study where we are asked to outline a few key issues for a client who is pursuing an acquisition, for example, how long would a response typically be i.e. in how much detail should we go into on each point/an executive summary ??

Hey @tomsmitg ,

Typically, the recommended approach is to go straight to the point on the identified issues. However, as an assessment, you will need to expand on it with more detail. Do not make this too lengthy though, but the required length will usually be communicated in the assessment. Where it is not, I suggest using a reasonable length. This differs based off the question itself, but can be determined by the recipient as well. For example, if it is a memo to a client, you will want to go straight to the point on the main issues of their concern (or as highlighted in the instructions), whilst still providing enough detail to give them clarity of the legal/commercial scope and related concerns. Clients and supervisors usually want the stop headlines - what the issues are and how they could affect operations. Thus, it means you will need to avoid legal jargon or break it down where necessary. Another thing is to not over-assume clients don’t know certain things, as this is also scored from my experience. For example, in a client letter you will not need to put IPO (Initial Public Offering) - just IPO is sufficient. Adopting this approach ensures you save time and really go into just the crux of what is needed per issue.

Goodluck!

 

[Amma Usman]

@Amma Usman do you know if it's usually 11.59 p.m. on the day of the deadline? or is it midnight tonight?

Hey @plshireme. I have just checked the firm’s website & social media pages and the position remains unclear. In situations like this, I usually submit as soon as I reasonably can and at the earliest instance, whilst still keeping an eye out for quality.

 

[plshireme]

Hey @plshireme. I have just checked the firm’s website & social media pages and the position remains unclear. In situations like this, I usually submit as soon as I reasonably can and at the earliest instance, whilst still keeping an eye out for quality.

okay thanks😊

 

[cjwx]

Hey @plshireme. I have just checked the firm’s website & social media pages and the position remains unclear. In situations like this, I usually submit as soon as I reasonably can and at the earliest instance, whilst still keeping an eye out for quality.

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker.
Could you give me some pointers on structuring my answer to the work experience section? The firm asks for my job title and then, “What skills have you acquired, and why are they relevant to a career in law?”

Should I briefly describe how I used specific skills in the role (e.g., communication in a customer service job: interacting with customers and giving clear instructions to colleagues) before linking them to a legal career? Or should I skip the context and focus directly on how the skill applies to being a commercial solicitor?

Sorry I feel like this keeps getting skipped I’m not sure what the rules are or if I asked something you don’t usually answer but I’m trying my luck one more time.

 

[EK_27]

Hi @EK_27 , congratulations on securing your first AC!

Are you referring to the same practice area you're interested in, or the same geographic region where the firm operates? Perhaps I’ll be able to shed more light then!

Hi,

Thank you for getting back to me. I think both but in my original question I meant practice area.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.

 

[vshunter]

Anything from bird and bird after VI?

 

[Amma Usman]

@Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker.
Could you give me some pointers on structuring my answer to the work experience section? The firm asks for my job title and then, “What skills have you acquired, and why are they relevant to a career in law?”

Should I briefly describe how I used specific skills in the role (e.g., communication in a customer service job: interacting with customers and giving clear instructions to colleagues) before linking them to a legal career? Or should I skip the context and focus directly on how the skill applies to being a commercial solicitor?

Sorry I feel like this keeps getting skipped I’m not sure what the rules are or if I asked something you don’t usually answer but I’m trying my luck one more time.

Hi there @cjwx . I would provide some background to the role and the consequent skills acquired. From there, I will link it to the key skills and competencies typically seen in the role of a trainee - proactivity, the ability to juggle multiple commitments, attention to detail, and so on.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi,

Thank you for getting back to me. I think both but in my original question I meant practice area.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.

Hi @EK_27. It depends on how you argue and link the answer together, but generally the deal inclusions tend to make more sense when used to back up an already properly explained interest in a practice. I’d also be careful to not just drop the deal, but make it back up a strong passion for the firm’s work. As you can imagine, many firms work on similar deals. Finding a niche or a really great breakout deal that has not been typically executed by its counterparts/competitors will be great. However, even this is just the first level. Many candidates can drop that deal too. You will need to back it up by specific examples to substantiate why that deal appeals. Secondly, this deal does not have to be primarily carried out by the London office. As an international firm, all offices will usually come together to work on a deal. This is especially not an issue with the firm’s that pride themselves with one-firm cultures, but more generally it also applies to the whole spectrum of global firms.

 

[Amma Usman]

Hey @Lopez2017

This is actually such a cute question!!!

I've never answered anything like this in an application, but it seems geared towards gauging your creativity/personality - I think it's fine to have a playful, yet introspective response, giving them an indication of your values. Might also be worth looking at the firm's values to see if you can say something that aligns with it. I've taken a stab at this question below, though I'd be curious what @Jessica Booker and the other community assistants @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman would say too.

"Unstructured time can actually be a good thing! Growing up as a child in the countryside, I learned to clean stables, cook, take spontaneous bike rides, and balance freedom with control. These are some of my happiest memories—a reminder of how essential it is to have time set aside for exploration, trying new things, and simple enjoyment."

Hey @Lopez2017 ,

This is a really interesting question. I totally agree with @Ram Sabaratnam ’s point on the question intending to enable candidates to bring out their true personalities. I would say focus less on making your response tailored to what you think the firm wants to hear, and more on being concise with your past experiences and values. @Ram Sabaratnam had also mentioned going back to the firm’s core competencies and tailoring any qualities you have with these as well. This is great as it allows you to show demonstrated interest in some way within all parts of the written application. The firm is trying to see something, trying to uncover something about you’re interests and personality from the question - so take some time with it.

Here’s a draft of what I would’ve told my favourite plushie when I was a child:

‘Stay curious and resilient. Life’s a big adventure, full of wonder and challenges. Don’t fear mistakes – they’re just learning steps. And remember, kindness and empathy matter most, even in tough times. Hold onto your playfulness; it keeps things joyful’.

Any thoughts on how to tackle these questions from Withers and Penningtons Manches Cooper respectively?
1. If your favourite childhood toy suddenly came to life, what advice would you give it today? (60 words)
2. If you were the CEO of Penningtons Manches Cooper, where would you look to open a new office and why? (250 words)

Thanks!

Hey @sapphireoreos ,

Good question. I’ve quoted a few posts the team has made on this above.

 

[Sunshinepink]

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman is it okay to use past application answers if they got you past the application stage for vacation scheme/training contract applications?

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi
I am trying to answer the question : Please introduce yourself and tell us why you wish to pursue a legal career at Northridge.

I was wondering what would be expected in the introduce myself section as I have not encountered this type of wording before.
If someone can give me any indication I would really appreciate it.

Hey @elsx ,

Given the word count of questions of this type, I would not dwell too much on the self-introductory part. This is because there are three things you need to cover (provided that they have not been previously asked anywhere else in the application): (1) about you, (2) why commercial law, and (3) why Northridge. The core analysis should be on 2 and 3 as this is what will enable you to showcase a genuine passion for the firm and law more generally. In terms of how to introduce yourself, I will do this in a couple of sentences covering my university/stage, as well as current professional capacity (paralegal, etc).

 

[Jessica Booker]

@Jessica Booker @Amma Usman is it okay to use past application answers if they got you past the application stage for vacation scheme/training contract applications?

It is okay but at the same time I think there is a bit of a risk associated with this. First of all, if this is an application for a past recruitment cycle (e.g. the 2023-24 cycle) then your answer does not necessarily show any refinement or development since then. For motivational questions or "why you" elements, its important to show you are still actively pursuing your knowledge and developing your skill set for the career. It is not that everything needs to change and some answers to some questions could easily not need to change, but I would be surprised if everything in the answer should stay exactly the same.

If the second application is within the same application cycle and your first application has been unsuccessful, then I think there is a risk that they have a quick scout over the original application and think nothing has changed and therefore the outcome of this application is unlikely to be any different to the first one.

 

[Amma Usman]

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman. I am applying to Trowers & Hamlin's London office. One of their questions asks for a commercial story that I found interesting and how it relates to Trowers. I wanted to talk about foreign investment in the Middle - East as I know Trowers has large presence there. Would it be a bad idea to talk about this because it is not specifically about the London office. The question does not say it has to be office specific. I just thought it showed my interest in their global strategy.

Hey @cjwx . I think this is a good idea. The geographic reach will not be an issue considering the international scope of most deals within global headquartered law firms. Also, energy is really hot right now in the gulf so very interesting topic for discussion! Ensure to also cover fully why it interests you. Any past experiences/ research/ connections to the region or energy more generally? This part of the discussion is just as important as the relation to T&H. I would split it into two paragraphs covering each arm. In discussing the relation to the firm, touch well on the practices and how investment has been impacted and how it will be impacted in the future. Consider the tax benefits in the region, yet also the fluctuating high prices and the consequent impact of this on deal flow. You will find positive answers to this. Further, consider any expansion plans by the firm in this region.

 

[Amma Usman]

Jones Day PFO

Hi @Niabpatel8 . I’m really sorry to hear this. Please keep going, you got this! You’ve got a whole community supporting you at every step of the way 🚀🚀 🚀

 

[zeydi]

Hi, congratulations again on your first virtual AC invite!

For the group exercise, focus on presenting your views in a way that’s both respectful and collaborative. Express your ideas confidently, but also engage with and encourage others’ contributions to showcase your ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Since this is for an in-house role, it's essential to understand how the advisory scope differs from private practice. In-house lawyers are typically specialists in the specific industry they serve, providing expert advice tailored to the business's needs. However, when matters require niche expertise or go beyond their scope, they may seek support from private law firms. I have usually been asked about this difference in past ACs I’ve been to, so it’s helpful having some points under your belt on the advisory-related differences.

To prepare, familiarise yourself with the industry the company operates in and think about how their legal team might approach commercial and operational challenges. During case studies or group discussions, focus on offering practical, solution-oriented advice that balances legal compliance with business priorities.

Best of luck, you’re going to do great!

Thank you very much, your advice was very insightful! Another point is how much in-depth industry knowledge should I know regarding their work since it is for a training contract I assume they want to be training the person they have?