• Hey Guest, Have an interview coming up? We’ve opened new mock interview slots this week. Book here
  • TCLA Premium: Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.
    Join →

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Status
Not open for further replies.
At A&O Shearman AC I was asked the difference between a warranty and a representation, and how I would apply each one to the case study problem.

That's crazy, The questions asked in my A&O Shearman AC was completely geared towards understanding the dynamics of commercial law with some probing on financial analysis e.g "What's the EBITDA based on this financial statement."

I think that they will only ask you legal questions if you give them the indication that you have extensive knowledge on it!
 
Does anyone have any advice on how to fill out the work experience sections of these application forms. Im worried that the way Im answering them is having an impact on my success.

Is it recommended to do bullet points, mention the firm, body of text... Any insight learned on open days/ discussions with any firms would be really appreciated
When you say "mention the firm" you mean the firm you are applying to, then you don't need to do this. I would generally recommend prose over bullet points as it often helps you connect your responsibilities up and also sell your impact more. Bullet points only really tend to work for presenting more individual responsibilities and outcomes rather than the story telling that is often needed to "sell" your experience and skills demonstrated.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fcac98
Hi I’m so sorry you were unsuccessful. I believe you can apply to the winter scheme but that will rule you out of the TC for that cycle. Do you mind if I ask when you heard back

Hi I’m so sorry you were unsuccessful. I believe you can apply to the winter scheme but that will rule you out of the TC for that cycle. Do you mind if I ask when you heard back?
Hi there, I’m in the process of applying for the TC with Freshfields now. Apologies for not clarifying this. I just wanted to know the answer to this hypothetical scenario.
 
People here are already doing VIs and ACs for the firms that haven’t responded to me, so it’s safe to say those are all rejections in my case. I don’t know if I should even continue applying to the remaining firms on my list or if it’s already too late.
I really don't think you can make that assumption. Do continue applying - there are still a whole host of opportunities out there and a lot of firms that don't recruit on a rolling basis.
 
Do people actually get asked legal knowledge questions during interviews? Not commercial awareness but like "what is a freehold covenant".
Can happen but tends to be rare. When it does happen, its usually because you have experience, whether it be work experience or academics related to the topic included in your application though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AlegalA
Do people actually get asked legal knowledge questions during interviews? Not commercial awareness but like "what is a freehold covenant".
Not really, but they are often included in AC tasks to provide a clearer perspective on the case study problem. For instance, think of it like understanding the mechanics of a car—you don’t need to be a mechanic to drive it, but knowing how the engine works can help you identify warning signs or inefficiencies. Similarly, understanding these terms can help you spot technical red flags. That said, firms are more focused on your ability to identify broader issues and demonstrate a natural grasp of the business landscape in commercial law. Hope this helps!
 
That's crazy, The questions asked in my A&O Shearman AC was completely geared towards understanding the dynamics of commercial law with some probing on financial analysis e.g "What's the EBITDA based on this financial statement."

I think that they will only ask you legal questions if you give them the indication that you have extensive knowledge on it!
I would argue that knowing the basic function of a warranty/representation is simply pre-requisite knowledge if you're going to an AC. That being said, I did lead the conversation towards that topic since its a natural strength. I've done 3 AC's this cycle (3 more coming up) and I have been tested on legal concepts at every single one.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.