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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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looks like all invites for next stage might be sent out today then if they've reviewed up to 18th Dec...
Does anyone know roughly how many people progress to bird and bird AC? Since there is 15 places on each scheme/30 overall, just wondering the chances of getting the vac scheme offer?
I’m working on my Cooley app atm and one of the app questions is as follows:
We are all ‘work in progress’ and need to celebrate our strengths but also focus on our areas for growth. Please tell us about you (strengths and areas for growth). (300 words)
What does this even mean lmao. Questions like this one rly confuse me so much ngl.
Does anyone have any advice or insight into how this kind of question ought to be tackled?
We are all ‘work in progress’ and need to celebrate our strengths but also focus on our areas for growth. Please tell us about you (strengths and areas for growth). (300 words)
What does this even mean lmao. Questions like this one rly confuse me so much ngl.
Does anyone have any advice or insight into how this kind of question ought to be tackled?
probably like 2 strengths/skills that you developed + 1 weakness that you dont (and shouldnt) call a weakness (prlly make sure it's not instrumental to the role like communication/responsiveness or something of that sort). id probably go a step ahead and explain what i'm doing now to develop in my area for growth
Talk about your strengths and how you developed them and are continuously developing them and for the weakness bit, just choose one weakness and the key thing is you mention how you are overcoming that weakness and how you’ve been working on it, what steps have you taken to overcome and work on it. I remember, I had answered this question in an interview, and said networking and said that I had come from a different country, imposter syndrome, then spoke about how important networking is in any profession especially legal so I did a lot of open days, part time roles at university which required client contact though out my degree. They were happy with my answer. Essentially I feel they want to see your approach here.
Edit - another point I was advised by an associate was that don’t say things like “I work too hard so I burn out” kind of weakness because they understand what you’re trying to do and it will back fire🤣
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- Sep 9, 2024
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I think it is fine to email them once their self-imposed reply deadline has passed, in the sense that such a query is not likely to be looked negatively upon. That said, I would advise you not to do this before at least another week or so has passed. This is because graduate recruiters frequently end up needing a few extra days to get back to people, and Christmas is a particularly busy time of the year (if not the busiest) for most law firms - both in terms of their general workload and in terms of managing the recruitment cycle.
Hi!
Totally valid to be confused - I always used to think these kinds of questions are designed to trip you up!
What the graduate recruitment team are usually ask is whether you're self-aware and open to growth, rather than whether you're perfect. I'd try to think of it as a short reflective piece where you discuss your strengths and weaknesses.
I would approach it by:
- Pick 1-2 strengths that are relevant to working in commercial law as a trainee solicitor (e.g. teamwork, communication, attention detail, resilience, etc).
- Give a brief example of each of these strengths in action - just to root your answer in real-life examples
- Choose 1 or 2 areas for growth, but crucially explain what you're doing to improve - that is the part they care about most!
- End by showing how this growth mindset will make you a better trainee (e.g. you could mention that a training contract involves continuous learning, etc.)
In short, they just want to see that you are self-aware and capable of growing throughout your training contract.
I hope that assists, and best of luck with the Cooley application!
anything from Reed Smith for those on the deadline?
- Sep 9, 2024
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Hi @lucky gal and huge congratulations on the AC! I would say most of the preparation should still be quite similar to that for a law firm AC, in that most competency/motivational questions and any individual/group exercises will likely not differ a lot. I think the key points of difference will consist of questions around your understanding of PWC's business and your motivation to work there as opposed to at a commercial law firm. Thus, I would invest time in researching PWC really throughly and in scrutinising your "why the firm" explanations.
In particular, aim to be able to respond to the following types of questions:
- Why do you want to work at PWC?
- Why would you prefer to start your legal career at an accounting firm rather than a traditional law firm? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each model?
- Why is working in an institution like PWC more aligned with your long-term career plans than working at a traditional law firm?
- Why has PWC expanded in legal services recently, and how does this strategy drive its business?
- How does PWC add value to clients, and what skills and abilities do you possess that would enable you to contribute to its success?
- Who are PWC's main competitors, and what are its strengths and weaknesses when compared to them?
- Feb 17, 2018
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Hey @Lawlawland,
Good question!
Just so I understand, how do you see this being different to this thread? Would it be more like a general discussion thread?
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