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Applications Discussion
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
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<blockquote data-quote="ZNadeem" data-source="post: 217783" data-attributes="member: 40237"><p>Hi! Just to add my 2 cents, as this was something I struggled with in applications that didn’t have the classic “why law” or “why our firm” questions. At first I found it strange, because I thought those were the most important things firms wanted to hear. But what I’ve realised is that many firms are shifting towards more creative or open-ended questions because they want to assess you in a different way. They’re looking for your ability to reflect, communicate clearly, and show how your experiences have shaped you — rather than getting a formulaic “why us” answer that could apply to any firm.</p><p></p><p>That said, I wouldn’t try to shoehorn a “why Mayer Brown” section into a question where it doesn’t fit — it usually comes across as forced. Instead, I’d recommend answering the question directly and authentically. The best applications I’ve written were the ones where I stuck to the question and gave genuine examples from my own background, rather than worrying about fitting in things that weren’t asked.</p><p></p><p>If you do want to bring in Mayer Brown, you can do so more subtly in the work experience or extracurricular sections — for example, highlighting experiences that reflect the skills, values, or practice areas that Mayer Brown is known for. That way, you’re showing alignment without forcing it into an answer that’s not asking for it.</p><p></p><p>In short: trust the process. These newer-style questions are designed to get a more authentic picture of you, and a clear, genuine response plus well-chosen experiences is often exactly what gets you through the first stage.</p><p></p><p>Hope this helps <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="ZNadeem, post: 217783, member: 40237"] Hi! Just to add my 2 cents, as this was something I struggled with in applications that didn’t have the classic “why law” or “why our firm” questions. At first I found it strange, because I thought those were the most important things firms wanted to hear. But what I’ve realised is that many firms are shifting towards more creative or open-ended questions because they want to assess you in a different way. They’re looking for your ability to reflect, communicate clearly, and show how your experiences have shaped you — rather than getting a formulaic “why us” answer that could apply to any firm. That said, I wouldn’t try to shoehorn a “why Mayer Brown” section into a question where it doesn’t fit — it usually comes across as forced. Instead, I’d recommend answering the question directly and authentically. The best applications I’ve written were the ones where I stuck to the question and gave genuine examples from my own background, rather than worrying about fitting in things that weren’t asked. If you do want to bring in Mayer Brown, you can do so more subtly in the work experience or extracurricular sections — for example, highlighting experiences that reflect the skills, values, or practice areas that Mayer Brown is known for. That way, you’re showing alignment without forcing it into an answer that’s not asking for it. In short: trust the process. These newer-style questions are designed to get a more authentic picture of you, and a clear, genuine response plus well-chosen experiences is often exactly what gets you through the first stage. Hope this helps :) [/QUOTE]
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