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Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
Applications Discussion
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
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<blockquote data-quote="Abbie Whitlock" data-source="post: 224495" data-attributes="member: 42112"><p>Hello!</p><p></p><p>You definitely do not need to have attended an open / insight day to give a strong "Why this firm?" answer - I only attended an open day at one of the firms I was successful with overall! The main ways that you can stand out:</p><p></p><p><strong>1. Show you've done deeper research than the website itself</strong></p><p></p><p>Look for things such as:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Recent deals, cases, or matters the firm worked on that have interested you</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Industry sectors or client bases that they're growing in</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">New offices, strategy changes, hires, or expansions</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Awards or rankings that match your interests</li> </ul><p>I would try to reference specific and unique facts about the firm that show a genuine interest and desire to learn more. Avoid picking generic elements that you are able to find on the first page of the website - you should show off the depth of research you have conducted!</p><p></p><p><strong>2. Link the firm's strengths to your personal motivations</strong></p><p></p><p>My main advice for all motivational questions is to constantly link the unique aspects of the firm back to your own past experiences to demonstrate genuine interest, and where the interest has grown. </p><p></p><p>For example, rather than saying "<em>I want to work at X because they are strong in Y</em>", I'd say something more along the lines of: "<em>Your growth in private equity appeals to me as I enjoy analytical, long-term client relationships as show through my experience as X</em>"</p><p></p><p>Making that connection is what helps set your application apart, and makes it feel more personal and tailored overall.</p><p></p><p><strong>3. Talk about what you can contribute to the firm</strong></p><p></p><p>A really useful way of showing an interest in a firm is by demonstrating that you know what they value, and that you have those qualities yourself. For example:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A technical interest in a certain area</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Prior sector experience</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Client-facing or leadership skills</li> </ul><p>This shows that you see yourself as part of the firm, and that you believe you can contribute to the long-term success.</p><p></p><p><strong>4. Highlight what makes the firm different to its competitors</strong></p><p></p><p>This can be across a range of different factors, but some of the most common starting points are:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Culture or training approach</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Client base</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Seat structure</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Early responsibility</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">International opportunities</li> </ul><p>Framing your answer in terms of what sets them apart is a good way to show that you are not sending the same application to every firm, and that you have taken the time to research and compare.</p><p></p><p>Even without open days, a well-researched and personal answer can easily stand out more than someone who simply says "I went to the firm presentation and liked the culture". It's all about showing your genuine interest and motivations for the firm through your research, and tying this into why you'd be a good fit based on your past experiences.</p><p></p><p>I hope that helps, and best of luck with your applications! <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="Abbie Whitlock, post: 224495, member: 42112"] Hello! You definitely do not need to have attended an open / insight day to give a strong "Why this firm?" answer - I only attended an open day at one of the firms I was successful with overall! The main ways that you can stand out: [B]1. Show you've done deeper research than the website itself[/B] Look for things such as: [LIST] [*]Recent deals, cases, or matters the firm worked on that have interested you [*]Industry sectors or client bases that they're growing in [*]New offices, strategy changes, hires, or expansions [*]Awards or rankings that match your interests [/LIST] I would try to reference specific and unique facts about the firm that show a genuine interest and desire to learn more. Avoid picking generic elements that you are able to find on the first page of the website - you should show off the depth of research you have conducted! [B]2. Link the firm's strengths to your personal motivations[/B] My main advice for all motivational questions is to constantly link the unique aspects of the firm back to your own past experiences to demonstrate genuine interest, and where the interest has grown. For example, rather than saying "[I]I want to work at X because they are strong in Y[/I]", I'd say something more along the lines of: "[I]Your growth in private equity appeals to me as I enjoy analytical, long-term client relationships as show through my experience as X[/I]" Making that connection is what helps set your application apart, and makes it feel more personal and tailored overall. [B]3. Talk about what you can contribute to the firm[/B] A really useful way of showing an interest in a firm is by demonstrating that you know what they value, and that you have those qualities yourself. For example: [LIST] [*]A technical interest in a certain area [*]Prior sector experience [*]Client-facing or leadership skills [/LIST] This shows that you see yourself as part of the firm, and that you believe you can contribute to the long-term success. [B]4. Highlight what makes the firm different to its competitors[/B] This can be across a range of different factors, but some of the most common starting points are: [LIST] [*]Culture or training approach [*]Client base [*]Seat structure [*]Early responsibility [*]International opportunities [/LIST] Framing your answer in terms of what sets them apart is a good way to show that you are not sending the same application to every firm, and that you have taken the time to research and compare. Even without open days, a well-researched and personal answer can easily stand out more than someone who simply says "I went to the firm presentation and liked the culture". It's all about showing your genuine interest and motivations for the firm through your research, and tying this into why you'd be a good fit based on your past experiences. I hope that helps, and best of luck with your applications! :) [/QUOTE]
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