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  1. Jessica Booker

    Simmons & Simmons Answer

    I don’t think you need to reference skills - it is more about showing outcomes /success (the result/reaction part of the STARR format). Are any of these entries in your work experience section? If so, they can then be removed to avoid the repetition.
  2. Jessica Booker

    Simmons & Simmons Answer

    I know I have mentioned this before, but it’s important to avoid contracted words. Not only do they make your document less formal but you are not using them consistently. This will be flagged an as attention to detail issue. I wouldn’t word the mitigating circumstances like you currently have...
  3. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Not @Ram Sabaratnam or @Andrei Radu - i think it fine to explain three reasons as long as you are covering the rest of the question adequately. There is a lot to cover in this question: 1) context of the story 2) why you are interested 3) why it is significant 4) who the stakeholders are 5)...
  4. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Sometimes firms ask people not to publicise they have offers until they have informed every candidates.
  5. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Yes - it is fine to reference other firm's names when detailing work experience. Sometimes avoiding naming them can look a little odd and the lack of specific detail can be a little frustrating for your reader as they then have to look at your work experience entries and try to work out which...
  6. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Think of it like an elevator pitch - its around 60 second for you to present who you are. You want to focus on no more than three themes and to ensure what you connect to those themes are the most interesting/memorable aspects of you. Try not to describe your whole journey or everything you do...
  7. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I wouldn't worry about it then as it is not a timed assessment. If it was, they would have to say that you have an unlimited amount of time. They just give you the 45 minutes suggestion to ensure people don't under estimate how long it would typically take.
  8. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would check the language used to describe the test when it was sent to you. If it says unlimited time, then the test could still be assessing a time to complete element on some level. If it says the test is untimed, then there should be no reference to time in how the assessment is...
  9. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would check if the firm has given you any guidance on this, but generally I would say smart trousers and a v neck jumper with a collared shirt or blouse is okay. You generally don't need to be in a full suit and even if you did go in one, you'd probably take your jacket off anyway.
  10. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Most likely yes - you don't always have to write 250 words though, and especially if there are older entries that are effectively superseeded my more recent ones.
  11. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    You can use your discretion with this as to what you think is appropriate but generally I would provide as many entries as possible even if it is going back some time. For instance, I probably wouldn’t list all my part time jobs separately I did from 14-21 but I would list out the ski season I...
  12. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Focus on key responsibilities (you rarely have to list everything you have done) and any specific outcomes/success generated from those responsibilities.
  13. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I’d stress there is not a consistent approach to this. You will need to weigh up presenting the information in the clearest, most structured and concise way, and there could be many different approaches that achieve that.
  14. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would take that as encouragement to reapply. I doubt they send that to all applicants.
  15. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I don’t think you have to tailor it much to Slaughter and May. Just ensure that it is well structured/presented, clear to read, and no more than two pages. Your cover letter does more of the heavy lifting when it comes to being tailored to the firm.
  16. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    If the application form has “why me” and —a “extra curricular” section it is important of not just use this question as an opportunity to carry over details that could have been included elsewhere. Generally, I would only recommend adding any details in this section that you feel are important...
  17. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    On the most basic levels of analysis, a “standout” percentile ranking would generally be anything 80th or above. However, I’d stress this does not mean you need to get the 80th percentile in these assessments. What you don’t know is what group of people you are being assessed against to get...
  18. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    As you are working part-time this is not an issue. Extracurricular activities demonstrate that university students are busy and developing skills beyond their degree, but part-time jobs can serve the same purpose. You can also refer to other extracurriculars from your undergraduate degree or...
  19. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    If you do not convert a vacation scheme, I'd encourage you to ask the firm whether it is worthwhile reapplying. There won't be a general view of how firms will look at this - it very much depends from candidate to candidate. For the same firm, I have actively encouraged someone to reapply the...
  20. Jessica Booker

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It is never too late to apply - I suspect the firm will still receive over 20% of their applications in the next five days. If this is the best opportunity for you for this cycle, I would apply anyway but if there are other vacation schemes you are eligible for and are willing to wait for, at...

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