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    Finding Paralegal Positions

    Really depends on a number of factors! I think a number of firms/ads you see will say something along the lines of “LPC preferred but not required”, which at least suggests they’re open to candidates without it. I haven’t done the LPC but got my first paralegal gig with a MC firm because they...
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    Turning down a Training Contract?

    Is there anyone you can file a complaint with? Such behavior is really not acceptable. I probably wouldn’t take the TC if a partner spoke to me like that. You’re already sick of it after 3 months - just imagine how you’ll feel after 2 years.
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    Commute or Hotel

    I think it also depends on what time your last train home is. There may be opportunities after work to socialize / network with other vac schemers or people at the firm. Would be a shame to miss out because you have to catch the train home. That said, hotels are expensive. I guess ideally see if...
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    How do young lawyers manage their finances?

    Tbh in my own personal experience, I’d say the way people spend their money really depends on how they grew up with (or without) money and what they feel comfortable with. For example, in my own observation I’ve noticed that those who didn’t have financial stability growing up are more conscious...
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    TCLA General Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Hey Asil, do you speak any foreign languages? Try approaching DA Solutions or Language Matters (or a similar agency). I landed my first paralegal job that way and managed to use that as a stepping stone to my current paralegal job. I had a foreign LLB and an English LLM with zero work experience...
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    Preparing for a paralegal interview

    I recently interviewed for a new role (which I've just started) and there was also no job spec. Though the role was similar to my last role, the questions were more asking some situational judgment questions ("what would you do if you couldn't reach the senior associate on this matter and you...
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    Previous Unfinished Study: To include or not?

    I think @Jessica Booker is best placed to answer this! Personally I'd go for option 1 because, while I'm sure you had plenty of reason to move, it does look a bit flakey and that might be a concern to firms who are about to put thousands into your education. I think without your grades + with...
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    What components make the best Law Firm for Diversity & Inclusion? How do they differ?

    Agree with everything that Kubed says but to put it in simple terms: diversity is being able to see people who look/are like you. Inclusion is figuring out ways in which to make your firm accommodating of all those differences so that everyone is respected and supported.
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    TCLA General Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Have actually heard of this happening. Trainee survived by taking ownership and immediately alerting the associates, who were able to tell the opposing side to immediately delete the email. Aside from that major boo-boo he was apparently a really competent trainee so everyone has moved on from it.
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    Question for the Application Form

    No worries, I understand the confusion. I guess a good rule is whether that person really has any idea who you are, and whether they might 'vouch' for you in a sense. For example, I would put down any colleagues at my own firm, or friends who are at other firms. As HR / associates / partners are...
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    Question for the Application Form

    I don’t know if this is just my own misinterpretation but I’m not sure whether a virtual introduction is considered to be a contact at the firm. At least in my own head I’ve always interpreted it as meaning a friend / family member / other intimate acquaintances at the firm. Basically anyone who...
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    Using the gap between finishing the GDL and starting the LPC (a nice problem to have!)

    Because of the Covid lockdowns (and particularly the closing of schools), a lot of families had to start homeschooling, which really highlighted the gap in accessibility to education resources. Something as simple as having parents who are native English speakers, having a stable Internet...
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    Using the gap between finishing the GDL and starting the LPC (a nice problem to have!)

    I'm not actually a trainee, just a seasoned paralegal (for now)! But my SO is an associate so I spend a lot of time around mid-level associates and trainees both at work and at home LOL, so I just try to regurgitate some of the things they say on here.
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    Using the gap between finishing the GDL and starting the LPC (a nice problem to have!)

    I think if I were you I'd look into picking up some new evening hobbies. Take dance classes, try coding, learn a new language (or improve one you learned in school), take an online course. Spend time giving back to your community - tutor students of a disadvantaged background, spend an evening...
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    As a trainee, in what way are the tasks between disputes/ corporate seats different?

    Not sure about corporate because I'm in disputes but: Disputes: collating authorities, doing research, taking and editing witness statements, conferring with clients on their witness statements, doc review, bundling (cross-citing, redacting, referencing), conferring with the court, etc. Don't...
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    Speaking from the conversations I’ve heard 5-6 PQE associates have, the resounding agreement is that if you’re very ambitious, ticking off a US firm on your CV will benefit you in the long run. It is VERY common to hear that associates do 2-3 years at a US firm while earlier in their career and...
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    TCLA General Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Not real estate specific but if this is within a firm, here’s a couple tips from my own experience: -Don’t be afraid to ask questions or “looking stupid” - if it’s your first role, no one expects you to know everything. Better to ask right away than have people cleaning up your easy messes...
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    Law firms as a business- Doubt

    What your question really seems to touch on is the crux of international commercial litigation, more specifically the conflict of laws. What you need to know is that company A might want to list in the UK - this will be governed by English law. But it might also have offices in Dubai, Brussels...
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    TCLA General Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    One thought that always helps me is the knowledge that no matter how much today sucks - you never have to do today again! Wishing you all the best.
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    Map of law firm office locations in London?

    A number of firms are moving / have moved from offices on Chancery Lane to Liverpool street. Not because of any sort of rivalry but because the buildings around Chancery Lane are older. Leases are expiring, teams are growing, and firms want nicer offices. There’s still a lot of barristers...

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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.

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