Search results

  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @billyonthespeeddial 👀 I completely agree with @Jessica Booker on this. When I was in a similar position, I did include a vacation scheme offer in my work experience section, but in hindsight, I found that my applications often worked better when I mentioned it more briefly elsewhere...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Completely get how frustrating it can be to condense a strong answer into just 90 seconds! It can be really tough to know, too, whether you've struck the right balance between depth and conciseness. That said, in these cases, I think it's really important to ask yourself whether you can...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi @Zaraa.x :) I think @Jessica Booker and @Andrei Radu would also have some things to add here, but just wanted to jump in before. Completely understand overthinking questions (guilty of this on too many previous occasions to count)! That said, I think the primary aim of this question is less...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @j3llyfish :) I’m sorry to hear about your experience with the video interview, but don’t be too hard on yourself. I'd keep in mind that recruiters aren’t just focussed on your delivery; they’re also paying close attention to the content and structure of your answers. A friend of mine had...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @axele :) Yes, there’s definitely still time to apply. While Bird & Bird does review applications on a rolling basis, their vacation scheme deadline isn’t until 19th December. Many firms tend to receive the bulk of their applications closer to the deadline, so don't fret yet! I'd...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi @lawstudent523 :) Completely agree with @Jessica Booker. You should use this question as an opportunity to show Goodwin the thought process behind your applications, rather than just listing all the firms you’re applying to. There's also a risk that, if you name several firms that don’t...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @lawyersum I think since you’re a recent graduate, something from your second or third year of university should be fine. I'm curious about what @Jessica Booker would say here, but I’d avoid drawing on examples from secondary school or even the first year of your undergraduate studies...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @theonecompetant :) Just adding to what @cleojwilliams has aptly mentioned, I think it's perfectly fine to bring up. It could definitely be acceptable to cite this as a motivating factor, depending on the firm you're applying to and depending on how you frame the point. I think the key...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @CanOz :) Amazing job on reaching the video interview stage! I wanted to share a couple of thoughts and threads that really helped me when I was preparing for VIs: This classic thread by the legendary AliceG, which I found invaluable when I started doing VIs: Video Interviews: Tips and...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

    Hiya @aspiringlawyer12 I just wanted to build on the already excellent advice you've received from @Jessica Booker. Jess is completely spot on about tailoring your pitch to the client rather than focusing on the firm. One complicating factor here could be that the client you're expected to...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

    Hiya @lawyersum I completely agree with @Amma Usman here. Either of these approaches could work really well to answer the question and showcase your skills. That said, as Amma suggests, I’d also lean towards the first option. It’s such a unique and impressive achievement, and one that’s...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Amazing! Hope you hear back with good news!
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Anytime, friend!
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Love this! Thank you all for being such a wonderful source of support and encouragement to each other!
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @KBanana 👀 I think including a training-related point in paragraph 2 sounds like a solid idea. It shows you’re also considering a range of factors for joining the firm. As for paragraph 1, discussing three practice areas in one paragraph could work. My main worry is that it might end up...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Go @Andrei Radu!!! Go @Amma Usman!!!
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @James Wakefield :) You’re absolutely right that the key here is to ensure your answers are complementary rather than repetitive. Whenever I came across applications that required both a cover letter and a separate “Why do you want to join us and what skills do you have?” question, I...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @LawLawLawLawLaw Just to add a few ideas here before @Jessica Booker jumps in. I think the depth of your answer and the number of challenges you can feasibly discuss will depend on the word count you’re given. Broadly speaking, I think it’s better to focus on one or two challenges and...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @fffvfdsfv I just wanted to add onto the excellent advice by @Jessica Booker. This actually happened to me during my first application cycle, so I completely understand the concern. In my experience, the fact that I didn’t convert a vacation scheme rarely came up in later applications or...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @Tclarocks123 :) I’d recommend writing your work experience section in prose rather than bullet points. Prose gives you the space to reflect on and explain your work responsibilities and achievements in more depth. This means you can go beyond listing tasks and really showcase how your...

About Us

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.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.

    Share this page

    Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2022 XenForo Ltd. | Style and add-ons by ThemeHouse | Community services from Audentio
    Top Bottom