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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @V2002 :) I think @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman and @Jessica Booker would definitely have more to say here. But thought I'd add my two cents. I think using the STAR method is a great idea for structuring your response. It can provide your answer with clarity and organisation, making it easier...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @IneedaTCASAP Just following up on what cwhite233 said. Completely agree that they're a really nice mid-sized firm with a great culture. There’s been some excellent reporting on the firm in The Lawyer (which is unfortunately behind a paywall), but the firm has been doing particularly well...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @member7830 I remember thinking the question was quite broad when I initially applied in a previous cycle, but I think you can use the general open-ended nature of the question to your advantage :) When approaching the question, I think you can just jump straight into your experiences...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @cleojwilliams I've attached a link to the TCLA question bank below. This was an absolute godsend for me when preparing for interviews! It helped me craft great skeleton outlines for a variety of question, pre-empting many of those that could come up during an assessment centre or partner...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @KBanana Yep, I’ve successfully progressed through the application stage without completing the Weil Virtual Experience Programme. In general, this has never really been an issue for me (it's only ever come up once during an interview). If you can demonstrate genuine engagement with a firm...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @tarty23 :) You can definitely mention the skills you’ve developed, but it’s not necessary to explicitly state that they’re “relevant to commercial law.” Instead, focus on describing what you did and how it helped you develop specific skills or knowledge. Rather than simply stating that...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AGRACHEL When mentioning any fundraising activities I participated in, law firms haven't typically asked me for proof of this. That said, it's important to ensure you can confidently and convincingly explain how your efforts contributed to the result you're mentioning (in this case, the...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Aspiringsolicitor01 Don't be too worried just yet! It's unclear whether CMS review applications on a rolling basis or not. The FAQ section on their website currently states that they try to "process your application and move you through the stages as soon as possible. In certain...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Gimmeatcplease! Welcome to the forum!!! I know entering the legal profession can be daunting, but I'd strongly advise AGAINST using services like those offered by Bradstone Allington. I learned about these schemes through @Jessica Booker who flagged concerns about similar companies, and...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @bsh :) It’s perfectly ok (actually, I’d say it’s a good idea) to mention a firm’s expertise in specific practice areas or sectors as a reason for wanting to attend their open day. When mentioning these, though, it's worth asking yourself a few questions. For example, if there is a...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @elsx :) You're absolutely right that this question is a bit unusually phrased. Having answered this for the A&P application myself, I’d say the key is to demonstrate how you’ve worked with others in more of a leadership or coordinating role. You'll want to focus on where you took...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AS24 I'd suggest that you don’t necessarily need to rely heavily on the firm’s marketing materials, but it could be helpful to review Katten’s values as a starting point. To be clear, you don’t have to centre your entire answer around these values, but they can provide some guidance on...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @KBanana Unsurprisingly, I'm in agreement with what Jess said here! You’re also absolutely right - you don’t need to explain why the story is interesting to you, since the question doesn’t ask for it. That said, I've generally always added a sentence or two about why a story caught my...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Pawlaw Congratulations on being invited back! I'd be interested to know what @Jessica Booker would say, but I’d suggest revisiting any feedback you received after your summer assessment. I think this would be a good move, helping you prepare for the upcoming interview and demonstrating...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Aspiringsolicitor01 Just adding to what @Jessica Booker said, I’d also recommend using prose instead of bullet points here, as it gives you the chance to add brief reflections on the impact and significance of your key tasks and achievements. For example, you could highlight what you...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @josiemusgra Just following up on this :) It doesn’t need to be a regulation specifically. You could also focus on a distinct business, political, or legal event, like a major court decision or a significant business move that’s been economically significant. These types of events often...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Tangcy Yes, you should be able to do so. Although this may need to be updated, I made a short thread on the firms that typically allow you to apply for a direct training contract in the same recruitment cycle as an unsuccessful vacation scheme application. When applying for Linklaters'...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @gazdgazd11 Thanks so much for reaching out, and I’m sorry for the delay! Shahana will be handling your upgrade shortly, so you should be all set soon. For the application review pack, you’ll be able to submit your applications directly for review without needing any extra approval once...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @jobhuntwarrior :) Absolutely, you should feel free to mention these events! It might seem like they were a while ago, but that really doesn’t matter. The question doesn’t limit how far back you can go, so it’s perfectly fine to include all the relevant events you’ve attended. There’s also...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Amjaya I would keep practicing if possible. Though it’s worth noting that the benchmark for each firm can vary, you want to get closer to about 35/40. Regular practice, reflecting on the answers you get wrong, and an understanding of the type of reasoning demanded by each section will...

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