Search results

  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @PoliLegal :D Just wanted to add to what both @Apple and @lawstudent2002 have brilliantly mentioned. Overall, I always recommend that candidates apply to a range of firms. This isn't just because some might have stricter grade cut-offs (in practice, I've found that many are actually more...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Soprano It’s fantastic that your friend has interned as a technology analyst at Barclays and is studying engineering. Experience like that can really set applicants apart, even without a formal legal background. It's worth saying here that having no legal work experience isn’t a barrier...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Chelsea101 Well done on getting to AC! Ahhh that's great! I think it’s definitely fine to use some points from your application to answer “Why X firm” in an interview. If you can, I'd encourage you to add further depth to your answer at interview though. There's typically a 250-300 word...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @KBanana I think @Andrei Radu and @Jessica Booker would definitely have more to say here, but I don't think there’s really any one-size-fits-all answer. Grad rec isn't looking for you to mention a specific alternative career. Rather, they’re interested in getting to know you and what...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Howdy @KBanana :) While it’s definitely possible for some candidates to start their training contracts earlier than planned, it really depends on the firm and their current availability. Sometimes spaces open up if others change their start dates or aren’t able to begin as scheduled. In some...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @tc_hopeful As someone who's worked with several career changers, I completely appreciate the worry here. But thankfully there’s no need to limit yourself to discussing interests or activities you undertook at university. This point actually applies to applicants at any point in their...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    Open Day and Insight Scheme Deadlines 2024-25

    Hiya @mitali There are firms not listed on here whose open day details we are still in the process of confirming. This list is dynamic and will be updated regularly. If any firm announces a virtual open day, we’ll make sure to add/amend it here and confirm whether it's virtual or not, as we've...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    SQE preparations

    Hiya @Lawyering13 I'm currently on an SQE prep course myself, so hoping I can offer some useful advice below. Great to hear you're gearing up for your BARBRI course and early prep will definitely help you feel more confident once January rolls around. First, if you have any notes or feedback...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @a1024 :) For structuring your statement, I think you can take the more traditional approach: focus on (1) why commercial law, (2) why Freshfields, and (3) why you. When I wrote my personal statement, I also aimed for an equal split across these sections, ensuring each part was distinct...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    Walker Morris

    Hiya @benpeacock7766 Happy to say that applications are open. You can find the application form for both the training contract and vacation scheme here: https://walkermorris.grad.allhires.com/app/ Best of luck!
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    Open Day and Insight Scheme Deadlines 2024-25

    Hey folks! We've compiled a list of law firms that are currently accepting applications for open days and insight schemes. These events offer a great chance to get to know specific firms, especially if you're unable to apply for vacation schemes. The list will be regularly updated throughout...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Apple This isn't a dumb question at all. Written exercises can be tricky (I struggled with these often in my own applications), and getting the structure right is key! When approaching a memo, I think it's best to use headings and subheadings to clearly separate the different issues or...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @deeja It’s great to be factual in the work experience sections, but I’d always encourage you to balance this with some degree of reflection. Rather than just listing what you did, try to highlight the specific skills you used while carrying out particular tasks. I also found it helpful to...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey hey @Samridhi Jain 🥳 It sounds like you’ve already made good progress with researching firms and drafting your applications. You're still early into the application cycle, so don't worry just yet. Depending on the type of opportunities you're aiming for, though, it might be worth sending...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @billyonthespeeddial @Jessica Booker might have more to add here, but based on my understanding, these sort of questions are best used to explain any mitigating circumstances or anything that might be unusual or not immediately obvious in your application. It’s a space to provide context...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @wowcha This sort of question is frequently asked in various application forms, and you can absolutely draw on any challenge from your personal or professional life. You definitely don't need to limit yourself to just law-related examples. When answering questions like this, I’ve found...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Aspiringsolicitor01 I had meant to send you this response yesterday - my apologies for the delay in getting this to you! Just wanted to built on what @Jessica Booker said. Many firms' video interviews tend to ask similar questions to those in TCLA's interview question bank. The key is...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Absolutely!!! I was rejected from Cooley's open day! Please don't let it put you off! There are loads of reasons why firms might have rejected you from the open day, including that you might not have really benefitted from it as much as other candidates and that you might even be better suited...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @SamiyaJ :) Sorry to hear about the rejection – it's definitely frustrating, especially when you’ve been putting in a lot of effort to master this aspect of the application process. The Watson Glaser test is tricky for many, but I think with the right approach, you can definitely improve...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @lolololol I know the waiting process can feel a bit uncertain, but I’d suggest giving it a little more time, especially since it’s only been a couple of weeks since the 4th of October. Many firms take a bit longer to review applications, especially if there’s a large volume. If you...

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