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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Runsim :) Just to build off the typically excellent advice of @Jessica Booker, I wanted to reiterate the importance of remembering that not every firm has rigid grade cut-offs. There are also plenty of fantastic firms that value other qualities just as highly as academic performance. As...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Howdy @LawLawLawLawLaw It's fantastic that you already have experience at a boutique firm! That will definitely help in your applications. I’d highly recommend focusing on vacation scheme applications, especially since many firms either only accept applicants through this route or recruit most...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Maddy :) Having been in your shoes (I once applied to a firm only to realise that I didn't meet their eligibility requirements sigh), I think it’s always a good idea to approach graduate recruitment directly via email to ask, just to be sure. That being said, I did a bit of digging and...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    Where firms recruit from (Vacation Scheme vs Direct TC applications) 2024-2025

    Hi folks! To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms...
    • Thread
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    Where firms recruit from (Vacation Scheme vs Direct TC applications) 2024-2025

    Hi folks! To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms into four categories: Firms which recruit a...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    Training Contract Deadlines 2024/25 (Training Starting in 2027)

    Hey friends! We have put together a list of firms currently recruiting trainees via the direct training contract application route. We hope this makes things easier for those of you looking to apply, especially if you aren’t able to do a vacation...
    • Thread
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Howdy @KBanana :) Yes, I think that's completely fine. The key is to ensure that your experiences are presented clearly and tailored to highlight relevant skills and insights for both types of applications. Good luck!
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @lawyersum :) I don’t think it would look careless at all. It would be a great thing to highlight, even if you haven’t completed the specific Forage scheme for the firm you’re applying to. Forage schemes show that you've taken the initiative to gain a deeper understanding of what working...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @deeja :) I used to find this sort of question quite tricky to answer. I would generally avoid discussing set backs related to academics or applications. Instead, I tried to focus on some of the more professional or volunteer-related setback. Here are some examples I've used in previous...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Apple :) You're definitely on the right track by looking at rankings and reputation in specific practice areas like mid-market M&A. It’s a good starting point when thinking about competitors. However, when answering this sort of question in my own applications/interviews, I found it...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Chelsea101 :) It's great that you're reapplying for a vacation scheme, but to build on what @Jessica Booker said, I'd recommend against submitting the same application you used for the training contract application in July. Even if the firm didn’t review your previous application...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Just building on what @Jessica Booker said in response. It’s great that you’re considering both the open day and the vac scheme! Your concern about potentially waiting a long time to hear back about the open day and the impact that might have on your vac scheme application also makes sense. Like...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    Solicitor Apprenticeship Applications

    Hi @waj0106 I think paragraphs are always great. They just make things much easier to read :) This is particularly good to remember when you consider that recruiters are reviewing hundreds of applications. In addition to plain, clear writing, an application that has good organisation and...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @gazdgazd11 :) It appears Bird & Bird doesn't decide who to recruit on the basis of whether they've completed the LPC or SQE. You'll be able to read more about this in the firm's FAQ section, which can be found here. I think it's definitely worth giving them a shot - good luck!
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Maddy Your response is generally good. With questions like these, it's a good idea to be specific about how you've used the tool in the context of your application. You could potentially consider expanding a bit by mentioning which sections you used AI tools for. For example, checking...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @unknownnn7372 I think the key to answering this question is to be realistic, showing that you've thought through the potential challenges of being a trainee and have already begun taking practical steps to tackle them. When I was asked a similar question during a partner interview, I...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @yeezyee :) I completely feel you! Writing applications is already challenging enough, but especially so if you're in a full-time role, have caring responsibilities, or any other commitments. I remember needing to catch my breath a few times when working full-time alongside writing...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It's perfectly alright to lump them together in the same entry, especially if the experiences were quite similar (e.g. if one or more of the virtual internships dealt with M&A matters). I did this for many of my open days and insight events. Just make sure you still highlight any unique aspects...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Just wanted to echo @Jessica Booker 's reply. I'd recommend avoiding humour for these types of questions and, in most cases, for applications more generally (I'm saying this as someone who LOVES improv). While it’s tempting to try something different, firms are typically looking for...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Maddy Adding your Forage virtual internship to the work experience section is a great way to showcase your interest in law, and I definitely think it's worth including. However, rather than just listing tasks (e.g., "I answered clients' emails and reviewed NDAs"), I've generally found it...

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