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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    Open days

    Hi @vedikaaa :) I think this is a great start. You're absolutely right - given that there are several other firms involved in the event, it's best to balance specificity whilst writing more broadly about what you hope to gain by attending the event. Best of luck!
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    Different ways of studying and learning SQE1 content

    Hi @NotMikeRoss :) First off, I’m really sorry to hear about the SQE1 result. It’s a tough exam with a massive volume of content. The fact that you’re reflecting on how to improve already shows great resilience. I’m also currently studying for SQE1, and I completely relate to the challenge of...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @ayiiii05 :) You'll find the questions for last year's recruitment cycle below. Hope this helps: Q1 Please use the space below to describe the reasons you want to be a solicitor. Consider what first prompted your interest in the profession, your research on the profession, and particular...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi friends! Happy to report that it's completely fine to use 'NRF'. I did so in previous applications and was able to get through the initial stage. Best of luck with the application!
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @unknownnn7372 Well done on getting to the AC! The Jones Day AC has changed a bit since I went through it in 2022, but you may be asked questions about areas of law or business that you’ve expressed interest in at the application stage. For example, I was asked several questions about the...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hiya @fta2024 The Summer Diversity Scheme appears to be designed specifically for students on a more traditional 3 or 4-year degree path, so it may not be the best fit in this instance. You can find more details on the Cooley website for clarification, and if you have any questions, I’d...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @mfuturetrainee - you should be able to find the link here. Good luck!
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @DarrenB This is a really common question - and having worked with many bright, talented non-Russell group students, please, please don't be reluctant to apply just because you went to a non-RG university. Firms tend to look at the strength of your overall application rather than focusing...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @BonanzaBih_ 🥳 I think either 50/50 or 40/60 is completely alright, so long as you showcase genuine interest in the firm and the open day, while still highlighting the key strengths that will help you excel. Firms are typically very interested in your motivations, so I wouldn't dedicate...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    Solicitor Apprenticeship Applications

    Hiya @waj0106 :) Although I haven't applied for a solicitor apprenticeship programme, many of the same considerations apply when answering motivational questions more generally. The way the question is structured gives you some flexibility in deciding which parts to emphasise, but it's a good...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    Open days

    Hiya @vedikaaa It's great that you're thinking of applying to open days! They're an excellent way to get a real sense of a firm's work and culture. When asked what you hope to gain from attending, I recommend focusing on the specific insights you want to take away. This could range from...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Pleasure's all mine! @Maddy and @User5678 :)
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    Just keep swimming

    Amazing! 3 applications in September is fantastic. Keep going—when I was on my Nth application cycle, I remember telling myself that movement is better than perfection. It's not an easy process at all, but the community assistants are here to help with any questions you might have. You've got...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi @Maddy and @User5678 I wanted to send across the PwC training contract application. Here is the link, though it's worth noting that one needs to complete a vacation scheme with them in order to be considered for the training contract. Hope this helps and good luck!
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi @Maddy and @User5678 Based on a quick google search, it seems Deloitte will be opening its training contract applications on 30th September. The date can be found here. I'll get back to you both as soon as I find some reliable information on PwC's legal training contract/vacation scheme...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    From what I've understood, you're generally free to withdraw from a TC offer up until you’ve accepted any financial support from the firm or started any onboarding processes, such as law school/SQE prep or the formal TC onboarding. I would encourage you to carefully consider the terms of your...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    Foreign Qualified Lawyer Trying To Secure TC In UK

    Hi @Muhammad Shahrez :) It's great that you're considering qualification in the UK! One of the best parts of pursuing a legal career in London is meeting foreign-qualified lawyers like you who bring so much experience and diversity to the profession. I understand how daunting it can feel, so I...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I'm really sorry to hear about all the Jones Day rejections today — as @SoonToBeTrainee rightly noted, it's incredibly frustrating when all you get is “it’s competitive,” because while that’s true, it doesn’t offer any clear path for improvement. I hope everyone gets some time for themselves...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hi friend :) Yes, I’d definitely recommend including your vacation scheme in the work experience section of your application. While it’s great that you’ve mentioned specific pieces of work in your application answers to support why you’re interested in commercial law or interested in a firm...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @legally.brown :) You'll want to focus on sufficiently discussing both parts of the question: (1) why you want to pursue a legal career at a City law firm, along with (2) why you're interested in the particular firm. When talking about why you want to work at a City law, ensure you get to...

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