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Search results

  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Not the dinner party question 😅 To be fair, I actually enjoy questions like this! I’ve had to answer a few similar ones in other applications and interviews. Just to add to the great points made by @Bread, I also think the goal here is for the firm to gain insight into your personality, values...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya again @GSJ You’re welcome! These tasks weren’t part of the assessment centre when I attended the AC or vac scheme, so I can’t speak from direct experience. That said, if the senior lawyer task is a written one, the principles for succeeding in any written task apply: clarity, structure...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @suhana I think @Jessica Booker might have thoughts here, but I’d definitely encourage you to reach out. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate that week! I've generally found that many firms are quite understanding in situations like this, so it’s worth asking. You could explain...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya AS24 I think that's perfectly fine :) I did so myself when I applied. That space was particularly helpful when applying as a mature candidate with degrees from other universities outside of the UK. Good luck!
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    THANK YOU! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ If I fail, I'll just launch meme coins for the rest of my life.
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @lawbear123 Just adding to what @chrisbrown mentioned, but there’s no need to format it like a cover letter. I didn’t address mine to grad rec or anyone specific. You can just jump straight into answering the main questions the personal statement is geared towards: why commercial law, why...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @GSJ Amazing job on getting to the AC! The Jones Day recruitment process has changed slightly since I was on the scheme, but I hope the following is useful to you. In addition to having strong research about the firm, you may be asked questions about areas of law or business that you’ve...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @LawLawLawLawLaw This isn’t an obvious question at all, so don't worry. Always good to check these things! In my experience, when firms mention a “critical thinking test,” it tends to be based on Watson Glaser-style questions. That’s because “critical thinking” is often a catch-all term...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @lawyersum Don't apologise! This is a great question, though it’s challenging to answer with precision. One reason for this is the lack of reliable data on training contract statistics for the regional offices of large firms. Most available insights that I've seen tend to focus on London...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @futuretrainee101ac I think it’s worth sending them a quick email now to ask for an update, especially since it’s been a while. When I applied to BCLP, I got my response around February, so it’s not unusual for them to take a bit of time. Fingers crossed you hear back soon with good news!
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Toenails :) I think it’s worth checking the firm’s policy first to see if they have any specific rules about applying again after a vacation scheme. Some firms might have restrictions, but if there’s nothing mentioned, I’d absolutely encourage you to go for it. I’ve actually met two...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @legallyells Just wanted to add to the very good suggestions mentioned by @Amma Usman! I think you can definitely talk about your non-law degree here. It’s a great way to highlight how your background has shaped your perspective and working style. That said, I’d encourage you to think...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @helloj I wouldn't assume a PFO just yet. Aside from the fact that the deadline is 31 December, I know several people who completed their written assessments and video interviews for Dechert in late January and even February. Hang in there!
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AI212121 Just wanted to add to what @Jessica Booker said. It's absolutely fine to use your experience working in the bakery for this question. Your experience doesn’t have to be from a corporate or formal setting. I’ve had positive feedback from interviews where I talked about my time...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor Yep, you could definitely discuss the experience of drafting a commercial agreement in your answer, though I suggest you think carefully about how you frame this experience. Focus on what it was about drafting the agreement that was interesting to you and that...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AlegalA I have thoughts (I think haha). I'd definitely be curious to know what @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman might say here. With such a tight word count, I think even small changes to your answers can make a difference. I’d suggest looking for subtle ways to refine your responses. For...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hiya @lawyersum :) I'd be curious to see what @Jessica Booker says here, but I think it's completely fine if you don't fill every single box in each section. Based on my own experience, I've had the impression that recruiters understand that not everyone will have an equal number of...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @abhuzaifa Just adding to what was mentioned by @Jessica Booker here. From my initial reading of it, I think this question is definitely about showing a structured approach to understanding a client’s needs and how you would use the firm’s expertise to help them. For the “how you would...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Gg2001 Having applied in a previous cycle, I was able to get through without using the entire word 500 word count limit. Most of my answers were between 430-460 words. In terms of structuring your answers to the questions and using the word count effectively, I'd recommend sticking with...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @unknownnn7372 Well done on getting to the AC! When I applied to Jones Day, they didn’t have a case study at the AC, but I’ve got some resources that might help, which include three fantastic threads by Jacob Miller. One for case studies One for negotiations One for general interview...

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