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Search results

  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @FCL25 Given that the word limit for the Shoosmiths application questions is 300, I think it's worth discussing more than one skill. While the prompt says to focus on one experience, I don’t think that restricts you to just one skill. I think @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman would have more...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Chris Brown Just wanted to add to the excellent comments by @Andrei Radu. Loved his point that the vac scheme is particularly useful in helping you feel out the more intangible aspects of a firm. In my case, there were a few key things I paid attention to during my schemes. One was how...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @amy2602 Just wanted to add to the sage advice of @Jessica Booker! As she mentioned, the start date of your training contract depends quite a bit on the firm. Most firms tend to recruit trainees around two years in advance, so if you’re doing a vacation scheme this year, it’s likely you’d...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @LiveLaughLawyer I think @Jessica Booker and @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu might have more to add here, but wanted to get something to you. I'd just caveat that these are based on my own experiences, and they may not necessarily resonate with you (you might actually find you thrive in...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    What a way to start the weekend! Good luck with the scheme!!! Live your best unbothered life, staying hydrated and moisturised!!!
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @trainee4u I remember graduate recruitment telling me during the 2022-23 cycle that it wasn’t possible to apply for a direct training contract if we had received a rejection for the vacation scheme in the same cycle. They effectively told me to wait until the next cycle to apply again. It’s...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Legallylaw I think @Jessica Booker might have more to add here, but I generally think writing a cover letter in this context isn’t too different from writing one for any other legal work experience or scheme. You’ll want to make sure your cover letter clearly covers these key points: A...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @mmm918 Just wanted to share what a friend heard directly from HFW. Essentially, if you applied for the vacation scheme this cycle, that actually meant you were also considered for the training contract at the same time. So unfortunately, you wouldn’t be able to reapply separately for the...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Such great news before the weekend! Hope you're gonna celebrate!
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Haha, cheeky ask @A worried graduate 😄 I tend to save these summaries for firms that don’t get covered as much in TCLA's current directory and firm profiles. Since BCLP is pretty well covered in TCLA’s resources already, I'd recommend having a look through the TCLA firm directory – it’s...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @Legallywhatever It’s definitely not too early. Two months ahead of the deadline is actually a great time to submit a non-rolling DTC application, as long as you’re confident it’s in strong shape. The key thing is quality. If you feel the application is already well thought out and...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @marisachr I think @Jessica Booker would likely have a better understanding of this, but wanted to get to you with some information. From what I’ve seen, there definitely are firms that recruit most or all of their trainees from their paralegal cohort. I know of several strong litigation...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @broalabear Just wanted to add to what @Amma Usman has already said. Hoping this makes sense as an explanation for what you should try to do during the assumption section of the WG. Good news is that you're right that this proposed assumption is assumed by the main claim. An assumption...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Another vac scheme offer on this forum! May your free coffee be strong and your redlines few!!!
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Amazing! Great firm! I hope it goes so well!
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Bloo! I’d say the way you format the analysis will depend on what you're being asked to do (whether it's for a formal memo, an internal note, or even a client-facing email) but in general, I’d recommend using a mixture of subheadings, bullet points, and short explanatory paragraphs to...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AlegalA I don't have any particular information on their assessment centre, but just had a look through The Lawyer and Chambers UK and wanted to mention some recent information about the firm in case it helps your preparation (you may already know some/all of this). Financial performance...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya! I think @Jessica Booker and @Amma Usman would have more to say, but hoping this helps before they come back to you. I think it's difficult to say exactly how you should change your application without seeing it, but it might help to take a step back and critically assess a few key...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @lawaspirant! I think it depends on the firm and the types of real estate matters they typically advise on. The work done by real estate-focused law firms can vary significantly depending on whether they primarily advise property owners, occupiers, developers, investors, or others. Your...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Legallywhatever Have to agree with what @Jessica Booker and @Amma Usman have already said. I think when answering questions about what interests you in becoming a solicitor, it’s not a bad idea to touch on commercial aspects. However, you'll want to reflect a bit more precisely on those...

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