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  1. Amma Usman

    Mishcon

    Hiya, I have linked an old thread here which should help. It may have changed over the years but I believe there are still some useful tips which you can benefit from - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/mischon-final-interview.1121/
  2. Amma Usman

    To those who have had students shadow them as part of vacation schemes...

    Hi! I think the best people to answer this would be associates who typically supervise work experience students during these schemes as they’d have a good sense of what stands out. Just to check, are you asking for advice on how to secure the work experience by getting through the application...
  3. Amma Usman

    VC / TC applications with SQE completed

    Hi there. I have tagged @Jessica Booker here as I’m sure she’ll have more thoughts on how to approach this. Wishing you a lovely weekend.
  4. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi. It could mean a few things, for different firms, and I am unsure about S&M specifically. Sometimes, it’s a positive sign that your application has progressed and they’re at the final stage of consideration. Other times, contacting a referee may simply be part of their operational process and...
  5. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I completely understand the nerves but I don’t think you need to worry about this specific aspect too much. In a professional environment, I think starting off formal is always best. You never know who your recipient is, i.e how formal or not they like people to be. Some are quite formal, others...
  6. Amma Usman

    Clifford Chance Spark

    Hey there, The fact you don‘t have much legal knowledge is totally fine. In fact, you are not expected to have much as a first-year law/second year non-law student anyway. A large part of the AC will be business-related, and testing your commercial awareness. You will also likely be tested on...
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    HOW TO RESEARCH A LAW FIRM - A SHORT 3-STEP APPROACH: I completely understand how overwhelming all the information on law firms can be, and having a good research strategy truly helps with navigating that. I have included one approach below. The first step is understanding the structure of law...
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience. Keep backing yourself! For video interviews, here are some tips that might help: 1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for...
  9. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    You could use the approach I put above to highlight who the competitors are in the first place. This gives direction to your answer. Then, you could within those sectors identify any niches, which make the firm standout.
  10. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I think it‘ll be good to combine both a sector-based analysis and a size and market positioning analysis. Starting with the sector-based approach is logical because Browne Jacobson is well known for its work in specific areas such as health, education, insurance, local and central government...
  11. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Generally, I’d say there is not really much to prepare for with regards most law firms - a lot of it will be on the job. That said, having a good grasp of certain key things beforehand will help. For example, for some firms, you will be asked to choose your seat preferences beforehand. From a...
  12. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Wow, congratulations on the Bates Wells VS offer! It’s amazing how things work out when you least expect it, and this is just the beginning of many more exciting opportunities to come your way. You’ve earned it, and I hope you take a moment to really appreciate how far you’ve come...
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It’s completely normal to feel this way right now, but try to see this as a sign that you’re on the right path. Being told you were close means that they saw your potential, your skills, and your ability to succeed. That recognition is huge, and it’s something you can build on. Use this moment...
  14. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I think it depends on the word count. If it’s around 50-75 words, focusing on one hobby or interest makes sense, as it gives you enough space to explain why it interests you, how you’ve developed it, and any skills you’ve gained from it. However, if you have the flexibility, I’d recommend...
  15. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would recommend sending an email in this situation. It allows you to follow up professionally while giving them the space to respond when convenient. An email also helps ensure your message is clear and documented, which is often preferable when enquiring about opportunities like this.
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there, I have quoted some posts I have made in the past to help.
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya. Have they told you what the AC will be based on/ any components to focus on like written exercises, competency interviews, etc?
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Yay huge congrats! I’ve dug out a 2018 interview insight from TCLA linked here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/experience/browne-jacobson/ Given it may have changed in some aspects, I have linked some insights form the firm’s grad rec website here. The stages are largely similar but I...
  19. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Love to see this Rapunzel! What a lovely way to start off the week.. this is the energy the world needs! The name is also really befitting haha!
  20. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Given it is an informal work experience you are requesting, I am guessing there is no exact date published on the firm’s website. Assuming there was a date on the website, then a reasonable time to follow-up, in my opinion, is 3-6 weeks beforehand. However, as the firm will need to accommodate...

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