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  1. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @3000to1shoteverytime. In answering your first question, this differs between firms. I’ve had ACs at firms where this was not looked at during the interview by my interviewers. However, I can’t say I know for sure that my application or test was not looked at during the post-AC decision...
  2. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi again @KBanana . Just following up on your last post. Trainee size, in my opinion, is a stronger point to talk about than DEI initiatives. Many firms will have similar DEI initiatives. However, you will be able to link intake size more adequately to your preferences and experiences. For...
  3. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    @KBanana, with regards your second question, inflation is not a bad topic to talk about. It may be viewed as quite generic certainly, but this doesn’t mean you can’t nail the answer if you choose it. I have certainly used the topic of inflation many times during interviews and gotten offers. The...
  4. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hello @KBanana , My general approach to this question, “which other firms have you applied to“, is to, as you suggested, focus on the work. However, it is not enough to list how each firm you have applied to excels in each of them. Indeed, many firms will excel in similar practices...
  5. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there @tcla02 , I totally get where you‘re coming from. Things like this happen, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Let me give you an example; During one of my VIs in the past for a first year scheme, I completely froze. I was lost on what to say. I accidentally ended my answer with...
  6. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there @wowcha , In this situation, I would recommend continuing to apply. If the dates for two schemes clash, you can request to move one of them to a different time - such as a summer scheme if your first choice or initial offer is for spring. However, keep in mind that the flexibility to...
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there @kokoprep , I’ve quoted a thread above which should provide more context.
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    @mulan0 . That’s very interesting. In this case where there is no cover letter or applications questions, I suggest tailoring it to the firm in the work experience section then. Perhaps it’s worth looking at WBD’s values on their website, or speaking to future/current lawyers on what they look...
  9. Amma Usman

    Mock M&A Case Study: Analysis

    @EK_27 , I am glad you’re finding a sense of community from the forum. Do feel free to post any more questions and we will be happy to respond! Best of luck for this cycle - we’re rooting for you all!
  10. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @mulan0. In my experience, you don’t need to link it back to the firm in the work experience section. This would be more adequately covered and appropriate for the cover letter and/or motivational questions.
  11. Amma Usman

    The Weekly Brief: Commercial Awareness Updates

    WHAT IS A WATERFALL IN PRIVATE EQUITY..? In private equity, a waterfall is the framework used to distribute profits from investments between the limited partners (LPs) and the general partners (GPs). It specifies the order of payouts, typically starting with returning the LPs' initial capital...
  12. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there @theone132213 , Good question. The setback doesn’t have to had led to failure. It is enough to talk about a challenge you faced, and how you resolved it - essentially, follow the STAR structure. I have quoted two posts on this above.
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @ThelawgraduateX , I would not worry about this. The quality of your response matters more than how long you took to say it. An individual, X, could have spent the complete 3 minutes talking, but spoken too fast, or said inadequate things.
  14. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @lolasparks , I am unsure about PM, but I know most legal recruiters often recommend prose over bullet points. You could also adopt a hybrid approach: bullet points + prose, in my opinion. I frequently adopted the latter and got past many application stages.
  15. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @AI212121 . In such cases, you are right in suggesting that honesty is the best policy. Law firms don’t expect you to know everything. At the end of the day, TCs are development programmes. This rule applies to anything you genuinely do not know in an interview. A professional response would...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @-legal- , yes I agree with this approach you have mentioned.
  17. Amma Usman

    Mock M&A Case Study: Analysis

    Hey @EK_27 , This is a very valid question and I completely understand where you are coming from. This thought often came up for me as well when I was attending ACs and learning new courses. I was often scared by the thought that I had to know so much to succeed. Quite frankly, a good grasp...
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor , yep - this is right. For the second question, you may find it beneficial distinguishing between disputes and corporate work and why the latter appeals more. I recommend delving deep on why financial transactions, M&A, PE, and the likes appeal more. K&E also offers...
  19. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @hazanelson , I recall answering questions like this just as the question presents itself. For example, you will need to touch on one of these listed details first (extra-curriculars, prizes, etc), and then link it to the firm (its trainee qualities, and so on). The latter is very important...
  20. Amma Usman

    Am I too late to apply for the first year schemes?

    Hiya @naam8332 , no not all! As @Jessica Booker explained, most of these are open. We’ve complied a deadlines list here to help keep you all on track of those deadlines - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/first-year-scheme-deadlines-2024-25.9090/ In your first year, I also...

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