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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @whywhy88 While you could resubmit the same application, I'd encourage you to try and update the statement even slightly. Most firms expect applicants to show that they’ve developed their thinking or deepened their understanding of the firm and its work since their last application. That...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    Full time SQE - is there a Christmas break ?

    Hiya @LawyerInMaking The maintenance funds are not subject to income tax/tax. You will take your maintenance allowance free of tax 🥳
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @Hanzeeb, Yes, it is possible to secure a training contract through the direct TC route without having done a vacation scheme. While it’s less common (many firms do recruit primarily through their schemes or expect candidates to have some vacation scheme experience), there are absolutely...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @trainee4u If you applied for the summer vacation scheme during this cycle in February, you unfortunately won't be able to apply for the direct training contract application which closes at the end of this month (you would in effect be making two applications in the same cycle). You can...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @badmintonflyinginsect Having been in a similar position myself, I can say that it's highly unlikely that firms will sponsor a visa for a vacation scheme. Most firms expect applicants to already have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, and I've rarely (if ever)...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hi @zsofiadara! I've just DMed you. Please respond whenever you can, and I will try to get this sorted for you :)
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @BillSikes The test is sent out to candidates if they have passed the application form stage. From my understanding, it is not automatic. It's called the Future Potential Assessment and involves some numerical and verbal questions, as well as situational based judgment questions...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @trainee4u If you're unsuccessful with your first application you can definitely reapply, but Stephenson Harwood only allows you to apply once in every recruitment window. I think you should definitely consider reapplying if the main reason you didn't get through this cycle was because of...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AS24 TCLA had a question bank, which included some scenario based questions. I've attached them below for your reference: What would you do if a client asked you to do something which you didn’t think was the best move for them to make? What would you do if you have a flight to catch...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @ilovegardening1111 Highly recommend the posts by Andrei that @Chris Brown mentioned. In terms of your question, I’d encourage you to focus on the firm’s competitors in London, as that’s the market you'll be training and (most likely) qualifying into. While it's tempting to only discuss US...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @linkedinwarrior245 Happy to discuss this if you still need help. Feel free to DM me :)
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Charles Leclerc Just wanted to add to what @legallady123 has already insightfully said in response to your question. I don't think your grades will necessarily be an issue. Many firms understand that first year can be a difficult adjustment, and what matters is how you’ve responded...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @x_lauren112 Not necessarily, since firms don’t always release outcomes all at once. It’s possible you’re still under consideration, or they’re just moving more slowly than expected (which, to be fair, happens a lot). Once the deadline they've sent passes, I think you can send a polite...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    THIS! No Russell Group? No perfect grades? Didn't stop you and you nailed it! Big, big congratulations!! Also appreciated the emphasis you put on showing kindness and choosing collaboration over competition during your vac scheme. Hope you can rest easy for a few weeks and enjoy the win 🥳
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    Would love to retrain to be a solicitor

    Hiya @RgA Really glad to see more career changers on this forum (especially those coming from public service backgrounds!). 20 years in policy and government certainly gives you a wealth of transferable skills. As mentioned in my previous response, it might be helpful to get some exposure to...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Kakaboo Not necessarily. If the firm has a waitlist/reserve list, then an offer will normally be made to someone on that list. However, if there is no one on the waitlist, the firm will often bring someone forward in a subsequent application cycle. Good luck if you're still waiting to...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    Planning to crack SQE

    Hi @Jasmene We don’t have SQE notes available for download, but if you let us know what specifically you’re looking for (e.g. help with understanding the SQE exams, choosing a course provider, or tackling a particular SQE topic), I'd be more than happy to point you in the right direction or...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Fantastic work @mfuturetrainee! I've seen you grind and improve and keep going! This is what happens when you don't quit!!! Well done!!!
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @ilovegardening1111 Yep! We have several threads that focus on various aspects of ACs. I've included them below: Questions to ask at interviews Guide to negotiations Andrei’s interview guide George’s interview advice Preparation videos Example interview questions Partner interviews...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @ilovegardening1111 Great questions! Yep, it’s totally fine to ask graduate recruitment who your interviewers will be. However, just keep in mind that firms vary in how much they’re willing to share. Some will give you names ahead of time, which can help you prepare and feel more...

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