Search results

  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @InterestInPublicLaw This is a great start. Just to address your last question at the outset, Burges Salmon has historically recruited on a non-rolling basis. I think it's worth double-checking whether this is still the case, but from what I can tell they've consistently recruited on this...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @ambitiouscharacter Although I’m currently studying at ULaw, I remember that most of our induction activities and classes didn’t properly begin until later in September. From what I’ve heard from a few peers at BPP, their courses also tended to start around the middle or end of September...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    What Am I Doing Wrong?

    Hiya @babylawyer1942 Great to hear that your motivation is back! I hope the When it comes to commercial awareness, I think it’s very important to go beyond just reading news stories or listening to the FT News Briefing or BBC Business podcasts. While those are habits that I'd encourage you...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @johnnn821 I know of at least one person whose interview is scheduled a few days after the insight day, though I’m not sure whether anyone is interviewing on the day itself. From what I’ve gathered from speaking to previous candidates, the interview tends to happen after the insight day...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @TA281990 First of all, congratulations on securing the vac scheme. That’s something to be really proud of, especially after showing such persistence by applying again. Just wanted to add to the excellent advice that @3000to1shoteverytime gave earlier, I really wouldn’t worry about not...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @legallybrunette8 I'd think of this question as a way to give your interviewer a quick snapshot of who you are (so not just what’s on your CV). It’s a great chance to talk through your background, blending a bit of personal and academic backgrounds. You can also mention a few...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @bangarangbass39 Just adding to what @Jessica Booker wisely put to you! I don’t think what you’ve described sounds bad at all, though of course, it’s hard to say anything definitive without having seen your delivery, structure, and content in full (I've also seen people have excellent...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @legallybrunette8 In addition to the excellent response you received from @Andrei Radu, I wanted to refer you to this excellent bank of FREE questions that TCLA compiled. Specifically, I'd recommend just having a brief look at the questions under 'character and personality'. You'll find...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @FCL25 That’s amazing! Massive congratulations. If you’re happy to share a bit more about what components the AC involves (e.g. written task, group exercise, interview, case study etc.), I’d be very happy to suggest some more tailored suggestions and help you break things down. In the...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @AnAnonymousDuck Just wanted to add to the great points raised by @Amma Usman. I think it's perfectly okay to discuss the diversity of large trainee cohorts as a pull fact, but as Amma noted you'll want to ensure that the point is made in a way that's convincing. Specifically, you'll...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @legallybrunette8 I'm sure the others would have a lot to add here, but wanted to get something to you in the meantime. Good news is that you’re not expected to be an M&A expert! Most firms use these tasks to assess your commercial awareness, communication, and decision-making rather than...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Well done to everyone who’s received a Watson Glaser invitation from Fried Frank! From what I understand based on past interactions with the firm, these aren’t sent out automatically; they usually follow an initial screening of applications. Best of luck with the test!
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    Hi all! :)

    Hiya @mysoulisneverending Lovely to have you here! I hope your MLP journey is going smoothly (and that you’re managing to enjoy at least some of it!). If you’re thinking about training contracts for the 2024–2025 cycle, I’d recommend checking out this thread. It’s full of discussion, advice...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    SQE & LLM SQE opinions?

    Hi @Hazzyb786 Just wanted to follow up on the excellent questions posed by @Jessica Booker. I would seriously consider these before making any specific decision. As Jess mentioned, one key thing to consider is whether you're looking for a full qualification (like an LLM) or simply a prep...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @sc13 I actually found this to be the most fun part of the AC once it got going! One thing I’d really emphasise is that the exercise isn’t about picking the “correct” view in relation to any given topic (there usually isn’t one). I was surprised by how many different approaches people took...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Absolutely agree with Jess’s advice. During my schemes, I rotated between the only two suits I had (one navy and one mid-grey). That said, I definitely remember people wearing black suits and still making excellent impressions and securing training contracts. I've also been at firms where...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Userwe01 I don't have much to add to the brilliant advice you've already received from @Jessica Booker, but have just mentioned a few thoughts below. If you haven’t already, I'd recommend getting some practice with Practical Law and LexisNexis. These are two of the main tools you'll...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @l789 I want to echo what @ZNadeem said and share some ideas that really helped me when I was in your shoes. First, I'd encourage you to stop comparing yourself to people with investment banking or private equity internships. I know it’s hard not to, but that sort of experience does not...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    What Am I Doing Wrong?

    Hiya @babylawyer1942 I wanted to add to the excellent advice you've already received from @ZNadeem. First of all, completely appreciate how difficult it may be to continue applying to firms, especially when people close to you (including friends or family) begin to question whether it’s worth...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @ohnoselim I've generally found these tests a bit tricky to prepare for, especially because they tend to be quite varied depending on the firm and the specific role. From what I’ve seen (and from my own experience doing a CAPP test for Linklaters and BCLP) they often include a mix of...

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.