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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @James Wakefield You’re absolutely right that firms can place emphasis on slightly different things during a vacation scheme. But from my experience, I’d say Cooley is quite typical of US firms in that they’re very focused on the quality of the work you produce during the scheme. That...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @Eeeazyyy8 I wanted to add to what @Amma Usman has already said. This is something a lot of people find difficult, so you’re definitely not alone. I’ve noticed that many applicants put in hours of practice and still struggle to pass these online assessments, especially the Watson...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @gazdgazd11 Wanted to get something to you to help structure your research into the topic. I'm hoping this isn't too late and that it's helpful. Some things you may want to look into include: Shipping Disruptions and Port Congestion: There's been a lot of news about how tariffs have led...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏 Something very similar happened to me during my first year, which was also when the pandemic hit. I included the provisional grades I had received, even though they didn’t appear on my transcript (we just received a pass/fail for the year), and then used the...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @legal18 Yep, Stephenson Harwood reviews training contract applications on a rolling basis. But their website seems to suggest that they only review at applications as they come in rather than waiting until the deadline. It mentions that they don't fill all their places early, and they...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @SamiyaJ Absolutely! There's no shame in looking for non-legal work right now. I did exactly that myself. If it's worth anything, I had never held a paid legal role before getting a vacation scheme. I worked mostly in project management, admin-type roles, and in retail jobs. Most of my...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @l789 Absolutely, this is perfectly fine to mention. I’ve seen applicants talk about everything from personal experiences with medical devices to the impact of certain therapeutics as a way into their interest in life sciences and product liability. Mentioning these sort of experiences...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya! I wanted to add to the fantastic advice given by @trainee4u. This is a great question to showcase your creativity and your understanding of the firm's key practice areas. I'd start by researching the firm’s strengths. If the firm is known for life sciences, tech, or regulatory work (like...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Not surprised at all - your input on this forum has been fire. Hope they’re ready for you!!!! 👀🔥
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @CupOfTea17 😊 In addition to the always brilliant advice mentioned by @Andrei Radu, I'd highly recommend applying to the Aspiring Solicitors Aspire Programme. The deadline is in June, but it’s a fantastic way to meet firms directly and start building those early connections before the...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Law queries Just wanted to add to what @trainee4u has already mentioned. I think @Jessica Booker would also have much more interesting things to say here, but I wanted to get something to you :) While the Cappfinity skills report and the Watson Glaser feedback can give you insight into...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Ah, so pleased to read this! Have seen how persistent you've been this cycle @toad92 - this is very well deserved!!! Good luck with the scheme!!!
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    Switching TC?

    Hiya @ecalthorpe This is tricky territory, and I’d actually be curious to see what @Jessica Booker thinks too. I’ve definitely come across people who’ve switched TCs, but in every case it was before they accepted funding or benefits from their original firm. It’s worth checking your contract...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @1123tripod I’m really sorry to hear this. It’s such a frustrating piece of feedback, especially when you weren’t even asked directly about your commitment to the UK. As an international candidate myself, I was actually surprised by how often this concern came up during my own interviews...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @AlegalA I'm sure @Andrei Radu, @Amma Usman, and @Jessica Booker may have more to add here, but I think this is actually a difficult question to answer because rankings depend on what you're measuring (practice area strength, profitability, headcount, client feedback, training quality...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @RaniaH062002 I just wanted to echo what @Jessica Booker has already said. This is such a great mindset to have, and it puts you ahead already. A lot of people underestimate just how many different skills the application process tests - writing clearly and persuasively, thinking...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @BillSikes Yep, from what I understand, successful candidates are invited straight through to the assessment centre stage. I spoke to a few people who applied during the last application cycle, and apparently PMC definitely held ACs in July 2024. That said, recruitment timelines can...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @JustwantaTC Would love to hear @Jessica Booker's take on this too, but from my experience, cover letters for paralegal roles follow many of the same principles as any strong legal cover letter. It’s a good idea to start with a brief introduction to who you are and your current situation...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @billyonthespeeddial I just wanted to add to what @James Wakefield and others have said, I really think you should mention the vacation scheme in your application and not worry about it being seen as a negative. Firms are very aware that not everyone has the flexibility to take time off...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @legallyrach I'm sure @Andrei Radu would have much more to add here, but I wanted to get something to you in the meantime. Capital markets are platforms where businesses raise funds by issuing financial instruments like stocks and bonds to investors. In the UK, capital markets lawyers...

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