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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @Filia :) It's worth checking with graduate recruitment, but it's very likely that this will be non-rolling. They have historically said that they review direct training contract applications after the deadline. Furthermore, this is typically the case at most US-headquartered firms which...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Whoops! Just realised that @user9809 had you covered @TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏 😅
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @TheInevitableTCholder2024/25🙏 Have just looked through their online application form and found the following: 1. Why are you applying to Goodwin (100 words) 2. What is your personal motivation for seeking a career in corporate/commercial law? (100 words) 3. What do you believe are two...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor Just wanted to add to the great response by @Amma Usman! You’re absolutely on the right track with how you’ve approached the distinction between the two questions. Wanted to add a bit more clarity and guidance to help you structure your answers. For the first...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @KBanana Just jumping in here before @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman and @Jessica Booker do. But I don't think it's a silly question at all! When mentioning Paul, Weiss in your applications, I would err on the side of caution and suggest you include the comma because that’s how the firm...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @addy2004 Just adding to what was mentioned by @Jessica Booker. You definitely don't need to use the entire word count, and Jess was absolutely right to say that you should aim for 800-1000. I've seen successful applications in the lower end of that range (e.g. 850 words and some that...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @thelawnet Completely get why this feels frustrating, especially when you know your skills don’t match the score you received. That said, I think it’s probably best to move on rather than spend time giving feedback. Grad rec teams usually aren’t in a position to adjust or reconsider test...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    LLM SQE PART TIME exam date issue

    Hiya @Aggie022 I get why the timelines seem a bit confusing, but as a part-time student, you actually get more time to prepare for SQE1 compared to full-time students. I'm currently enrolled in the full-time programme, which usually starts in mid-September with our classes ending in the first...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hi @bsh :) I've just DM'd you about this. Hope you're able to book that onboarding call!
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @a1024 :) I’d recommend focusing on a recent development that ties closely to Weil’s main practice areas, like private equity or restructuring. Start by introducing the issue in the first paragraph. That is, explain what it is and why it interests you. Keep this paragraph concise, around...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @NJS :) I'd be curious to know what @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman say here, but I think this question is more flexible than it might seem. I think you can choose either a broad commercial issue or a specific event (as long as you can point out what commercial issue the story raises) and...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Tcvspfo I think this could make for a great topic to discuss. While interest rates are easing, this doesn't mean there are no remaining and live issues surrounding private credit. If you're worried that interest rates will make for less of a compelling focus, you could also consider...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya everyone, Just a quick reminder to keep our discussions thoughtful and supportive. The forum’s rules are in place to ensure this remains a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable seeking information or without worrying about being judged or dismissed. There are many people here...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @sunshine101 That’s great that you’ve got some extra time to focus on applications! In addition to the firms you’ve already mentioned, I’d definitely recommend looking into Ropes & Gray (thanks @Tclarocks123 🥳) and Akin. They’re both well-regarded in private equity and have no minimum...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @elizabethkate I’d definitely recommend mentioning at least one or two skills that you can tie specifically to the firm. While general skills like communication are important for any lawyer, the question allows you/invites you to tailor your answer to the firm. By doing so, you can show...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya again @legal18 🥳 This question is really a chance for you to showcase your experiences, so don’t worry too much about tying everything back to the firm or role. While it might feel tempting to relate your achievements directly to Wilkie or the legal profession, that’s not the main purpose...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @legal18 While it’s definitely not a bad idea to mention a firm’s pro bono practice as part of your answer to “why the firm” questions, I’d recommend avoiding making pro bono the main focus of your answer. When you join a firm, the majority of your time will be spent working in their core...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Unknowncabbage, I just wanted to build on the great response by @Tintin06. I've met many applicants who worry that a brief experience, like a one-day seat, isn’t enough to mention in a “Why Firm X” question. But the real key is to think about what you learned and why it sparked your...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    That's okay! Remember: movement > perfection! You'll develop your approach to written applications in due course!
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AB Just wanted to chime in and add to the fantastic response by @jta227. The good news is that a single typo is very rarely a dealbreaker for most firms. They tend to evaluate your application as a whole and focus on the bigger picture when deciding whether to invite you to the next...

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