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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @thelegalstudent Just to add to what @Jessica Booker and @trainee4u have already said, I want to emphasise that what really matters is making the most of the opportunity and performing as well as you can on the vacation scheme. Securing a vacation scheme in itself is incredibly...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @A worried graduate I wanted to send across some firms that generally only make offers through their direct TC routes, as well as a few firms that have had a historically strong track record of taking a good number of applicants through direct TC routes. Baker McKenzie BCLP Dentons...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    Drop in grades from second to third year

    Hiya @Meghna I’m sorry to hear you’ve been facing health challenges. I hope things improve for you soon! It’s completely understandable to worry about a drop in grades, especially when you’ve worked so hard to achieve consistent firsts. While law firms do value academic consistency, I think a...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @Tintin06 I’m not entirely sure about King & Spalding, but I’ve met a sizeable number of future trainees at Fried Frank and Paul Hastings, and none of them had any paralegal experience. That said, they did have a number of vacation schemes under their belts by the time they applied. Given...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @Szofi66 Just before @Jessica Booker and @Amma Usman get back to you, I wanted to quickly share my thoughts. I don’t think it's necessary to tie back your entries to the firm. Having gotten past their application stage myself, I’d suggest focusing on clearly setting out your experiences...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    LLM (SQE1+SQE2) at ULaw or BPP

    Hiya @sarahfw Apologies for the delayed response! I think the answer to your question really depends on whether you're on the full-time or part-time course. If you're on the full-time course, you can usually start at different points throughout the year, but it’s typically a 12-month...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Kakaboo Just wanted to add to what's already been said, particularly to what @Jessica Booker and @broalabear have mentioned. I don't think there’s a hard and fast rule, but in my experience, SWOT analysis tends to work best in well-defined scenarios (e.g. in case studies where you’re...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Amazing job! Such a great firm! Hope the scheme goes fabulously well!
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @bluescarf If you could let us know which firm you're applying to, we could give more specific advice. Some firms have certain requirements or things they particularly look for in an applicant's cover letter. More generally, I think you should try to ensure the cover letter...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @g.cl.2020344 I'm sure the other community assistants would have much more to add here @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman, but generally I've found that candidates who discuss this question typically draw attention to some of the following points. I've tried to set them out below with some...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    What to do after VS rejections Grad

    Hiya @sarg1234 It’s great that you’re thinking about this now because commercial awareness is an area where many candidates struggle. I really believe that focussing on developing this skill is what allows good candidates to really set themselves apart. In my experience, it was also by...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    Applying for TC with no legal work experience and no previous VS

    Hiya @TheGeek12 Well done on getting to AC stage at Shoosmiths! It's a good sign that you made it to that stage. It’s definitely not too late to apply for direct training contracts. Many of the firms you've listed above consider their direct training applications on a non-rolling basis...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    While I'm sure @Jessica Booker would have more to say here, I think it's because it’s a more personal and engaging way to make an offer. Every single offer I received was either from an associate or a member of graduate recruitment with whom I had really connected during my interviews/assessment...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I'm almost certain that the usual practice is for them to call to make an offer, and email when making a rejection. I'm not sure I've ever heard of firms calling candidates tor reject them post-AC (though I've heard of some firms doing so after an unsuccessful vacation scheme). It may be worth...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Fantastic firm! Hope it goes so well for you!!!!!
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Amazing!!!!!!!!!!! Well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Georgewashington (great name btw) I'd definitely recommend applying for the direct training contract if you don't think you'll be able to draft a strong application before tonight's deadline. In my first year applying to the firm, I had no commercial legal experience but still progressed...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @M_m This question is basically your elevator pitch. I would treat it as an opportunity to introduce yourself in a way that helps the interviewer get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications. It’s a chance to basically share a little about your background, education, and...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I just say I'm a: (Just kidding. Honest answer to follow...)
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @marioskekkos5 The deadline on the candid/vantage platform currently states Friday 28 February 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). Good luck with the application!

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