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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Get in there and show them what you're all about! (So, so well done!)
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Adithi I gave a little summary of Macfarlanes' AC here. Please just keep in mind that this was for the direct training contract during the 2022-2023 application cycle. Still, I hope it's helpful to you whilst you're preparing for your own AC. Good luck!
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @SamiyaJ Completely understandable to feel confused/ambivalent/nervous/etc. I'm sure you've already had this thought, but it's hard to say for sure how Paul, Weiss (PW) is structuring things this year since this is the first time they’re recruiting for training contracts. That said, when...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It's almost the weekend, friends. I've been reading a lot about all the offers, ACs and interviews and rejections people have been receiving over the last few weeks. I just wanted to send a little note of encouragement as you continue tackling applications and everything else on your plates. We...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @a1024 Well done on getting to the video interview! I'm not sure if it's still the same process, but I was successful when I applied several cycles ago and the video interview was actually a virtual interview with several people from their legal team. I wanted to just mention a bit about...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    Application update - Follow up

    Hiya @W5690 So great that you could get several applications in this cycle. In my experience, I’ve generally only followed up if about a month has passed since submitting my application (and I usually wait until after the application deadline has closed before sending such emails). Right now...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    DLA Piper Reply

    Hiya @p.hsinn Great that you've passed the benchmark. I'd encourage you to get in touch with grad rec. Given that the AC date has now passed, it’s worth following up to check if a decision has been made regarding your application. Sometimes firms take longer to communicate outcomes, but I...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Alessio1642 Yes, having spoken to several trainees who completed the work placement in the previous application cycle, it seems they do consider participants on the work scheme placement for the training contract. Just bear in mind that you can also apply for the direct training...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Bbhu19 Just wanted to jump in and add to what @Andrei Radu has already said. Completely agree, it's quite difficult to find much information about the firm. I've tried to put some research together based on a quick google search, and hoping the information below is helpful to you. 1...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AS24 When tackling this, I’d focus on showing a clear understanding of Stephenson Harwood’s (SH) strategic positioning, sector strengths, and I think quite unique approach to professional development. I think a strong response will not only highlight what makes the firm unique from...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @MaryAra299 :) @Jessica Booker might have more to say here, but I don't think your nationality should be a barrier to applying for a Middle East-based training contract. I've met associates and trainees from firms in the Middle East and have noticed they very often recruit a diverse range...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor You’re absolutely right. Baker McKenzie doesn’t require non-law grads to complete the PGDL and instead offers a shorter Law Foundation Course before SQE prep. This is because they use BARBRI as their SQE provider, which delivers courses entirely online. I have a few...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @applicationzzzzz I think @Jessica Booker might have more to say here, but I think it's alright to go ahead and make the announcement on LinkedIn. I generally avoided posting my own vacation schemes on LinkedIn, but have seen many applicants do so after securing/accepting their offers. If...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @gazdgazd11 I'm sure that @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu would have more to add here, but just wanted to get my thoughts to you. This question is essentially about demonstrating commercial awareness and understanding how law firms make strategic business decisions. A good answer will depend...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @4275purplerainbow Just wanted to chime in and offer some support. Although I'm sure @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman and @Jessica Booker would also have more to add here. I completely sympathise with your point about the challenges faced by non-law students. Non-law graduates often struggle in...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor This will depend on the firm, but in my experience, most firms I've secured a training contract/vacation scheme with have required a background screening process after the offer was made. Depending on who they use for these checks, they may ask for details about any...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @gazdgazd11 Thanks for clarifying! To effectively address King & Spalding’s prompt, you’ll need to narrow your focus. Is there a specific set of tariffs you have in mind? Since taking office, the Trump administration has made several announcements, including a 25% tariff on imports from...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @elena11 This is a good question. Their London office has a strong regulatory and disputes focus, with particular expertise in the life sciences and tech sectors. If you check their Chambers Student profile, you’ll see that they are ranked highly in areas such as public international law...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @gazdgazd11 Tariffs can definitely have broad implications, so I think the best way to structure your answer will depend on how the question is framed. Are you able to share the exact wording of the question? That way, I can suggest an approach that ensures you're addressing it as...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @lolololol Well done on getting to the WFW AC! I did their AC in early 2023, and have set out some my thoughts below. Please do keep in mind that things might have changed since 2023. The day itself was quite long. It ran from 9-5:30 PM with a trainee Q&A session at the end. It consisted...

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