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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @sc13 It's great that you're keeping up with commercial news stories and trends. That can definitely be helpful in thinking through the commercial group exercise. At the same time, I'd suggest that the group exercise isn’t so much about how much you know about current commercial events...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi everyone! Just wanted to second what @desperateTCseeker1998 pointed out. NRF has indeed appeared to axe its direct training contract application route this year. The list in question was put together early in the recruitment cycle, and several firms have now adjusted their processes. We've...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @desperateTCseeker1998 King & Spalding (K&S) is definitely one of those firms that's a bit trickier to research, but I've tried to put together some important bits of information together for you here. The firm's London office is primarily known for its litigation and disputes strengths...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It’s really not that awkward. I think the firm handles it very tactfully. I only mention it because it’s easy to let the possibility of not getting through to weigh on you during your lunch chats, but I’d really encourage you to make the most of that part of the day. For anyone doing the...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    "A grape, because I'd want to be part of a bunch"
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @James Wakefield The Cooley assessment centre was quite a full-on day when I did it, and if the structure remains the same, you can expect a packed schedule. This schedule included (1) a group exercise; (2) lunch and chats with people at the firm; and (3) two separate interviews, one with...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    (JK I have more to say, and will get back to you right after my class. Hold that thought @Chris Brown)
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @aspiringlawstudent123 This is definitely a tricky question, and has actually come up for me during interviews. It's also not just hypothetical - it's something that's come up a lot during discussions of professional ethics in my SQE course as well. The reality is that your...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @addy2004 This can be a really common question in law firm interviews, and it's good you're thinking about it :) I think the key here is to demonstrate that you have a practical and realistic understanding of career progression for commercial lawyers, while showing ambition and...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    Law Firm Rejections

    Hiya @georgiac24 I’m really sorry about the rejections and how you're feeling. You’re absolutely right that the process can feel exhausting and disheartening, especially when you’re putting in so much effort (I had my fair share of cries after getting rejected by firms I had poured so much...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @LawLawLawLawLaw I wouldn't assume that just yet. In previous application cycles, Mishcon has sometimes only progressed candidates several months after applying. This is often just a result of the sheer volume of applications they receive. In my own case, during one cycle, I applied in...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @dm_corporate From my experience, Jones Day usually gets back to candidates fairly quickly (I've known several applicants this year who heard back within 1-3 days). That said, there are occasionally applicants who hear back a week or two after their interview. Although it can vary, I...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya again @fcac98 Yes, you should definitely ask whether you could be considered for the direct training contract route. I’ve known several candidates who have done this based on similar circumstances, and firms are generally open to discussing it. That said, be prepared for the possibility...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @floral.tcla I've generally felt comfortable sending a thank you email to lawyers who interviewed me (though I haven’t had a grad recruitment-only interview yet). I don't think it would do any harm and could actually leave a positive impression. Overall, it’s not something that will make...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @fcac98 Yes, I’d definitely encourage you to reach out to the firm and ask whether they’d be open to switching you to their summer vacation scheme. Many firms are quite accommodating in these situations, and I’ve known candidates who have successfully made the switch. If you’re worried...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    Michelmores Vac Scheme

    Hiya @Legallywhatever I’d suggest looking at Michelmores' profiles on Chambers UK and Legal 500 to get a better sense of their major clients and sector specialisms. Given the firm's expertise in real estate and private client matters, you could potentially focus your discussion on recent...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @4275purplerainbow It might be a good idea to send a quick email to graduate recruitment to check on your application status. It’s possible they’re still working through interviews with candidates who completed the written exercise before you, so I wouldn’t take the silence as a rejection...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Defnefresko This isn't a hard-and-fast rule, but I generally avoid ESG topics in interviews because they tend to be widely discussed by applicants. I also try my best to find commercial stories or trends that are as closely/directly tied to a firm’s key practice areas, doing enough...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    @amma

    Hiya @arabiannails I've just sorted this out for you! Thank you for your patience and good luck with your applications :)
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @sc13 I received my offer in early March after completing my video interview, but I know that some applicants received theirs later in March as well. It seems like the firm takes the time to review all video interview submissions before making vacation scheme offers. Best of luck with...

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