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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @suhana (and @mulan0 :) ) I'd be curious to know what @Jessica Booker would say, as well as @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman, but I think you're completely within reason to worry about sounding repetitive. That said, I think any society positions, pro bono experiences, could be mentioned...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AI212121 :) I think using the same experience across different answers isn't necessarily wrong if you’re drawing on different aspects of that experience to demonstrate a range of skills. However, it’s worth thinking about how to incorporate a broader variety of examples from your work...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Aspiringlawyer_ In previous years, CMS has typically reviewed an application before sending out their Watson Glaser tests. If I remember correctly, there were some candidates who had made it through to the test, while others had been rejected during the application stage. This year...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @g.cl.2020344 As @IneedaTCASAP noted, they are non-rolling, so you should generally only expect to hear back after the deadline. That being said, in previous cycles, they have sometimes interviewed a handful of applicants prior to the application deadline (though it hasn't always been...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Unknowncabbage :) It's at tricky one to answer with only 100 words, but can be done! When I approached the question in my application, I found it important to be as concise as possible. Try your best to be specific and direct, even if you can't explore certain points or experiences in...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    Where firms recruit from (Vacation Scheme vs Direct TC applications) 2024-2025

    Hiya @desperateTCseeker1998 We sought the information through a combination of sources, including directly from firms' websites, publications such as Chambers Student, and in some cases by speaking with graduate recruitment. We have tried our best to be accurate. Hope the list is useful to you!
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @jojo23 Great questions! I'll take these in order. First, I generally recommend that applicants avoid reusing part of their answer to 'Why commercial law' answer in their answer to 'Why this firm'. I think these questions serve different purposes: 'Why commercial law' is all about your...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @_microwaved This might have changed now but, in a previous cycle, CMS gave us 5 days to complete the WG after receiving the invitation. Again, this might have changed, but 5 days tends to be the time frame that many firms give for completing the WG test. Hope it goes swimmingly! Good luck!
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @johnnysins I wouldn’t sweat it! A typo like that is an easy mistake to make, and as long as your overall application is strong and this is a one-off error, you still have a good chance of progressing. To give you some perspective, I once submitted an application to a US firm with a...
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Reem2024 That sounds about right to me, but I'd recommend getting in touch with grad rec just to be on the safe side. Good luck with the VI!
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @nodustollens First off, amazing news on getting to AC! The firm sees something in your application and profile, so let’s channel that energy and show them exactly what you’ve got! Without hopefully sounding too cliche, I also wanted to say that it’s totally normal to feel nervous before...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @SamaraJ 🥳 I think it’s worth approaching it as a “catch-all” question which gives you the opportunity to showcase all the brilliant aspects of your profile that might not fit neatly into standard motivational or competency questions on application forms. For me, I’ve always found that...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @Samridhi Jain I'm sure that @Andrei Radu and @Amma Usman would have much more to say here, but I wanted to make a few suggestions based on some of the criteria you mentioned. This list might be slightly biased, as it covers many of the firms that I also have experience with applying to...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @C_AJH The requirements might have changed, but Kirsten Davies (Recruitment Manager at S&C) mentioned that candidates should write a concise letter that's no more than one side of A4. Hope that helps and good luck!
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @hanz123 To tackle this question effectively, I think it’s important to focus on concrete ways generative AI could enhance your effectiveness as a solicitor, rather than talking in broad terms (e.g. saying things like that it would make you “efficient” or “more productive”). The question...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    Kennedy's TC/ SQE programme 2025

    Hiya @Amiyrerose 😊 That’s great to hear about your application! Historically, Kennedys has reviewed applications on a non-rolling basis, meaning they usually respond to applicants after the deadline has passed. I haven’t seen any updates suggesting this policy has changed, so it may still be...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @Gg2001! 😊 Just wanted to add to the great advice from @Andrei Radu. He's spot on about keeping your points concise given the time limit! While I don’t know of any templates for successful video interview answers, I found a really useful tool from ULaw that might help: ULaw Video...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @AS24 Great question! Building on what @Andrei Radu mentioned, I can confirm that CRS does take on more trainees in its London office compared to other locations and that trainees in London often have access to a wider range of seat options (which is worth considering when thinking about...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @bella98 That's so impressive that you ran a small business whilst studying - wowza! Yes, I think a structured approach is great (it's how I typically answered this type of question). I also recommend adding a tad bit of nuance when discussing your interest in both law and business...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @milo I think @Jessica Booker would have a better sense of this, but my impression is that this will depend on a firm's data retention policy, as well as other factors. I know some firms have application forms which explicitly ask whether you're re-applying and what stage you'd...

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