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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hiya @fta2024 The Summer Diversity Scheme appears to be designed specifically for students on a more traditional 3 or 4-year degree path, so it may not be the best fit in this instance. You can find more details on the Cooley website for clarification, and if you have any questions, I’d...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @mfuturetrainee - you should be able to find the link here. Good luck!
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @DarrenB This is a really common question - and having worked with many bright, talented non-Russell group students, please, please don't be reluctant to apply just because you went to a non-RG university. Firms tend to look at the strength of your overall application rather than focusing...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @BonanzaBih_ 🥳 I think either 50/50 or 40/60 is completely alright, so long as you showcase genuine interest in the firm and the open day, while still highlighting the key strengths that will help you excel. Firms are typically very interested in your motivations, so I wouldn't dedicate...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    Solicitor Apprenticeship Applications

    Hiya @waj0106 :) Although I haven't applied for a solicitor apprenticeship programme, many of the same considerations apply when answering motivational questions more generally. The way the question is structured gives you some flexibility in deciding which parts to emphasise, but it's a good...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

    Open days

    Hiya @vedikaaa It's great that you're thinking of applying to open days! They're an excellent way to get a real sense of a firm's work and culture. When asked what you hope to gain from attending, I recommend focusing on the specific insights you want to take away. This could range from...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Pleasure's all mine! @Maddy and @User5678 :)
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    My training contract journey - just keep swimming

    Amazing! 3 applications in September is fantastic. Keep going—when I was on my Nth application cycle, I remember telling myself that movement is better than perfection. It's not an easy process at all, but the community assistants are here to help with any questions you might have. You've got...
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi @Maddy and @User5678 I wanted to send across the PwC training contract application. Here is the link, though it's worth noting that one needs to complete a vacation scheme with them in order to be considered for the training contract. Hope this helps and good luck!
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi @Maddy and @User5678 Based on a quick google search, it seems Deloitte will be opening its training contract applications on 30th September. The date can be found here. I'll get back to you both as soon as I find some reliable information on PwC's legal training contract/vacation scheme...
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    From what I've understood, you're generally free to withdraw from a TC offer up until you’ve accepted any financial support from the firm or started any onboarding processes, such as law school/SQE prep or the formal TC onboarding. I would encourage you to carefully consider the terms of your...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    Foreign Qualified Lawyer Trying To Secure TC In UK

    Hi @Muhammad Shahrez :) It's great that you're considering qualification in the UK! One of the best parts of pursuing a legal career in London is meeting foreign-qualified lawyers like you who bring so much experience and diversity to the profession. I understand how daunting it can feel, so I...
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I'm really sorry to hear about all the Jones Day rejections today — as @SoonToBeTrainee rightly noted, it's incredibly frustrating when all you get is “it’s competitive,” because while that’s true, it doesn’t offer any clear path for improvement. I hope everyone gets some time for themselves...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hi friend :) Yes, I’d definitely recommend including your vacation scheme in the work experience section of your application. While it’s great that you’ve mentioned specific pieces of work in your application answers to support why you’re interested in commercial law or interested in a firm...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @legally.brown :) You'll want to focus on sufficiently discussing both parts of the question: (1) why you want to pursue a legal career at a City law firm, along with (2) why you're interested in the particular firm. When talking about why you want to work at a City law, ensure you get to...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Filia :) When writing cover letters, I think it’s generally a good rule to strike a balance between motivation and experience—both play a key role in explaining why you want to join the firm. You could start by focusing on why you’re motivated to apply specifically to Curtis. In...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hi @futuretcholder It's great that you're already thinking about the feedback you might receive post AC. Reflecting on this early is such an important step in improving your performance over time. I’ve had a range of feedback myself, and I’ve found that it tends to fall into a few key areas...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    Training Contract Deadlines 2024/25 (Training Starting in 2027)

    Hey friends! We have put together a list of firms currently recruiting trainees via the direct training contract application route. We hope this makes things easier for those of you looking to apply, especially if you aren’t able to do a vacation scheme. The list below is mainly for training...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @nliro85 This is a great question! I remember feeling the same way when applying to firms with a strong sectoral focus. I often wondered if there was too much overlap when I mentioned a firm’s sectoral strengths (like energy) as a reason for wanting to join, and then subsequently talking...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @👩🎓 - an application review isn't included in the bronze subscription, but you can purchase a review here. Good luck with the applications :)

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