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  1. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @axele :) Yes, there’s definitely still time to apply. While Bird & Bird does review applications on a rolling basis, their vacation scheme deadline isn’t until 19th December. Many firms tend to receive the bulk of their applications closer to the deadline, so don't fret yet! I'd...
  2. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi @lawstudent523 :) Completely agree with @Jessica Booker. You should use this question as an opportunity to show Goodwin the thought process behind your applications, rather than just listing all the firms you’re applying to. There's also a risk that, if you name several firms that don’t...
  3. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @lawyersum I think since you’re a recent graduate, something from your second or third year of university should be fine. I'm curious about what @Jessica Booker would say here, but I’d avoid drawing on examples from secondary school or even the first year of your undergraduate studies...
  4. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @theonecompetant :) Just adding to what @cleojwilliams has aptly mentioned, I think it's perfectly fine to bring up. It could definitely be acceptable to cite this as a motivating factor, depending on the firm you're applying to and depending on how you frame the point. I think the key...
  5. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @CanOz :) Amazing job on reaching the video interview stage! I wanted to share a couple of thoughts and threads that really helped me when I was preparing for VIs: This classic thread by the legendary AliceG, which I found invaluable when I started doing VIs: Video Interviews: Tips and...
  6. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hiya @aspiringlawyer12 I just wanted to build on the already excellent advice you've received from @Jessica Booker. Jess is completely spot on about tailoring your pitch to the client rather than focusing on the firm. One complicating factor here could be that the client you're expected to...
  7. Ram Sabaratnam

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

    Hiya @lawyersum I completely agree with @Amma Usman here. Either of these approaches could work really well to answer the question and showcase your skills. That said, as Amma suggests, I’d also lean towards the first option. It’s such a unique and impressive achievement, and one that’s...
  8. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Amazing! Hope you hear back with good news!
  9. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Anytime, friend!
  10. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Love this! Thank you all for being such a wonderful source of support and encouragement to each other!
  11. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @KBanana 👀 I think including a training-related point in paragraph 2 sounds like a solid idea. It shows you’re also considering a range of factors for joining the firm. As for paragraph 1, discussing three practice areas in one paragraph could work. My main worry is that it might end up...
  12. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Go @Andrei Radu!!! Go @Amma Usman!!!
  13. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @James Wakefield :) You’re absolutely right that the key here is to ensure your answers are complementary rather than repetitive. Whenever I came across applications that required both a cover letter and a separate “Why do you want to join us and what skills do you have?” question, I...
  14. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @LawLawLawLawLaw Just to add a few ideas here before @Jessica Booker jumps in. I think the depth of your answer and the number of challenges you can feasibly discuss will depend on the word count you’re given. Broadly speaking, I think it’s better to focus on one or two challenges and...
  15. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @fffvfdsfv I just wanted to add onto the excellent advice by @Jessica Booker. This actually happened to me during my first application cycle, so I completely understand the concern. In my experience, the fact that I didn’t convert a vacation scheme rarely came up in later applications or...
  16. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @Tclarocks123 :) I’d recommend writing your work experience section in prose rather than bullet points. Prose gives you the space to reflect on and explain your work responsibilities and achievements in more depth. This means you can go beyond listing tasks and really showcase how your...
  17. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @V2002 :) I think @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman and @Jessica Booker would definitely have more to say here. But thought I'd add my two cents. I think using the STAR method is a great idea for structuring your response. It can provide your answer with clarity and organisation, making it easier...
  18. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @IneedaTCASAP Just following up on what cwhite233 said. Completely agree that they're a really nice mid-sized firm with a great culture. There’s been some excellent reporting on the firm in The Lawyer (which is unfortunately behind a paywall), but the firm has been doing particularly well...
  19. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Heya @member7830 I remember thinking the question was quite broad when I initially applied in a previous cycle, but I think you can use the general open-ended nature of the question to your advantage :) When approaching the question, I think you can just jump straight into your experiences...
  20. Ram Sabaratnam

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @cleojwilliams I've attached a link to the TCLA question bank below. This was an absolute godsend for me when preparing for interviews! It helped me craft great skeleton outlines for a variety of question, pre-empting many of those that could come up during an assessment centre or partner...

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