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  1. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    For those that may be interested, I just wanted to flag that Bird & Bird’s first year scheme closes on the 3rd of July! Best of luck to those interested. When I was offered the role back then , I remember it was just an application form - so ensure to make your answers fully tailored to the...
  2. Amma Usman

    Hi everyone

    Hey Charles, It’s lovely to hear about your interest in going down the TC route. Here are a few tips to help. I’ve also linked a very basic post which should get you started on the fundamentals. Attend online webinars. TCLA hosts a couple in partnership with law firms. They help you grasp...
  3. Amma Usman

    Entering final year with nothing lined up

    There are several views on this. Ultimately, whatever you choose depends on your capacity, how much you can handle at one time, and whether you’re willing to take the risk of accepting that there may be moments where one will take priority over the other (university vs. applications). Side...
  4. Amma Usman

    Due Dilligence Diaries (My TC Journey)

    It’s so lovely to hear that you’re up and about submitting those applications! I understand how writing the applications over and over again can feel a bit stressful, which is why I always emphasise the importance of taking breaks and resting before your body takes one for you. Please always try...
  5. Amma Usman

    Nothing safe is worth the drive (TC version)

    This really warms my heart. Huge huge huge congratulations on the first and the work experience. I am so incredibly proud of you. This is all a testament of your hard work and the incredible things you can do when you just put your mind to it. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all, you...
  6. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Thank you @legallady123 @InterestInPublicLaw for sharing those sources - I’m sure many will find it resourceful!
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    It could be both ways. If you’re not sure though, there is a possibility that it could be automatic - in which case emailing GR is the best thing to do to confirm this. It’s important to do this as if it was sent, there is likely a deadline to which you can complete it, and you won’t want to...
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I’m truly sorry about this. Rejections sting, but that does not in any way mean that your journey has come to a halt! I have been rejected for many roles many times in my life, and when those rejections came in, I advised myself strictly - to take a break, and pause. From pausing, I rethink and...
  9. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Huge congratulations - this is amazing news! I have just checked and seen that the interview is with a member of the HR team. In my experience, interviews of this sort don’t usually last more than 20-30 minutes and they mainly cover your main motivations. So essentially, why commercial law...
  10. Amma Usman

    WHAT ARE THEY? First-Year Schemes, Vacation Schemes, Training Contracts

    Hi @Chandana Surthi , It’s great to hear you’re interested in applying. You can apply to opportunities from your home country. I’d just be mindful that not all firms sponsor visas for intl students for vacation schemes (VS). Most people I know of applied to direct training contracts (TC) and...
  11. Amma Usman

    Grades and Applications

    Hi there. Thanks for this. It’s great to see your journey and I think these are really great questions. From mentally calculating your cumulative average, I can see that the grade you obtained second year was a 2:1 overall, which is great! This is what virtually any law firm will look for...
  12. Amma Usman

    Training Contract - Invited to an Assessment Centre at Howard Kennedy - What do I do

    Hi there @Raven_111. It’s such a pleasure to hear that you’ve gotten to that stage. Huge congratulations! While I am unsure about the process at Kennedys, I think your approach in preparing for the full spectrum is solid. However, I recommend reaching out to GR to see if they can provide you...
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Last year, it was 2-13th December. More information here - https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-gb/graduates/apply
  14. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Yay. This makes me soo happy! HUGE CONGRATS! In terms of preparing for competency based interviews, it’s important to first acknowledge that it differs from a motivational interview. Competency interviews, quite literally, test certain competencies - organisational management, commercial...
  15. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    From what you’ve written, I think there is much hope. I would say in the future be mindful of little mistakes like even spelling, grammar, or structural mistakes when submitting work as attention to detail is a key skill for a lawyer. However, mistakes are a part of life so I do not presume you...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I’m sure you’ve heard of this before, but any experience is valuable experience! Criminal defence is indeed a very interesting area of law. When applying to commercial law firms, you could easily link that role to the white collar defence practice of a firm, or litigation/ intl arbitration, and...
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya. I’ve replied to this in the VS thread. From my view, the best way to approach this is by messaging people that work at the firm on LinkedIn and coming in with insightful questions after they give you the go ahead to ask any questions via chat/ or a coffee chat if their schedule permits this.
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Aww this makes me extremely happy! This is all you… huge congratulations! You soo deserve this and I hope you celebrate well!
  19. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya - this attached post should help.
  20. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I presume different companies may have different ways of grading these, perhaps through a metric or a numerical scale, though this may not be disclosed to applicants. In my personal opinion though, I can imagine how difficult it will be to precisely mark something like a recorded written...

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