Search results

  1. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Good question! There is a broad spectrum of things which could be considered 'political difficulties' - on the one hand, as you mention, a new government could come in which plans to raise the corporate tax rate, change regulation within specialised sectors, change the qualification process to...
  2. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    From the applications I have reviewed, most candidates who write 'PE' in their answers do not formally introduce it first as you are proposing, in which case I advise them not to use the abbreviation. If you introduce it in the way that you have shown, then no-one can fault you for using the...
  3. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    My guess is that if they do not mention anything about time being taken into account, then time will not be taken into account. One can never be 100% sure but I personally would use as much time as I feel that I need to get the answers right. That said, usually a firm's guidelines are not...
  4. James Carrabino

    Keep getting ACs but always feel like I fail them...

    I am so glad to be able to help 😊
  5. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    It is definitely good to proofread, but at a certain point I would not stress too much about it! Once you have confirmed that there are no errors and that it broadly reads well, then the hours you spend refining one piece of phrasing probably will not make a difference.
  6. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    It is so kind of you to take the time to write all of us a lovely response! Take care of yourself and have a lovely weekend! I am sure that you will start succeeding in interviews very soon :)
  7. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Fair enough - you clearly have more experience with these things than me :) I have definitely met people who had a smooth experience with the application process, but I also know those who feel very comfortable in practice. It is really quite personal to the individual so we welcome any and...
  8. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    I know many lawyers who say that the application process is the hardest thing they had to go through - of course there is stress later on, but in my opinion nothing quite compares to the feeling that your career (and life) is not on track yet! That said, I am not yet in practice so you may well...
  9. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    @NaimK your question does make sense! I would caution you to avoid answering the question you want to answer and turning it into more of a paragraph abut your competencies than a paragraph about your achievements they are asking you for. That said, it would definitely enhance your application if...
  10. James Carrabino

    Keep getting ACs but always feel like I fail them...

    @nisadee it is great that you have been helped by my wonderful colleagues @George Maxwell and @AvniD - their advice is more thorough than anything I could provide! I would like to add emphasis to this case study article by @Jacob Miller which @AvniD already linked you to. What I found so...
  11. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Great question @NaimK! The first thing I would say is that it is never worth being too prescriptive with these things - if one section is longer than another then that is not a problem :) It is probably good to think about how you are roughly going to apportion each section though, as you have...
  12. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Hi @commercialhoe-yer, it is great to hear from you - you sound like a very thoughtful person and I am sure that you absolutely have what it takes to get a TC! I definitely know shy/introverted people who have received TC offers and they are often the smartest and kindest of the bunch! Remember...
  13. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Hi @Dwight this is an excellent question! You have started with some excellent points although remember to address opportunities as well. I also have some thoughts on this question. Retaining talent is a great point. In addition to the 'war for talent' which revolves heavily around salaries...
  14. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Hi @thirdtimelucky I think you are on to something very interesting! Obviously it may be an unusual choice to pick a location where the firm recently closed their office, but if you explain it well then your answer could intrigue your interviewers! The main thing I would ask you is whether you...
  15. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Hi everyone, I have just updated my Application Pitfalls thread with this week and next week's posts so that the advice may help any candidates who are still writing applications this weekend - good luck everyone! The two updates are here and here and I have also edited the master post to...
  16. James Carrabino

    Weekly Application Pitfalls

    Please find the final instalment of my Application Pitfalls thread! I have posted this last one a few days early in case it proves helpful over the final weekend of applications - please reach out with any questions :) JANUARY WEEK 4 Making unsubstantiated comments about a firm’s reputation...
  17. James Carrabino

    Weekly Application Pitfalls

    Please find my Application Pitfalls post for Week 3 of January below! As always, please reach out with any questions :) JANUARY WEEK 3 Beginning sentences with ‘this’ ‘This demonstrates’ or ‘This is why I admire’ creates problems when it is unclear what ‘this’ is referring to. Sometimes a...
  18. James Carrabino

    Free Month of TCLA Premium (Bronze) Every Week (21-22)!

    Congratulations @RSB99 for being this week's forum winner! You have wowed the TCLA team with your informative thread comparing law and consulting, including your multiple detailed and insightful posts. I would like to point out how impressed we are that you created your account just last week...
  19. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    Of course, assuming it's not something too controversial :) I would suggest giving some background about how you attended the event and really enjoyed it (flatter them), and when you then mention their comment I am sure they will be impressed that it stuck in your mind all this time later! Your...
  20. James Carrabino

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

    In my mind, the only component of the question you mention which I think is too specific for you to address is the 'sports' component. If you haven't done sports then there's no need to mention it (although if you even enjoy running in your spare time, for example, then you could mention that)...

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.