• 📅 2025–26 Applications: Vacation Schemes, Open Days & Training Contracts

    Find deadlines fast and join the right discussion thread:

    Vacation Schemes
    Rolling vs non-rolling checklist included.
    Open Days & Insight Schemes
    Comprehensive list across top firms.
    Training Contracts
    All key TC deadlines in one place.
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  1. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    It’s worth choosing the Mayer Brown slot soon, so as to select the time which is most convenient for you. Delaying may mean this is not possible. You can then weigh your options when you hear back from FF, and know how to best proceed in terms of communication.
  2. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    So the transactional law firms have open days that open up in about Sep (though check each firm’s website to be sure). They tend to almost always cover an intro to their core practices (M&A/PE), and some even go through fictitious case studies with candidates to help them better know how these...
  3. Amma Usman

    Grade Uncertainty

    If a firm does not list its overall grade requirements on their website, then it will generally be a 2:1. One module not being a 2:1 will not be a problem for the vast majority of firms. Firms understand that sometimes grades can slip up, which is why a mitigating circumstances section exists in...
  4. Amma Usman

    When to apply for paralegal roles?

    Hi there, There is no set expectation limit per se, but generally you will see most of these roles requiring “graduates“. As a final year student that has finished with their exams and is only waiting to hear back on your degree classification, you are “technically” a graduate. The only reason...
  5. Amma Usman

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

    Hi there, We have approved your request. Hope you have a lovely day, and do let us know if you’ve got any questions ;)
  6. Amma Usman

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

    Hi, Your request has just been approved. Let us know if you’ve got any questions at all.
  7. Amma Usman

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

    Hi there, We have sent you a follow-up message on this in order to approve your request. Please check your private messages on this. Do let us know if you’ve got any questions at all.
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    The best source of info to confirm this is from the firm directly. So, it’s definitely worth shooting grad rec an email. Even if you see info on other websites that could answer this question, these could be outdated. It’s also worth pointing that whatever the exercise is, whether individual or...
  9. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I always advocate for throwing the app in! You never know what could come out of it, especially as you have prior links to the firm! I know of many people who applied on the deadline ( including myself ) for opportunities, and got past through to subsequent stages/ received offers.
  10. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I wouldn’t be worried at all if you haven’t heard back yet. There is still a lot of time left to hear back some positive news, so please stay positive on this! During this peak time, where VS’ are ongoing and grad rec are simultaneously trying to balance these with reading direct TC...
  11. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Last I remember, about 15. Though, I’ve tagged @ReedSmithBecca to confirm this.
  12. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I completely understand the excitement of wanting to chat with your trainee buddy/supervisors prior to the vac scheme. Though, you do not need to stress with connecting/ building those connections already. There will be plenty of time to do that during the VS, and you’ll even be able to engage...
  13. Amma Usman

    Training Contract journey of an International candidate

    This is so amazing to hear! Reading on your progress really excites me ;) With video interviews, there usually tends to be a pattern. In my experience, they usually centre on your reaction to a certain situation, or you explaining how you demonstrated a particular skill or competency. The truth...
  14. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    There’s a lot of mobility in the legal sector, especially with skilled roles such as these. As an example, any paralegal experience is valuable, such that you could move from a paralegal role at national firms to even other paralegal roles at bigger international firms. I have seen many people...
  15. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Ah yes, I believe you are right in suggesting that it may not be within seperate timeframes. As the firm has mentioned 90 minutes, there will likely be a different component included - probably more information to come from the firm on this, though it’s worth clarifying if you have any doubts...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there! I’ll inquire about this and get back to you shortly.
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    A mix of bullet points and prose is always recommended. Though, given the word limit constraint, I understand your carefulness around this. I would personally aim for around 2-4 bullet points (depending on how detailed you really want to be) accurately explained. You don’t need to link it to the...
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I have responded to a similar question on this a few days back and my thoughts on this stay the same. Unless you have no passion to secure a TC with your VS firm, then this is not advisable. I had once gotten two ACs during a VS, but turned them down because my interest in training at the firm I...
  19. Amma Usman

    SQE Tell-all: All questions welcome

    The breadth of knowledge you have on this subject is truly impressive and I’m confident very many forum members, including myself, are finding this extremely helpful, @average_jo123.
  20. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Ah I see. Two ways, from my view. The first is through the work experience section. Just putting a short note saying that it’s yet to commence. If you know of any seats you are going to be completing, it’s worth mentioning. If these are core practices of the firm you’ll be completing a vac...

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