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

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    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 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    In situations like this, I often ensure to hit the points they mentioned first - and in that order. If the word count permits, I will then cover the three why’s - commercial law, the firm, and me. However, the first questions (what attracts you to the LBA programme) could also enable you to...
  2. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    The way I see it, the department you are allocated to matters less than your ability to make the most of it. I have spoken to many lawyers that have said their qualification options surprised them. So I’d say just be open minded, ask as many questions as posssible, and try not to let any form of...
  3. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    This is a possibility for sure, as I’ve seen many people do this. If such roles are unavailable, however, it’s always worth applying to other firms for maybe a paralegal position. If you have at least 6-12 months availability prior to starting your studies, a lot of these roles are available and...
  4. Amma Usman

    TLT Training Contract (Non-Rolling)

    Yep! I have included this link which should answer those questions. The next cycle for their apps open 1st October 2025, and closes 31st May 2026: https://www.tlt.com/careers/trainees/
  5. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Love to see it! Huge huge congratulations. I hope you celebrate well :) :) :) :)
  6. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there @tosin4774 , Just to add to @Andrei Radu ’s amazing response on this, I’ve linked a thread below which you may also find useful: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/why-this-firm-%F0%9F%A4%94%F0%9F%92%AD-crafting-applications.9119/ In summary of the link above, I...
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    @Legal Wizard , this is really good advice. The name is very befitting - truly a Legal Wizard haha!
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I believe that’s quite normal at this stage, especially as we’ve only just entered June. The firm will likely be in touch soon with pre-scheme materials or further details. If you haven’t heard anything closer to the start date, that would be a good time to follow up. But for now, I wouldn’t be...
  9. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Congrats on securing both schemes, that’s such a great achievement! While I haven’t done either myself, I’d recommend connecting with future trainees on LinkedIn and arranging a quick call if you have specific questions. I say future trainees because trainees, associates, and partners often have...
  10. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    You can absolutely connect with your trainee buddy or supervisor on LinkedIn if you'd like to introduce yourself ahead of the scheme - a quick message saying you're looking forward to meeting them can be a nice touch. That said, I personally think it’s often more meaningful to build rapport in...
  11. Amma Usman

    Clifford gave me a Chance (A now SQE Journey)

    Thank you so much for the update. I’m really sorry to hear that the week was tough. I hope things ease up for you soon. Life has a way of throwing challenges at us just when we need clarity the most, but the fact that you still managed to complete your seat reservation form says a lot about your...
  12. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi there, Per these two links, yes, the firm recruits on a rolling basis: 1. https://www.reedsmith.com/en/careers/general/uk-faqs 2. https://apply.candidats.io/ea7397d0-f35e-43d5-b021-d69a98f6d211
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hey, I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. I completely understand. Waiting to hear back can be incredibly tough, and it’s totally okay to feel a bit disheartened. You're definitely not alone in this. One thing that helped me during similar waits was keeping myself distracted. Going for a...
  14. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I’m sorry about this! It’s worth emailing grad rec about this. In the meantime, I’ve just checked their website and seen part of the application is a CV and cover letter, which you can get a head start on now, before the issue is solved. They do have specific requirements for key elements to...
  15. Amma Usman

    How transferable is paralegal experience in derivatives to other commercial paralegal roles?

    Hi, Thanks for this. It’s a completely thoughtful question. Absolutely, any paralegal experience is valuable and transferable, even if it’s not in the exact field you see yourself in long term. In fact, roles within structured finance, like derivatives and ISDA, can give you a strong...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I'm really sorry – I know how much it stings when you’ve poured hours into an application, only to miss the deadline. It’s frustrating, and it’s totally okay to feel down about it right now. You put in the work, you were being diligent, and it shows just how much you cared. That matters. But...
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Yep! That sounds like a solid approach. Your answer will always be taken up to level 2 when you bring in your own experiences to back up points such as those which I had mentioned. It helps move the answer from more theoretical and factual, to substantive and technical. You’re gonna nail it, I...
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi there @Raspberry44, I have quoted a few posts by @ReedSmithBecca which should cover the answers to these questions. Do let us know if you have any more questions at all, and we’ll be more than happy to help out. Best of luck with the app! ;)
  19. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @LawInTheNorth , I have tagged @ReedSmithBecca as I’m sure she’ll have more thoughts on this. Best of luck with the app! ;)
  20. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi, This is a great question, and here’s one way to look at it: You could frame a larger intake as a signal of a firm’s direction: not just growing in size, but scaling with precision. It reflects a steady pipeline of high-value work, confidence in the firm’s infrastructure to support and...

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