• Reed Smith is live in the forum now
    Graduate Recruitment and SQE interns from Reed Smith are here to answer your questions.
    Join the live thread →

Search results

  1. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I completely understand how frustrating this process can feel, but please don’t be too hard on yourself. The fact that you’re consistently securing video interviews and final-stage assessments shows that you absolutely have what it takes. Firms are clearly seeing potential in you, and it’s just...
  2. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Wow, this is absolutely amazing news for both of you!! 🎉🥳 I know how much this firm means to you both, and this is such a huge achievement. Your perseverance, hard work, and growth over the past year have truly paid off, and I couldn't be happier for you! It must feel so surreal right now...
  3. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there, From what I remember, there is no time limit when completing the actual assessment. I am unsure whether the time taken to complete it is taken account into scoring though, as I know from previous this was the case with other firms. I have linked the part of their website which says...
  4. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there, I would personally wait to hear back from the telephone interview before carrying out any next steps/rescheduling. Another thing is that I do not recommend missing the first day of the AC despite it being unassessed. I’m sure it will do very well on preparing you for the next day, in...
  5. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Yep - even better! From what I remember, the application is a cover letter (correct me if I’m wrong). I’ve quoted a post I made on this in the past to help.
  6. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Nothing is a stupid question! In my opinion, commercial acumen matters more in the application process than legal knowledge. Law firms don’t expect candidates applying to have so much legal knowledge because 1) though people taking law degrees all take the same qualifying courses, people...
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Congrats on both schemes. I have the tagged the rest of the team here as I’m sure they’ll have more thoughts on this - @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu.
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    If it’s still open, I presume some slots will be available via this route. I also saw from the website this is available for many locations, so perhaps there is some flexibility on this too. Just checked their retention rates from their site too, and the numbers range from 23-37 trainees...
  9. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I have tagged this source I found from the firm to help. It is more tailored to the US, but should help, I believe. I have also linked a great source from Andrei. https://brownrudnick.com/the-interview-process/...
  10. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hey there, I am unsure about the specifics or timing surrounding these for HL. However, I presume this will likely be after VS ACs/places are concluded for spring (possibly summer), as well as any first-year schemes/open days. I could be wrong, as this differs from firm to firm, and on many...
  11. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hey there, Just checked their website and saw they recruit 12-15 trainees each year, which is great. I have attached their GR website for more info - https://www.penningtonslaw.com/careers/early-careers/training-contract
  12. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I know W&C is rolling, but I always say this - you never know unless you try. Let‘s look at it from two angles. Angle 1: If you wait till the next cycle to apply for the winter VS, you will still have time to put in your application eventually. You could also spend the time before reading...
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Yay! Huge congratulations! This is a great testament to how far your application writing skills have improved. You should be really proud of yourself. I have provided some general tips on assessments below. So all these are a given, but ensuring you’re well prepared on these is a great first...
  14. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I believe it‘s always worth applying regardless of the stats. If they have a direct TC portal still open, then they are more likely than not going to offer at least a few slots via that. You never know unless you give it a shot… ;)
  15. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hey there, In my view, this question can go any way you want, so far as you answer why solicitor throughout. Ideally, so far as you don’t go on any tangents, you will be fine. Your suggestion in the second paragraph is good. I personally always liked showing a contrast when answering it. I...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey, Usually, “Dear Graduate Recruitment Team” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine. Three key things to cover include; - Why commercial law. - Why X firm. - Skills, experiences, achievements, which make you stand out as a candidate - essentially “why you”.
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    A brief intro thread on FYS, VS, and TCs, for anyone who might be interested: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/what-are-they-first-year-schemes-vacation-schemes-training-contracts.9565/#post-207234

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.