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  1. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there, I presume there is no need to structure this in a cover letter format. If there is already a cover letter to provide, and/or application questions which cover why Gateley and commercial law, then you can simply use the standard work experience structure format. When I was applying...
  2. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Honestly, there’s no exact formula for smashing SJTs, and I think it’s so important to remember that! A lot of people fall into the trap of trying to pick the answers they think the firm wants to hear, but, in reality, it’s more about how you instinctively respond to business scenarios and your...
  3. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there, This is a really good question. As you can imagine, there is no one exact answer to it. In my opinion, this is a good thing actually. There is no set formula one can use for any firm, to get an offer. This goes to show that firms appreciate individuality and want to really hear your...
  4. Amma Usman

    Hi there! Thank you so much for sending me a private message. If your message contains...

    Hi there! Thank you so much for sending me a private message. If your message contains particular private or sensitive information regarding your personal circumstances (e.g. mitigating circumstances, issues with another forum user, or anything else which can reasonably be regarded as...
  5. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @murm and @AnAnonymousDuck , I have actually made a thread on this which I have linked below. Looking at the thread also, I now see the need to expand on certain areas to enable candidates to be more specific with the question on a law firm’s respective competitors. I’ve included a more...
  6. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hey, I’ve linked below a thread I made on resources to boost commercial awareness. When I was applying, I didn’t jump straight to the FT to help with CA because I knew that I wasn’t going to understand much. The terms were unfamiliar and so were many of the concepts, so I took some time off...
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there, There’s a common misconception that commercial awareness needs to be shown all through for successful written applications. Now don’t get me wrong, it certainly is important, but some questions and some stages will require you to show this more, than others. For example, if the...
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I would email Grad Rec with a screenshot of the issues you’re facing and a detailed description of the situation. If you also can’t try logging in after attempting for like three times, it’s worth highlighting this in the email too. This has happened to me before and firm’s are usually...
  9. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    In situations like this, I typically included a sort of thesis statement at the start. I would divide it into roughly two paragraphs. One on why CL, the other on why SH. I would start the paragraph with something like “I am drawn to a career in commercial law for multiple reason but will focus...
  10. Amma Usman

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

  11. Amma Usman

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

    Hi there, Commercial case studies encompass so many things. In law firm interviews, I usually expected article or corporate case studies. As your firm has told you this would be a ‘commercial’ case study, I presume this to be on two businesses navigating a problem/series of problems. In my...
  12. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I am sorry to hear about the PFOs. Writing applications is like a muscle that constantly needs flexing. I assure you that despite those PFOs, you would have improved your writing skills - and that’s the most important thing beyond those rejection emails. Another thing is that if you genuinely...
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    In situations like this where I was unsure of the deadlines, I would (1) email grad rec asking for clarification, (2) if they are overwhelmed with emails and haven’t responded yet, I would complete it as soon as I can and before the 72-hour mark.
  14. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Yay, huge congratulations!
  15. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi there. You can touch on anything really, from ESG, energy, AI, and the likes. There is no right answer, only your ability to connect it to the commercial and legal worlds, as this is what will help demonstrate your commercial awareness. There is also a tendency for applicants to talk a lot...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @AlegalA , This is a very valid question. Largely because there is so much information out there… current affairs are always changing, new stuff are always being introduced within multiple industries, there are so many possible connections to draw to showcase your understanding in...
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @tcla02 , If you feel you can work around it and balance your time equally between studying for the coursework, and writing more apps, then this may work. However, 23 apps is also a good and very high number, so if you are sure you have submitted them all to a high quality, then you may...
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I have commonly mentioned PB work in my work experience section with the title of the role as “Volunteer” at X clinic or something. Similarly, I also see no harm in referencing it as an extracurricular as well.
  19. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    This depends on the firm and their internal policy. For rolling basis apps, it is likely spaces are offered as ACs are carried out. In any case, I recommend scheduling as soon as you reasonably can, and not too far off within the cycle. A couple of days into the list of options is fine, but...
  20. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there, I have linked Andrei’s guide to help. Best of luck on the VI! https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/a-complete-guide-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/
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