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  1. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @zeydi , Yes, you are right in suggesting that candidates don’t need to have all the answers, considering it’s a development programme. However, sufficient knowldge on practice areas, current affairs, the financial world and the consequent impact these global changes have on law firms/their...
  2. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @tomsmitg , I believe the summary isn’t nescessary as it eats up the word count and space on the page. Preferably, a sentence or two stating what you will cover in the memo/written exercise is sufficient. Sometimes, headings could even make this clearer. Hope this helps ;)
  3. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @NJS , I’m so sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way, it’s completely understandable. First, I want to acknowledge how much you’ve already achieved: securing two vac schemes, working at a firm for the past year, and building impressive extracurriculars are no small feats. These...
  4. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there, Well done on securing the VI. I‘ve linked Andrei’s helpful guide below; https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/a-complete-guide-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/
  5. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there @mariistm I have quoted a similar post above to help. For strength based AC tips specifically, my main tip is to know your competencies in and out. This way, you can answer any question that comes up, no matter how challenging it seems. For example, you should naturally have...
  6. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there @unknownnn7372 , I have made a list of sources in a thread in the past. I’ve quoted this, together with other commercial awareness sources above to help. This thread also contains regular commercial awareness uplates -...
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Niabpatel8 . I’m really sorry to hear this. Please keep going, you got this! You’ve got a whole community supporting you at every step of the way ;) 🚀🚀 🚀
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @cjwx . I think this is a good idea. The geographic reach will not be an issue considering the international scope of most deals within global headquartered law firms. Also, energy is really hot right now in the gulf so very interesting topic for discussion! Ensure to also cover fully why it...
  9. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @elsx , Given the word count of questions of this type, I would not dwell too much on the self-introductory part. This is because there are three things you need to cover (provided that they have not been previously asked anywhere else in the application): (1) about you, (2) why commercial...
  10. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @sapphireoreos , Good question. I’ve quoted a few posts the team has made on this above.
  11. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @EK_27. It depends on how you argue and link the answer together, but generally the deal inclusions tend to make more sense when used to back up an already properly explained interest in a practice. I’d also be careful to not just drop the deal, but make it back up a strong passion for the...
  12. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there @cjwx . I would provide some background to the role and the consequent skills acquired. From there, I will link it to the key skills and competencies typically seen in the role of a trainee - proactivity, the ability to juggle multiple commitments, attention to detail, and so on.
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @plshireme. I have just checked the firm’s website & social media pages and the position remains unclear. In situations like this, I usually submit as soon as I reasonably can and at the earliest instance, whilst still keeping an eye out for quality.
  14. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @tomsmitg , Typically, the recommended approach is to go straight to the point on the identified issues. However, as an assessment, you will need to expand on it with more detail. Do not make this too lengthy though, but the required length will usually be communicated in the assessment...
  15. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @sibs23 , I always include a cover letter when the space for it is provided. However, I would also note that the situation may be different if there exist application questions. In any case, it would not take anything away from your application but it’s worth emailing grad rec if ever in...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @legal18 , If I were to approach this, I would personally split the question into two paragraphs. I would not make it an even split because I would want to touch more on why commercial law. However, not at the expense of fully explaining the other arm of the question. Thus, I’d say be...
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @futuretrainee! , Thank you for being so open about what you’re going through. First off, you’ve already achieved incredible things: an 81% on your PGDL and making it to the semis of major commercial awareness competitions? That’s something to be so proud of. This reminds me of Albert...
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi, congratulations again on your first virtual AC invite! For the group exercise, focus on presenting your views in a way that’s both respectful and collaborative. Express your ideas confidently, but also engage with and encourage others’ contributions to showcase your ability to work...
  19. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there @zeydi , I’ve quoted some past posts I’ve made on this in the past! Best of luck with the exercise - please remember to take some time to rest during the holiday though! ;)
  20. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @EK_27 , congratulations on securing your first AC! Are you referring to the same practice area you're interested in, or the same geographic region where the firm operates? Perhaps I’ll be able to shed more light then! ;)

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