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  1. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @legal18 , I’ve seen a trend for some of the questions below in VI’s. I’ve also been creative and included some extra questions that may possibly fall within that scope: Commercial Awareness Questions: 1. What is a recent news story that you found interesting, and why is it relevant to...
  2. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there @Tcvspfo , Yep - private credit is definitely still relevant. Law firms have made whole new practices focusing on private credit. Sidley Austin, Dechert, and Morgan Lewis are three I can think of right now. I also found out not long ago, that Kramer Levin also launched its new...
  3. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @ohnoselim , There’s a common misconception that candidates need to have done a load of tasks like winning fancy awards to nail this section of the application. Law firms and recruiters will know and appreciate that most people are at the start of their careers. Furthermore...
  4. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there @a1024 , If I was to answer this question, I would take the following approach: 1. Short introductory paragraph stating what the topic is. Could literally be a sentence. You don’t need to repeat the rest of the elements that you’ll cover as they are already in the question. Further...
  5. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya! Well done on securing the VI. I’ve quoted this post above to help ;)
  6. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @desperateTCseeker1998 , very good one. I’ve just consulted @Ram Sabaratnam‘s wonderful thread and found out that Links falls under this scope: These firms recruit predominantly from their vacation schemes, but they have frequently made more than one direct TC offer every year in recent...
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Toenails , very well done! I’ve linked @Andrei Radu ’s VI guide here - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/a-complete-guide-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/ Best of luck 💪🚀
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @NJS , Very good question. In my opinion, you can go with either one - general topics and more specific stories. The ability to come out with a good answer largely depends on the manner in which you go into the crux of each topic, as well as whether you actually answer the question. It’s...
  9. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @KBanana , not a silly question at all - I randomly remembered the comma in the firm‘s name whilst I was on the bus the other day! The comma should be included in your mentioning of the firm’s name.
  10. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @LawAspirer , this is a question which leads to many mixed perceptions. For example, I’ve completed SJTs at firms where the feedback report felt as though I did badly, but I ended up passing. Similarly, I’ve gotten reports back that were so positive I thought it was straight to the next stage...
  11. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Best of luck on the interview - you got this! 🚀
  12. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @a1024 , I’m sure that @Andrei Radu will have more thoughts on Davis Polk specifically, so I’ve included some general tips to approach the separate components of the question...
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Apple. Yes, absolutely! In my view, this shows one’s ability to absorb multiple forms of information through engaging in a plethora of different tasks, make the most of an opportunity that was presented to them, as well as an ability to show how you’ve applied multiple skills - and in fact...
  14. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hiya @legallyells , Yes, definitely. Law firms really appreciate a diversity of thought from students from other degree backgrounds. Interestingly, I was recently having a wonderful chat with an Of Counsel at a law firm who mentioned they’d be really keen to hear from someone who studied...
  15. Amma Usman

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor . Thanks for reaching out! If your message contains particular private or sensitive information regarding your personal circumstances (e.g. mitigating circumstances, or anything else which can reasonably be regarded as confidential), please kindly ask my colleague...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @3000to1shoteverytime. In answering your first question, this differs between firms. I’ve had ACs at firms where this was not looked at during the interview by my interviewers. However, I can’t say I know for sure that my application or test was not looked at during the post-AC decision...
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi again @KBanana . Just following up on your last post. Trainee size, in my opinion, is a stronger point to talk about than DEI initiatives. Many firms will have similar DEI initiatives. However, you will be able to link intake size more adequately to your preferences and experiences. For...
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    @KBanana, with regards your second question, inflation is not a bad topic to talk about. It may be viewed as quite generic certainly, but this doesn’t mean you can’t nail the answer if you choose it. I have certainly used the topic of inflation many times during interviews and gotten offers. The...
  19. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hello @KBanana , My general approach to this question, “which other firms have you applied to“, is to, as you suggested, focus on the work. However, it is not enough to list how each firm you have applied to excels in each of them. Indeed, many firms will excel in similar practices...
  20. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey there @tcla02 , I totally get where you‘re coming from. Things like this happen, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Let me give you an example; During one of my VIs in the past for a first year scheme, I completely froze. I was lost on what to say. I accidentally ended my answer with...

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