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  1. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @ashwright , This is a very good question for sure. I had the same thoughts, and I suspect everyone that has gone through the process/is going through it, will have similar inquiries. It certainly feels interesting at first. At my first partner interview, I was really scared.. I thought...
  2. Amma Usman

    Norton Rose Fulbright Question:

    Hey @Elijah Wee Yang Yi , @Ram Sabaratnam has already given an excellent strategy to adopt structure and content wise. As he explained, focus on showcasing your commercial awareness and the firm‘s existing expertise. I have nothing to add to this - I would just briefly touch on possible...
  3. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @pleasepleaseplease , great questions. I remember having the same questions when I was applying as well. I have a few thoughts on each question. 1. This is essentially the ‘why X firm’ question. I always fell into the trap on talking about things that didn’t matter here. For example, I...
  4. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @far, it has actually happened to me twice and I was able to get to the next stage! Mistakes like this happen but nothing too much to worry about I guess. Although, it’s also worth noting that this differs between firms.
  5. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @nlntc , for questions like this, I believe less is more. Focus on a few key experiences and expand on them in depth. This will enable you to take your answer to level two or three, by linking past legal exposure to..say.. the firm’s practices or key sectors of business that you’re drawn to...
  6. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @a1024 , I’ve quoted below a post I once made on this question, but @Andrei Radu will have additional thoughts on this.
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @rvvacscheme , I remember @Jessica Booker advising once to include this in the motivational section, saying that you have been offered a scheme and looking forward to it.
  8. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @Apyw , When answering a question like this, the key is to focus on the steps you’d take to organise yourself - I believe that’s what demonstrates your organisational skills. You could start by explaining that you’d assess the situation, listing out all the tasks and deadlines to get a...
  9. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @Parsorandini . Yes, I recommend choosing about 4-6 key experiences to include. These will be the ones which demonstrate the most transferrable skills to the role of a trainee solicitor. If you are keen on including the rest, then I advise weaving them into the application questions instead...
  10. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @jojo23 , the team has already shared great insights on this. I‘ve also quoted below a thread which includes examples of generic/non-generic responses to the why CL question; https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/why-commercial-law-investigating-your-%E2%80%98why%E2%80%99.9113/
  11. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    💪💪💪🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀
  12. Amma Usman

    (NEW) Corporate Case Study Analysis

    Hey @tosin4774 Debt financing refers to the process of getting money to fund business operations by borrowing. Borrowing could be from banks, bond markets, etc and interest is usually accrued upon repayment. NB: It’s not necessarily linked to M&A activity - it could be any type of borrowing...
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Reminder… Christian Dior didn’t start Dior until 41 Sam Walton didn’t start Walmart until 44 Adolf Dassler didn’t start Adidas until 48 Colonel Sanders didn’t start KFC until 62 This is your reminder that it’s never too late to begin.
  14. Amma Usman

    (NEW) Corporate Case Study Analysis

    Glad it’s useful @mineejiroarigi!
  15. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @SamaraJ , The question wants you to focus on the life experiences that have shaped your unique perspective. These can be anything from facing a challenge to experiencing something completely new. The key is showing how those experiences have developed qualities or perspectives that would...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @User5678 , I’m unsure about the Kennedys question, but I presume Gowling sponsor’s visa’s for the training contract (unlikely for a VS). I haven’t seen this from the firm’s website directly, but multiple sources show this. If in doubt, feel free to email HR. I’m sure @Jessica Booker @Ram...
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @DesperateForVac , just building on my last response. I often use a trick to find a law firm’s competitors. It’s quite easy to implement and has saved me a lot of time. First, look at X firm’s core practice areas. Second, search what Chamber’s Rankings it has in that areas. Third...
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @DesperateForVac , I remember some points on the firm’s approach when I was applying for first year schemes. I’ve included some of them below, together with a mix of recent updates (I’ve linked a recent article below as well). I believe CMS distinguishes itself through its global...
  19. Amma Usman

    Work Experience Section

    Hey @Sad_Old_Grad , Thanks for sending this through. Also, please never feel like it’s a bother - we’re here to help! I also completely get how nerve twitching the whole process can be. I’ve provided some detailed feedback below; Role (Junior Legal Assistant, Non-UK Organisation) The...

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