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  1. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @fingersarecrossed , I would suggest focusing less on the number of points you want to cover and more on grouping similar experiences together. For instance, you could combine extracurricular activities into one paragraph and positions of responsibility into another. It’s also a good idea to...
  2. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @gazdgazd11 , good question. For cover letters where there is no word count, I tend to not go beyond 650 words. This is because I feel anything longer risks the danger of skipping off on tangents, or saying the same thing but with overflowerly language. Ideally, the cover letter should...
  3. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @AS24 , here’s my take on it… Honestly, rejection is tough, and there’s no sugar-coating that. But it’s so important to remember that it doesn’t define your worth or potential as a future lawyer. The way I see it, these tests are often just a filter tool for law firms—they’re designed to...
  4. Amma Usman

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

    Hi @tosin4774 . Given the word count of most open day applications, I would say this is enough if you expand on it further. For this to be enough, however, M&A needs to be the firms core practice area/one of their core practices. If the firm has any Chambers Rankings on this practice, or if...
  5. Amma Usman

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

    Hi! I totally understand where you’re coming from. I think looking at the wording of the question is really important here. It’s not limited to just artificial intelligence—it also says or other technologies. So, think about any tech tools you’ve used, even if they’re not advanced AI systems...
  6. Amma Usman

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

    Hi @ashwright , I understand your concern, and I think it’s great that you’re putting so much effort into preparing. However, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with so much content, especially when aiming to remember it all. Memorising entire sections...
  7. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

  8. Amma Usman

    The Importance of Personal Branding in the Law Firm Application Process

    Hello everyone! In this thread, I’ll be diving into why personal branding is a crucial part of the law firm application process. Personal branding is so important—it is, quite frankly, the cornerstone of a good law firm cycle. Why? Well, if you don’t sell your experiences, if you don’t...
  9. Amma Usman

    Why This Firm? 🤔💭 : Crafting Applications

    Hi TCLA Community! 😁 I created this thread because we all know that October is the season of drafting more and more applications for law firms. Knowing that you want to work at a particular firm is one thing; effectively demonstrating why that specific firm interests you is another. There are...
  10. Amma Usman

    Help with TC assessments

    Hey @tosin4774 and @AlarmedBookkeeper448 , thanks for both your questions. GDC offers a small trainee intake. This was one thing that drew me to the firm as I knew I’d get high responsibilities early on in my career. Inevitably, I’d be able to build more skills and I could build on them...
  11. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @legallybrunette8 , I’d say you should definitely switch things up a bit. You will have gained so much more knowledge and experiences between last year and now - would be worth demonstrating this via the initial stages. It is also arguable that firms may have ways of testing whether the same...
  12. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @lolololol , when I did it last year, there was one VI question at the end. I am unsure about this year, but I presume it is the same as there has been a VI element for over 3 years now. In relating to preparing for video interviews, I’d say you should take some time to understand your...
  13. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @sammm10101, it says on the website HERE, that the firm recruits up to 6 trainees each year :)
  14. Amma Usman

    Monday Motivation: For All Aspiring Solicitors and Professionals!

    This one is for all of you applying for vacation schemes, training contracts, apprenticeships, and everything in between. It’s a brand new week, and we’re just about to step into October. Take a moment to appreciate just how much progress you’ve made this past month! September might have been...
  15. Amma Usman

    Help with TC assessments

    Hey @tosin4774 , thanks for your question. Ideally, you should cover two things in the answer. When I was applying for insight schemes, the word count was typically 300 words and less. This means you’ll need to be really concise in your answer. 1. Why Commercial Law: This requires strong...
  16. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @desperateTCseeker1998 , Linklaters are non-rolling.
  17. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @AGRACHEL , great question! I would recommend a hybrid approach. For example, you could include skills like organizational management and link an example of how you demonstrated this skill. Following this, you could also briefly touch on the result on a project/task of you effectively...
  18. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @hitherelaw. This largely depends on whether the applications for that particular cycle are rolling or not. I’ve linked our tracker HERE which should help out with deciding which applications you could prioritize. With such firms, they usually get back to applicants for interviews within the...
  19. Amma Usman

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @rras. It’s perfectly normal to name future trainees at the firm. However, always ensure to ask for their permission first. Another thing to be mindful of is to not just ‘name drop’ but ensure the point you’re making directly links to a factor that is not generic, or one you wouldn’t...
  20. Amma Usman

    Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2024-25 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)

    Hey @sarahhhh , HERE’s the link to apply :)

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