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Join the live thread →Reed Smith is live in the forum nowAMA Live nowGraduate Recruitment and SQE interns from Reed Smith are here to answer your questions.
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Register on Zoom →Willkie Live: How to Write a Successful Vacation Scheme Application7 Oct 2025 5:30pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)Learn exactly how to write a successful application to Willkie Farr & Gallagher, with live examples + Q&A with Gemma Baker.
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why this firm?
I'd just flag off the bat that 'high ranking and innovative departments' and 'pro bono work' come across as vague. I'd only mention pro bono if there was something very specific about what the firm was doing that mattered to you (and you could back this up). Otherwise, all top City firms offer...- Jaysen
- Post #2
- Forum: Interviews Discussion
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New to The Corporate Law Academy? Start Here
I will invite you there now.- Jaysen
- Post #17
- Forum: General Discussion
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Extracurricular activities question
I'd focus the core of your answer on showing how you developed your skills by discussing your experiences. Personally, I would then explicitly (but concisely) reference how the skills are relevant to the role of a commercial solicitor. I think this is an opportunity to demonstrate your...- Jaysen
- Post #2
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Taylor Wessing App
I'd consider this question to be referring to university/school and achievements within your studies, rather than society achievements. This is especially the case as there is another question on the form for activities outside your academic career.- Jaysen
- Post #2
- Forum: Vacation Schemes Discussion
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Osborne clarke vs question
Yep your latter point is exactly right. This question is just looking for you to demonstrate that you understand what makes Osborne Clarke stand out compared to other firms (and therefore alluding to why you are applying to Osborne Clarke). I think the reasons you have mentioned sound specific...- Jaysen
- Post #6
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Ask 3 future trainees (Magic & Silver Circle, International Elite) ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*
I think it's very unlikely a firm will ask this question unless it's something you state yourself. I know many UK firms want to break further into the US market, but I'm not sure I know that many want a US merger.- Jaysen
- Post #97
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Ask 3 future trainees (Magic & Silver Circle, International Elite) ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*
You are right, it is a huge feat for law firms of this size - if you're doing a proper merger, you've got to bring partners on board, prove that there's a compelling case to merge, find a firm with similar profitability levels and attitudes, think about client conflicts etc.- Jaysen
- Post #94
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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I am an Associate at a Global Law Firm. Ask me Anything!
Hey - it would be best to create a thread for this question, rather than posting this here.- Jaysen
- Post #41
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion
Well done Ricky!- Jaysen
- Post #2,750
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Davis Polk Cover Letter
I've seen a range of approaches based on the Davis Polk covering letters that have been submitted to us for review. If you haven't heard otherwise, it may be best to play it safe and at least keep the firm's address in.- Jaysen
- Post #2
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion
I haven't actually seen a written exercise like this before, but my advice with all of the written exercises is to stick to the fundamentals. I would generally advise against going into the exercise with a particular set of key points/format in mind. You want to be able to adapt to the...- Jaysen
- Post #2,749
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion
Well done! We have some free written exercises to practise here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/case-study-2-m-a-analysis.78/. Unfortunately we no longer have the capacity to mark these, but they still should be good practise!- Jaysen
- Post #2,729
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion
I'm not sure if it was this one? https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/commercial-awareness-past-interview-questions-and-topics.1735/#post-14258- Jaysen
- Post #2,727
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Ask 3 future trainees (Magic & Silver Circle, International Elite) ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*
You'd want to start with researching the firm first. You can then use the information you find to think about what kind of specific challenges/opportunities the firm may face. Cybersecurity could definitely be an issue, but you want to think about why that's an issue for the particular firm you...- Jaysen
- Post #88
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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I am an Associate at a Global Law Firm. Ask me Anything!
Thanks @LM, delighted to have you join the TCLA team. I have known LM for some time and they have achieved many fantastic things during their training contract. I hope you guys find this to be a useful opportunity to ask questions you may not normally be able to!- Jaysen
- Post #2
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Lockdown LLM - yay or nay?
That was similar to the reasons I chose to do a master's. If you are particularly keen to explore the law further (and are able to secure funding), that sounds like a sensible reason. I was lucky in that I was able to secure a grant to cover some of my fees, which made the decision easier - I'm...- Jaysen
- Post #6
- Forum: General Discussion
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2020-21 Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion
Only if you were saying something substantive to go along with it (i.e. it genuinely relates to why you are applying to Freshfields). In that case, it can help to prove your point. If it's just for the sake of demonstrating you spoke to someone at the firm, it won't add value.- Jaysen
- Post #314
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Lockdown LLM - yay or nay?
My question would be why you are doing a master's degree - is it because you genuinely want to complete further study?- Jaysen
- Post #3
- Forum: General Discussion
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2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion
I see this as 'why OC?' and 'why you?' (based on your hobbies and interests). Personally, I'd leave out 'why commercial law?'.- Jaysen
- Post #2,482
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Free Month of TCLA Premium (Bronze) - Every Week From Monday!
Congratulations @Rhiannon! I will shortly drop you a private message with details on how to claim your free month.- Jaysen
- Post #3
- Forum: General Discussion