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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hiya @farrow It's actually quite difficult to get statistical information on this question. However, quite early into this application cycle, I'd managed to find out which firms mostly recruit from vacation schemes versus direct training contracts. You can find that thread here. Please note...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #5,496
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hiya @Alex02! This usually means that your application hasn’t been decisively rejected; it’s still under consideration and may be moved forward depending on how the rest of the candidate pool shapes up. Given that it’s been over a month, I don't think there's any harm in politely following up to...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #5,495
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hiya @pleasepleaseplease Just wanted to add to the great advice you've already received. First off, well done on getting your results! I know it can feel discouraging when the numbers aren't exactly what you'd hoped for, but I want to reassure you that this absolutely doesn’t mean your chances...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #5,494
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Awful first year grades - feeling very dejected
Hiya @Lore So sorry for the delayed response, and thank you for being honest about how you’re feeling. Completely understandable to feel a bit deflated after getting your results. That said, I can't emphasise this enough: this is definitely not the end of the road when it comes to securing a...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @emma.d You may also want to look into firms such as Forsters and Trowers & Hamlins. Also, Chambers UK does a great job of ranking the leaders in this specific area. I would look at these two rankings in particular, which can be found here and here. I should note that these rankings are...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #22,283
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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SRA character and suitability - plagiarism with AI
Hiya @shadowlawyer Very sorry for the late reply, especially given the stressful nature of the situation. I've put together some initial thoughts based on some brief chats I've had with others on the team about this issue. You're right that academic misconduct (including plagiarism or...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
This was such a sweet thing to read on my first day back on the forum in weeks! Vacation schemes are tough - but you are TOUGHER!!! Good luck!!!- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #22,282
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @lawyersum :) Absolutely - feel free to DM me!- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #22,280
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Full time SQE - is there a Christmas break ?
Hiya @LawyerInMaking :) Happy to confirm that there is a Christmas break during the course! At ULaw, our break period ran from early December through to late January. That "break period" covered the Christmas holidays, revision time, and the SQE exam window itself. This was also the case at BPP...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #2
- Forum: Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) Forum
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @Kakaboo I'm sure @Amma Usman would also have more to add here, but wanted to get something to you in the meantime :) I'd say don't overthink your intro. You can send an email and say something alone the lines of: “Hi, I’m [Name], I’m here on the vacation scheme this week. I'd be really...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #22,080
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hi @bangarangbass39 Yep, many firms do have waiting lists for training contracts. The size of the list tends to vary based on the size of the intake. From what I've understood, these lists are usually made up of strong candidates who just narrowly missed out on an offer and are kept in reserve...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #22,079
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hiya @SolicitorHopeful I've just put together a list of recent publications/reports on law firms and their business models. This should give you some sense of the pressures/trends that are affecting law firms and their strategy. 1. Thomson Reuter's recent report on the state of the legal...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #4,787
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Low dissertation grade but high overall 2:1
Hi @lalaboppbopp I really just want to emphasise something that I've said many times on the forum: one or two module results are highly unlikely to be a deal breaker for magic circle or US firm. This is perhaps especially true in your case, given how well you did overall in your degree. If you...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Heya @trainee4u That’s a really tricky dilemma. You're right to be thinking carefully about this, especially since it's such a short scheme and you’ll want to make the most of every moment. In most vac schemes, there usually is some breathing room built in (e.g. time for coffee chats, breaks...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #22,066
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @lawstudent2 Wanted to get some honest feedback to you, and hope this helps. The truth is, some US and Magic Circle firms can be pretty particular when it comes to academic consistency. That said, many are more flexible than you might think. They’ll usually look at what subjects the lower...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #22,064
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Vacation Schemes Applications 2024-25
Hiya @moldau239 I think this can actually be highly useful experience. Most of my legal work before applying to commercial firms was in immigration and asylum matters, and these experiences helped me a lot. One area where it stood out in particular was when applying to firms that do a mix of...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #5
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Career Switcher - paralegal to TC route or direct to TC?
Hiya @Versarchiama That's such a thoughtful post - and congratulations on your pregnancy! I think @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu would have more to say here, but I'll just add my own suggestions here for now. First, I just want to emphasise that career changers absolutely DO...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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Part-time work allowed during the sponsored LLM SQE?
Hiya @LawyerInMaking Great question! At my firm, there were no formal restrictions imposed on part-time work during the LLM SQE. However, some firms do have restrictions or will want you to consult them first. I’d definitely recommend checking your offer or training contract carefully, and...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hiya @futuretraineesolicitor Great job on getting to your first AC! There’s definitely nothing wrong with not bringing anything to the assessment centre if you haven’t been asked to. In my experience, almost everything you’ll need will be provided on the day (e.g. notepads, pens, water, and...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #4,613
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hiya @ohnoselim While the majority of RPC’s trainees do come through the vacation scheme, it's certainly possible to secure a training contract via the direct route. In fact, I know of several candidates (three from the last cycle alone) who were successful through the direct application...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #4,611
- Forum: Applications Discussion