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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Yes! Never give up!!! But also- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,268
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
This is incredible! High key representing those of us with non-traditional backgrounds! Tippin' my hat to you!!!!- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,266
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya! Yes, I think you can. I've just looked through their FAQ sections and it appears to confirm this as well. Here's the link. Good luck with the application!- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,264
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @James Wakefield There was no interview at the end of the scheme. However just bear in mind that this may have changed, since it appears that they've changed aspects of the assessment process since my application cycle. That said, I suspect you'll be assessed holistically (yay). Good luck!- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,263
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @mfuturetrainee I've not had this exact situation before, but I have been invited to similar pre-scheme events by firms. Typically these were pre-vacation scheme events, where expectations for the scheme were set and general guidance was provided by the training principal or several...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,214
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @paralegaltotrainee Congratulations again on securing your place on Cooley's vacation scheme! I've put together some of my thoughts below for you. You'll find the scheme consists in a balanced mix of live client assignments and structured tasks set by graduate recruitment. Both elements...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,213
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Have to completely agree with @Jessica Booker on this. I'm not sure that connecting on LinkedIn before my vacation scheme probably provided much of an advantage for me. I've generally found it better to meet and build genuine rapport with trainees first, for example through coffee chats or...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,169
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
From previous experience, Mayer Brown's Situational Strengths Test and Verbal Reasoning Test did not include any video interview questions. Of course it's possible this could have changed, but based on what I've seen from other forum users this cycle, it still seems to be the case. Good luck...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #3,211
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hiya @aphelion In previous years, I've noticed that White & Case has held assessment centres for direct training contract candidates in August, with many of these also taking place in September. I'd recommend keeping an eye out for communications from graduate recruitment or contacting them...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #3,210
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @Willgetthere I'd be curious to know what @Jessica Booker, @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu have to say here, but in my experience I've sometimes found this can depend on the firm’s culture and expectations. For instance, when completing vacation schemes at firms with non-rotational...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,151
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
I'd be curious to know what @Jessica Booker might say here, but I don't think this is a dumb question at all (and stop calling your questions dumb @Chris Brown - they're very good!!!!). I've generally avoided adopting a rigid structure for emails inviting people to coffee chats. I think a clear...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,147
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @l789 From what I can tell, Freshfields now uses the Candid/Vantage application system. As a result, I'm almost certain that you can now include your work experience alongside the traditional 850-word personal statement. Unlike previous application cycles, where it was primarily just the...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,145
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Amazing job @loe!!! They're an excellent firm! Assuming the written assessment is similar to the one I completed in 2023, it's a fairly standard commercial/business-style task designed to test both your commercial awareness and your communication skills. I think the key to the task is...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,142
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hiya @ohnoselim That doesn't sound silly at all - I asked myself the question several times at the end of my first vacation scheme cycle, having failed to secure any. It's also a question that many candidates ask themselves, particularly if they've graduated without an offer. I've known several...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #3,198
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @KBanana Not a silly question at all. In my experience, the structure of your bio will usually depend on how formal the firm expects it to be and whether they've provided specific instructions. For example, during my vacation schemes, some firms included clear prompts in their emails...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,105
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hiya @B101 From what I've observed in previous cycles, Orrick typically sources the majority of its trainees through its vacation schemes. Direct training contract offers have historically been quite rare. While some applicants have been invited to assessment centres via the direct TC route...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #3,194
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Not weird at all! There was only so much coffee I could drink after having scheduled a few back to back coffee chats! Don't get jittery!- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,059
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya again @Chris Brown! I don't have too much else to add to what the others have said. But when I was preparing for my vacation scheme, I found Aspiring Solicitors' Head Start event incredibly helpful in addressing exactly this sort of anxiety. It's free, and it provides structured...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,055
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @Chris Brown I've got very little to add to the sage advice of @Jessica Booker. However, from what I've gathered from having spoken to friends of mine on the SQE, some firms do offer interest free loans and additional financial support but sometimes choose not to publicise such benefits...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,050
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hiya @legallyells This could depend on the nature of the written task. Some tasks might involve case studies where you're expected to perform a SWOT analysis, while others may require you to conduct a PESTLE analysis. Understanding the difference between these two methods will help you prepare...- Ram Sabaratnam
- Post #20,049
- Forum: Applications Discussion