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Search results

  1. Jaysen

    Are last minute TC applications a waste of time?

    Hi Revan, I just asked a former grad recruiter (at an MC firm) about this. She said the following: "Recruited enough people from last minute applications to know it’s not a problem. The reason they are a waste of time is that it’s highly likely that if you are doing them last minute, you are...
  2. Jaysen

    Negotiation exercises

    A student recently had a question about the negotiation exercise on a vacation scheme. Thought I'd share this post with you guys here: · Start with your best possible outcome. A little obvious but it’s important – that way, if you have to concede, the outcome may still be optimal. ·...
  3. Jaysen

    Do I need to tailor work experience in my applications?

    Nope, you're all good. No need to tailor your answers for the work experience section. I sometimes see students go a little overboard here, writing in great lengths about what they learned, what skills they developed and how it all applies to their chosen law firm. Unfortunately, more often...
  4. Jaysen

    LawTech and Education Providers

    CC has launched a law tech internship: https://www.legaltechnology.com/latest-news/tomorrows-lawyers-lexoo-and-clifford-chance-launch-pilot-internship-scheme/
  5. Jaysen

    LawTech and Education Providers

    Thanks for sharing Jonty. I wasn't aware of many of these!
  6. Jaysen

    Cover letter conundrum

    Hi Jai, That's a fair point. I agree, generally, the cover letter should include information that isn't answered by your application form. I would sometimes introduce myself in my cover letters (Slaughter and May I did, White & Case and Jones Day I didn't). If I did, I would keep it short...
  7. Jaysen

    Drafting exercises

    A vac schemer recently asked a question about the written exercise on their vacation scheme. Thought I'd share it with you guys here: I'd recommend spending a good chunk of time planning; it can cut down the time you spend writing and help you prioritise the key information. Try to determine...
  8. Jaysen

    Linklaters Application

    Some tips: Pick a topic that interests you (not one that you think sounds impressive). There's no set structure, but try to talk about both parts of the question evenly. This may be the easiest if you use one paragraph to explain the news article and a second paragraph to explain how it would...
  9. Jaysen

    Work Log for your Vacation Schemes

    Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad to hear that! I'll continue to update it over the next few weeks (there's a commercial awareness section I still need to add), so I'll send round an email when that's done. I hope everything is well!
  10. Jaysen

    Linklaters Application

    I've just finished our Training Contract Applications: The 2018 Guide. It summarises almost everything I could tell you about writing a good training contract application ;). That said, I have reviewed a few Linklaters' apps, as well as having applied there a few years ago, so if you have any...
  11. Jaysen

    Work Log for your Vacation Schemes

    Hey guys, You probably know by now how much we like fillable PDFs ;) Here's one we've designed for your vacation schemes. The table follows the same structure I used in mine to keep track of everything each day. It's also handy for the final TC interview because you'll often be asked questions...
  12. Jaysen

    Case Study 1: Legal Analysis

    Well done to those who have submitted case studies recently for review, I am seeing some great answers. Trophy points coming your way!
  13. Jaysen

    Guides, university partnerships and contributors

    Hey guys, I think most of you have finished exams this year. A huge well done! Here's what we've been working on at the moment and some recent site updates. We're in talks to partner with a few universities and organisations. We've been chatting to law firms/partners about the creation of...
  14. Jaysen

    Welcome new vac schemers

    Just to let you know, I've added the next part to the vacation scheme guide: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/the-vacation-scheme-guide/. I hope your schemes are going well!
  15. Jaysen

    Howes Percival Vacation Scheme 2017

    Howes Percival Vacation Scheme 2017 How did you find the Howes Percival vacation scheme? The people were really kind and took the time to answer any questions that I had. The workload was okay, I could finish everything with time to spare even if I had not studied it before. I sat in...
  16. Jaysen

    Linklaters Vacation Scheme 2017

    Linklaters Vacation Scheme 2017 How did you find the Linklaters vacation scheme? My supervisors were very relaxed. The workload consisted of mainly research tasks, correspondence drafting, updating client bibles, and shadowing. This was manageable. I enjoyed the exposure to high profile...
  17. Jaysen

    DLA Piper Vacation Scheme 2017

    DLA Piper Vacation Scheme 2017 How did you find the DLA Piper vacation scheme? The friendliness of staff varied. The workload was manageable and consisted of mainly research and company administration work. I enjoyed the socials and felt they were a great way to bond with fellow vac scheme...
  18. Jaysen

    Reed Smith Vacation Scheme 2018

    Reed Smith Vacation Scheme 2018 How did you find the Reed Smith vacation scheme? Very packed schedule, first 1.5 days were just induction and various workshops. Sat in two departments (corporate and innovation). People were lovely, everyone was really friendly and encouraging. Ended up playing...
  19. Jaysen

    Slaughter and May Vacation Scheme 2017

    Slaughter and May Vacation Scheme 2017 How did you find the Slaughter and May vacation scheme? There were plenty of introductory talks on the firm/practice areas, and depending on your supervisor, the opportunity to sit in with trainees for a few of their training sessions, and cross-firm...
  20. Jaysen

    Herbert Smith Freehills Vacation Scheme 2018

    Herbert Smith Freehills Vacation Scheme, Spring 2018 How did you find the Herbert Smith Freehills vacation scheme? It was great - all I expected and more! Schedule: Talks every morning and evening, and work in the middle with the occasional lunch event. We could leave for home right after...

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The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.