PROTOCOL NOVAA: THE FINAL CYCLE 🌟

[Novaa]

I’M BACK!!

Novaa checking in for my ***** but final cycle! I’ll be making posts on this thread to document my journey

A brief intro…

What’s my background?
- I’m a Non-Russell Group LLB Law graduate
- I currently work in Project Management ( A slightly unexpected route after getting ghosted for a Paralegal role , but one that has actually given me some really valuable skills! So I would recommend)
- I have 1 VS under my belt and a couple ACs (#StillHeartbroken )
- I’ve been a Course Representative, a Student Mentor, part of Aspiring Solicitors, SEO London, TCLA and completed a couple mentoring programmes

Where do I think I’ve gone wrong in previous cycles?
- Honestly… procrastination has been my biggest enemy. The number of last-minute applications I’ve submitted over the last couple of cycles is something else
- My recurring AC feedback has been around Commercial Awareness. Not to toot my own horn, but I can usually smash every other part of an AC… until I’m asked to give my opinion on a deal and back it up (Partners… please don’t question me, just believe me )
- Overall, I don’t think I’ve applied myself consistently enough in the areas that matter most so this cycle is about changing that.


So… what is Protocol Novaa

As the wise and legendary Elle Woods once said (IYKYK ), she has a feeling this is my last cycle. I’ve also had two other people recently tell me they think this is my final cycle to… and as the people pleaser I am, I simply cannot let the people down. Therefore: this is the final cycle

What have I done so far?
- Updated my Notion and created “Novaa’s Application Tracker - 2026/2027”
- This tracker will be my central hub for firm research, application answers, deadlines, and progress updates (#Organised)
- I’ll also be participating in @LifeOfG’s TikTok Training Contract homework and adding this into my Notion
- Currently, I have 25 law firms I’m considering applying to, a huge improvement from the six I initially had last year…

What will I be doing?
- Continuing with @LifeOfG’s Training Contract Challenge
- Keeping the forum updated on my application journey, progress, wins, and (hopefully minimal) rejections
- Potentially sharing my commercial news breakdowns on here, partly to hold myself accountable and partly to improve my commercial awareness

Anyways… like, comment & subscribe because Protocol Novaa has officially begun This cycle is about being consistent, prepared, and giving myself the best possible chance.

 

[Novaa]

Here's a snippet of the Notion 'Novaa's Application Tracker - 2026/2027'.

The OG template is by the amazing Abi Cooper (@lifewithabicooper on TikTok), I then just amended it to suit my needs

 

[tosin4774]

What is the LifeOfG’s Training Contract Challenge @Novaa

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I’M BACK!!

Novaa checking in for my ***** but final cycle! I’ll be making posts on this thread to document my journey

A brief intro…

What’s my background?
- I’m a Non-Russell Group LLB Law graduate
- I currently work in Project Management ( A slightly unexpected route after getting ghosted for a Paralegal role , but one that has actually given me some really valuable skills! So I would recommend)
- I have 1 VS under my belt and a couple ACs (#StillHeartbroken )
- I’ve been a Course Representative, a Student Mentor, part of Aspiring Solicitors, SEO London, TCLA and completed a couple mentoring programmes

Where do I think I’ve gone wrong in previous cycles?
- Honestly… procrastination has been my biggest enemy. The number of last-minute applications I’ve submitted over the last couple of cycles is something else
- My recurring AC feedback has been around Commercial Awareness. Not to toot my own horn, but I can usually smash every other part of an AC… until I’m asked to give my opinion on a deal and back it up (Partners… please don’t question me, just believe me )
- Overall, I don’t think I’ve applied myself consistently enough in the areas that matter most so this cycle is about changing that.


So… what is Protocol Novaa

As the wise and legendary Elle Woods once said (IYKYK ), she has a feeling this is my last cycle. I’ve also had two other people recently tell me they think this is my final cycle to… and as the people pleaser I am, I simply cannot let the people down. Therefore: this is the final cycle

What have I done so far?
- Updated my Notion and created “Novaa’s Application Tracker - 2026/2027”
- This tracker will be my central hub for firm research, application answers, deadlines, and progress updates (#Organised)
- I’ll also be participating in @LifeOfG’s TikTok Training Contract homework and adding this into my Notion
- Currently, I have 25 law firms I’m considering applying to, a huge improvement from the six I initially had last year…

What will I be doing?
- Continuing with @LifeOfG’s Training Contract Challenge
- Keeping the forum updated on my application journey, progress, wins, and (hopefully minimal) rejections
- Potentially sharing my commercial news breakdowns on here, partly to hold myself accountable and partly to improve my commercial awareness

Anyways… like, comment & subscribe because Protocol Novaa has officially begun This cycle is about being consistent, prepared, and giving myself the best possible chance.

Welcome back!!

Loving the energy from this post, and Protocol Novaa is an awesome name!

It sounds like you have done a lot of reflecting on your previous cycles and, more importantly, you have identified really specific areas that you want to improve. That kind of self-awareness makes a huge difference, and is usually a key ingredient in securing a TC! It also sounds like you have built some fantastic experience over the last few years, and I definitely wouldn't underestimate how valuable your project management role will be in applications and interviews.

The fact that you have already got your tracker set up, have a clear plan for commercial awareness, and are starting early puts you in a great position for the start of this cycle!

If you are a recent non-RG graduate, I'd definitely look into competing in BIUCAC if commercial awareness is your weaker area. I was exactly the same and had been told repeatedly this was my downfall, so I signed up for the 2024 competition and it truly transformed my 2024-2025 cycle (+ even gave me a vacation scheme!).

I'll definitely be following along and rooting for you, and I hope you keep us updated! Wishing you the very best of luck - you have got this, and I really hope this is the cycle where everything comes together for you!

 

[Novaa]

What is the LifeOfG’s Training Contract Challenge @Novaa

Hey @tosin4774 - If you go on TikTok and search @LifeOfG, she has a range of videos dating back months where she has daily homework to complete, which helps build your commercial awareness/application readiness.

Example below:

 

[Novaa]

Welcome back!!

Loving the energy from this post, and Protocol Novaa is an awesome name!

It sounds like you have done a lot of reflecting on your previous cycles and, more importantly, you have identified really specific areas that you want to improve. That kind of self-awareness makes a huge difference, and is usually a key ingredient in securing a TC! It also sounds like you have built some fantastic experience over the last few years, and I definitely wouldn't underestimate how valuable your project management role will be in applications and interviews.

The fact that you have already got your tracker set up, have a clear plan for commercial awareness, and are starting early puts you in a great position for the start of this cycle!

If you are a recent non-RG graduate, I'd definitely look into competing in BIUCAC if commercial awareness is your weaker area. I was exactly the same and had been told repeatedly this was my downfall, so I signed up for the 2024 competition and it truly transformed my 2024-2025 cycle (+ even gave me a vacation scheme!).

I'll definitely be following along and rooting for you, and I hope you keep us updated! Wishing you the very best of luck - you have got this, and I really hope this is the cycle where everything comes together for you!

Thank you so much Abbie!! I really appreciate the encouragement.

I definitely think being more intentional this cycle is going to make a big difference, so hopefully Protocol Novaa lives up to the name .

I think I’ve just missed the graduation eligibility window for BIUCAC unfortunately , but I’ve signed up for the Aspiring Solicitors Commercial Awareness Competition instead. Do you know of any other commercial awareness competitions or programmes you’d recommend?

And I’ll make sure to keep the forum updated throughout the cycle!!

 

[elle.brokovitch]

This looks amazing, best of luck!!

 

[Jaysen]

I’M BACK!!

Novaa checking in for my ***** but final cycle! I’ll be making posts on this thread to document my journey

A brief intro…

What’s my background?
- I’m a Non-Russell Group LLB Law graduate
- I currently work in Project Management ( A slightly unexpected route after getting ghosted for a Paralegal role , but one that has actually given me some really valuable skills! So I would recommend)
- I have 1 VS under my belt and a couple ACs (#StillHeartbroken )
- I’ve been a Course Representative, a Student Mentor, part of Aspiring Solicitors, SEO London, TCLA and completed a couple mentoring programmes

Where do I think I’ve gone wrong in previous cycles?
- Honestly… procrastination has been my biggest enemy. The number of last-minute applications I’ve submitted over the last couple of cycles is something else
- My recurring AC feedback has been around Commercial Awareness. Not to toot my own horn, but I can usually smash every other part of an AC… until I’m asked to give my opinion on a deal and back it up (Partners… please don’t question me, just believe me )
- Overall, I don’t think I’ve applied myself consistently enough in the areas that matter most so this cycle is about changing that.


So… what is Protocol Novaa

As the wise and legendary Elle Woods once said (IYKYK ), she has a feeling this is my last cycle. I’ve also had two other people recently tell me they think this is my final cycle to… and as the people pleaser I am, I simply cannot let the people down. Therefore: this is the final cycle

What have I done so far?
- Updated my Notion and created “Novaa’s Application Tracker - 2026/2027”
- This tracker will be my central hub for firm research, application answers, deadlines, and progress updates (#Organised)
- I’ll also be participating in @LifeOfG’s TikTok Training Contract homework and adding this into my Notion
- Currently, I have 25 law firms I’m considering applying to, a huge improvement from the six I initially had last year…

What will I be doing?
- Continuing with @LifeOfG’s Training Contract Challenge
- Keeping the forum updated on my application journey, progress, wins, and (hopefully minimal) rejections
- Potentially sharing my commercial news breakdowns on here, partly to hold myself accountable and partly to improve my commercial awareness

Anyways… like, comment & subscribe because Protocol Novaa has officially begun This cycle is about being consistent, prepared, and giving myself the best possible chance.

Excited to follow your journey @Novaa -- and love the enthusiasm!

 

[Novaa]

Happy M*nday!! Here’s one of the commercial prep exercises I worked on. Open to any thoughts and feedback on how I approached it.

As part of this challenge, I’ll be avoiding AI when forming my initial thoughts. I’ll be getting my ideas down first, then researching online afterwards to see whether they actually hold up.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Open a blank document.
• Go to Financial Times/ BBC Business / Reuters / The Economist
  • Pick ONE recent business story
  • Write 3 bullet points summarising what happened
  • Note the key companies and any important figures
  • Write some reasons why it might matter commercial - who it benefits, who loses and a key risk
  • Write a reason why it might matter to a Law Firm.
  • Write down how a trainee might assist
  • Then start with - ‘If I were advising the client, my biggest concern would be…’ then summarise what you’ve learnt above about it.

Article: *Sainsbury’s agrees to sell Argos for £120m (BBC Business)*

Summary:

• Sainsbury (Parent Company) have agreed to sell Argos (Target Company) to Swift Partners (Buyer Company) for £120 Million
• Argos will still operate inside of Sainsbury’s, Habitat products (Subsidiary of Argos which sells household products for Argos & Sainsbury) will still be sold in Sainsbury, and all employees will be transferred across to Swift Partners.
• Argos has been viewed as an underperforming asset for Sainsbury, with this being the second attempt to sell Argos within the last year. With JD a Chinese online retailer being approached for a sale last year. Argos’ underperformance is likely due to Sainsbury’s focus on it’s presence in the food sector.

Key Companies:

• Sainsbury (Parent Company) - FTSE 100 Company
• Argos (Target Company) - Sales have dipped by 0.5% within the first quarter.
• Swift Partners (Buyer) - Special Purpose Vehicle (AKA Newco / Bidco) formed by three Retail executives Richard Pennycock (Former Co-Op CEO), Trevor Strain (Former CFO/COO of Morrisons) and Matt Truman and backed by PE fund True Capital.

Why does this matter commercially?

• Who benefits?
  • Argos
    • Acquired by a retail focused organisation with experts like Richard Pennycock and Trevor Strain who have been instrumental to other retail companies success and whose sole focus will be Argos.
    • Swift Partners have agreed to retain it’s previous contractual agreements with Sainsbury’s and maintain it’s existing business model whilst returning to Argos’ legacy approach of standalone shops.
    • This focus should allow Argos to rebuild its high street presence, return to it’s former status and improve sales.
  • Sainsbury
    • Sainsbury have disposed of an asset which was underperforming in comparison to the rest of their group. Allowing focus on the rest of their operations.
    • By retaining their contractual agreement with Habitat and Argos, Sainsbury will still generate revenue from hosting both brands and via sales without direct responsibility for their operations / finances.
    • All employees have been transferred before the need of staff cuts and mass closures, avoiding negative PR in a period where employee right changes and cost-of-living pressures have drawn more scrutiny for businesses.
  • Swift Partners
    • Have acquired a legacy UK brand, gaining it’s reputation, brand image, employees and distribution centres.
    • Argos is also recognised as having a very unique business model (same-day click and collect) which can challenge Amazon’s next-day-delivery.
    • With the right business moves, strong brand image and a well established logistics system could be a very lucrative deal for Swift Partners.
• Who loses?
  • Argos Employees - Although they have all been transferred via TUPE. They’ve been acquired by an organisation backed by a private equity fund. This poses a future restructuring risk as it is likely that operational cuts will be made to boost costs and efficiency.
  • Competitors - Argos’ competitors such as Very & Currys will now have to deal with the challenge that Argos is now a sole entity being backed by a PE fund, guided by retail experts, and still supported by its in-store presence in Sainsbury via contractual agreements.
• Key risk?
  • Swift Partners - Argos’ success isn’t guaranteed, they’re already a struggling business. Swift Partners face a big risk in attempting to improve revenue and expand standalone stores whilst competing against global e-commerce brands like Temu & Amazon.

Why might it matter to a Law Firm?

• An acquisition of this size would engage multiple practice areas.
  • Corporate/M&A
    • Due diligence will need to be completed into Argos’ existing liabilities, supply chains and finances.
    • Argos’ most recent financial report listed their turnover at £4.13 billion, which exceeds the CMAs threshold of £100 million. It is likely that condition precedents will need to be drafted into the sale agreement. Competition will be conditional on receiving regulatory clearance.
    • The Sale and Purchase Agreement will need to be drafted
  • Real Estate
    • Review existing property leases across Argos’ standalone stores, distribution centres and their in-store presence in Sainsbury.
    • It’s important to ensure that these leases allow for Argos to continue operating inside Sainsbury post separation
  • Employment
    • Compliance with TUPE regulations will need to be ensured to avoid employee rights being violated and any unnecessary legal action post acquisition.

What might a trainee do?

• Review existing contractual agreements between Argos and Sainsbury to spot potential change of control clauses and including these in due diligence checks.
• Draft and distribute any NDAs which may be required for signing and completion.
• Assist the M&A team with compiling supporting evidence required for the CMA to approve the merger.
• Manage the data room and ensure files are uploaded and organised correctly to streamline the deal.

Advising the client (Sainsbury)

If I was advising the client, my biggest concern would be that Argos’ most recent financial report placed it’s turnover at £4.13 billion which exceeds the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) turnover threshold of £100 million. Therefore, this transaction will automatically trigger a merger control review from the CMA.

It’s important that Sainsbury are prepared for an in-depth CMA review, as Swift Partners will likely place condition precedents in the sale and purchase agreement. Which will ensure the deal cannot be considered as complete until regulatory approval is gained, placing Sainsbury at risk of failing to execute the deal if approval is delayed.

 

[Novaa]

This looks amazing, best of luck!!

Thank you Elle!!

 

[Novaa]

Excited to follow your journey @Novaa -- and love the enthusiasm!

Thank you Jaysen!!