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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Disgruntled SQE Student

Distinguished Member
Jan 15, 2025
53
118
Thank you so much! This is so helpful :)

Would you/anyone else have any advice on the drafting emails, client pitches etc. type of questions, or be able to guide me to such advice on the forum? Thanks!
Hi there. In regards to drafting emails and client pitches. Generally, the golden rule is that clients value being clear and concise above all. The easier the email/pitch is to read and understand the better. They often won't have any legal insight at all, so keeping information to that of what non-lawyers can understand is a very valuable skill. Tone is important, but generally, formality (but not dismissive) will depend on what you are doing. Contacting a client or partner for the first time, a small introduction and explanation of why you are contacting them sets a nice tone. Communicating an update in the latter stages of a transaction or with a client or partner you have worked with for a while, it can be less formal and more focused on being concise. Don't forget the norms of politeness, but don't be a robot. Bullet points are more than welcomed, try not to draw your sentences on too long (like I am here) and focus on communicating information in order of importance.

Client pitches can be slightly different. They are almost completely focused on effective and efficient communication of information. The shorter, easier to understand and suggestive the better. Take the initiative to introduce different pathways and explore other ideas, but don't deviate from what you think the client will want to hear. It's quite important not to waste their time, you are billing them for the minutes after all.

Others may disagree, but ChatGPT can often be a good starting point if you're having any trouble with specifics. Obviously don't use it during VI's or assessed tasks but using it as a tool to refine information and/or adjust tone and formality can be quite useful. Most firms these days will expect if not encourage you to use in-house AI for more medial tasks, so demonstrating that you are able to effectively use it outside of those limited circumstances can be good. Just don't forget that you are expected to have those skills regardless of AI, so email drafting and client pitching is going to be a given.
 

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