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If you’re applying for training contracts this cycle, you’ll probably have questions about how to choose firms, strengthen your applications and prepare for a vacation scheme.
Tramy Cheung has been through it. After moving to the UK and completing her postgraduate studies, she secured a training contract at Eversheds Sutherland.
Join us on 3 October to hear how she researched firms, approached applications and prepared for her vacation scheme. Tramy will share what she learned along the way, then answer your questions in a live Q&A.
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Major UK lenders are experiencing growing frustration over the UK’s tax burden on banking profits. This comes prior to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, where a new tax on banking profits is being considered as a means of covering rising government borrowing costs.
David Postings, head of a UK banking lobby group, argues that the sector is already taxed heavily enough. As it stands, UK banks already hand over close to 50% of profits in tax, the highest rate for the sector when compared to competing jurisdictions like Amsterdam and New York.
Analysis
This development represents a policy trade-off: the government is taxing a highly profitable sector in order to plug a funding gap, but this is at the risk that major banking players may take their business elsewhere. Combined with other factors like heavy regulation and Brexit, London is becoming increasingly unattractive for large banks.
What does this mean for the sector?
The government is having to confront the short-term pressure of balancing its own Budget with the long-term pressure of eroding London’s place as a global financial hub
Rival financial hubs like Frankfurt are proactively cutting tax rates in order to attract these very banks, so the UK’s response to this risk will have to be strategic
There will likely be an increase in advisory legal work, with firms helping banks map out relocation scenarios or think about restructuring European operations.
How to use in applications
Applications
Access over 20 law firm profiles, complete with breakdowns, seats, secondments, and other requirements.
A 9-step law firm research checklist that shows you what to look for, where to find it, and how to use it.
This breaks down recent transactions and explains how to move beyond simply mentioning a deal, towards demonstrating real commercial understanding and relevance.
How to structure your answers, apply the rule of three and build a compelling narrative for your applications.
15 real application answers samples from major firms along with an explanation of what worked and why
What to do if your efforts still aren’t converting, despite trying everything.
Track your applications, access CV and Cover Letter templates, and more.
Psychometric Tests
A clear breakdown of the key skills tested in critical thinking tests, along with where to practice, mistakes and red flags to watch out for.
Interviews
Guidance on how to develop your commercial awareness and a worked example showing what a strong answers looks like.
Over 80+ interview questions asked by leading law firms.
Covering common formats, how firms assess answers, and how to communicate clearly and confidently on camera.
Work Experience
This covers six avenues you could explore to gain relevant legal work experience.
Explore free virtual internships and DIY vacation schemes. Build real-world skills you can showcase on applications.
80+ opportunities across law firms, chambers, early-careers programmes and paralegal roles.
Studying
Includes proven tips for managing time, revision, and exams.
How to structure a problem question answer and showcase your legal reasoning.
Covers how to open with impact, write clearly and finish with a focused conclusion.
A simplified guide to OSCOLA referencing, covering how to cite cases, legislation, books, journal articles, and more.
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