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"We want to show people that we've landed!" So says Kat Gibson, chair of the new Junior Lawyers' Division (JLD), successor to the old Trainee Solicitors Group and Young Solicitors Group. Kat tells us how the JLD came to be, what it’s all about and what it would like to achieve.
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Lawyers and law students alike are increasingly finding their online voices in legal blogs. There's space for everyone to get involved - so it doesn't have to be a blog eat blog world.
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Becoming a lawyer is 99% education and 1% aspiration. Or is it the other way around? As diversity issues continue to impact on firms, more professionals are realising how imperative it is to encourage all young people into the profession. Read on to find out about the campaign.
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Everyone loves a period drama - but not everyone wants to work in one. Determined to dispel the myth that barristers work in Dickensian warrens, prospective pupil Alex Aldridge managed to find some surprisingly innovative chambers. Read on for more.
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Halfway through his reign as president of the Law Society, we talk to Andrew Holroyd OBE about where he's come from, what it's like to be the big cheese, and the issues that he sees as being of importance to the solicitors of the future.
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We all love giveaways. And here at LC.N, we love nothing more than road testing them, so we've decided which law fair freebies were best in 2007. Read on for the results!
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As more and more companies hire their own lawyers, we've lifted the lid on in-house training contracts to help you get your foot in the door.
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That sinking feeling, that fog of hopelessness, that sense of doom - you haven't secured a training contract and you don't know why. Chin up! We take a good hard look at where things can go wrong and offer some solutions on making things right. Let the navel gazing commence!
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For practical, on-the-job advocacy training, the Free Representation Unit (or 'FRU' to its friends) can't be beat. This week's feature investigates what it's all about, from the perspective of current and former volunteers, and the chief executive himself.
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Lawyers are queueing up to tell you about their firms and the work they do. Interested? Go to a firm presentation!
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Partners, recruiters and trainees are coming soon to a city near you in order to seduce you with their bright smiles and flashing pens. But you've still got to play your part if you fancy a job with them. Read on for some sage advice!
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The recruitment race is underway and we've come up with lots of tips on how to hot wire your way into a career. Take a look at this feature for full throttle info on law fairs, research and how to boost your CV.
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The good news is you've been invited to a training contract interview. The bad news is... you've been invited to a training contract interview! Don't panic. This article explores what you should be doing in preparation and how best to present yourself on the day.
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The good news is you've been invited to a training contract interview. The bad news is... you've been invited to a training contract interview! Don't panic. This article explores what you should be doing in preparation and how best to present yourself on the day.
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Even seasoned lawyers are sometimes confused about what's in the Legal Services Bill. But it's those who are yet to join the profession who really need to pay attention, since the legal world they spend their careers in could be quite different from the one now. Katherine Dillon - head of policy, alternative business structures, at the Ministry of Justice - explains what would-be lawyers need to know.
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Wondering what's happening with the LPC? Confused about work based training? Worried that the end of the training contract is nigh? Then read our revealing interview with SRA Board Chairman Peter Williamson to get the inside story on how training is changing.
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Dunno about pro bono? Then read our feature to discover what volunteering in a legal advice centre involves, how it can help you reach your career aims and what the experts are saying about the future of legal aid.
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Should I use my Hotmail address when giving contact details? Is my personal information secure? How strictly are deadlines enforced? Apply4Law's Amy Knowles has the answers!
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Five months ago law students at the University of East London launched a mooting society. Members have already matured into crafty mooters and recently fought each other in a gripping mooting competition final. Adam Smith of LawCareers.Net went along to check it out.
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As a 20-year-old student, securing a training contract can be an uphill struggle; as a 30-year-old career changer, it often seems like there's a mountain to climb. Two mature trainees tell us how they made the ascent and why the view from the top is mighty fine.
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Take two would-be public prosecutors, give one a pupillage while the other trains to be a solicitor, and then have another look at them when they qualify. Can you spot the difference? Yes - but since it comes down to the barrister's wig, you could say there's only a hair's breadth in it.
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When prospective corporate trainee Karly Last attended a debate on the Legal Services Bill, she didn't think the reforms would have much to do with her. How wrong she was! Read Karly's report on what the great and the good are saying about the legislation - and how it all looks to a future trainee.
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Want to know how to write an application form or prepare for an interview? Law firms at the LawCareers.Net Basic Training events told us their secrets and now we're passing them on to you. It's the kind of sound advice your grandmother would give you - if only she knew the first thing about training contracts!
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Student law societies are renowned for running the best events on campus, but what else can they offer those interested in the legal profession? LawCareers.Net's David Minto finds out.
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Not so long ago, getting legal recruiters to embrace the Internet seemed like a moonage daydream. Matthew Broadbent of LawCareers.Net tells the story of how that changed.
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Should you commence the LPC even if you don't have a training contract? The Trainee Solicitors' Group Executive gives you its verdict.
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Alex Aldridge endured nine interviews in the attempt to secure a pupillage. Here he describes his quest to find a "forgiving, poetry-loving panel" who would "turn a blind eye to lies, bloodstains and dodgy jokes" - and what happened when he didn't succeed.
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Wragge & Co LLP trainee Anthony McCourt found that good things come in all sorts of packages when he enjoyed a secondment at Unilever UK.
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Helping out with race riot cases in 'pre-perestroika' Bradford, observing Trisha-style family law in action and listening through the keyhole to a judge's private phone conversation... Yes, it can only mean that prospective pupil Alex Aldridge is continuing his tales from the Bar, this time recounting the trials of work experience.
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Not shaking hands with judges, avoiding tax anecdote bores, drinking for four and keeping your girlfriend (and mum) away from randy barristers… Our intrepid prospective pupil, Alex Aldridge, tells it like it is as he takes on the Herculean '12 dinners' BVC students must attend to be called to the Bar.
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You sure need the smarts to be a solicitor, but preparation is also key. So here, for those feeling a bit flustered during the autumn term, are eight things you should be thinking about at this stage.
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With the recruitment year now firmly underway, it's time to get yourself along to some law firm presentations and soak up the knowledge! To this end, we offer you the definitive guide on what to expect, how to prepare and what to wear. Presenting (see what we did there?) this week's feature.
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Law fairs may be an opportunity for firms and chambers to show you their wares, but they also give you the chance to practise your powers of self-promotion and impress some potential employers. Only the supremely confident (or foolish) would dare miss out - so read on to discover how to get the most from the law fair season.
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The leaves are falling off, the air is crisping up, the nights are drawing in - it can mean only one thing; the beginning of a new academic year and time to start thinking seriously about how to secure a training contract. Read on for our top tips on getting a head start in the application process.
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We all know that there are a number of qualities and characteristics that make you a desirable candidate for a training contract. So while we may be accused of stating the obvious, this week's feature is packed with core information that bears repeating. Read our honest guide to the things that firms want to see in their future trainees.
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What with new ways of grading LPC providers, a possible drop in the number of people studying law and the ongoing Training Framework Review, change seems to be a recurring theme in legal education. Isobel Rowley, press and PR officer at the Law Society, gives us the low-down on what's been happening over the last year.
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Listen up people; it's time to apply yourself to the application process. This is your chance to impress prospective employers, and leap with grace over the first hurdle of the training contract process. To help you get it right, this week’s feature offers you some top tips on preparation and completion. Pens/keyboards at the ready … OK, go!
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What better way to celebrate this being Pro Bono Week than a first-hand account from someone who is actually out there, getting some pro bono action. Sarah Webster is part of the Pro Bono Group at Queen Mary University of London, and details here the array of activities the student group is involved in and the myriad benefits of being involved.
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Work experience, or a lack of it, is frequently the thing that separates the haves from the have-nots (having a training contract, that is). Lyndsey Sambrooks-Wright, who is about to start the GDL, offers her first-hand account of the work experience scene, and talks to others who've been through it. Pearls of wisdom contained within.
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While mediation may once have been called 'the sleeping giant' of dispute resolution, today the giant is wide awake. Eileen Carroll is a solicitor, mediator and deputy chief executive of the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution. She writes about the huge benefits of mediation for clients and practitioners, emphasizing why the skills of mediation should be taught at law school.
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BPP Law School has launched an 'Access to Practice' Scheme to help students without access to the profession to secure advice from a legal professional. This article looks at how the scheme works, who can benefit and what makes this type of networking opportunity a very good thing!
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Commercial solicitor or commercial barrister? Wouldn't it be good to have some pointers on navigating the fork in the road? Well, look no further! Alison Padfield, a barrister practising commercial law in London, considers motivations for becoming a barrister, what life is really like at the Commercial Bar, and why the Bar is a serious option for talented young lawyers.
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Same, same, but different - young lawyers throughout Europe may encounter different hurdles and enjoy different benefits depending on their geographical location, but they're all just trying to get ahead in this competitive profession. This week's feature is written by correspondents from Spain, Germany, Serbia, Italy, Lithuania and England, highlighting both the similarities and differences for these newly-qualified professionals.
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No longer the preserve of kids fresh out of school or those simply trying to find themselves, the gap year is becoming increasingly popular among students and professionals. Furthermore, firms are taking note of the benefits that can be derived from their employees taking time out. Andrew Towler, news and features editor of Solicitors Journal, talks us through the array of possibilities that are out there for the wannabe "gapper".
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If you find yourself starting your LPC without a training contract safely secured, don't panic - there are many options still available to you. Kay Pearson is a careers consultant at The College of Law and has some sound advice on how to maximise your chances when it comes to the ongoing training contract search.
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Increasingly, students are realising the benefits of getting stuck into real-life cases, both in terms of providing a service to the community and in developing their own legal skills. Shantala Heath writes about her positive experiences with the Kent Law Clinic - as former chairperson of the clinic, you can trust that she knows her stuff!
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Roy Morgan, chairman of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group, offers his views on what legal aid has to offer the young lawyer and outlines a potential new 'collegiate' model for training. If you have an interest "in working with people not paper", read on.
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Ah, holidays - what could be nicer than kicking back, putting your feet up, and reflecting on your academic achievements thus far? Well, not for you this idyllic picture of relaxing bliss! You need to be thinking about how you can get onto a vacation scheme or two. We explain how to apply and how to impress.
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Your local Trainee Solicitors' Group (TSG) offers you great networking opportunities, allowing you to make useful contacts, discover what trainees really do and gain insight into firms in your city. Carla McFarlane-Walsh is publicity representative for the Merseyside Trainee Solicitors' Group, and offers her view on why it is essential that you take full advantage of your local groups.
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For many, mooting can be a bit like going to the dentist - you know it's good for you, but the idea of it is a bit scary and easily avoided. However, it really is one of the best things you can do to get a sense of what it's like to be a legal advocate, giving you the opportunity to get up on your feet and argue your case. So we urge you to read on and think seriously about getting involved (oh, and you should probably floss more too...).
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Don't imagine that you can skip straight from university to your training contract or pupillage. You must first complete your vocational training, either the LPC or BVC, depending on your particular lawyerly leaning. We explain here what the courses are about, how to apply, and some factors worth considering when you're deciding where to take your brain and spend your money.
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Now in its second year, the Law Society's Diversity Access Scheme is designed to help talented would-be lawyers overcome obstacles to training. Isobel Rowley of the Law Society explains how it works, and talks to two recipients who have benefited from the scheme.
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Law is not a static subject found in dusty old books. It is a living thing that applies to the everyday issues and problems of real people. Richard Grimes, director of Pro Bono Services and Clinical Education at The College of Law, explains the value of getting involved with law clinics.
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The Training Framework Review has garnered many column inches in both the legal and national press this year, with the release of a controversial list of recommendations that would govern a new system of qualification. Chair of the Trainee Solicitors' Group Peter Wright examines a couple of the most significant proposals, and explains where you can find out more - and have your say - on the future of legal training.
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The traditional route to qualification of 'degree - LPC - training contract' does not suit all potential solicitors. Kay Pearson of The College of Law examines the part-time-study training contract, looking at what it is, how it works and where to find out more.
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Newspapers are not just for wrapping your fish and chips in. They should be your first port of call if you want to improve your commercial awareness - that extra spark that recruiters are looking for in their potential trainees. Read our selection of some of the important news stories from the past few weeks, and how they can be viewed in a broader commercial context.
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These days, the financial reality of studying law can leave students seriously out of pocket. Former Chair of the Trainee Solicitors' Group Nicola Fitches looks at what you can expect to pay, what you might eventually earn, and how you can make best use of the financial resources that are available.
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Diversity and equality are hot topics in the profession at the moment. If you have a disability and are interested in finding out how people in a similar position succeed in their legal career, read this week's feature by Ruth Fenton of the Group for Solicitors with Disabilities.
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We all know the old saying: 'You can never be too rich, too thin, or have too much legal work experience'. Here we explain how to derive maximum benefit from your work experience, looking at different types of working environment and practice area, and offering a few words of advice on creating a good impression.
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The time spent doing a training contract is an important step on the road to qualification, but how can you be sure that the training you are being given is adequate? Training Contract Monitor Peter Jordan explains how the Law Society keeps on eye on the firms that train you.
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The recommendations of the recently released Clementi Review have the power to affect both the way in which you are trained and the profession that you ultimately join. Peter Wright, Chair of the TSG, explains why.
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Are you a non-law student who fancies becoming a lawyer? You can do it. Read this week's feature by John Herrmann, careers director at BPP law school, to find out how.
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You responded in your thousands to the LC.N annual survey, but we could only pick one winner from the hat for the £1,000 prize.
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Thinking of pursuing a career in publicly funded law? What will it involve? Richard Miller, director of the LAPG, offers some indispensable advice on day-to-day activities, different types of work, what to look for in a firm and crucial questions to ask.
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LawCareers.Net has branched out. Today we bring you a theatre review... with a difference. Find out what happens when one firm performs!
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The Legal Practice Course is the vocational stage of training to become a solicitor. Find out everything else you need to know about it in this week's feature.
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Law fairs are all part of the search for gainful employment. Find out how to make the most of them in this week's LC.N feature.
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The new recruitment year has already commenced, so what are you waiting for? Read this week's feature for our five-step tips and advice on getting a head start in the application process.
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Breaking out in a cold sweat at the thought of training contract interviews? If so it's time to take a deep breath and set yourself up to succeed!
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It's that time of year again! Exams are over, the sun is shining and three textbook
free months of hedonism await. Or do they? This week's feature by Sonal Sthankiya looks at
time well spent doing sandwich degree placements.
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It's that time of year again when firms open their doors to hoards of aspiring young lawyers who are keen to get a taster of life in a legal environment.
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Could the Court of Appeal ruling about Freshfields' involvement with Marks &
Spencer spell the end of the Chinese wall, a technique much loved by City firms?
Find out in this week's LC.N feature.
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This week's lighthearted feature helps you identify your individual strengths
and qualities, thereby enabling you to market yourself more effectively to firms.
Chocs away!
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We told you last year and now we're telling you again how to make the most
of your applications. Sinead Dineen, our hotshot recruiter for a summer intern,
teaches you lessons from the good, the bad and the ugly of our recent applications.
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Want to find out how to knock six months off your training contract, fast-track
your way through advisory work and do your bit for the local community? Read volunteer
Sophie Albinson's experience of working for the Citizens Advice Bureau.
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Choosing to study for an LL.M is essential for those who are set on an academic
career and may be a perfect alternative for those of you who are still undecided
about which career path to follow.
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Global Graduates is dedicated to boosting the recruitment of talented ethnic
minority students into the legal profession. Could its straight-talking policy
be of help to you?
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In part two Nikki Fittiches provides an explanation of the recent Law Society consultation, the TSG's response to it and consideration of the potential implications.
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LawCareers.Net is proud to announce the winner of our recent "Win £1,000!"
competition.
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Entry to the legal profession as we know it is nearing an end. Nicola Fitches,
chair of the TSG, outlines the current training framework, recent consultations
and the TSG's response.
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In this week's feature Joanna Kennedy, a partner at top-flight commercial firm
Collyer-Bristow, dispels the myths surrounding the world of litigation. You may
be in for one or two surprises.
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The battle for the coveted title of 'best law firm giveaway' has been long
and dirty. Here we announce the winner. Cue fanfare.
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In this week's feature Michael Hunting, director of graduate recruitment at Eversheds,
helps you to get the most from law firm presentations. Pearls of wisdom straight
from the horse's mouth!
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Roll up, roll up, for our invaluable advice on what for many of you signals your
first direct contact with employers...the dreaded university law fair!
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No training contract offer? Feeling unsure about what to do next? Experiencing
self-doubt when you see mates discussing which of their offers to accept? Wondering
if you really want to be a lawyer after all? Then read on.
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Although some publications would flinch at putting 'charity' and 'lawyer' in the
same sentence, we don't. Click here to read Rosamund McCarthy's account of working
as a charity law solicitor for an insight into this dynamic practice area.
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