Facebook Profile Conundrum

Hi guys,

This has probably not been asked on here before - I had a brief look using the search function but could not find any relevant posts - so here goes:

I made a FB account around 2010/2011 and have had that same account since. During this time, I shared many posts/jokes/images with friends and so on (you get the picture), but I am afraid that some of this content may be deemed highly inappropriate and could affect my reputation.

I have thought about deactivating my current FB and opening up a new one where I will have more control over the information that is presented to my friends as it seems like a tedious process to go back and check my current FB to make amendments; plus, I may miss something.

I am by no means a bad person, but as a teen, I was far less aware of myself and to an extent, I am afraid of the current social climate (e.g. cancel culture) as I may suffer severe consequences down the line for things I said/posted years ago (which at the time would've been perceived differently to now).

What does the TCLA community think? Has anyone run into this conundrum before?

Tips to boost university application

Hi I am a year 12 student currently studying a levels in Economics, Spanish and Psychology. I would like to study law in a Russel group university, does anyone who is a current law student or has been to law school have any tips for what super curricular activities I could be doing right now to boost up my personal statement. I am already doing the EPQ, I have joined some online courses and I am looking at summer schools and work experience opportunities I could join in the summer but could you give me some examples for what you guys put in your CV when applying to Russel group universities.

Thanks a lot!

Application Database

Hi All,

For premium members, we have just updated our application database! With almost 300 successful applications made to approximately 70 leading commercial law firms, TCLA’s Application Database gives you the chance to learn by example.

These applications will give you an unparalleled insight into:
  • Common themes across successful applications for law firms – helping you understand what each individual firm values;
  • Different approaches to answering uncommon application questions – helping you understand what the focus of your answer should and shouldn’t be;
  • Writing work experience and extracurricular summaries – helping you understand demonstrating your transferable skills more effectively; and
  • How candidates have capitalised on their experiences to convey strong motivations for the role – helping you understand the art of linking your own unique experiences to your motivations
The application database comes with the option to filter according to firm names, year applied, position applied for and the stage the candidate reached (video interview, vacation scheme offer, or training contract offer). This will allow you to find the most suitable application to reference based on your needs. View a snapshot below (please ignore the point about Amazon Giftcards):

Login to view embedded media
Existing premium members can use this link to access the database.

Please note that while we wholeheartedly encourage learning by example, TCLA has a strict no plagiarism policy (more details in the TCLA Premium forum), which we expect members to adhere to at all times.

Second year non-law student missed VC deadlines

Hi, I'm currently a student at Oxford reading PPE on track for a high 2.1/potentially 1st. I came to the realisation that I wanted to pursue commercial law as a career at a reasonably late stage and thus missed the deadline for 2nd year VC applications. Now entering my third year I am keen to maximise my chances of securing a TC before entering the GDL if at all possible - without funding it will be very hard for me to progress.

So with this in mind should I be applying directly for TC'S or focusing on winter/spring VC's ?

Further context - hold leadership positions in multiple university societies, have mooting experience, have secured a consultancy internship at a startup and am involved in teaching English to non English speaking commercial lawyers in Europe. (These are I feel my most relevant experiences, along with some minor work experience in research).

Mishcon de Reya Vacation Scheme

Hi everyone,

I'm a non-law graduate and I have a (virtual) VS with MdR (one of my absolute dream firms) next week. I'm quite new to all this (I did my first vacation scheme last week and it seems a very different 'vibe' to the MdR VS), but I'm so keen to make the most of the scheme. I know we do a group presentation and a 'virtual office' as the assessments, but there are a bunch of other talks and networking opps across the two days.

I'm wondering if anyone has any MdR VS experience they wouldn't mind sharing, or any 'top tips'? I'm not looking for insider knowledge, I just want to mitigate my fear of the unknown here!

Any help appreciated 😌

GDL UoL vs BPP - current situation/quality of teaching

Hi,

I am considering doing GDL at UoL or BPP (online, part-time). I recently read a lot of negative reviews about BPP. I read through all of them, however they seem to be from a few months ago. I am curious, if the situation has improved since then and if the issues have been resolved. The reason I opt more for BPP is that the course is starting already in May, saves a few months vs September start.

Is here someone who has studied online part-time at one of these unis and could share experience? Or even if you study full-time, I would still appreciate some insight about the current situation. I am mostly interested in the quality of teaching, fairness of the exams, access to the course materials, career advice, etc.

Thanks!

Vacation Scheme Swap

Hi all,

Bit of a shot in the dark, but may as well try my luck anyway...

I am currently placed on the 1st vacation scheme. However, something has come up in the second week of the scheme which I really don't want to miss. If anyone is on the 2nd vacation scheme or knows someone who is, and would be open to switching, please get in contact.

I would forever be in your debt and would be happy to repay the favour.

Thanks in advance.

Are virtual vacation schemes worth it?

I just found out that the firm for which I have a vac scheme decided to change it to an online format and shorten it from 3 weeks to 1. Not only that but apparently what was supposed to be a proper work experience is now just going to be effectively an insight scheme (which I already did at that specific firm).

I'm immeasurably disappointed since this means I'll be left completely without legal work experience this summer. I'm considering withdrawing from this scheme and looking for local work experience opportunities since at least those will allow me to get some hands-on experience, even if it's not relevant in the long term.

Is it worth it to stick with the scheme or should I look for alternatives? I'm still interested in the firm I'd be doing the scheme with, but I really don't need another insight scheme when I already did one.