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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread
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2025–26 Vacation Scheme Deadlines
TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
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I have completed an AC today which involved a group exercise. I think our group may have misinterpreted the instructions about how to allocate time throughout the task. Is this a deal breaker and automatic fail? I acknowledged the potential error during the group exercise with the interviewers at the end. The other group member also interpreted the timings the same way I did, so perhaps the instructions weren't the clearest. Is this issue alone a reason why you may fail an AC? I'm worried as all AC advice says how important time keeping is. I'm disappointed we misunderstood our instructions and would hate for this small error to hinder any TC chances with the firm. I'd appreciate your thoughts please @Jessica Booker or anyone else who may be able to help. Thanks! 
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No - this wouldn’t be a reason for failing an exercise, and especially if you did reference you thought it had been misinterpreted/should have been done differently.I have completed an AC today which involved a group exercise. I think our group may have misinterpreted the instructions about how to allocate time throughout the task. Is this a deal breaker and automatic fail? I acknowledged the potential error during the group exercise with the interviewers at the end. The other group member also interpreted the timings the same way I did, so perhaps the instructions weren't the clearest. Is this issue alone a reason why you may fail an AC? I'm worried as all AC advice says how important time keeping is. I'm disappointed we misunderstood our instructions and would hate for this small error to hinder any TC chances with the firm. I'd appreciate your thoughts please @Jessica Booker or anyone else who may be able to help. Thanks!
White & Case cover letter questions. Any advice on writing 1,000 words? It feels longer than last year. Tips on structure greatly appreciated - thanks.
I think they just state that the max is 1,000 words. I’m sure it was the same for the VS application. My cover letter for the VS was like 800 words and I got past the application stage, so I think anything between 700-850 words is fine. It needs to be concise and structured into three parts: why law/commercial law, why White & Case and then why you. Tbh the why you should be throughout so make sure to link back the points you make so it’s tailored to the firm and yourself. 🙂
hey! it went fine i think! the group exercise scenario was fairly straightforward, so was the written assessment. the interview wasn’t really much of a conversation, they were asking some strengths questions off their list but all in all it wasn’t too bad!Wow best of luck! Please let me know how it went!
While echoing @Chris Brown that you don't need 1000 words, I think writing that much wouldn't be that difficult. I think it's best to use the word count for the "Why this firm" section. On the other hand, I try to keep "Why commercial law" quite brief no matter the word count. So I'd go with 150-500-350 words for the three sections (why law - why this firm - why me). I think this structure has worked well for me in the past, and it's not difficult to write once you've extensively researched the firm. I actually often really struggle to confine "Why this firm?" to 300 words. Of course, none of this is rigid, just make sure you're really selling yourself and your motivation.
I'm assuming they're waiting for Vac Schemes to be over before seeing what dregs they have left to offer us...
i feel like a broken record for asking but has anyone or someone they know heard from Curtis? Total silence since submission
the wait for Freshfields' DTC outcome is killing me - does anyone have any idea of when we might hear back post-AC?
How is it possible that only 1 person on the forum has heard back?
How is it possible that only 1 person on the forum has heard back?
It could be possible that more than 1 person on the forum has heard back but only 1 person posted about it? It might also depend on when they had their AC. If they had their AC earlier in the timeline of AC’s, they will probably have heard back sooner from Freshfields. Best of luck for the DTC. I’m sure you’ll hear back with positive news soon! 🙂
ah, are we talking about buggy (the person that deleted their acc)?
I'm trying to stay positive but the wait is so agonizing and I'm struggling to stay focused on work. Thanks for the encouragement!
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It’s honestly ridiculous from Freshfields. I did my AC on the first day of DTC ACs (Mon), and nothing. Expecting a PFO but a quick email confirming that would be great..!
to top it off, I've received two scam calls this week and they made me jump both times 🤣
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