@Abbie Whitlock I wonder if you could give me some advice on one of the CC application questions. It asks ‘what are your motivations for applying to Clifford Chance?’. How much of my answer should be dedicated to the firm itself? Should I also include ‘why commercial law’ within my answer? Thank you so much!
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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Not sure on that as I completed test 1 and haven't received it.
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Hi!
Reed Smith consider all applications submitted for the deadline (and often receive the majority of their applications close to the deadline), and the deadline in December is for both the Winter and Spring vacation schemes. There is still plenty of time to submit a really strong application and be progressed to the next stages in the process - they send out invites in batches!
I would still encourage you to apply, as the deadline is still a little while away - the most important part is submitting a strong, tailored application!
Hey!
That's a great question! For the "motivations for applying to Clifford Chance" question, I'd say it's best to strike a balance between why the firm and why commercial law, but with a clear emphasis on Clifford Chance itself.
You can briefly mention what draws you to commercial law (just a couple of lines to show awareness of the role itself and your genuine interest in the field), but the bulk of your answer should focus on why Clifford Chance specifically. Have a think about what sets the firm apart, and why that appeals to you - both due to your skill set and attributes, and your future career goals. This could be its global reach, approach to innovation, key practice areas, culture, or particular initiatives. I would try and discuss a couple of these areas, rather than relying on just one.
The key is to be specific and personal - show that you have done your research and that there's a genuine connection between your interests and what Clifford Chance offers. This is how you ensure that your application is tailored to the firm, and will help you stand out!
I hope that assists, and good luck with your application!
By selective, I mean more than pass/fail automatically i.e. someone reviewing it.
And they take a while after test 1 to send it anyway so I wouldn't worry too much. I took the 1st one on October 20th and it took until October the 30th to receive the 2nd one.
No clue whether I applied for Spring or Summer tbh.
It's whatever I feel like when I'm filling in the form lol. It could be spring, summer depending on where the button is on the page.
If I get an assessment centre, I wouldn't even have a clue whether it was spring or summer I applied for haha.
@Abbie Whitlock
I would like to have your insights into how to draft solid CV for Travers Smith and Slaughter and May.
What is the ideal length, what are things to cover and preferred tone.
I've been drafting a "perfect" one for 2 days now but kinda feeling clueless about what the ideal output would be.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I would like to have your insights into how to draft solid CV for Travers Smith and Slaughter and May.
What is the ideal length, what are things to cover and preferred tone.
I've been drafting a "perfect" one for 2 days now but kinda feeling clueless about what the ideal output would be.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Thank you so much Abbie this is super helpful!!Hey!
That's a great question! For the "motivations for applying to Clifford Chance" question, I'd say it's best to strike a balance between why the firm and why commercial law, but with a clear emphasis on Clifford Chance itself.
You can briefly mention what draws you to commercial law (just a couple of lines to show awareness of the role itself and your genuine interest in the field), but the bulk of your answer should focus on why Clifford Chance specifically. Have a think about what sets the firm apart, and why that appeals to you - both due to your skill set and attributes, and your future career goals. This could be its global reach, approach to innovation, key practice areas, culture, or particular initiatives. I would try and discuss a couple of these areas, rather than relying on just one.
The key is to be specific and personal - show that you have done your research and that there's a genuine connection between your interests and what Clifford Chance offers. This is how you ensure that your application is tailored to the firm, and will help you stand out!
I hope that assists, and good luck with your application!
Has anyone heard back from BCLP after the SJT???
For Orrick, the cover letter question seems like a bit of an overlap with the subsequent questions.
The first question is:
Please use the space below for your cover letter. Please address your cover letter to Pete Sugden. (300 words)
But the other 2 questions are :
Why have you decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer? What factors and influences have affected your decision? (300 words)
Why specifically are you interested in training at Orrick? What makes us different to the other firms you have applied for? (300 words)
How do I write a cover letter when why commercial law and why Orrick are already asked? Do I cover things I haven't covered in 2 + 3 or vice versa?
Thanks
The first question is:
Please use the space below for your cover letter. Please address your cover letter to Pete Sugden. (300 words)
But the other 2 questions are :
Why have you decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer? What factors and influences have affected your decision? (300 words)
Why specifically are you interested in training at Orrick? What makes us different to the other firms you have applied for? (300 words)
How do I write a cover letter when why commercial law and why Orrick are already asked? Do I cover things I haven't covered in 2 + 3 or vice versa?
Thanks
Hello!For Orrick, the cover letter question seems like a bit of an overlap with the subsequent questions.
The first question is:
Please use the space below for your cover letter. Please address your cover letter to Pete Sugden. (300 words)
But the other 2 questions are :
Why have you decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer? What factors and influences have affected your decision? (300 words)
Why specifically are you interested in training at Orrick? What makes us different to the other firms you have applied for? (300 words)
How do I write a cover letter when why commercial law and why Orrick are already asked? Do I cover things I haven't covered in 2 + 3 or vice versa?
Thanks
You're absolutely right that there's some overlap between the cover letter and the two subsequent questions - it can feel a bit repetitive at first glance! The trick is to think of the cover letter as the big picture narrative that ties everything together, while the other two questions let you to into depth on specific points.
One way to approach it could be:
- Cover Letter: Treat this as your overall introduction and pitch. I would summarise who you are, your motivation for law in broad terms, and why Orrick stands out to you - but keep it concise and integrated between each section. You don't need to unpack every detail here, just enough to create a coherent, personal story and show enthusiasm!
- "Why commercial law?" question: Use this to explore your motivations in more detail - you could refer to specific experiences, influences, or reflections that made you decide to pursue a career in commercial law. This is a chance to go deeper into the why, not just the what.
- "Why Orrick" question: This is an opportunity to show real research and insight into the firm. Focus on showing your interest in the firm, and what genuinely differentiates Orrick - it's clients, international reach, innovation, culture, training structure, etc. Tie in your previous experiences and skill set to why this makes you a good fit for the firm, and how it's unique features make it the right place for you to train.
I hope that helps!
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