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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

futuretraineeihope

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Nov 13, 2024
67
57
@Abbie Whitlock I am not sure if you would know the answer, but any advice would be great. I started a new legal role (and have now been there over a month) after submitting an application over a month ago, and it’s been really strengthening my experience. Do you think it would be appropriate to email graduate recruitment to update them on this, or could that come across negatively?
 

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
383
739
Those applying to Willkie - beware that the deadline tomorrow is not 23:59 but basically lunchtime!

Btw, to those who applied this/last week: are there any next-stage invites?
so is Bird & Bird's the next day.
Basically best to assume all deadlines are the day before.
(Except DLA Piper when it will be about three days after opening.)
 
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panda1989

Standard Member
Premium Member
Mar 1, 2025
7
3
Hi @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock! Could I please have some advice about how to structure an written exercise e.g. an email, as I have seen a lot about using headings and bullet points but I'm not too sure on the overall structure? Also if anyone has any resources to practice them!

I also wanted to know how I should go about preparing my commercial awareness. For example, I know about the annual budget but I don't really know how this impacts law firms. Alongside this, are there any key standout challenges effecting law firms/clients currently?

Would really appreciate any guidance!

Thank you :)
 

Trophy

Valued Member
Oct 29, 2025
111
177
how many pages should Kirkland's CV be? and do we put open days etc. on them?
A CV should always be max 2 pages.

It depends on the experience you have, I have had a few jobs therefore found putting open days on my CV was a waste of space and I could include this in the application somewhere. Lots of firms ask if you’ve attended open days/events as a question so double check this is not already being asked.
 

panda1989

Standard Member
Premium Member
Mar 1, 2025
7
3
A CV should always be max 2 pages.

It depends on the experience you have, I have had a few jobs therefore found putting open days on my CV was a waste of space and I could include this in the application somewhere. Lots of firms ask if you’ve attended open days/events as a question so double check this is not already being asked.
Thank you for your response!!
I have had several jobs but its currently a page and a half - do you recommend I add a few more bullets to each job or should I pop on the open days on? or is it fine to leave as is (I don't know if its better to use the full 2 pages)?
 
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