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Recent content by Abbie Whitlock
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Went well? First interview
Hello! First off, congratulations on landing three interviews - that's an amazing achievement! It sounds like you did really well in this one, so try not to overthink it too much. I wouldn't worry too much about the interview ending early! Firms will likely leave a little extra room than...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: Interviews Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I've found the following information from 2022 which might assist - however, their stance may have changed since then! I would say it's worth emailing the graduate recruitment team to double-check, as I'm sure they'd be happy to confirm for you :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #297
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Congratulations, what an amazing achievement - I hope you celebrate well!! Wishing you all the best for the scheme, and I'm sure you'll do brilliantly :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,331
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! You can just send a short, polite email - firms usually don't allow deferrals, but there is no harm in asking! I would keep it simple and make sure to include: Which scheme you've been offered That you'd like to know if it's possible to defer to the Summer intake instead A short reason...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,330
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! As the deadline is so soon, I would perhaps add the referee into the notes section of your application and let the graduate recruitment team know the reasoning for this. I can’t imagine that they will be asking for references early on in the process (due to the logistical difficulties in...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #280
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Not ridiculous at all - in my first application cycle, I wasn’t able to pass ACs and interviews as I just couldn’t hack building my commercial awareness, so I totally understand what you mean! After a lot of trial and error, I was able to work on this skill and achieve runner-up of...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,286
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! As the deadline isn’t until early December, I’d say there’s still plenty of chance to be progressed for the vacation scheme! Whilst it is advantageous to apply as early as you can in the application window, the graduate recruitment team will receive the majority of their applications...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,285
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! No problem at all :) That’s a really fair point, and I get where you’re coming from. I wouldn’t say you shouldn’t mention any deals - in fact, including one or two carefully chosen examples can really strengthen your points and make your interest feel genuine rather than surface level...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,284
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I’d include a mix of both! Definitely mention your paralegal experience and any insight days since they show commitment and understanding of the profession, but I would avoid discussing only legal stuff. Many law firms value well-rounded candidates, including Fieldfisher, so adding a few...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #265
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Documenting my path into big law... (Project JLaw)
Hello! Loved reading your post - it’s so inspiring to see how self-aware and organised you are being about the process, and it sounds like you have made amazing progress this cycle already! Massive congratulations on all those open day successes - that’s such a strong list. Best of luck with...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! This is usually the case - however, some firms do close their applications at times such as 5pm, so I’d try to submit it as early as possible! :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,133
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Not a generic question at all! The best resource that I would recommend is this post by @Andrei Radu on building an Application Strategy - he goes into detail on the number of law firms that you could aim for in a cycle (among other things!). You can find it here - it is absolutely...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,108
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Forage courses can definitely help, but more as a way to demonstrate engagement and motivation towards the firm rather than as a guarantee to success. They show the graduate recruitment team that you’ve taken the initiative to understand the work they do and develop relevant skills...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,107
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! If the graduate recruitment team mentioned that there is a specific format that they recommend, I would follow that - it is likely what they are looking for! I can’t imagine you would be rejected because you used a standard CV format, but since they mentioned specifically that there is...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,106
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I’ve quoted a post below for this question - I hope it assists! Just shout if you have any specific questions :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4,104
- Forum: Applications Discussion