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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

applicant457

Star Member
Premium Member
Jan 23, 2025
38
24
guys, I feel like 750 words for the NRF cover letter WITHOUT including a section dedicated to why law is way too much. without why law now I have around 600 words total(including first and last stenence) and I feel like anything more is pushing it/ they will not read. any advice??
 

Harvey Ross

New Member
Premium Member
  • Sep 22, 2025
    1
    0
    For Linklaters Winter VS - one of the application question states --> please list your main interests including academic achievemnts, community roles, clubs and socieities etc with a word limit of 250 words.

    I was wondering, as to how much detail should I go into my academic commendation I received for a module at University. Should I talk what the module is about / How I achieved that mark, and to what extent should I do it to.

    It says list your interests, but the word limit is 250 words, so not sure as to what they are expecting.

    Would appreciate any advice
     

    lawyersum

    Legendary Member
    Jun 28, 2024
    228
    371
    In no more than 1440 characters including spaces (this is approx. 200 words), tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer. For this question, is it suitable to explain two experiences, each 100 words, that developed multiple skills/attributes? The wording of 'to date' has thrown me off slightly...Would appreciate your insights @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock :)
     
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    ZNadeem

    Legendary Member
    Staff member
    Future Trainee
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Forum Team
    Mar 16, 2025
    180
    177
    guys, I feel like 750 words for the NRF cover letter WITHOUT including a section dedicated to why law is way too much. without why law now I have around 600 words total(including first and last stenence) and I feel like anything more is pushing it/ they will not read. any advice??

    Hi! If NRF haven’t set a word count for this cycle, then it’s fine to go slightly over a page—as long as it’s within about 1.3 pages. I’d suggest playing around a little with font size and margins to add space, but the key is to make sure every sentence earns its place and that you’re using the space effectively.
     

    dannyp123

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Oct 20, 2024
    35
    14
    Hi everyone, I’m planning my answers for Addleshaw Goddard’s application before it opens and I’m a bit stuck on the first question: “What attracts you to a career in commercial law and why specifically at Addleshaw Goddard?”

    I’m unsure whether to focus on the firm’s culture (e.g., high responsibility for trainees) or a specific practice area. At a Legal Cheek event a few weeks ago, Grad Rec suggested highlighting culture and values, but I’m skeptical since we haven’t worked there yet and generic statements might not stand out. Given that the other application questions already focus on AG’s work and commercial aspects, I’m leaning towards emphasising firm culture and values, but I’d love to hear others’ thoughts.

    For context, the other three questions are:

    1. Is technology and AI an opportunity or threat for Addleshaw Goddard and why? (2000 characters max)
    2. Choose one of Addleshaw Goddard's practice areas or sectors and tell us about a major change in law or government policy that clients in that sector/practice area are facing and what opportunities that creates for us. (2000 characters max)
    3. If you were in government, what one thing would you change to make it easier for UK businesses to succeed and why? (2000 characters max)
     
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    abc124

    Star Member
    Aug 9, 2025
    29
    10
    Is it still worth it to invest a lot of time in the Reed Smith application if they’re rolling and they opened on 3/09? I only today realised they’re weirdly aligned with my interests but if it‘s realistically too late to have a real shot I think I’d rather get it over with quickly lol
     
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    Afuturetrainee

    Well-Known Member
    Mar 11, 2025
    20
    11
    Is it still worth it to invest a lot of time in the Reed Smith application if they’re rolling and they opened on 3/09? I only today realised they’re weirdly aligned with my interests but if it‘s realistically too late to have a real shot I think I’d rather get it over with quickly lol
    Definitely plenty of time. We are still in september
     
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    Reactions: abc124

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    186
    152
    For Linklaters Winter VS - one of the application question states --> please list your main interests including academic achievemnts, community roles, clubs and socieities etc with a word limit of 250 words.

    I was wondering, as to how much detail should I go into my academic commendation I received for a module at University. Should I talk what the module is about / How I achieved that mark, and to what extent should I do it to.

    It says list your interests, but the word limit is 250 words, so not sure as to what they are expecting.

    Would appreciate any advice
    Hello!

    I wouldn't worry about going into too much detail if you'd like to save the word count to discuss other elements. For your academic commendation, I would name the award, the module it was in, and why it matters (e.g. top grade in the cohort). I don't think you'll be expected to explain the full module or how you achieved it :)

    I'd focus on using the 250 words to balance this academic commendation with community roles, societies, and other interests so that they get a well-rounded picture of you!
     

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