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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

hey guys, just wondering on reflection. for most law firms, I havent put in my 'work experience' things that weren't like paid. for example, I volunteer to tutor students online and write for a widening participation blog. should I be adding these to my experience? similarly. are open days relevant? I found that I had more luck with CV based firms where they could see my range of extracurricular + mooting experience.
I usually include all of them in my application form if they have no dedicated sections for ECAs or have not specifically asked me not to include them. I got progressed by international and national firms so I don't think it's an issue. Some even encourage you to put ECAs, volunteering, open days, and everything else in work experience
 
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Bird & Bird Vacation Scheme offer!!!
BIRD AND BIRD SPRING VAC SCHEME OFFER !!!
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Would love some advice. I recently emailed a firm post AC to ask about whether I’d got the VS, and I said I’d got an offer from elsewhere (they had said if this happened you could email them to speed up the process etc). They said they’d respond by the end of this week. Not much time left and they still haven’t messaged. Can I assume PFO?
 

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