• 📅 Vacation Scheme Applications 2025–26

    Planning to apply for winter, spring or summer vacation schemes? Join our dedicated threads for support, deadlines, and discussion:

    Let’s make this your strongest application season yet 💼

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  1. Andrei Radu

    Journey to a TC

    Hi @Tallat and first of all congrats on already progressing to the interview stage, that's amazing! As for practicing for the WG, there were two posts in which I discussed my top tips for WG preparation generally and specifically for the inferences and assumptions section. You may find them...
  2. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would say what is best to ask depends on (i) what your interests are; (ii) who is interviewing you; and (iii) what has previously been discussed in the interview: Firstly, you want to ask something that you actually care about. Whoever is interviewing you likely has significant experience...
  3. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I'm not sure whether Cleary has any particular CV preferences, but I think using bullet points is widely accepted as common practice for structuring a CV. This is the way I structured mine and was progressed by multiple firms.
  4. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    In this case it's likely not going to be weighed too heavily. Your progression will probably come down more to how much the recruiters like both your substantive points and the way in which you articulated them.
  5. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    The PGDL is a postgraduate course, so I would expect this does not disqualify you. However, it's never a bad idea to just make sure by contacting the graduate recruitment team, so if you have the time you should consider doing that.
  6. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @sjr22! I recently discussed the same topic, you might find this post useful:
  7. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    @Jessica Booker might be able to tell you more about this, but I'd say that while it obviously isn't ideal (as it can show you have some difficulty with managing time under pressure) it is also definitely not a deal-braker for conversion chances. In one of my VIs I got cut off at the end and was...
  8. Andrei Radu

    My Training Contract Journey!

    That's great to hear, you seem to be way ahead of the curve! After you've built up your commercial awareness as well I expect you will be in an amazing position to succeed in your VS applications :)
  9. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    @m12 I'm glad you've found this helpful :)! As for your question, while the specifics of the structure will depend on the specific framing of the question, in general I'd prepare the following structure: The context of the story: when did the story happen, in what economic, social, and...
  10. Andrei Radu

    My Training Contract Journey!

    Hi @historytolaw, it's great to hear about the start of your TC journey! You seem to be taking all the right steps for your current stage, in that you are both slowly entering the applications scene and also building up your candidate profile and CV! The one thing I would advise you to also...
  11. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @NJS! I think discussing your vacation schemes experiences is a great way to improve on you previous answers. I think too many people are weary of talking about their past VS experience because they are afraid that it is a bad look that they failed to convert. However, as recruiters are well...
  12. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I don't think any recruiter has a strong expectation that candidates will do this. However, I would do this from time to time, especially where (i) the skill is more unique/impressive, (ii) is demonstrated by a more unique/impressive achievement, or (iii) where the skill is particularly relevant...
  13. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    @Jessica Booker will be able to tell you more about this situation, but my advice is to email HR and be as transparent as possible about your situation. Ideally, you could arrange a phone/zoom call so you can better discuss the different options. I do not think it is at all unlikely that you...
  14. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I don't think any approach is right or wrong - you can definitely write a good answer with both. However, since the question is framed in terms of the "biggest" challenges, I would try to identify what challenges seem to me to (i) impact clients most heavily (so ask yourself which of the...
  15. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Most people I know who are currently writing their Jones Day cover letters were not signing them off. Considering how comparatively low the word count is, I would personally not expect the graduate recruitment team to take any issue with it. Even in the unlikely case that they do, I would still...
  16. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @yeezyee! I recently answered a similar question by another user regarding how to update a successful application, I think you may also find it useful:
  17. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I definitely agree with @Amma Usman and @Jessica Booker's advice that you want to update your application. However, as they explained, this does not need to be any change in the fundamentals. So, in terms USPs, if a practice are was part of your why the firm reasoning, you could update your...
  18. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @m12 and @Walon290! While I don't have any details from this year, I did their VI last year. Based on my general VI experience as applied to the specific W&C VI, these would be my tips: Prepare really well for the big 3 (Why commercial law, Why W&C, Why me) and a few of the other very...
  19. Andrei Radu

    Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

    Hey @futuretcholder and first of all huge congrats, this is an incredible achievement! As for your questions, the guide @Jessica Booker linked is amazing and so is @Amma Usman's advice. Just to add to that some further thoughts from my own experience: Do: Try to anticipate before the...
  20. Andrei Radu

    A Nervous Training Contract Journey

    Huge congrats on all these events invites and for your first VS app @sammm10101! Keep this up 🥳🤩!!

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