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📅 2025–26 Applications: Vacation Schemes, Open Days & Training Contracts
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Help: BPP visa/CAS timeline (PGDL → SQE prep)
Hi @Eric Chang, As an international student myself, I know how nerve-racking the whole process can be. Echoing @Amma Usman's advice, I would try and involve your firm in this conversation as much as possible, as the start dates for your PGDL and SQE would affect your training contract dates...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #3
- Forum: General Discussion
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Hi all :)
Hi Oyinfayo, Welcome to the forum - it is great to have you here! I know first-hand how demotivating and disheartening rejection can be, especially after you have worked so hard and come so far. Nevertheless, I would encourage you to try and view it as a learning opportunity and a way to show...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #6
- Forum: Introduce Yourself Here!
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @NikitaLloyds, I just checked the firm's Careers webpage, and I can't seem to find the application form either. I would give it a couple of days and keep refreshing the page, and if this continues to be the case, email the Graduate Recruitment team for clarification!- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #30
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @TC seeker, That's a great question. Generally, you are not allowed to work full-time during term time at your university. Based on what you have described, it appears to me that the time when you are writing your dissertation in Term 3 will still fall under term time under your visa...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #639
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Open Day and Insight Scheme Deadlines 2025-26
Hi @legaleagle25 I would say that, if the firm does not specifically say that the Open Day applications are rolling, I would assume them to be non-rolling. I do 100% agree with @ZNadeem, though - it's best to apply as soon as you possibly can to maximise your chances!- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #31
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Introduction - career changer (former UK university lecturer)
Hey Will, Nice to meet you, and welcome to the forum! Your career journey sounds very interesting. I completely echo the points made by other forum members - your career change will definitely come across as an asset to law firms, especially in terms of the skills and qualities that you can...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #5
- Forum: Introduce Yourself Here!
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What to do in first year of law university?
Hey @LawbeginnerSeptember2025! First things first, huge congratulations on starting at Exeter this month. I hope that you take the time to absorb it all in and enjoy the transition to university life! It is also great to see that you are already thinking about training contracts and vacation...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #9
- Forum: General Discussion
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Seeking Advice on Next Steps After Graduation
Hi Deya, Huge congratulations on graduating with a first-class degree - this is really impressive. You should definitely be proud of yourself, and I hope that you had the time to celebrate this important milestone! I see that other forum members have already given you some great suggestions...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #10
- Forum: Introduce Yourself Here!
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"Why law?" as opposed to "Why commercial law?"
This is a very good explanation! Completely agree.- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #7
- Forum: General Discussion
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My Training Contract Journey
This is an amazing thread, @j.s.cox! Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with the TCLA community!- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #95
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
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Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025-26 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)
Hi! According to the firm's careers website, graduates are directed to apply for the Direct Training Contract, as opposed to any of the vacation schemes.- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #43
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @noahsmiit01, I can totally see how this can be a tricky question! I would consider acknowledging the general usefulness of AI for proofreading, stylistic choices or diversifying vocabulary, but also justify why you decided to stick to your own skills and abilities when drafting your...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #571
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @dannyp123, This is a great question, and a very important one at that - demonstrating genuine interest is a must when it comes to writing a strong and convincing application. You are absolutely right - it is essential that you have a personal link to the area. Think about it this way -...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #570
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey @lawyersum! This is a very good question. One piece of advice that I would give to candidates when reviewing their applications at TCLA is to think about the personal link as 'evidence' that you are indeed interested in a specific area of law or a practice area at a law firm. You are...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #568
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025-26 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)
Hey @deyagakhal, This is a great question! When I first decided to become a commercial lawyer, I found the application process and the different opportunities available overwhelming too, so I can relate :) To add to @trainingcontractapplicant 's already very detailed answer, most firms will...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #35
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Open Day and Insight Scheme Deadlines 2025-26
Hi @Tangcy, I just checked the firms' Events pages, and it seems that they have not announced any events yet. I would recommend following the firm's social media pages (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook) or signing up for email updates to make sure that you don't miss out!- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #22
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Begin Again <3 (My TC Journey)
Hi @TCHolderr, Getting to the AC stage is an absolutely incredible achievement, and you must be very proud of yourself and how far you have come. I know first-hand that rejection, especially after you have worked so hard for something for so long, can take a bad toll on confidence, mindset...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #4
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @whywhy88, This is a very good question! Having reviewed 200+ applications during my time at TCLA, I believe that, in terms of usefulness for applications, an Open Day is only as good as the reflections that you draw from it. Let me explain: Imagine two applicants. Applicant 1 has...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #504
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Should I shave my beard to become a lawyer?
Hi @Linus, That's a really good question that I'm sure a lot of people will find insightful. While I can't speak from personal experience on this exact point, I was also worried about coming across as professional and feeling my best during law firm interviews when I was applying. When you...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @emily3827, First, I want to say that completing a vacation scheme is a HUGE achievement, and you should be really proud of yourself! I also want to note that talking about past vacation schemes will not put you at a disadvantage when applying. If anything, it will demonstrate your...- vera.mekhonoshina
- Post #495
- Forum: Applications Discussion