• WIN: Lunch with Willkie Trainees!
    15 Oct 2025 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    Put your knowledge of Willkie Farr & Gallagher to the test in this interactive quiz session. The winner will enjoy lunch with Willkie trainees!
    Register on Zoom →
  • Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training Contract
    Now half the price. Join TCLA Premium for £30/month and get step-by-step application support, daily commercial awareness practice, and 700+ successful examples of past applications and interview experiences. Plus so much more.
    Join Premium →

Search results

  1. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It being an apprenticeship is not an issue - you have got a training contract, you are just combining your SQE studies with work. This is not a "weaker" format of training - it is identical to a training contract, you just study concurrently rather then prior to your QWE. However, there is a...
  2. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I think you can rely less on the "why law" aspect and focus more on the "why the firm" and then touch briefly upon what you hope to gain from the scheme.
  3. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I think it is fine to have it as three sections of one document rather than connected up given the way it has been presented in terms of questions.
  4. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I wouldn’t worry about ideal examples - the example doesn’t really matter, it is more the explanation of how you took the feedback and then acted on it that is important. In terms of structure I would: - Explain the context of the situation you received the constructive feedback (what led you...
  5. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    If you would not use them as QWE, then state no. It is only if you expect the submit them as QWE that you should say yes.
  6. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there - you should hear back later today or tomorrow in regards to the Scholarship applications.
  7. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would change formatting to get it on to two pages or make cuts elsewhere unfortunately. Most CVs I see with some very basic format changes (such as single line spacing and justified paragraphs) will get down to two pages.
  8. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    People can develop their skills and knowledge and become stronger candidates. I don’t think it’s as simple/binary as saying you should or shouldn’t reapply again - there will be plenty of reasons why this is suitable, and yet a whole load of reasons why it may be a waste of time like you have...
  9. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    For this specific question, yes, I think it is fine to use the same example. I would still critically evaluate your answer and see if with a fresh pair of eyes you think it can be improved from a drafting perspective though. That doesn't mean everything has to change, it can just mean you...
  10. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Still says AAB on Chambers Student Guide
  11. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    This post maybe useful on this point: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/tcla-vacation-scheme-applications-discussion-thread-2024-25.8976/post-186342
  12. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would include this if you do not reference this in any other part of the application form as the firm does stress the need for academic excellence and so you will want to demonstrate that.
  13. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Using rankings as evidence is fine as long as there is a reason to you explaining why the ranking is relevant to you and your application. What a lot of people do is just state the ranking in the hope it shows research, but you need to explain why it is relevant to you and your application for...
  14. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It literally means anything - but at the same time consider what you would be happy to get into a discussion about with your interviewer. That can be on any topic but you must feel comfortable being able to discuss it with someone. It has no need to connect to the firm. If you feel the topic...
  15. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It's fine to repeat themes from your application, but in a video interview, I expect a more detailed response unless you have only about 30 seconds to speak. If you read your cover letter out loud that covered the same points, your answer would be quite short, so it will need more depth of...
  16. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    No - this will not look lazy at all as you are making a commitment to something that is developing your skill set. Recruiters will understand that the legal job market is difficult and that is why they will be happy to consider other roles, whether they are outside of law or in voluntary roles...
  17. TCLA Community Assistant

    SRA Character and Suitability- CCJ

    I would recommend an early assessment just to be sure of this. I have seen enough people be allowed to be admitted for "worse" offences though and I am fairly confident there will be practising solicitors who have had CCJ's before but have been able to show they are of an appropriate character...
  18. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    This thread will be useful for lots of different bits of advice on this topic: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/converting-your-vacation-scheme-into-a-training-contract-top-tips-in-2021.3454/
  19. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    No - gaps of 2-3 months are not an issue, especially if you are coming out of university
  20. TCLA Community Assistant

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    The timings for the GDL and SQE are unlikely where the intakes firms recruit for are typically 24-30 months ahead and so the GDL could be started in September and then SQE the following September.

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.