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20 Oct 2025
10:00 am – 12:00 pm (UK)
Hosted on TCLA Forum
Chat directly with Isabel Elsey, Legal Recruitment Manager at BCLP, and have all your questions about the firm answered! Simply return to this page to post your questions on the day.
Hiya @studentdelaw786, I think @Andrei Radu would likely have more insight here, but I wanted to chime in and say that I think it really depends on the individual! Some people feel more pressure in partner interviews, while others prefer them over assessment days with specific tasks like...
Hiya @AlegalA
Just wanted to build off what @Jessica Booker said. I know the 500 word count limit might seem tight, but I think aiming for around 125 words per question is a good approach. Just try to keep your answers focused on key points, so that each response is impactful and concise...
Hiya @Bread
I completely understand the stress around typos – I’ve been guilty of similar mistakes in the past, and I know how much it can make you second-guess things. Having spoken to other trainees at Clifford Chance, I don't think you'll be able to reapply in this cycle, but I would email...
Hiya @saminoriya
Amazing job on getting to the AC! The Jones Day recruitment process has changed slightly since I was on the scheme, but I hope the following is useful to you. In addition to having strong research about the firm, you may be asked questions about areas of law or business that...
Hiya @B2025
I'm sorry about the rejections, but remember, the cycle isn’t over yet. Many firms keep reviewing applications into January and beyond, so there’s still time. Also, reaching the VI stage for several firms is no easy feat. It's a testament to your hard work that you're reaching this...
Hiya @helloj
I heard this from Kirsten Davies (Recruitment Manager at S&C) when I first applied, but they typically want candidates to write a concise letter that's no more than one side of A4. Hope that helps and good luck!
Hiya @Samridhi Jain
Having spoken to a graduate recruiter about this, it seems that, for Clifford Chance, applications aren’t reviewed unless you pass the Watson Glaser test. Improving in this area is key and can feel really challenging if you're not used to logical reasoning tests, but I...
Hey @gazdgazd11
It's good to take a strategy when applying, but I'd also say that your grades are definitely within the requirements that many law firms typically set out. I know trainees and associates at firms like Freshfields and CMS who have similar academic profiles, so don’t be too...
Hiya @Kk288
Amazing job on securing the AC! I'm going to link below to some more general threads on AC and interview preparation. Hope these are helpful to you - they definitely were for me.
Case studies
Negotiations
General interview preparation
Let us know if you have any other questions...
Hiya @NJS
I’d be curious to hear @Jessica Booker 's take on this and how common it is, but I do think it’s a real possibility, depending on the firm. I had an experience where I was rejected from an open day but subsequently encouraged to apply for the vacation scheme. The recruiter mentioned...
Hiya @Tintin06
I think it's difficult to answer that question. In part, this is because it can take time to develop the wide range of skills that the application process tests. We all know that it requires decent written and verbal communication, the ability to collaborate effectively...
Hiya @Lastseasonwonder
Just jumping in here briefly to add to what @Jessica Booker said (and what Andrei, I'm sure, might also say).
First, make sure you're actually discussing qualities and not skills (a distinction that applicants sometimes confuse). Skills refer to specific abilities or...
Hiya @josiemusgra :)
I’m sorry to hear that your previous attempt at Wilkie’s video interview didn’t go as you hoped. I’d like to share some tips that helped me prepare and pass the video interview.
When it comes to content, it’s essential to spend some time reflecting on why you want to...
Hiya @Victor87
When it comes to preparing for AC case studies, I highly recommend checking out this excellent thread: Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies. It was a lifesaver for me and provided great insights that made a real difference in how I approached case studies and preparing for...
Congratulations on getting invitations to two open days @Tom smith - that’s fantastic news! 🎉
It’s absolutely fine to email one of the firms to see if they can move you to a later open day. I did this with a firm once, and they were really accommodating about it. While it’s ultimately up to...
Hiya @KSV
Yes, it’s definitely possible you might be asked about the impact of the US election in a law firm interview. I was asked a similar question during a partner interview once and thankfully felt confident in answering it because of my political science and econ background. I've just...
Hiya @tarty23
For many City firms, a 2.1 isn’t a disadvantage at all. This is because the majority of firms aren’t overly strict about academic results (although some specifically state a requirement for a high 2.1 or first). Plenty of firms focus on other key aspects, like how deeply you've...
Hiya @Apple
Absolutely! It's definitely worthwhile to apply directly for training contracts! One of my first training contract offers came despite having no prior commercial legal work experience or vacation schemes. While the direct training contract process can sometimes be more...
Hiya @emma.d 😊
@Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu would certainly have valuable insights to share, but I’ve done a quick search and found a few resources that could help. I’ve hyperlinked them along with some points you might want to consider. I’ve skipped over common topics like ESG and AI since...
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