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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 @Aspiringsolicitor01
I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with the system - sounds annoying to say the least! I've just taken a quick look at their recruitment page and if you're still having issues receiving the verification email, I think you can reach out to RWK Goodman’s Careers...
Hi @TC seeker
That's odd - as far as I know, they shouldn't be closed. Have you tried to purchased an application review from this link? Do let me know if that doesn't work, and I can get in touch with the team here :)
Hi @billyonthespeeddial - from previous application cycles, I can safely say that it isn't. But things may have changed this year. Assuming they haven't, I think this is a great sign! Good luck with the WG! You got this 🥳
Hi @fingersarecrossed
SJTs can be tricky because there isn’t a single “correct” way to approach them. The best answer often depends on the specific question and the options you’re given - sometimes this means answering closer to the far left, at other times it will mean being towards the other...
Hiya @tarty23
Just building on what's already been said, I agree that there's no real right/wrong answer here. Given the limited word count, it’s usually more effective to focus on one, or at most two, practice areas. This approach allows you to provide a deeper and more compelling explanation...
Howdy @Bread
Amazing job on reaching your first AC! I still remember how nerve-racking my first one was in January 2023, so I completely understand how you might be feeling. You’re already doing great by preparing ahead! @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu will undoubtedly have more to say, but here...
Hiya @TC seeker
From previous experience and the firm's website, I don't think you will need to submit a cover letter. They mention this here in the FAQ section. Best of luck with the application!
Hiya @KSV
So great you're applying to Covington - they're a great firm 🥳
While it wouldn't necessarily be wrong to include a section on why you want to pursue commercial law, I’d recommend focusing directly on the question: why Covington, and how you see yourself contributing to the firm’s...
Hi @Aspiringsolicitor01
If it’s been nearly a week and you haven’t received the online test link yet, I’d recommend reaching out to the graduate recruitment team. It’s a good idea to let them know that you’ve submitted your application and haven’t received the link, just in case there’s been a...
Hi @juaanperez - hope you've heard back from Ashurst with good news :)
For updates on vacation scheme applications, you may want to check this thread. I'm hoping someone might have a helpful update for you here.
Hi everyone! Just a gentle reminder to keep the conversation on here as constructive as possible. Let's try to avoid personal comments about one another and focus on supporting each other with helpful, respectful feedback. Thanks!
Hi @icebear
Completely appreciate the challenges of answering a question like this. As @Andrei Radu mentioned, you could definitely take either approach. However, I'd recommend trying to discuss current challenges in a way that is really bespoke or tailored to the firm. Having briefly...
Hi @ihatelaw
I've mentioned this to many candidates before, but you should absolutely keep applying! While academics do play a role in the recruitment process, many firms look at applications holistically. There are plenty of top firms that don’t have strict A-level requirements. Some have...
Hiya @Osh_kjidks
First off, well done on starting the LLM SQE1 and 2 at BPP - that’s a huge commitment, and balancing studies with the job search is no easy feat (doing it myself as well, so props to you!).
Although I completely appreciate the concerns you have about your low 2:1 and not...
Hi @AS24
It's completely alright that you're not able to attend open days - during my own applications, I think I only managed to attend one, as I was working full-time. You're also absolutely right that many firms work on similar deals, particularly in M&A. That said, there are still ways to...
Hiya @Runsim :)
Just to build off the typically excellent advice of @Jessica Booker, I wanted to reiterate the importance of remembering that not every firm has rigid grade cut-offs. There are also plenty of fantastic firms that value other qualities just as highly as academic performance. As...
Howdy @LawLawLawLawLaw
It's fantastic that you already have experience at a boutique firm! That will definitely help in your applications. I’d highly recommend focusing on vacation scheme applications, especially since many firms either only accept applicants through this route or recruit most...
Hiya @Maddy :)
Having been in your shoes (I once applied to a firm only to realise that I didn't meet their eligibility requirements sigh), I think it’s always a good idea to approach graduate recruitment directly via email to ask, just to be sure. That being said, I did a bit of digging and...
Hi folks!
To help you develop a well-rounded application strategy, we’ve put together the following thread highlighting where firms typically recruit from—whether it's through vacation schemes or direct training contract routes. We've organised firms into four categories:
Firms which recruit a...
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