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29 Oct 2025
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (UK)
Hosted on TCLA TV
Join Isabel Elsey, Legal Recruitment Manager at BCLP, for a live Q&A session. Get details on secondments, innovation, growth areas, and everything else you’ve wanted to ask about life at BCLP!
Hi @Andrei Radu,
I hope you are keeping well. 🐐
Similar to one of the questions I had asked on the forum previously (for which you gave an amazing answer), how would you describe Willkie Farr & Gallagher in terms of its position in the City of London (apart from it being one of the leading...
I remember coming across firms like ‘Burges Salmon’, ‘Shoosmiths’ and ‘Bird & Bird’ and I had the exact same thoughts lmao. 😂
Some of these firms have very interesting and creative names. I wonder who thought of them. 🤔
I think we should end this discussion here because it’s clear we are both on opposite sides of the debate. I am someone who firmly believes in the importance of DEI, whether it be for increasing the representation of ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people from socially mobile, lower...
I don’t want this to turn into a civil war on the TCLA forum. However, based on what you’ve written, I am under the impression that you acknowledge that without DEI you wouldn’t be where you are now (as a person of colour from a lower socioeconomic background + being neurodiverse), but then...
Love you too Bread, but I figured I have to tread carefully on this forum because I have seen a few instances where certain people have attacked and villainised other forum users over sharing their thoughts. 😂😂
I have some controversial opinions on this topic and I’m aware I will probably get cancelled on the TCLA forum after this, but here goes nothing lmao:
1. I don’t believe it’s possible to hire on merit in the US or the UK because there is still a lot of unconscious bias and prejudice against...
I think the OP’s point (which I agree with) was that someone can possess the ability, but because they tick those boxes (which become visible to recruiters through things like a VI), there is room for bias and prejudice. Of course I would want to be hired based on my ability, but it’s inevitable...
This is something that has been on my mind for some time going through this application cycle. I have a strong interest in US firms, but they rely heavily on VI. I am worried about the impact of the DEI situation in the US and if it will mean US firms change their policies around DEI in their UK...
I can’t speak for Mischon, but my first ever VI of my life was for Willkie back in Dec (2nd stage). In my Willkie VI, I stuttered and stumbled on my words quite a lot. I was also caught off guard by one of the questions and I felt I was waffling my way through my answer. 🥲🥲
Despite this, I got...
I just got an email notification from Vantage and I thought OMG it must be Travers Smith…
Instead it was an email from Macfarlanes about applying to their senior partner dinner. 🥲🥲
You are actually the GOAT frfr! This is very informative. 10/10 for outstanding research and data analytics skills, plus extra bonus points for extensive knowledge of Paul, Weiss’ lawyers in London. 🤞🐐
I graduated last year (July 2024) and this is my first application cycle. As a result, I also haven’t secured anything yet (VS/TC). 🥲
There is absolutely no reason why you should give up man! Keep it pushing! The average age of an NQ is 30 in the UK, meaning on average most people aren’t...
Thank you I appreciate it frfr lmao. 😂😂
To be honest I’ve had mostly PFO’s this cycle (around 9-10 in total I think). I’m in progress for Paul, Weiss and Willkie. Still waiting for Ropes & Gray and Travers Smith (they’re taking their sweet time smh). 🥲🥲
I think I’ve realised now though that...
There is actually no way WTF!!! I am literally so shocked and confused right now. 😮
Willkie partner interview invite!!!! I don’t know how this is happening. I lowkey could cry rn. 🥲
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