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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Just to add to @Andrei Radu's great answer, I thought I'd share the resource that I used when preparing to take the WGT for Clifford Chance a few cycles ago (which I passed). On top of the free resources I used (many of which are listed in Andrei's post!), I paid for the JobTestPrep...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,943
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I think it's completely up to you - the application process for an open day is substantially different than for a vacation scheme, so it won't disadvantage you as firms know how competitive open day applications are (and that they are looking for different things). I don't think not...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,942
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Huge congratulations on getting an invite - that's a great achievement, especially in your first cycle! Case studies are usually designed to test your commercial awareness, logical reasoning, and ability to interpret financial information. Whilst I haven't completed the case study...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,919
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I think it's fine either way! If there isn't an option on the drop down list, I don't think they would be expecting you to include it. However, you might choose to include it under 'other' if you want to show that you have previously tried to engage with the firm - it's totally up to you :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,918
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Yes, it looks like Akin is rolling based on this list!- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,900
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! That's amazing - huge congratulations on getting to this stage for all of those firms! You've clearly put in a lot of hard work, and it's really paying off. Jones Day Partner Interview I haven't completed an interview at the firm, but I could share what you might encounter in a general...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,899
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I just went onto their application portal, and that's the only question I can see as well! Unless there is an additional question later on in the form, I believe that is the only one this year :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,898
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
No problem at all!! :D That question is really about giving them a sense of the additional exposure you have had. If you've taken part in mentoring schemes, insight days, vacation schemes, scholarships, diversity or access programmes, or any structured work experience, it's worth including. In...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,897
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! From my understanding of the section, I would focus on more established activities rather than personal hobbies. Things such as university societies, volunteering, sports teams, music, or any other hobbies where you've shown commitment and developed skills are all good to include...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,896
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Congratulations on getting the VI! For Jones Day (and law firm video interviews in general), I'd say that a few things really help: Know the firm's USP: Jones Day has the non-rotational training contract model, but it's also worth understanding what makes the firm unique so that you can...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,882
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Q1: What skills have you been developing over the last 12-24 months that you believe are instrumental to ensuring your success as a solicitor? How have you been developing these skills? Why do you believe that these skills will set you up for a successful career at Osborne Clarke? Your...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,881
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! With firms that are moving to a work-experience-only format, the key element is to make sure you aren't just listing roles. It's about showing what you learned and how it links back to the skills they're looking for in a trainee. A simple structure that might be helpful is: Context -...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,880
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Those questions are really more of a "catch-all" section. It's mainly there if you have something relevant that hasn't had a natural place elsewhere in the form - for example, extenuating circumstances, unusual experiences, or a particular achievement that doesn't fit neatly in any of the...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,879
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Recent low SQE 1 pass rates (2025)
Hi! The 41% pass rate is definitely worrying, and it's only seemed to fuel the ongoing debates about 'fixing' the SQE exams - hopefully the SRA will take the feedback on board and make some changes in time. I'm sitting in Jan 2026, so I do take some comfort from the fact that they have...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) Forum
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! For applications, I would say it's usually best to write numbers one to nine in words and use digits from 10 onwards, but consistency matters most - so just stick to one style throughout. Yes, work experience definitely includes paid employment - Clifford Chance will be interested in all...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,872
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! It happens to a lot of people, so I would try not to worry too much - the assessors know that there's a time limit and they're mainly looking at the substance of what you managed to get across. If it was just one question and you covered the key points, it's very unlikely to be an...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,871
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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A career changer's journey
Hi! Thank you for the update! I really love the clarity in your new strategy - focusing on private client / private wealth sounds like a great way to stand out. I did a vacation scheme last cycle at a firm that is very private client focused, and the work seemed super interesting, so that is a...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #12
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I don't think it is too late to apply, even though it is a rolling deadline. Whilst it is advantageous to apply earlier in the application window, there is still plenty of opportunity to be progressed further later in the window. As long as you believe that you are submitting a...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #137
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Road to a TC 2025-26
Hi! Sounds like you've made really solid progress already, and it's great that you are spotting improvements in your applications as you go along. I totally agree with you on the gamified assessments point - they can definitely feel quite frustrating, so it's smart that you're timing them for...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #7
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
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Hello - I'm a mid-30s Career Changer
Hiya! Thank you for sharing your story so openly - it takes a lot of honesty to reflect on the past in that way, and it was really interesting to read about your career path so far! I completed a vacation scheme at a firm where over 1/3 of my cohort were career changers, and I always found...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: Introduce Yourself Here!