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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Congratulations!! That’s an amazing achievement, and so nice to hear back the same day - you must’ve really impressed them! I hope you take the time to celebrate 🎉- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,242
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Unfortunately, I’m actually not too sure on this as I completed my SJT and VI in one sitting! However, if you have been able to do this for other firms’ assessments, I would say that it is likely also possible with the Reed Smith assessment. It may be worth emailing the graduate...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,241
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Training Contract Interview - How Bad Did it Go?
Hello! You’re definitely not cooked - try not to be too hard on yourself! It actually sounds like you handled both questions much better than you think. For the two deals question, interviewers know that it’s tough to memorise all the things a firm has done recently, especially under pressure...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: Interviews Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I am well, thank you - I hope you are too! When you get a scenario like this in an interview, the best approach is to show that you can prioritise, communicate, and stay professional under pressure. A clear structure could be: Acknowledge that you’d assess the situation - what factors...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,240
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! No problem at all! :) I'd say that you don't have to explicitly link every competency answer back to commercial law, but adding a short reflection at the end can strengthen your answer if it feels natural. For example, after describing your teamwork example using the STAR method, you could...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,216
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! No problem at all :) I would try to speak more generally about the skills that you gained from each experience, rather than trying to link each entry to Mishcon specifically. The word count should be used to describe what you did, what your main responsibilities were, and any...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,215
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Good question! A good way to tackle this question is to use a clear, structured approach that balances commercial awareness with insight into Baker McKenzie's strengths. A structure you could follow: Introduce the sector (1 paragraph) I would pick a sector that you genuinely find...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,212
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! For "tell me about yourself", focusing on giving a concise overview of your background, key experiences and motivations, and what makes you a unique candidate. As a graduate, you could structure it as: Education and background - briefly mention your degree and university Relevant...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,210
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I'd say you're absolutely fine to apply to firms that require a 2:1 as that is your official classification. If a form asks for a percentage, I would email the graduate recruitment team to ask what they would advise is the best thing to do in this situation. They might state that...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,208
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Late 20s career changer - finally taking the plunge and pursuing law!
Hello!! Welcome to TCLA - it's great to have you here, and thank you for sharing your story! It sounds like you've built such a strong foundation through your professional experience, especially with your governance work and exposure to top firms. That background will absolutely give you a...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: Introduce Yourself Here!
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Reasons for why the law firm
Hello! Yes, that's a great reason to include! Highlighting a firm's commitment to legal tech and innovation shows you value progress and efficiency - qualities that many firms prioritise. Just be sure to link it back to why it matters to you - for instance, how technology enhances client...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I would personally avoid naming specific competitor firms. It's better to discuss competitors more broadly - for example, referring to other leading firms in the same area or market segment. This still demonstrates commercial awareness without getting bogged down in direct comparisons :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,141
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Good question! I always aimed to use personal examples in my answers, as they provided concrete evidence of the skills or qualities I was discussing. For instance, if I was asked, "What would you do in XYZ situation?", I would explain how I would approach it while referencing a similar...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,140
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I think anywhere up to 1.5 pages is an acceptable length (although 1 page is generally best!). However, I would try and avoid using font size 10 as it can be slightly too small - font size 11 or 12 is generally preferred! 700 words seems like the right amount if you haven't been provided...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,121
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! You're not overthinking it! A longer-form guide from the DLA Piper Insights page should be totally fine, as long as it clearly relates to one of their client sectors and you can use it to discuss your personal and professional ambitions. The instructions just say to choose an article...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,119
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
I'm really sorry to hear about Paul Hastings, and I totally get how disheartening it feels - especially after putting your all into it. Reaching the AC stage multiple times isn't a small thing though - it shows you're genuinely competitive, even if the outcome hasn't lined up yet. You're not...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,199
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I would try not to focus too much on the specific traits that were your highest and lowest scoring. Whilst 'personal responsibility' was listed as the area that you need to work on, this doesn't necessarily mean that you scored really low - it was just the lowest scoring trait compared to...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,101
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Sure, happy to share how I approached the VI! In general for video interviews, it's really important to make sure that you are fully answering the question and that any examples that you use actually fit with the question. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,100
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! In this context, "deal" usually refers to transactional work, so things like M&A, private equity, project finance, or capital markets (e.g. IPOs). Those are typically the types of matters that firms highlight as "deals" on their website. Areas such as litigation and arbitration usually...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,008
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! It won't necessarily put you in a negative spot - it is definitely advantageous to apply earlier in the application window, but the most important thing is that you submit a strong and tailored application. If you feel that you can do that by the deadline, I would encourage you to apply...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,005
- Forum: Applications Discussion