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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I haven't previously competed in the Aspiring Solicitors competition, however, I did compete in BIUCAC last year so I have included some of my general tips for preparing for commercial awareness competitions below. Some of the advice relates to later stages in the competition, but I hope...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,003
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I totally understand how you feel - the SJTs can be super frustrating and don't always reflect how you actually work or think in real situations. From what I've seen, firms such as Reed Smith and Mayer Brown tend to look at the process holistically rather than rejecting people just for...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #3,002
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Congratulations on reaching the VI stage for Latham & Watkins! I haven't completed a VI with Latham & Watkins specifically, but for video interviews generally, it helps to think of them as a mix of motivational, competency, and situational questions. Common questions that you could be...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,984
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
No problem at all! :) I would include those if you feel they are important to your profile as a candidate - e.g. they are substantive experiences or provided you with transferable skills. For example, I always used to include my time volunteering at a charity shop in my work experience section...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,983
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! If the website / FAQs do not state an exact length for the cover letter, I would aim for around 1 page - however, 1.5 pages should be perfectly fine :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,982
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! For the 150-word work experience section, I'd recommend keeping it in short, clear prose rather than bullet points - however, if you are struggling, bullet points should be perfectly acceptable (unless they state otherwise). I'd focus on a few experiences that best show skills that they...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,981
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I can offer some general advice on the things I would / wouldn't include in the new application questions! They are designed to test your self-awareness, motivations, and fit with the firm's culture, so I would make sure that you are specific and reflective (and avoid being generic)...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,959
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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What's appropriate experience for direct TCs?
Hey! I'd say it's definitely good to express an interest in a specific area of law (for example, one of my main motivations for the firm I am it is their shipping practice), especially if the firm you are applying for has strengths in that area. However, as you said, you want to avoid sounding...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #4
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I can't speak much on how firms assess Capp SJT (as I don't know!), but I don't think having teamwork as a weakness is an automatic PFO. It's important to remember that just because it's the 'weakness', this doesn't necessarily mean you scored badly in that trait - it just means it was your...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #205
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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What's appropriate experience for direct TCs?
Hi! This is a really great question, and as someone who secured their TC through the direct route, I thought I'd share my thoughts as it's something I wondered a lot about too! For context on my background, I did a placement year as a paralegal and completed 3 vacation schemes before securing...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! That's not an amateur question at all - it's a really good one! Writing 300 words about a single opportunity can feel tricky, especially when it has to be tied to one of the sectors that the firm specialises in. I would follow a simple structure such as: 1. Introduction (50-60 words)...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,903
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Yes, I'd say that you can still apply! The GCSE requirement will be aimed at UK-based applicants, and as an international student, firms like A&O will understand that you'll have studied a different qualification. What they'll look for instead is the equivalent academic performance in your...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #201
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! You're right that it's very similar to a standard 'Why Latham & Watkins?' question, but it's not exactly the same! "Why would you choose to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm?" still wants you to discuss your motivations towards the firm, but it expects you to focus on why you'd...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,896
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I don't think this is common practice, and I would think this will be very firm dependant. If you wanted to email the graduate recruitment team to ask, this could be worth a try - however, I think it is unlikely that they will let you do this.- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,895
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! According to this thread, it looks like they are non-rolling!- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #195
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Not necessarily! If they said 7 days, you're still within their timeline. Some firms take the full period (or potentially even a bit longer) to review applications. There are often many factors they need to consider before making a decision, so no news yet doesn't mean a PFO - I'd wait until you...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,843
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! That's a really good sign - it's not just politeness! If an interviewer says you can email them with any follow-up questions, I'd say they usually mean it. It shows they're open to engaging beyond the interview, particularly since you ran out of time! If you do reach out, I'd keep it...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,825
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I'd say they're looking for one strong and detailed example rather than multiple shorter ones. The question says "an example", and firms usually prefer depth over breadth - they want to see that you can reflect on your experience, analyse what you did well, and link it meaningfully to...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,824
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I would definitely still apply! Even if their process is rolling, they likely will review any applications that are submitted before the deadline, and what matters most is that you submit a strong and tailored application. The only way that you are guaranteed to not progress is if you don't...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2,822
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Open Day and Insight Scheme Deadlines 2025-26
Hello! I'm really sorry to hear that you received a rejection for the open day, but I would definitely not let that put you off applying for the vacation scheme! Open days and vacation schemes are assessed very differently, and there is usually different criteria for both - the competition is...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #58
- Forum: Applications Discussion