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Search results

  1. Abbie Whitlock

    Sidley Austin WVS

    Huge congratulations on the Sidley offer - that's amazing!! 🎉 I hope you take some time to celebrate, as I'm sure you've worked so hard for it!
  2. Abbie Whitlock

    TC Journey

    Hi! I'm so sorry to hear you've been unwell - it sounds like you've really been pushing through despite not feeling 100%, which is super impressive. I would definitely take the time you need to rest and recover, the applications will still be there when you're back to full strength! It's great...
  3. Abbie Whitlock

    Documenting my TC Journey (Project TC🚀)

    Hello! It's great to see your update, and it looks like you're managing the cycle well! Balancing full-time work, life, and applications is really tough, so don't be hard on yourself for moving at a slower pace. The fact that you're still pushing through and staying consistent is a win! I...
  4. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! I'd say it depends a lot on what the question is - usually it's fine if your core answer is the same for both applications, especially since the question is identical. However, I'd make sure that you are tweaking it slightly to reflect that they are different opportunities. An Open Day...
  5. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey I totally get that, and I felt a similar way when I was first applying a few years ago as I generally didn’t have many hobbies or extracurriculars outside of study / work. I tried to discuss things I did when I had some spare time, and that I enjoyed occasionally - for example, reading...
  6. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! That’s a great question - a good way to approach it is to think about the value you want to bring to CMS and the kind of growth or contribution you hope to have there long-term. Your structure could potentially look like: 1. What draws you to CMS - e.g. sector focus, innovation...
  7. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! As a career changer, you definitely don’t need to be discussing uni societies from 10 years ago. Instead, I would try to focus on what you currently do (or have recently done) outside of your day job - volunteering, mentoring, side projects, sports, or involvement in work committees...
  8. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! You can definitely include a mix - the question invites you to talk about any interests, extracurriculars, positions of responsibility, or achievements, so mentioning one of each seems like a great way to show variety and depth. If you are going to discuss quite a few, I would make sure...
  9. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! Whilst I can only speak from the perspective of the UK offices, I’d say it’s totally fine to still discuss Diversity and Inclusion in your application if that’s one of your main motivations, as this is still applicable to the firm. As far as I’m aware, the Business Inclusion Groups still...
  10. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! I’ve been in a similar position, and it’s totally understandable to not want to share the full report! In most cases, firms just need confirmation of the diagnosis, not the entire document. A screenshot or PDF of the conclusion / summary page (with your name and date visible) is usually...
  11. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! Either is likely to work, but I would include it in your work experience section. This was always where I used to list my experience in my university’s legal advice clinic, and I never ran into any issues!
  12. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Great question - in this context, “deal” is likely referencing transactional work, so things such as M&A, private equity, project finance, capital markets (e.g. IPOs), etc. These are typically the types of matters firms highlight as “deals” on their websites. Litigation and arbitration...
  13. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! That sounds super frustrating - I’m sorry to hear that happened during your VI! If the background noise made your answers hard to hear, or you’re concerned, it is probably worth sending a quick email to the graduate recruitment team just to explain any noise (and that it caused you to...
  14. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I totally understand where you’re coming from, and it can be hard to distinguish firms from the outside! What might help is focusing not just on what Cooley does in life sciences, but how they do it, and why that approach resonates with you. For example, Cooley is known for partnering with...
  15. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find any information online to confirm whether your test score carries over (which is usually the case for other firms). It might be worth contacting the graduate recruitment team just to double-check, as I’m sure they’d be more than happy to confirm for...
  16. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! No problem at all! :) I’d say it’s definitely okay to mention the same deal or news story in your video interview if it’s still the best example to support your point - particularly if it’s relevant to the question and shows your understanding of the firms work / sectors. However, if you...
  17. Abbie Whitlock

    Firms with no minimum alevel requirements

    Hello! That’s a really great question, and was actually something that I panicked about last cycle! When I completed my spring VS, the firm asked for me to bring my A-Level and GCSE certificates on my first day and I didn’t have them anywhere as they had been lost during COVID. The firm stated...
  18. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! Not a dumb question at all! Firms often have different timelines for communicating decisions at various stages. Whilst they can send out decisions for those not moving forward, the rest of the process (such as assessment centre invites) can take a bit longer to finalise. It is quite...
  19. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Generally, video interviews will focus mostly on motivational and competency-based questions, such as ‘Why X Firm’ and ‘Tell us about a time…’. However, some firms do include situational or scenario-based questions, particularly considering ‘strengths-based’ assessments have become more...
  20. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! On your first question: I think it’s totally fine to combine the action and result into one sentence or short paragraph, especially in a short work experience section where space is limited. Something along the lines of ‘I drafted X document, which was later used in Y’ is clear and...

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