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Search results

  1. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! That’s a great question! While the podcast seems really interesting, I’d recommend choosing a written article for this question - just to be on the safe side. Since DLA Piper specifically asks you to select an article, they’re probably expecting a direct reference to a written piece from...
  2. Abbie Whitlock

    Firms that are harsher with grade requirements - list

    Hello! Just to add my thoughts, if you’ve made it through to the next stages after the initial application, it’s unlikely that your grades will now stop you from progressing. Whilst this differs from firm to firm, most firms will base progression on the current stage of the process. Therefore...
  3. Abbie Whitlock

    Road to a TC 2025-26

    Hello! Thank you for the update - sounds like you have had a very productive (and busy!) week, so well done for keeping on top of things! Huge congratulations on passing the HSF Kramer benchmark - that’s a great step forward, and fingers crossed for the next stage! I hope the Latham tests went...
  4. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hey! I completely get how you feel - it's so tough when you're putting in all that effort and you end up feeling a bit stuck on how to improve. I have definitely struggled with ACs in my previous cycles, and I think it was definitely down to a combination of nerves and my preparation. However...
  5. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! Congratulations on getting the invite! 🎉 Whilst I haven't completed the Ashurst written exercise, they will usually test your ability to communicate clearly and structure your arguments logically - similar to what you'd do as a trainee when drafting emails or internal notes. I've...
  6. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! It's up to you, but I always used to include my committee positions in university societies in my work experience section! As long as you can discuss your role, main responsibilities, and the transferable skills that it taught, I'd say its a great addition to the section! :)
  7. Abbie Whitlock

    Training Contract Deadlines Thread 2025-26

    Hello! I have found some posts from last cycle on the forum where this was discussed for these firms - whilst this may have changed slightly, hopefully this assists!
  8. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! If the form doesn't explicitly state to include all module results, I would include your overall result and highlight any key modules that you undertook during your degree :)
  9. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! From what I've seen on the forum, it doesn't look like anyone has been able to access the application form yet. If this still isn't open after a few days, I would contact the graduate recruitment team :)
  10. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! I totally get where you're coming from - firm websites are often quite surface-level when it comes to deal details. A few tips that might help: Use multiple sources - Look up the deal on sites like Legal Cheek, The Lawyer, or Financial Times to get more commercial context. There may...
  11. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! As the deadline isn't until December, I would say that it isn't too late to apply! Whilst it is advantageous to apply earlier in the window when it is a rolling deadline, the most important thing is that you are submitting a strong and tailored application. If you're confident that you can...
  12. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! Congratulations on receiving the written exercise invite! Whilst I am not too sure on the specifics of the Dechert exercise, I've outlined some advice below that I gave a little while ago in relation to preparing for written exercises. Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot...
  13. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! My working days at the firm are Wednesday and Thursday, so I will definitely be replying to the AMA thread later this week (I just haven't been in the office yet!) :) To answer your question here, it's definitely a complicated balance, but the firm is incredibly supportive and understands...
  14. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! I would include university law society events and Forage virtual work experience (if you haven't included it in the work experience section), as long as they are career-related. This section is not limited to firm visits - the idea is to show that you've explored the legal profession and...
  15. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Yes, I'd say it is definitely worth applying if you already know a lot about the firm. Open days can be a great way of learning more about the firm before making an application (and I would advise you go to a few in the cycle), but they are definitely not a requirement - I didn't attend an...
  16. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! For the open days and firm events, you don't need to go into detail about every session or presentation, as this can make things feel a bit list-like. Instead, focus on what you took away from the experience - what you learned about the firm's culture, practice areas, or working style...
  17. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! It should be possible to fit all of your module grades on your CV if you utilise space efficiently, such as grouping them by year and using bullet points. If you have included them all and it is over 2 pages of A4, I would include the most relevant grades / overall classification on...
  18. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! It's been a couple years (and my memory isn't that great... 😅) but I think it was a pretty accurate reflection of the difficulty level of the Clifford Chance one! I don't remember thinking one was necessarily easier / harder than the other. I think the most important thing is to gain an...
  19. Abbie Whitlock

    Direct TC or vac scheme?

    Hi! It sounds like you've already built a really solid foundation! Your placement year at a Magic Circle firm will stand out a lot, and your long-term work in the grocery store shows really great commitment and work ethic. For context, I was in a similar position to you last cycle (although I...
  20. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! From my experience, it's absolutely fine to use the prep time to research and structure your answer. Some firms (e.g. Reed Smith) even encourage candidates to take advantage of the unlimited preparation time to think through their responses before recording. You won't be penalised for...

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