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  1. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! Definitely still worth it! Reed Smith reviews all applications submitted before the deadline, so there is plenty of time to get a strong application in. TCLA are also hosting an 'Ask Reed Smith Anything' thread on Monday, which would be a great chance to ask the graduate recruitment team...
  2. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi there! I think the key with this question is to focus on your motivation and fit with AG, while the other three questions already test your commercial awareness and knowledge of their work. A simple way to structure your answer could be: Why commercial law generally - what excites you about...
  3. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello!! I wouldn't worry too much about the wording - "to date" simply means they want you to draw on experiences you've had so far, whether academic, professional, or extracurricular. Structuring it around two key experiences is definitely a solid approach, as long as each example links back...
  4. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! I wouldn't worry about going into too much detail if you'd like to save the word count to discuss other elements. For your academic commendation, I would name the award, the module it was in, and why it matters (e.g. top grade in the cohort). I don't think you'll be expected to explain...
  5. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi - apologies, I've deleted my original post as I realised they have removed the word limit this year. Ignore me! :)
  6. Abbie Whitlock

    MA Law Conversion VS LLM Law Conversion

    Hi! Both courses are essentially law conversion programmes that incorporate SQE1 preparation, but the difference is mostly in the title of the qualification and the provider. BPP's LLM Law Conversion with SQE1 - you would finish with a Master of Laws (LLM). An LLM is a postgraduate...
  7. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! Yes, it's definitely fine to apply again! Not converting a vacation scheme isn't always the end of the road, and plenty of people have reapplied later and been successful. When I failed to convert my spring vacation scheme last cycle, they encouraged me to reapply for the direct route...
  8. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! I can totally understand your confusion! I would focus on experiences outside of work and study that have helped you develop skills relevant to commercial awareness AND skills that would be relevant for a trainee, as from what I understand, the HL Lift Off scheme is designed to fast track...
  9. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! That's a good question - I had a similar thought process when I was putting together my Paul, Weiss application last cycle! For Q1 ("Why PW"), I focused mainly on the firm itself - its strengths in practice areas I was interested in, the smaller London intake (and how this brings early...
  10. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! Just to add to the great advice already given, the key is to show that you've thought about what you personally want to get out of the open day, and how it will genuinely support your journey into law. A few points that I would always consider could be: Curiosity about the firm: mention...
  11. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I'd recommend keeping this section as concise as possible - if bullet points work best for you, I'd say that's fine given the 100-word limit. You don't need to write long explanations, just enough detail for the achievement to be clear (e.g. "Awarded Faculty Scholarship for academic...
  12. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! That's a really good question - I think a few people have found this part of the form a little bit unclear! Since there isn't a dedicated "postgraduate" section, I think the best place to record it is under the "Professional Qualifications". If you do put it there, I'd suggest making it...
  13. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I know it's hard seeing others post updates, but it really doesn't always mean the rest of the applications are out of the running - some firms take a staggered approach and send out batches of invites. Hopefully you'll get a positive update soon! :)
  14. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! You're not missing anything - I've just had a look at the application form too and there really is only that one question. It does feel quite short compared to other applications! I'd just make sure to use that section well to highlight things that haven't come up elsewhere :)
  15. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I'm really sorry to hear about the Sidley WVS rejection - I know how tough it feels after putting so much effort in. Please don't let it make you doubt your abilities, as these schemes are incredibly competitive and rejections happen to even the strongest candidates. I hope you're able to take a...
  16. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I'm sorry to hear that 😣 Rejections are tough, but they definitely do not reflect your potential. Keep putting yourself out there, keep building your experience, and the right opportunity will come your way. You've got this - I'll be rooting for you!
  17. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! I completely agree with what @TCpleasex has outlined - I would try and incorporate your enthusiasm for commercial law within the framework of the other questions. I would definitely make sure to answer specifically what NRF asks for - focus on why you want to join NRF, what excites you...
  18. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! Even though open days or insight events aren't task-heavy, you can still use them in your work experience section by focusing on what you learned and the skills or insights that you gained. A few things you could mention include: Understanding of the firm / sector: you could highlight what...
  19. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Congratulations on the AC invite - what an amazing achievement!! :cool: Whilst I have never attended a Jones Day AC, I can offer some general advice when it comes to approaching those sorts of tasks. Group Exercise Focus on teamwork and communication rather than dominating the discussion -...
  20. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! Of course, more than happy to help :) Whilst I agree that the wording is slightly confusing, I'd say the safest approach is to focus on one main experience or activity, as the question starts with the singular - that way you're directly answering what they're asking. Within that example...

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