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Search results

  1. Abbie Whitlock

    Sidley Austin WVS

    Huge congratulations on landing a final partner interview with Sidley for their winter VS - that’s an incredible achievement and a real testament to your hard work and talent! 🥳 You’ve already come so far, and making it to this stage means they clearly see something special in you. Final...
  2. Abbie Whitlock

    Slaughter and May 2026 TC

    Hello @jkatz !! This is usually the case! If a firm has tried to contact you by phone, they may follow up with an email to arrange a time to speak :)
  3. Abbie Whitlock

    Documenting my TC Journey (Project TC🚀)

    Absolutely - I’ve definitely gotten more confident at networking events over the years, so it really is about gaining exposure! :)
  4. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! I totally get where you’re coming from - SJTs can definitely feel frustrating and inconsistent, especially when feedback varies everytime. I remember being shocked sometimes that I had passed an SJT (and vice versa), and it can be hard to know when you’ve done well! I think firms use them...
  5. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! From what I can see on their website, they don't have an SJT as part of their application process. It is listed as: 1. Online Application Form 2. Video Interview 3. Individual Case Study at Weil, and 45-minute interview 4. Vacation Scheme However, if you have been told differently and...
  6. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! Great question! In this context, "this role" is really about the HL Lift Off programme itself, but since the programme is designed as a pathway into a career at the firm, it makes sense to frame your answer in terms of both. In other words, they're not just looking for generic...
  7. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @llblawstudent ! Not an obvious question at all - lots of people wonder the same! You definitely can still succeed without having attended a Taylor Wessing event before submitting your application. Those sections are really just a chance to show engagement if you've already had some...
  8. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Apologies, I should've deleted my original post - I was unaware that they had removed the word count for this year, so you definitely aren't missing something! :) I'm not too sure in relation to the Arctic Shores test, unfortunately! I would email the graduate recruitment team to...
  9. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! Of course - I can share some tips that I used when detailing my paralegal experience in the work experience section. I wouldn't worry too much about only having been there a few months - even a short amount of paralegal experience can give you plenty to talk about. I'd suggest focusing...
  10. Abbie Whitlock

    Virtual Interviews - Zero confidence!!

    Hi! I really relate to what you’re feeling, and video interviews used to be the most challenging part of the assessment process for me due to the reasons you listed above. It feels unnatural and I remember focusing so much on the timer that I would get sidetracked from my answer. The initial...
  11. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi @helloj !! Congratulations on the assessment day invite - what an amazing achievement! 🥳 I haven’t personally experienced the K&L Gates assessment day, so I can’t say for certain what you should expect. However, from what I understand, the K&L Gates direct TC assessment day includes the...
  12. Abbie Whitlock

    Documenting my TC Journey (Project TC🚀)

    Hi @JasmineM9 !! It’s great to hear you had an amazing time at the TCLA x Wilkkie Open Day today!! I always used to love going to open days as it was a great way to see the firm firsthand and speak to so many interesting people. I can totally understand the daunting feeling as well - I’m still...
  13. Abbie Whitlock

    LLM SQE preparation?

    Hello! That sounds really stressful - totally understandable to be worried, especially now that you have started your prep and want to make sure everything is on track. I haven’t been in this exact situation myself, but my friend was able to book in the second window in the past. The main...
  14. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Whilst I can't say with 100% certainty, I don't believe that time is factored in when taking the test. I took the test a few years ago for Clifford Chance, and I focused on accuracy rather than speed - I think it's always best to take your time (within the limit) and make sure you're...
  15. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! I've just had a look at the application form as well, and I can't see anywhere that you might include postgraduate studies. It might be worth emailing graduate recruitment to confirm, just to make sure you include it in the right section :)
  16. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! That's a really good question!! Just to add to the fantastic answers above, I would say that being innovative and entrepreneurial at trainee level is also about proactivity and taking initiative, rather than running your own client portfolio. Trainees who spot ways to improve process or...
  17. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @a1024 !! From my understanding, Sidley Austin's question is about showing that you understanding what makes a successful lawyer, and demonstrating that you reflect those qualities in yourself. So, it is not purely theoretical - it's strongest when you link the qualities to your own...
  18. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey, I completely understand how you're feeling - these cycles can be really stressful, especially when everything feels out of your control. It's totally normal to feel anxious after submitting applications, and handing them in doesn't mean you've failed or succeed - it just means you've done...
  19. Abbie Whitlock

    Training Contract Deadlines Thread 2025-26

    Hello! As a general rule of thumb, a firm will contact candidates by phone if they are successful, and email if they are unsuccessful. However, I have previously been emailed with a VS offer and phoned with a rejection, so I wouldn't automatically assume the worst if you get an email! If...
  20. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello @WiddyJ ! This is likely to vary from firm to firm! Some will put most of the weight on the online assessment when deciding who moves to the next stage, while others will still look back at your written application as part of the decision. I'd say the safest approach is to make sure you...

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