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Search results

  1. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Apologies, I have realised that they have removed the word count for this year (so ignore me!). I would follow the amazing advice from @Amma Usman and use that structure if there isn't one provided for you :)
  2. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! That's a really great question. I haven't had to explain mitigating circumstances myself, but I have requested reasonable adjustments before, and I wasn't asked to provide evidence upfront for those. I'd imagine it's similar with mitigating circumstances - most firms will take your...
  3. Abbie Whitlock

    Ask 3 future trainees ANYTHING!

    Hi everyone!! My name is Abbie, and I am a future trainee at Reed Smith and currently on my SQE internship at the firm! I’m excited to be joining TCLA as a Community Assistant alongside the amazing @Amma Usman and @Andrei Radu, especially as TCLA was such a huge part of my training contract...
  4. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello @Mara I'm really sorry to hear about your loss - that must have been incredibly hard, especially being stuck abroad during Covid. It makes complete sense that your grades dipped at that time, and it sounds like you've shown incredible resilience by still achieving a solid 2:1 and...
  5. Abbie Whitlock

    Training Contract Deadlines Thread 2025-26

    Hi! As the deadline isn't until November, I'd say that it is definitely still worth applying. As a general rule, I would always recommend submitting the application even if it is close to the deadline, as you never know!
  6. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    No worries at all!! :) I wouldn't worry too much about them (easier said than done, I know!). If you have mitigating circumstances and they are first year grades, firms are likely to be very understanding of this, especially if you have gone on to achieve really strong results :D
  7. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! I am, thank you - I hope you are too! 😊 I believe that most city law firms will request a breakdown of individual modules as part of their application. However, it's unlikely that a few lower module grades will determine whether your application progresses. In most cases, firms focus on...
  8. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Good afternoon!! Of course, I can share how I would approach each question :) Benefits of the Open Day Start with what you want to learn: this should be the main focus of this question. Think about why you're attending the Open Day and what you hope to take away. For example, insight to...
  9. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! From what I can see on their website, the test is automatic and everyone who submits an application is invited to complete the bespoke gamified online test. After that, only applicants who meet the minimum benchmark have their application screened further. If successful, they then move...
  10. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hey! Don't worry, your question makes perfect sense. The wording of some application questions can definitely be a bit confusing. The "or" here means that you don't have to cover everything - you can either talk about your extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility, or focus on...
  11. Abbie Whitlock

    Training Contract Deadlines Thread 2025-26

    Hey! From the Chambers Student Guide on BCLP, it states that between 85-90% of their trainee intake comes in through its vacation schemes. As they offer 20 training contracts a year, this is likely to be a few DTC offers per cycle. Whilst they recruit from the vacation scheme in most...
  12. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! I wouldn't worry too much at all - as @ZNadeem mentioned above, the 'weakness' will simply be the score that you scored the lowest in. This doesn't necessarily mean that you had a bad score in that area! Every applicant will be given a weakness, and it's likely that all of the skills...
  13. Abbie Whitlock

    Recent Law Graduate Seeks Advice on Paralegal Applications/Next Steps

    Just to add to @Amma Usman's fantastic advice above, I would really recommend looking into agencies / recruiters. I uploaded my CV on TargetJobs shortly after my graduation this year (and just before being offered a TC), and I was contacted about paralegal opportunities in my local area...
  14. Abbie Whitlock

    Nothing safe is worth the drive (TC version)

    Huge congratulations on securing your dream paralegal role!!! That's such an exciting achievement, especially at a firm and in a team you already know you really connect with. It sounds like a perfect fit, and it's amazing that all three elements lined up for you. I remember the moment when I...
  15. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello @llblawstudent ! I think the Lift Off programme could be a good option if you're looking for more exposure to the firm, especially since you mentioned you haven't had the chance to do many insight schemes yet. It gives you a chance to build up knowledge and connections before the vacation...
  16. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello! If your motivations for applying haven't changed much, it's absolutely fine to keep some of the same core content from your previous application - especially if it clearly sets out why the firm appeals to you and why you'd be a good fit. They key is to make sure that the new application...
  17. Abbie Whitlock

    Dechert - Winter Vacation Scheme 2025

    Hello! Dechert has historically had a rolling deadline, but I can't find any recent information confirming if that applies this year. If you'd like to double-check, I'd email graduate recruitment to confirm :)
  18. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello @jojo23 ! Not a stupid question! I would probably include open events (and any other insight days) as well as VS / TCs :)
  19. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hello @Jennifer2003 ! Great question! This comes up a lot, and having a structure can really help you stay within 200 words. A simple structure could look like this: 1. Why solicitor? (80-100 words) Explain why this career path appeals to you specifically (rather than barrister or another...
  20. Abbie Whitlock

    Wee Intro

    That's a really great question - and you're definitely not alone in feeling a bit torn between the two! I had the same dilemma when I was applying, as I knew I learnt the most when I had on-the-job-training, but I was more comfortable with the formal training. I think most of us thrive with a...

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