-
Join Premium →Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training ContractNow half the price. Join TCLA Premium for £30/month and get step-by-step application support, daily commercial awareness practice, and 700+ successful examples of past applications and interview experiences. Plus so much more.
Search results
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey @Tangcy ! From what I've seen, in previous years DLA Piper has recruited on a rolling basis ("Open Until Positions Filled"). However, as you mentioned, there is nothing on their website to confirm whether that's the case this year. It might be worth dropping Graduate Recruitment a quick...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,357
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
That's fantastic news - huge congratulations! 🎉 Best of luck as you prepare for the interview - if you need to prepare for any competency questions, this thread is super helpful! Let us know if we can help with any further preparation :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,356
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Amazing news, huge congratulations!!! I hope you take some time to celebrate 🥳- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,181
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @Kakaboo ! I completely understand what you mean - it can be difficult to know where to get information from, as a lot of it seems surface-level. A few things that I used to help me dig deeper are: Legal News Sites (Legal Cheek, The Lawyer, Law.com, RollOnFriday) - they often cover deals...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,340
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
From their website, it states that they are unable to sponsor visa's for their summer internship programme. However, they state that they will sponsor you for a visa if you are successful in receiving an offer to join as a trainee solicitor. As this doesn't specify that this is exclusively for...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,338
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @lawyersum ! Yes, I would pick a relatively recent article if possible - within the last 12 months. This demonstrates that you're keeping up with current developments at the firm and within its client sectors. However, if there's a slightly older article that's still highly relevant (e.g...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,337
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Most firms will have a 2:1 or above minimum requirement at degree level, but mitigating circumstances are taken into account if applicable. There are a few firms that state they do not have minimum academic requirements, such as: Irwin Mitchell Browne Jacobson Lewis Silkin Osborne...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,336
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @LegallyBrunette_ ! Huge congratulations on being invited to AC - what a fantastic achievement! In the AC that I completed for my TC, I had to complete both a group exercise and a case study interview, so I can understand wanting to do all you can to prepare in advance. I can share what...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,334
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I think that the question is a really good opportunity to show a bit more of yourself beyond work and study. It's less about having some huge achievement, and more about showing how everyday experiences have helped you build skills that matter in a trainee role. Activities such as being...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,331
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
My TC Diaries
Hello! Thank you for the update, and it’s great to hear that you are taking care of yourself despite everything going on! Balancing full-time work, applications, and life admin is really tough, so well done for managing that and recognising when you need to step back. Attending law fairs and...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #10
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I think your point about DLA Piper’s broader aviation work is really strong, and shows that you have done your research on the firm. However, I’d suggest keeping it general rather than naming other firms like NRF or CC directly. For example: “This would offer broader exposure than firms...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,318
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Davis Polk does have a 2:1 minimum, and I can see from LinkedIn that there are a few trainees at the firm that achieved a 2:1 in their degree. They are academically selective, but the overall strength of your application is just as important. If you write a solid application that shows...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,317
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! As long as your overall grade is a 2:1 or higher, most firms won’t be concerned about a couple of 2:2s - especially if you have some firsts to balance it out. The graduate recruitment team will be looking at the bigger picture, and as long as there is not a consistent pattern of low...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,316
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! :) From what I understand, you’re expected to fill in the work experience section and upload your CV for the NRF application. I know it can feel slightly repetitive, but they do serve slightly different purposes. Your CV should give the early careers team a full picture of your...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,315
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I think the best way to approach these questions is to treat them like mini personal statements. I would keep them personal and tailored to DLA Piper, and reflective of your own experiences when you can. Here is how I’d break it down: Personal Experience and Motivation for Law This...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,314
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @RaniaH062002 Sorry to hear about the open day rejection - I completely understand that it’s disheartening, but it definitely doesn’t mean that you are out of the running for the vacation scheme. Open day and vacation scheme applications are often assessed separately, and graduate...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,275
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @FutureTraineeMaybe ! Yes, volunteering like that can absolutely go in the work experience section - especially if it involved client interaction and using legal knowledge. A lot of people include things such as volunteering at Citizen’s Advice or law clinics, and it is really relevant...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,273
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Since the question specifically asks about experiences outside of work and study, I’d avoid talking about part-time jobs, internships, vacation schemes or academic projects - these will be more relevant elsewhere in your application. Extra-curricular roles within uni - such as being on a...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #78
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi @BuddyingLawyer744 ! I totally understand how you’re feeling, as preparing for an interview can feel very overwhelming at first. Here are a few tips that worked for me when preparing for vacation scheme / training contract interviews: Understand the Firm Research the firm thoroughly -...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,272
- Forum: Applications Discussion
-
Rolling applications
Hello @Finnc890 ! With rolling applications, there usually isn't a clear cut-off date, and I think it is worth applying even if it is close to the deadline. Whilst I wouldn't recommend waiting until the last minute, late applications can still succeed - I applied to a rolling firm on the...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: Applications Discussion