• Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training Contract
    Now 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.
    Join Premium →

Search results

  1. Abbie Whitlock

    Application for Open Days?

    Hi @soph_19 ! Just to add to @vera.mekhonoshina’s really great advice above, I would say that it’ll also depend on the nature of the Open Days! For example, if it’s a more general Open Day, it might be difficult to demonstrate a unique interest if you have already successfully applied before...
  2. Abbie Whitlock

    Reed Smith Open Day Feedback

    Hi @wrpark ! Thank you for sharing, and I completely understand your confusion. Open day applications can feel a bit unclear, especially when you are new to applying and haven’t encountered a lot of them. Open days tend to be very competitive as well, as there are often very limited spaces and...
  3. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! As @ZNadeem mentioned, I would try and add another if you can! I can really relate to your concerns as I had a similar issue when I was first completing applications, as I didn’t have many hobbies / extracurriculars outside of my degree. To strengthen my extracurricular section, I...
  4. Abbie Whitlock

    Applying for direct TCs with only mini pupillage legal experience?

    Hi @certihxh ! Thank you for sharing - it’s great that you’ve already done two mini-pupillages, work experience with GLD, and open days at commercial sets. This is all great exposure to the legal profession and shows real initiative. Even though your minis were at common law sets, there’s...
  5. Abbie Whitlock

    A career changer's journey

    Hi @futuresolicitor2028 ! This is such an inspiring update! It takes real courage to leave behind stability and pivot into something completely new, and it’s honestly super motivating to see you reflect on that with so much positivity! I actually did a vacation scheme at Farrer & Co (one of...
  6. Abbie Whitlock

    Badly written SQE questions

    Hi Will! I started the SQE last month, and I have (so far) only been using my providers SBAQ’s. I absolutely understand what you mean - my tutors have always said that you should base your answer solely on what is included within the fact pattern, so the example that you provided is confusing...
  7. Abbie Whitlock

    TC Journey

    Hi @CharlesT47 I really like how you have broken this down, it makes your progress so easy to follow! Staying organised like this makes such a big difference with applications, and you have already had some successful outcomes which you should be super proud of :) As mentioned above, whilst I...
  8. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @Kakaboo ! As the word limit is 300 words, I would say that less is definitely more. The main thing is to show that you've thought about why that firm and why you are interested, without trying to cram in too many points. As you mentioned, linking back to yourself is really important, so I...
  9. Abbie Whitlock

    Wee Intro

    Hi David - welcome to the forum! It's great to hear that you have returned to law, and I look forward to getting to know you over this cycle! Wishing you all the best :)
  10. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @dannyp123 ! I think pro bono can definitely be a nice addition, particularly if you have experience that genuinely links to it. A lot of firms highlight their pro bono work as part of their culture, and some even allow trainees to complete a seat in the pro bono department, so showing that...
  11. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    After having a look on their website, I can't see any published policy that suggests that the Arctic Shores assessment scores are carried over from the previous cycle. From my previous experience with WG scores that have carried over, you would usually receive an email instead of a test invite...
  12. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @efm99 ! I couldn't find anything online that specifically states whether Brown Rudnick's application is rolling or non-rolling. Since there are fixed dates for the interview period and offers, this suggests to me that it is non-rolling process. However, if you'd like to double check, it...
  13. Abbie Whitlock

    Vac Scheme Accommodation

    Hi @ShadeCrest Great question! I completed a vacation scheme last cycle where the firm offered to arrange and book accommodation for students that were travelling from outside of London. In my case, they first checked whether I required accommodation and then made the arrangements directly...
  14. Abbie Whitlock

    Recent Law Graduate Seeks Advice on Paralegal Applications/Next Steps

    Hi @boots. I am well, thank you - I hope you are too! Congratulations on your recent graduation! I thought I would share my thoughts on your questions above - for context, I completed a placement year as a paralegal during my undergraduate degree, and I think this was super helpful for securing...
  15. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi J! I am well, thank you, and I hope you are too! Of course, I can offer some general insights into how I found the assessments. SJT In terms of the SJT, this was relatively similar to the many others you may complete during an application process. The best advice I have seen for tackling...
  16. Abbie Whitlock

    Documenting my TC Journey (Project TC🚀)

    Hey J, I'm really sorry to hear about the rejections - it is completely normal to feel disheartened, especially when you have put so much effort and care into your applications. It shows how much you're committed, and that dedication will absolutely pay off. The time and energy you've...
  17. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @Maddy ! That's a great question! I don't think there is a specific number of activities you need to mention. Last cycle, I was invited to a Paul, Weiss interview, and what worked for me was choosing a few meaningful examples (I'd say between 3 and 5) and showing how they connected to the...
  18. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @annalise.joyn ! Welcome to the forum! First of all, don't worry - you definitely do not sound stupid! Everyone finds this process confusing at the start, especially as there are so many factors to take into consideration. As a non-law student going into your third year, I would focus on...
  19. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Thank you for letting me know! @londonlawyer - To clarify my original answer, unless you have mitigating circumstances, it may not be possible to meet the grade requirements for Hogan Lovells. That said, most firms will take a holistic view of applications, and there are plenty of...
  20. Abbie Whitlock

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @JasmineM9 ! It's great that you've already got the Get Ahead scheme and solid paralegal experience - that gives you a really strong foundation whichever route you choose. For context, I secured my TC through the Direct TC route at my firm after a year as a paralegal and completing a few...

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.

    Share this page

    Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2022 XenForo Ltd. | Style and add-ons by ThemeHouse | Community services from Audentio
    XenCarta 2 PRO © Jason Axelrod of 8WAYRUN
    Top Bottom