• 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 →
  • Ace Your Vacation Scheme Applications with Reed Smith
    10 Nov 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    Join Reed Smith for this practical session on how to write a strong vacation scheme application ahead of key deadlines. Understand what recruiters look for and how to get past the application review stage.
    Register on Zoom →
  • Write Winning Vacation Scheme Applications with Osborne Clarke
    11 Nov 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    Hear from Recruitment Advisor Patrick Fermin Ryan at Osborne Clarke on how to write a successful vacation scheme application. Gain expert advice on what makes applications stand out and how to approach yours with confidence.
    Register on Zoom →

Search results

  1. A

    Learn commercial awareness with me ahead of training contract interviews

    Hi Jaysen, this is a great thread. Here’s how I go about when working on my commercial awareness: 1) I have regularly started listening to the FT news briefing podcast, and then read up on the main stories for that day’s podcast. This way I know the main commercial stories and I try and think...
  2. A

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Wow, this is so inspiring 😍 many congratulations 🎉👏
  3. A

    My journey to a TC-Non UK law degree

    Thank you Jaysen. Means so much coming from you!
  4. A

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Thank you Jessica. Very helpful!
  5. A

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Thank you Jessica. Would you also say when I mention these qualities and challenges, I link it back to the firm or just describe what I did to overcome them?
  6. A

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    "Describe what you think it takes to be a successful commercial lawyer and what are some of the challenges you might face as a trainee solicitor." @Jessica Booker how do you think I should approach this question? The word limit is 300 and I am not sure how many points do I pick out for qualities...
  7. A

    My journey to a TC-Non UK law degree

    Life update! It’s been a while since I’ve posted on this thread. I want to be more forthcoming about my experiences and that’s why I’ll do my best to provide timely updates on this thread in the hope of getting closer to achieving my dream. Here’s how this cycle has gone so far for me, I...
  8. A

    Free Practise Exercise: Practise for Group Exercises and Case Studies with this Article!

    Summarise the article in two sentences Google’s AI bod Bard makes a mistake in correctly answering a query which has wiped $100bn (£82bn) off the company’s market capitalisation. This has worried investors who say such a lapse can result in the software causing plagiarism issues. Can you think...
  9. A

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Hi, very sorry to hear. But on the flip side, many congratulations on getting to two ACs. That’s a fantastic achievement. I understand how you feel and if it’s any consolation, I am a postgraduate having completed my masters last year. I still don’t have a VS/TC and it honestly does not matter...
  10. A

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    hey, thanks. it wasn't from the firm, i spoke to some trainees at US/intl firms and they told me that my app was well written and was tailored to ropes, so its a bit difficult to understand what went wrong
  11. A

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Thank you. Received it at the same time with other people, around 1.30pm
  12. A

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Ropes pfo, this one hurts.. genuinely thought I had written a good application, received positive feedback too 😭 been getting rejecting post apps for all vs apps that I made this cycle, thought my previous applications weren’t upto the mark but had hoped for ropes @Jessica Booker can u provide...
  13. A

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    They mentioned on their FAQs that they will respond to all applications after a month and might take longer for some apps as they review every app form holistically, so I think you should probably wait till a month from the date you applied, I applied on 31 Jan and haven’t heard back
  14. A

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    I don’t know a lot about this, I believe it’s a new initiative as part of TCLA academy to pair candidates with current or future trainee solicitors and help them with the TC application process
  15. A

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Hi @Tattyasha, I must say you are very brave to share your story and your life experiences. I understand applying for a training contract is a nerve wracking process, it will take time but you will eventually get there. Don’t worry and take care of yourself. If I can share one advice that helps...
  16. A

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Joining the shearman pfo gang ❤️
  17. A

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Kirkland PFO post app, applied on 31st December, expected this outcome so not surprised Still waiting to hear from shearman & ropes
  18. A

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2022-23

    Has anyone heard back from Kirkland re their apps? I applied on 31st december but haven’t had any update from the firm? I emailed grad rec asking when they would get back to candidates, and they said they’re reviewing apps, but I’ve seen some people get VI invites. Should I be worried?
  19. A

    My journey to a TC-Non UK law degree

    Hi guys, I have a question for the ropes vac scheme open question What are the three challenges that law firms face now and/or in the future and how is Ropes & Gray positioned to tackle them? I have a rough idea about how to tackle this question and I have identified three challenges which I...
  20. A

    My journey to a TC-Non UK law degree

    Hey everyone. I know I’m very late to this party. But having read the stories of so many aspiring lawyers has inspired me to write about my journey so far and take accountability for my mistakes. Here’s my journey so far: 1) applied to and got rejected from the spring vacation schemes at Sidley...

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