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Search results

  1. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I’d structure this similarly to an open day application, but tailored to the unique setting of a dinner. A good way to approach it is: Pick 2–3 USPs of Macfarlanes that you genuinely resonate with and would like to explore further (e.g. their focus on complex cross-border work, their...
  2. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! This is a really interesting question because it’s designed to give recruiters a glimpse of your personality beyond academics and work. With 250 words, they want more than a fun fact — they’re giving you space to tell a story. Here’s how I’d approach it: Pick something unique and personal...
  3. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! If it’s your overall grade, it’s generally fine to round to the nearest whole number — for example, 62.3% can be listed as 62% and 64.75% as 65%. I personally did this throughout my applications and CVs to various firms. However, if it’s the mark for a single module, I’d recommend keeping...
  4. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I’d say trust your instincts — if your previous answer genuinely feels like the strongest and most authentic, it’s perfectly fine to reuse the topic and core personal elements. That said, it’s worth updating the structure and reflection to show growth and ensure the answer reads as polished...
  5. ZNadeem

    Module I did not perform well in - will it set me back?

    Hi! Huge congrats on graduating and achieving such a strong overall result! Honestly, your 56% in one module isn’t likely to hold you back, especially since your overall average is 67% — well above the 2:1 most firms are looking for. Firms in particular tend to focus more on your overall...
  6. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! As a former international student myself, happy to share some insight. The 20-hour work limit on a Student Visa only applies during official university term time. During vacation periods (winter, spring, and summer breaks), you are permitted to work full-time — so if the vacation scheme...
  7. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Huge congrats! 🎉 That’s such an inspiring journey — it really shows the value of persistence, resilience, and not giving up, even when the process feels daunting or slow. Your story is a great reminder that it only takes one firm to recognise your potential, and that it’s never too late to...
  8. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! For this question, I’d suggest choosing your three most impressive achievements or interests and making your answer a bit more personal. You don’t need to cover everything — the rest can sit in the work experience section.
  9. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Just to add some insight, you can definitely bring your vacation scheme experience into your application this year. It works especially well in a “Why this firm?” answer because you now have first-hand exposure to the firm’s culture, work, and people. You can use this to show depth in your...
  10. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! If NRF haven’t set a word count for this cycle, then it’s fine to go slightly over a page—as long as it’s within about 1.3 pages. I’d suggest playing around a little with font size and margins to add space, but the key is to make sure every sentence earns its place and that you’re using the...
  11. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I’d suggest picking two things the firm is particularly known for that resonate with you, and structure your answer around those. Then, write two paragraphs—each one following a PEA structure: Point – identify the USP you want to explore (e.g. their global platform, strength in finance, or...
  12. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I’d recommend keeping your cover letter under 1.5 pages. Ideally, aim for around 1 page, but it’s perfectly fine if it goes a little over.
  13. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Just to add my 2 cents, as this was something I struggled with in applications that didn’t have the classic “why law” or “why our firm” questions. At first I found it strange, because I thought those were the most important things firms wanted to hear. But what I’ve realised is that many...
  14. ZNadeem

    SQE textbook advice

    Hi! I’ve just started the SQE at BPP this month, so thought I’d share what I’ve found useful so far. The Revise SQE guides have been excellent for getting to grips with the underlying law – they explain things clearly without being overwhelming, and I find them a good complement to the BPP...
  15. ZNadeem

    Sidley Austin WVS

    Hi! Huge congrats on reaching the final partner interview — that’s a fantastic achievement! 🎉 A few tips: Know your application inside out: partners often like to dig into your motivations, experiences, and anything you’ve mentioned in your form/cover letter. Prepare on Sidley itself: be clear...
  16. ZNadeem

    Macfarlanes - Summer Vacation Scheme 2026

    Hi! Here are some tips: 1.⁠ ⁠Understand the question: The question is essentially asking: “Why do you belong at Firm X?” It’s the traditional “why this firm?” question, but with a twist — it wants to see your personal story and how it aligns with the firm’s values, culture, or work. So it’s...
  17. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I’d definitely recommend starting with the practice test on their website to get a feel for the format. Beyond that, have a close look at the competencies the firm highlights (things like teamwork, attention to detail, communication, client focus, etc.) and keep those in mind when you’re...
  18. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I get where you’re coming from, but I do think firms use them because they give a quick sense of whether someone understands the role of a trainee and how to act in a law firm setting. They’re less about being “right or wrong” in an absolute sense, and more about showing judgment in line...
  19. ZNadeem

    Documenting my TC Journey (Project TC🚀)

    So glad you had such a great time! It’s amazing that you were able to learn so much about the firm, meet interesting people, and go in feeling more confident. Sounds like you really made the most of the opportunity 🙌
  20. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! A structure that usually works well is: 1–2 paragraphs on why commercial law Start by clearly stating why you’re drawn to commercial law. Use the PEA structure (Point, Evidence, Analysis): make a clear point about your motivation, provide evidence from your experiences (e.g., coursework...

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