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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.
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Register on Zoom →SQE Student Panel with BPP19 Nov 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)Join us for a live student panel with BPP University Law School. We'll be joined by Jonny Hurst, Senior Lecturer in Law at BPP, and current BPP students who will share their advice on passing the SQE.
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Video Interview - Zero confidence - HELP!!
Hi! I completely resonate—I also enjoyed live interviews but found myself falling short in video interviews! They can feel awkward and robotic, so you’re definitely not alone in this experience. I wouldn’t worry too much, because believe it or not, most people feel the exact same way with VIs...- ZNadeem
- Post #2
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I’d recommend keeping it really focused and structured since you’ve only got 250 words. The best way is to choose 2–3 personal qualities that you genuinely believe are key to being a successful lawyer (e.g. attention to detail, resilience, teamwork, commercial awareness). For each quality...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,418
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I highly doubt time is taken into account for your percentile score. The Watson Glaser is designed to test accuracy under timed conditions, so the key factor is simply how many answers you get correct. The timer already restricts you, so there’s no additional benefit to finishing quicker...- ZNadeem
- Post #103
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I completely understand how you’re feeling—my third year of uni was also my first application cycle, and it was incredibly stressful because of all the uncertainty and the feeling that so much was out of my control. It’s very normal to feel anxious about submitting applications, as once you...- ZNadeem
- Post #100
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Firms don’t carry out background checks on extracurricular activities such as university committee roles, so you don’t need to worry about formal verification in that sense. That said, it’s really important to always be honest, because you can be asked about anything you list on your...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,385
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! For Q1, I’d suggest working backwards. Think about what aspects of commercial law as a career you’d like to learn more about (e.g. international work, client-facing responsibilities, the variety of practice areas, or how lawyers balance technical advice with commercial awareness). Then use...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,384
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Guidance: How to Answer “Why X Firm” Hi everyone! I wanted to share some key tips on answering the common question “Why X firm?” and how to approach it step by step. Step 1: Initial Research Start with a surface-level search of the firm to identify 3 USPs (unique selling points) they are...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,377
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Training Contract Deadlines Thread 2025-26
Hi! From my experience on a vacation scheme there, I’d say BCLP mainly recruits through the schemes. That said, they do have a stronger direct TC rate compared to many other firms, so the DTC route is definitely viable if that is your only option!- ZNadeem
- Post #6
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Honestly, I wouldn’t worry too much — it’s a computer-generated report, so even if you performed strongly overall, the system will usually flag something as a relative weakness. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “bad” at adaptability, just that you were comparatively stronger in the other...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,371
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I’d recommend splitting your answer into two clear paragraphs: Paragraph 1 – Why solicitor: Use the PEA structure (Point, Evidence, Analysis). Make your point (e.g. you’re motivated by the variety of work, client interaction, or problem-solving), back it up with evidence (an experience...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,370
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Nothing safe is worth the drive (TC version)
Wow, huge congratulations! That’s such fantastic news — and even better that it’s the role, firm, team, and location you were really hoping for. It sounds like the perfect fit, and I’m so glad things lined up the way they did for you :) Thank you as well for sharing your experience. Best of...- ZNadeem
- Post #14
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Huge congrats!!- ZNadeem
- Post #6,182
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Great question. You can definitely mention that an open day helped solidify your interest, but I’d avoid naming the specific firm as it isn't necessary and probably a waste of words. Instead, keep it general and focus on the activity or learning point. For example, you could say: “After...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,351
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I’d say it can definitely be worth applying for the Macfarlanes dinner. Firms usually factor in the timing of their introductory events when looking at applications, since they know lots of candidates will want to attend first and then apply. Attending the dinner could give you useful...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,350
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Rather than tying your answer directly to Hogan Lovells at every step, it’s better to link your examples back to the trainee role itself. You can do this by focusing on the key competencies HL highlight on their website (e.g. collaboration, resilience, problem-solving, communication) and...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,325
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Congrats on the AC invite – that’s a huge step! Group exercise tips Collaborate, don’t compete – build on others’ points, encourage quieter teammates, and keep the group moving towards consensus. Listen actively – respond to what’s been said instead of just waiting for your turn. Be concise &...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,324
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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My TC Diaries
Hi! Thanks for sharing this update—it sounds like you’ve been managing a lot on your plate between full-time work, applications, and everything else. It’s good to hear that limiting social media helped you reset and regain confidence—I had to delete LinkedIn myself during my cycle. It’s great...- ZNadeem
- Post #11
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I think the impact of having passed the SQE really depends on the jurisdiction. For international offices (e.g. the Middle East), it can be an advantage or even a requirement, since those offices often expect incoming trainees to be qualified or close to qualification. For London...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,284
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Rolling applications
Hi! For rolling recruitment, firms review applications as they come in and make decisions on a continual basis. Applying early can give you an advantage because: More spots available: Early applicants are competing for more open places, so you aren’t squeezed out by positions already filled by...- ZNadeem
- Post #3
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I would try to add another if possible. Even if you only have one main hobby right now, think about anything from the past few years — a society role, volunteering, sports, music, debate, mentoring, competitions, or even part-time projects. It doesn’t have to be ongoing to count, and having...- ZNadeem
- Post #1,261
- Forum: Applications Discussion