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Search results

  1. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Do you know if it’s CV-blind or competency-based? That will shape your prep. In any case, I’d suggest: Focus on competency and strength-based questions — use STAR to structure your answers clearly. Look at key competencies firms usually value (teamwork, resilience, communication...
  2. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I wouldn’t go under font size 11 (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri all work fine). That usually gives you around 800–850 words on one side of A4 if margins are adjusted.
  3. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I would actually suggest sticking to 2 — that way you can go into depth and really draw out the skills, rather than spreading yourself too thin. 3 can work if they’re tightly written, but 4 in 250 words would almost definitely sacrifice depth for breadth.
  4. ZNadeem

    TC Journey

    Hi! I would say this is a bit wordy — the core idea is strong, but it gets buried. You are on the right track with picking a USP niche to commercial law! However, right now, you’ve given a lot of Evidence (detailed stories) but not enough Analysis tying it clearly back to why this makes...
  5. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! The structure I recommend is to keep it simple but impactful: pick 2–3 distinct USPs about the firm that genuinely interest you and that you’d like to explore further (e.g. DEI initiatives, a practice area, international work, etc.). Then use the PEA structure for each paragraph: Point –...
  6. ZNadeem

    Open Day and Insight Scheme Deadlines 2025-26

    Hi! I was rejected from open days and went on to secure vacation schemes with those firms because firms recognise that a candidate can demonstrate genuine interest and suitability through a strong application, even without having attended the open day. In fact, most people who get AC will not...
  7. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! It’s not about your capability at all. Open day rejections usually come down to limited spots. Firms often have far more applicants than they can accommodate, so many strong candidates get turned away simply because of numbers. It doesn’t reflect poorly on your skills or potential—it’s just...
  8. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! An open day and a vacation scheme application are evaluated separately. Open days are generally designed to give students insight into the firm and identify genuinely interested candidates, but attendance (or performance in the open day selection) isn’t a formal prerequisite for a vacation...
  9. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! There is nothing inherently wrong with it but they might not feel like you need another open day, so be sure to clearly explain what new aspects or developments you’re hoping to learn about this time. You can frame it positively by highlighting what you found interesting, what you learned...
  10. ZNadeem

    TC Journey

    Wow, these reflections are really thorough and show a high level of self-awareness, which is exactly the kind of mindset that will improve your applications. I love how you’ve broken down each rejection and honestly analysed what didn’t work. I also like that you’re thinking strategically about...
  11. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I think for this question they’re really asking you to move away from the obvious (part-time jobs, formal work experience, or academics) and instead highlight things like volunteering, extra-curriculars, committee positions, sports, creative projects, or other personal initiatives. These are...
  12. ZNadeem

    Wee Intro

    A huge welcome, David, and wishing you the very best on your journey! Let us know if we can help along the way :)
  13. ZNadeem

    Recent Law Graduate Seeks Advice on Paralegal Applications/Next Steps

    Hi! While I haven’t worked as a paralegal myself, here are some insights based on my conversations with friends who have: Paralegal roles are competitive, but not impossible—applying widely and tailoring your applications to each firm will improve your chances. Legal experience is not strictly...
  14. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I don’t think attending events automatically gives you a better chance — it’s more about how you speak about the firm in your application. If you’ve already interacted with the firm in previous cycles, that’s more than enough too!
  15. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Here’s some fantastic advice Vera has given for this question before: This is essentially a type of “why you” question. The best way to approach it is to research Paul, Weiss in depth and pick 2–3 aspects that you think really define the firm (for example, their litigation strength...
  16. ZNadeem

    Documenting my TC Journey (Project TC🚀)

    Thank you for sharing this update! It takes courage to be open about the tough parts. This might feel disappointing, especially when you’ve poured time and effort into the applications — but it really doesn’t define your ability or future chances. Every strong candidate faces setbacks like this...
  17. ZNadeem

    Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025-26 (with rolling/non rolling checklist!)

    Hi! Firms don’t require prior legal experience for vacation schemes! Any experience—whether volunteering, extracurriculars, or internships—is valuable. What matters most is how you frame what you’ve done and the skills you’ve developed. It’s actually very rare for vac scheme applicants to...
  18. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! You should clearly articulate/analyse why you believe the open day will help you explore the relevant interest/USP you are speaking about. For example: Exposure to the firm’s culture: “Attending the open day will allow me to observe firsthand how the firm operates and the working...
  19. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Here are some tips that always worked for me: I would suggest picking 2-3 USPs of the firm you would like to learn more about and can evidence an interest in through your experiences. Then follow the PEA structure for each point. P — introduce the USP and that you would like to learn more...
  20. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Just some insight: I think most firms do list any grade requirements for the PGDL on their website, usually under the careers section or FAQs. If you can’t find the information there, it’s perfectly fine to email the graduate recruitment team to clarify.

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