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Search results

  1. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! That is definitely a good link! You just need to emphasise why/what about that background/experience has drawn you to the relevant area. In fact, many candidates won’t have a direct connection to such USPs, so it’s fine to focus on the aspects you can link to yourself to show genuine...
  2. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! It does seem like the prep time is unlimited, but I can see why the wording is confusing. To be safe, I’d recommend dropping the graduate recruitment team a quick email to clarify.
  3. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! It’s definitely worth reapplying — Slaughter and May allow it, and I know of people who were successful on their second attempt within the same cycle. With the added experience, a stronger cover letter, and an earlier submission, you’d be showing real progression.
  4. ZNadeem

    Sidley phone interview

    Hi! Huge congrats! I am not sure of what exactly will come up, but here is some advice :) Likely 10–15 minutes. Professional environment is important (quiet, no distractions, test microphone/audio beforehand). Motivation Questions Why commercial law? Why this career path if your background...
  5. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! If you intend to use it as evidence of the unique work the firm has done to evidence your interest in a relevant practice area, then it should be fine! However, if the question is asking you to “speak about a recent deal we have done”, then maybe try to pick something more recent (previous...
  6. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I would suggest starting by identifying 2–3 unique selling points (USPs) of the firm that genuinely resonate with you—for example, their global reach, collaborative culture, or specific practice areas that interest you. Once you have these, link each one to your own background, experiences...
  7. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! You’d need to write it as “DLA Piper’s (DLA)” the first time. That said, I don’t think it’s worth abbreviating in this case — the firm itself does not shorten its name to just “DLA.” It’s worth checking their website, but usually keeping it as “DLA Piper” throughout is the safest option.
  8. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I have been hearing that it does not in this cycle :)
  9. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I completely get that it feels tough! But try to separate those doubts from the disciplined effort of applying — that way you don’t have to rely on motivation alone to keep going. Two rejections, or even 100, don’t define your potential. Keep reminding yourself why you want to work in this...
  10. ZNadeem

    Building confidence for vacation scheme applications

    Hi! I completely understand how intimidating it can feel — but remember, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by applying. If you make it past the application stage, that’s already proof you’re doing something right. Try to separate self-doubt from the disciplined effort of applying...
  11. ZNadeem

    Documenting my TC Journey (Project TC🚀)

    Huge huge congrats — that’s amazing news! So glad all your effort is paying off. (And totally agree, everything at TJ Maxx is elite!)
  12. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yes, you can — just make sure to write it out in full the first time (e.g. private equity (PE)) and then use the abbreviation afterwards.
  13. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yes, definitely! It’s still valuable to reference the conversation — the insight itself matters more than the name. In fact, sometimes mentioning names just wastes words.
  14. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Just to offer some insight — yes, it can be completely unrelated to law I would say. The point is to give insight into your personality and interests. It’s an interesting question, so I’d suggest brainstorming a few ideas and picking one that genuinely excites you. They’ll also be looking at how...
  15. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Probably not — from what’s online, the Future Potential Assessment involves numerical and verbal questions plus scenario-based reasoning. It’s designed to test intellect and creativity in typical trainee scenarios, not legal knowledge, since applicants can come from any background.
  16. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi! Yes, it might be that way to prevent cheating. From what I’ve seen online, it’s an online verbal reasoning test, so they likely want to fix a time for you to complete it under set conditions.
  17. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Huge congratulations — I’m so happy for you! What an amazing achievement, especially after such a long journey. Really inspiring to hear that all your persistence paid off :)
  18. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I’d double-check Sidley’s website or email their graduate recruitment team, since many firms only allow one application per cycle — so you’ll want to clarify whether submitting the Winter scheme means you can’t apply to other schemes later.
  19. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yes, definitely! I’d recommend including all relevant experiences — even student society roles or things from school — if there isn’t another section to capture them. They still show skills and commitment that matter for applications.
  20. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! If the firm highlights commercial curiosity on their website or materials, it’s fine to use their wording. Otherwise, I’d recommend rewording it into a more skill-like word(s) so it doesn’t sound too abstract.

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