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Search results

  1. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! It should include a video interview question, but I’ve also heard of some candidates saying they didn’t get one — so perhaps email grad rec to confirm.
  2. ZNadeem

    Macfarlanes online assessment - any advice??

    Hi! I’m not fully sure, but my understanding is that it likely includes all of the categories, not just critical thinking and verbal reasoning.
  3. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! It’s perfectly fine to mention events from the previous application cycle or even before. You don’t need to attend additional events just to add to this section.
  4. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! They’re looking for extra-curricular activities, hobbies, volunteering, or other experiences that helped you develop relevant skills.
  5. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Emphasise the USPs of the firm that genuinely interest you, and explain why attending the open day would help you learn more about them. Keep it specific and show genuine curiosity rather than just listing generic reasons.
  6. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! You don’t need to focus on the firm throughout, but you should mention them towards the middle or end — explain how the opportunity you’ve identified could benefit the firm specifically. The bulk of your answer can focus on the sector and commercial awareness, then tie it back to the firm.
  7. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! That would definitely be overdoing it — mentioning too many events in your answers can distract from your analysis. Instead, it’s better to add them to your work experience or “legal events” section so they’re visible without overwhelming the main application responses.
  8. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I very much doubt it. Most interviews are application-blind, and they’re unlikely to pick on a specific detail like that. It’s fine to talk about what you enjoyed in general terms without recalling the entire scenario.
  9. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Most people don’t have a clear idea of which practice area they want to specialise in, and many haven’t had prior experience in a single practice either. It’s completely normal — what matters is showing curiosity, commercial awareness, and transferable skills in your answers, rather than...
  10. ZNadeem

    Failed SQE2, Deferred Exams, Career Possibility in City Firm?

    Hi! First of all, it’s completely understandable to feel lost — you’ve been through a lot, and your circumstances show a lot of resilience and dedication. A few points and suggestions: Focus on achievable short-term steps: Paralegal or legal assistant roles are excellent for rebuilding your...
  11. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Grad rec has said they do take into account the overall time you spend on it, but don’t rush too much. I know of people taking about an hour and still progressing.
  12. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Yes, definitely! If you spent the time doing it, include it in your work experience. If the Forage course covers something you didn’t get exposed to during your vacation scheme, you can also use it as evidence of your interest in that area.
  13. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi! Have a look at TCLA’s commercial awareness courses—they’re really solid. Also, the book All You Need to Know About the City is a great resource.
  14. ZNadeem

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

    Hi! I believe they are rolling :)
  15. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! That’s a really impressive background! I’d say that unless you’ve already done vacation schemes, it would be better to focus on those first. Most firms recruit mainly through their schemes, so applying would put you in the strongest position. You could try aiming for summer schemes where you...
  16. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Yes, you can! If it’s for the same firm, I’d suggest changing small things so you’re not submitting the exact same answer again. But for a different firm that hasn’t seen it, reusing it is completely fine.
  17. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I’d recommend tweaking small details here and there just to show growth and reflection, but otherwise it’s fine to build on the same answers.
  18. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Well done, and wishing you the best!
  19. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! We’ve consolidated the two options, and what you see as Premium is now the new package.
  20. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Definitely wait until after the event! Firms take their own events into account before they start reviewing applications—so attending the open day first will only strengthen your application.

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