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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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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
You’re very welcome! It’s completely understandable—these cycles are tough, and assessment centres rarely show us at our absolute best because of the pressure. Keep up the good work!- ZNadeem
- Post #4,243
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
From what we are all told, case studies are marked quite strictly, including on spelling and grammar, as attention to detail is important. That said, from personal experience, I’ve made spelling errors in assessment centres and still passed—so don’t worry too much! For next time, definitely try...- ZNadeem
- Post #4,241
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Hi! Yes, 250-300 words per question is a good length to aim for. It’s enough to provide a clear, focused answer without being too brief or overly long. For answering "Please tell us why you believe commercial awareness is an important skill for a successful lawyer", your structure is on the...- ZNadeem
- Post #4,238
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Congratulations on securing a vacation scheme with Ashurst! From my experience, their scheme was less formal compared to others, which is a great opportunity to immerse yourself genuinely in the experience. Since there are no assessed tasks, focus on choosing practice areas you’re truly...- ZNadeem
- Post #4,237
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
As an international student myself, I can share some insight into the general process after accepting a TC offer. If there’s a gap before starting the SQE, you might opt for a Graduate Visa if you wish to work during that time. Keep in mind that some firms may cover the costs of this visa, but...- ZNadeem
- Post #4,236
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Congratulations on your interview invite at Ashurst! From personal experience, their interview is largely motivational and competency-based, so make sure you’re ready to discuss your reasons for applying to Ashurst, your interest in their practice areas, and how your skills align with their...- ZNadeem
- Post #4,225
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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What Am I Doing Wrong?
You absolutely shouldn’t give up—getting a vacation scheme and progressing to final-stage interviews shows that you are a strong candidate with the potential to secure a training contract. The process is highly competitive, and setbacks are common even for very qualified applicants. Firms...- ZNadeem
- Post #3
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
1. Understand the Objective Your task will likely assess your ability to analyse information, structure your thoughts, and communicate effectively. Focus on clarity, logic, and relevance in your answers. Read the instructions carefully—ensure you know what’s being asked and stick to the brief...- ZNadeem
- Post #4,207
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Here are some effective tips for situation judgement tests (SJTs): Understand the Test’s Purpose: SJTs assess how you handle workplace scenarios, so always prioritise answers that show good judgment, teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to company values. Think about what the firm values...- ZNadeem
- Post #21,786
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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SQE1 Guidance Needed on Prep Period
It sounds like you have a clear focus and a solid plan in place, which is great! If you’re targeting the July 2026 SQE1 exams and can devote around 4 hours per day, that’s certainly achievable. Assuming you’ll start your preparation a year in advance (around July 2025), 4 hours per day provides...- ZNadeem
- Post #4
- Forum: Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) Forum
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Hi! This varies from firm to firm unfortunately! Some firms know they are just mocks (and not formal assessments that count towards your degree) and so don’t ask for them. However, some firms will request collection grades knowing this is the only way to assess second year grades at Oxford and...- ZNadeem
- Post #21,768
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
TCLA has a SPAG written exercise that may be helpful! This can be purchased from our shop here: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/product/spag/- ZNadeem
- Post #4,124
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Ask A Graduate Recruiter Anything!
For your CV, the smallest font you could use is 10, though 10.5-11 is often a better choice for readability. Anything smaller can make the text difficult to read, especially in printed form or on certain screens. Also, ensure that your font style is clean and professional—fonts like Calibri...- ZNadeem
- Post #5,668
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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SQE1 Guidance Needed on Prep Period
Hi! It's great that you're planning ahead for the SQE exams and considering how to structure your study time. If you're aiming for the January 2026 SQE1 exams and are considering 7 hours per day of study, it seems like a feasible goal, but it really depends on the delivery style of your QLTS...- ZNadeem
- Post #2
- Forum: Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) Forum
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Your chosen topic is good, as it demonstrates commercial awareness by linking political and societal developments to potential legal implications. To structure your story, start by briefly introducing the Labour Government’s plans for a cleaner Britain, including their renewable energy goals and...- ZNadeem
- Post #21,763
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
Without a word count for each question, it’s a good idea to aim for 300 words per response. This strikes the right balance between being concise and providing enough depth to showcase your understanding, experiences, and motivations. Avoid going overboard, as grad rec are unlikely to appreciate...- ZNadeem
- Post #21,762
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
It’s unlikely you would be offered a training contract if you were unsuccessful after a vacation scheme, even if someone reneges or declines their offer. Law firms typically have structured recruitment cycles and reserve lists of strong candidates to fill unexpected vacancies. Once decisions are...- ZNadeem
- Post #21,760
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5
Huge congrats! In the proofreading section, you may be required to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting while ensuring the document maintains a professional and consistent tone. Pay close attention to details such as inconsistent headings, punctuation, or ambiguous...- ZNadeem
- Post #4,114
- Forum: Applications Discussion