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Search results

  1. 1

    My (ongoing) TC Journey

    Hi again! HFW aren’t referred to as Holman, Fenwick and Willan anymore, so only use ‘HFW’ in you written application. 2 key things the firm look for in applications: 1) An understanding of their sector focus and why that makes them stand out against their competitors. Why does the sector...
  2. 1

    A-Levels A*BBB - retake?

    Highly doubt firms will care about retakes especially if you get A*/As in them. Also, uni grades are far more important. If you are able to get a 1st in your first year at UCL, you'll have a really strong chance of getting a VS/TC. Many people in the forum have gotten TC's at elite firms with...
  3. 1

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I got an email about 2 minutes after taking the test saying I passed
  4. 1

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I found CC wg relatively simple compared to others. Best of luck!
  5. 1

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Definitely still hope I'd say. The rest of your scores are really good and they'll also look at your VI responses as well as grades and work experience. I doubt they'll auto-reject you based off of one tiny data point.
  6. 1

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Right, but hopefully you realise that unless you're able to sit and pass both SQE 1 and 2 by March 2027, as per their website, then you should be applying for 2028...
  7. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I heard back on the 15th working day post app. So you shouldn't assume pfo tbh.
  8. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Within 15 working days. I received my WE invite after 14 working days
  9. 1

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    2028. You should look at their website where it states the 2027 TC begins in March...
  10. 1

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Only 2 and you have unlimited preparation time for them
  11. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    For now, focus on getting your coursework done. If you haven't started yet and it is due next week, then that should be your ONLY priority imo. Once you get that done I think you should hit the reset button. Clearly whatever strategy you have, if you even have one, isn't working. I felt this way...
  12. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I always aim for a minimum of 80% of the word count. Usually this is the first impression a firm will have of you so it's key to show you took the time to fully engage with their questions; show them that you care (even if you don't lol). Also, you can always find another sentence or 2 that is...
  13. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Application Breakdown so far | Targeting US/MC/SC | c. 10-12 applications still to make Weil ✅📝 W&C ✅📝🎥 Sidley ✅❌ Cleary ✅❌ Willkie ✅🎥✍️ Milbank ✅📝🔵 Dechert ✅✍️❌ Jones Day ✅❌ Slaughters ✅❌ Paul, Weiss ✅❌ Freshfields* ✅📝🔵 Macfarlanes ✅📝🔵 Mayer Brown ✅📝 Gibson Dunn ✅📝 Travers Smith* ✅ A&O...
  14. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Passed Clifford Chance WG after receiving the test this morning (DTC)! Now we have to wait until week commencing 8th December for VI invites.
  15. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Macfarlanes Job Sim Invite! Completed 1st test last Friday after applying on Thursday.
  16. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    If anyone can provide insight into Weil VI, I'm happy to help with Milbank test 1-2, Freshfields test 1-2, Latham test 1-2, w&c vi, Dechert written, Gibson dunn interview, willkie vi and a few more!
  17. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Can anyone clarify what is meant when firms say this (in the context of their online tests): "This assessment is untimed, however, please try to work through it as quickly as possible." Does this mean the time we take to answer a question impacts the score we get? If not, I don't understand why...
  18. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Latham 2nd test invite after completing the 1st test yesterday. Is this automatic?
  19. 1

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    If it’s clarity you’re after, I’m afraid we’re all stepping through the same foggy tide of vacation scheme and training contract applications, where clarity truly is a rare current. Many of us, if not all, have asked ourselves “wtf are firms looking for?” Yet, I hope 2 things should, ironically...

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

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