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Search results

  1. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    My impression is that the firm staggers its progression a lot during the application cycle, so different people will hear back at widely different points in time without any particular reason to explain it. Back when I was applying as well, I was in a similar position as you are, and I only...
  2. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @seriouscandidate_ I do not believe there is a clear "best" way to prepare for WG tests. Instead, I think there are a variety of different tests and courses that each have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of the sections they prepare you for. You should also bear in mind that...
  3. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    There is no clear consensus on this point from what I am aware, and I expect this is an issue that can depend significantly on the particular recruiter's opinion and on the context of the points you are making (i.e. if you are making points that could have easily been connected to many more...
  4. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @SemperParatus I would not be too worried about this. The very nature of many of these tests necessitates there will be one area that is classified as a 'weakness' - that does not tell you about how close you are to the firm's overall desired personality profile. If anything, I would be...
  5. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I have no specific insider knowledge about what the firm expects candidates to write about in the cover letter, but I think it is quite likely that you would not be expected to discuss an interest in commercial law that goes beyond the kind of work the firm does in London. Firstly, a general...
  6. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    As long as you keep it to one message which is very politely formulated, I think you can reach out to the firm's graduate recruiters on LinkedIn and explain you wanted to let them know about the situation there as well, as you feared your emails might have not gotten through. If you decide to do...
  7. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think so - the fact that the firm only provided you with 4 entries in the work experience section is likely a conscious choice to deviate from the norm, as most firms allow you to have around 10 or so entries. Thus, the firm probably wants to get candidates to be selective with the work...
  8. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yes - while it seems like Latham places more weigh on open day attendance than other firms, I have heard of many people getting to the AC without it. This also makes sense from a recruitment policy perspective, as the firm would lose out on a huge talent pool by restricting their consideration...
  9. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @BobThebIlly I do not think the firm has any strict view as to how the response to this question should be structured. As such, I think your overriding principle when determining your approach should be to have an answer that is clear, well-put together, and easy to read and navigate, while...
  10. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think you should indeed try to actually pick out a feature that you believe would not feel very enjoyable to experience, at least when comparing it to the other features of working in commercial law. I do not think your example is necessarily implausible, as I have heard a number of lawyers...
  11. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Huge congratulations @maylawwww 🥳 🥳 🥳 ! I also definitely agree with your sentiment, having been progressed after some VIs I thought I had completely flunked. I believe a general principle people should try to internalise is that if you are finding an assessment really difficult, it is...
  12. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yes - although it is closer to date, Slaughter and May has never had a reputation for caring a lot about how early an application was submitted. If anything, the firm is know to look for a particular "type" of academics-focused applicants and to often depart from common recruitment practices...
  13. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    It should be fine to just address it to the firm's "Graduate Recruitment Team/Early Careers Team/the specific terms the firm uses to name this department", as even if S&C has a training principal, they will certainly not be the ones reading the cover letter; and as such, it is unlikely the firm...
  14. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Huge congrats on getting to the interview stage! I have listed a few helpful resources bellow: A page on TCLA with a number of candidates describing their interview experiences at JD in detail - these are freely accessible, but are from interviews that have taken place a few years back. A...
  15. Andrei Radu

    Very worried, what should I do to compensate for A*BB in A levels?

    Hi @ML07 I do not think you should be worried about the A-level grades regarding your chances to secure a TC at a top firm. Firms have always cared a lot less about A-level grades than about university performance, simply because what you do in the more mature and difficult university setting is...
  16. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Yes, I would advise you to try to connect the points you mention to some examples from your experiences; consider allocating your time like this: 30ish seconds explaining the feature of commercial law you would enjoy most and why you think that will be the case (here I would discuss something...
  17. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I definitely think you should still apply if you have an interest in the firm. While Jones Day is known to be a firm that is really serious about their rolling reviewing process by sending out many offers early, there is more than a month and a half till the application deadline, and it is well...
  18. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I do not think it is a bad look and I would encourage you to put yours down, as they showcase your dedication to pursuing commercial law. Firms are well aware that any candidate with a senior interest in commercial law will be applying to many firms besides theirs, and thus that they may have...
  19. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Besides their mid-market corporate M&A work, CMS is also known to excel in the following areas: The TMT sector (technology, media, & entertainment), having recently advised on clients such as Esports World Cup Foundation on the organisation of the first Esports World Cup. In healthcare, where...
  20. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi @AngelBaird I have listed bellow some TCLA resources on this: An article from 2018/2019 detailing a candidate's AC experience A thread from the current cycle discussing A&OC AC advice =allenOvery']Four articles describing A&OC AC experiences from 2023, available on the Premium Database

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