• Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training Contract
    Now 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.
    Join Premium →
  • Office Hours with BCLP (Live Q&A)
    17 December 2025 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (UK) Hosted on TCLA TV
    Join Isabel Elsey, Legal Recruitment Manager at BCLP, for a live Q&A session. Get details on secondments, innovation, growth areas, and everything else you’ve wanted to ask about life at BCLP!

    📺 View Event →

Search results

  1. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I've noticed this trend with multiple firms - due to a combination of irresponsible generative AI use which allows more applications (albeit mostly generic and untailored) to be instantly drafted then submitted and also the sheer number of applicants naturally increasing each year, firms are...
  2. lawyersum

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

    Dechert has been historically rolling. Not sure if this has changed.
  3. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    From personal experience, there was unfortunately a point last cycle when my mental health was at its lowest, and I had very distressing thoughts and a mini-breakdown. I come from a background where me securing a TC would ensure indirect financial security for my family, as they wouldn't have to...
  4. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I would say that the aspects of your application that you cannot drastically change, i.e., grades and work experiences, should not be focused on too much, apart from briefly considering whether you can articulate your work experience entries better. What you should instead focus on is really...
  5. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    hey @Jaysen and @Ram Sabaratnam! When is the Watson-Glaser interactive tool going to be released?
  6. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    So so glad to see your update and that you've been successful, your advice to me and others was simply invaluable and gave me confidence at my lowest points! Celebrate well :)
  7. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    What does the virtual insight cover?
  8. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Looks like it from their website. First they introduced a new 'psychometric test' which you need to pass to have your 850 word statement read, then they messed up reasonable adjustments last cycle, and now no more winter vs...How lovely
  9. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    @Chris Brown, following your amazing advice, do you also have any advice on how to score high on an Amberjack SJT? I saw that you managed to pass quite a few of them!
  10. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Thanks so much Ram for giving this valuable perspective, it will really help my decision-making process. You've definitely given me a fresh (and more positive) view on what the masters could add to my profile. You're a legend!!
  11. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey guys, what are your opinions on pursuing a master's degree? i've got a solid academic and non-academic background (i.e multiple work experiences, part-time jobs, leadership positions). Funding wise, I anticipate to get relief from some bursaries, so I'm not too worried about that. I want to...
  12. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Thanks Ram, will do so when I get the chance! :)
  13. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi everyone, since Jess has left, who can I PM to ask about some mitigating circumstances? @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman
  14. lawyersum

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Anybody heard from Slaughter's direct TC?
  15. lawyersum

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi everyone, sorry for the silly question but just to clarify: Slaughter and May's CV does not need all your module grades listed, that's what the application form is for?
  16. lawyersum

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Anyone who passed the app stage for White & Case this cycle or any cycle for a vac scheme/TC - was your cover letter exactly or very near to 1000 words? I find the word limit quite intimidating, especially as on paper it would take it over one page...Would love to hear any advice :)
  17. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Thank you so much, your journey is honestly amazing - well done to you! Reading this has definitely given me a push :)
  18. lawyersum

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and share your journey @Chris Brown. It brought a much-needed smile to my face this morning x Didn't realise our journeys into law were that similar, and I feel better that it can work out for me like it has for you x🙂

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.

Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.