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Guidance on Paralegal Interview
Hello! Congratulations on being shortlisted! 🎊 For a 30-minute first-round interview, I'd say you can expect it to be fairly competency-based and conversational, with a strong focus on motivation and fit. My advice is largely based around my own experience interviewing for my previous...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! From my understanding, this question is meant to be more specific than just the four broad departments. While it's fine to anchor your answer in one of the main areas (e.g. Private Wealth, Dispute Resolution, Corporate & Commercial, Real Estate), Forsters is really looking for an insight...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,670
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Just had to jump in here - I totally get that feeling, but it is definitely not a fluke or luck! This process is super competitive, and they clearly saw potential and believed in you - you should be super proud (and it is clearly well deserved). Your determination to make the most of the...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,625
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! It's mainly there for mitigating circumstances, but you can also use it for anything genuinely relevant that hasn't fit elsewhere in the application. If you don't have mitigating circumstances, it's completely fine to leave it blank. If you do use it, try to keep it concise and factual -...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,510
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I'd just keep it quite neutral and skills / insight focused. Briefly mention what you did on the scheme (i.e. what departments you sat in) and, more importantly, what you took away from it - such as the skills you developed, insights you gained, and what you learned from working with...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,508
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Not a silly question at all! In short, yes, advising at your university legal clinic could count as a position of responsibility, and it is also fine to refer to it in both sections if it is one of your strongest points. A good way to approach it is to use each section for different...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,378
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I don't think you're expected to force something into that box, and plenty of people either leave it blank or keep it very short. If you do have something that hasn't fitted neatly elsewhere, even if it is more of a hobby, a brief explanation can work well! It definitely does not need to...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,358
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Generally, yes - making brief notes during the preparation / reading time is acceptable unless the firm explicitly says otherwise. In previous VIs, I have used the preparation time to structure my thoughts on paper, and I haven't ran into issues with this. "Independently and unaided" is...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,300
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I'm really sorry to hear about that situation - it's incredibly frustrating when things go wrong that are out of your control. It's difficult to say either way, and I couldn't say whether an individual firm has a policy on adjusting outcomes for technical issues, even when they're...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,299
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Congratulations on the written exercise invite! To address each of your main questions: Camera on: this likely differs from firm to firm. I've sat written exercises before where it asks for permission to use your camera (and, therefore, I assume it was recording!) and others where it...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,238
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Recording My UK Legal Work Experiences #JLaw
That sounds like a great opportunity - congratulations on starting your internship! I did my placement year at a boutique law firm, and they're a really great way to gain some hands-on learning - I'm glad you're enjoying the experience! Wishing you the best for the month ahead, and hopefully it...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! You're definitely not the first person this has happened to, so try not to panic or beat yourself up! I don't think it'll look bad to flag this - I'd suggest emailing the graduate recruitment team, just briefly explaining that you realised a module grade was missing from your application...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,230
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Great question! The short answer is yes, you can mention the AC, but only if it adds value to your narrative. It won't be seen as negative as long as you frame it positively and show growth. A sensible approach could be to: Briefly state you reached the AC last year Note that the...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,161
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I'm well, thank you - hope you are too! :) From the FAQs on their website, I can see that it states: "Yes, we welcome you to apply again but you will need to wait for the next application cycle." Therefore, I would assume that you cannot reapply in the same cycle :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,160
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Happy to help :) The way that I would structure the answer is as follows: 1. Short introduction Briefly state the range of events you have attended and how they've supported your understanding of commercial law 2. Key events For each event, I would include: Name & organiser (e.g...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #9,158
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I'm not entirely sure how much Ashurst values legal experience for their Direct TC route, as this can differ between firms. However, if you have the time to submit a strong, tailored application, I would definitely encourage you to do so! Some firm's don't require much legal experience for...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #1,321
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*
Hi! I'm not overly familiar with Fieldfisher's process, but thought I'd offer my thoughts! Since the Pathways to Practice insight scheme is also a route to their TC, the decision comes down to which application gives you the strongest positioning. In relation to the Pathways to Practice...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #247
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! Not a stupid question at all - I actually wasn't too sure either! Chambers describes it as: "A 'Spotlight' ranking is given to firms or individuals where the table does not have numerical rankings. All 'Spotlight' rankings are equal and the ranking serves to highlight a select group of...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #8,990
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! "Outside work and study" just means anything you do in your personal life that isn't part of your job, degree, or formal education. This can include: Societies and volunteering (if not connected to your job / studies) Hobbies - sports, music, reading, gaming, fitness, art, languages...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #8,988
- Forum: Applications Discussion