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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! You definitely can use hypothetical answers for scenario-based questions, and I wouldn't say it is a bad approach, but the ideal approach is to use a mix of both. The graduate recruitment team mainly want to understand your thought process, so a clear and structured hypothetical answer...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,163
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I think your plan sounds completely fine. The "number grade" box is just so they can see the numerical mark behind the classification, and firm's know that different universities use different marking systems. If your uni marks out of 200, entering the raw mark (e.g. 140) is a sensible...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,161
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I don't think it is necessary to write too much for this section! I would rate your skills overall in various software programmes that you have used, and provide a short explanation of what you can actually do. For example, whilst I'd make it personal and go into a bit more detail, you...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,160
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! They are different questions, but they should complement each other rather than repeat the same points. "Why commercial law?" is mainly about your personal motivations - such as what aspects of the work appeal to you, what experiences shaped your interest, and what strengths you bring to...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #478
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Hello! Happy to share my thoughts on your questions! You don't need to pick a named client. Firms will know that you won't necessarily have access to their client list, so they're expecting you to choose a typical client profile they act for - e.g. a multinational corporation, a bank, a...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! You don't have to force it back to "why law" or "why Skadden", but it does help if your answer shows a bit of self-awareness and aligns with qualities that are useful in a legal career. The prompt is really about giving them insight into your personality, motivations, and the type of...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,038
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I would answer that question by sharing something small but meaningful that people wouldn't immediately know about you. It doesn't have to be deeply personal - just a detail that gives others a better sense of your personality or interests. A lot of people will pick something such as a...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,036
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! I used to struggle with the same thing, and what helped me was starting with more detail before stripping it down. Instead of going straight in with bullet points, I'd first write out a brief plan of what I wanted to say - almost like a mini-script or structured notes. Once I was happy with...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,001
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Not necessarily - especially if you haven't accepted the offer yet. As others have said, the situation changes a bit if you've accepted a TC and are still applying for or completing vacation schemes elsewhere. However, simply holding an offer doesn't prevent you from interviewing with...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,000
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! When you're asked "What is the role of a trainee solicitor?", it can help to step back and split it into two elements: what trainees generally do and what trainees specifically do in the context of that firm. A good way to approach your answer is to break it down into some key themes...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,999
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Scenario-based interviews can feel intimidating, but once you find a method that works for you, they actually become a great opportunity to show how you think and work! One thing that really helps is using a clear structure, such as the STAR method, as this helps keep your answer focused...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,996
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Not a silly question at all! There could be a variety of reasons why the graduate recruitment team have asked, but it's most likely to see which firms they are losing talent to and who they are competing with in the market. For example, if they are constantly losing candidates to the...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #462
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I would try to remain positive - I have scored lower than this in a few SJTs/VIs and still been progressed! In fact, I scored 6766 in the SJT for the firm I eventually secured my TC with, so I wouldn't automatically assume a rejection :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,976
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I think there are two ways of approaching this, and it'll depend on whether you have applied for similar firms or a wide range of firms. I would definitely be honest about the firms you have applied for! The most important part to this answer is that you can explain your approach to the...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,975
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I would say that it's probably a good idea to try and revise elements of your cover letter, even if it was successful the first time round! The NRF website states: "If you reapply, we strongly advise rewriting your application." Of course, your main motivations won't have changed since...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,974
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Whilst I couldn't say definitively on whether there are any firms that hold ACs on weekends, from my experience, they are almost always on weekdays (as the graduate recruitment teams working hours will be in the week). If you did have genuine constraints (e.g. work schedule, caring...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,949
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
This is amazing news (and has made my Saturday night!) - huge congratulations!! I hope you celebrate well, and you should be super proud 🥳- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,932
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! You don't have to use something deeply personal if nothing in your personal life has directly shaped your motivation - a legal experience can absolutely work, as long as you make it specific to you and reflective. The key with this question is to pick one concrete example (legal or...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,931
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! It really depends on the question, but as a general rule I wouldn't try to cram in too much. For questions such as "Why Law?" or "Why this firm", I always used to aim for around 2-3 well-developed points. This usually gives you enough space to explain each one properly and back it up with...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,930
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I'm really sorry to hear about the rejections - it is an incredibly competitive process, and sometimes really good candidates unfortunately don't make it to the next stage because the competition is so high. As you have stated you have gotten to ACs / test stages before, it may have been...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,929
- Forum: Applications Discussion