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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Congratulations on being invited to the assessment!! I have quoted a post below which contains some general advice I have given on the Reed Smith test, so hopefully it's a useful starting point. Best of luck with the assessment! :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,527
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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Hey! Great question - if you pop this in the Vacation Scheme or Direct TC discussion thread...
Hey! Great question - if you pop this in the Vacation Scheme or Direct TC discussion thread, I'd be happy to write a more detailed response there (just in case others are curious about the answer too!) :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Profile post comment
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I would say that a vacation scheme can absolutely count as a personal experience, as long as you describe it in a way that shows how it genuinely shaped your motivation and direction. In this context, "personal" doesn't have to mean outside of work or extracurriculars - it just means an...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,501
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I don't believe there is a word limit for the cover letter this year! In practice, I would aim to write around 750 words (as I believe that is what the limit was in previous years), but there is definitely some flexibility to write a little more or less than that :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,500
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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'Why commercial law?' in interviews
Hello! I'd say that both approaches can work, but the most important thing is to sound personal, reflective, and structured rather than listing generic reasons. A good middle ground is to start with a short narrative that leads naturally into 2-3 clear reasons (and this is how I often used to...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: Interviews Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I would structure a strong 300-word answer to Ashurst's question by following a clear framework that shows: (1) you understand the firm, (2) you understand the sector, and (3) you can analyse future opportunities. A good structure could follow something along the lines of: 1. Opening...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,440
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! It’s likely that font size 10 is slightly too small - generally, size 11 is the minimum that is used for a cover letter. I’d say it’s fine if your cover letter goes slightly over a page (as up to 1.5 pages is acceptable at most firms), and I would recommend that over making your font size...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,425
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! A good way to avoid sounding forced or cliche in motivational questions is to stay away from generic lines like “I enjoy problem-solving” or “I like working with business” (although, these can still work if framed well!). Instead, I’d link you interest to specific experiences you have had...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,424
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I would avoid naming a specific competitor in a video interview - directly calling out another firm can sound a bit negative, and it risks shifting the focus away from why you actually want this firm. You can still make the comparison, but I’d keep it broader - for example, “compared to...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,340
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Yes, it looks like they are rolling! @Amma Usman took the time to email firm graduate recruitment teams to confirm, and has updated the list here. Best of luck with the application! :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,339
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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In House Training Contract
Hey! First of all, congratulations on getting the assessment centre invite - that’s a big achievement! Deloitte Legal is a great option, and it is true that their training contract is a bit different from the traditional firm-based route (although getting exposure to client work is always...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: General Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! No worries at all - these are not stupid questions! A typical structure of “why commercial law / why Taylor Wessing / why you” works perfectly for your cover letter. The key is to keep it concise and to clearly link your skills and experiences to what the firm values. It’s a great place...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,327
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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My (ongoing) TC Journey
Hello! Welcome to the forum - and thanks for sharing your journey so honestly! Your background is definitely more of a strength than you think. Twelve years in policing gives you exceptional transferable skills that most applicants won’t have - resilience, teamwork, communication under...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #2
- Forum: My Training Contract Journey
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I totally understand how you feel - whilst I've never been to an industry-specific event, I felt a similar way (and often still do!) before most networking events at firms so I can share what has helped me! People don't expect you to know everything - they just appreciate genuine interest...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,245
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I'd recommend emailing them now rather than waiting. Firms will usually prefer the transparency, and it's much easier for them to move you into a different pool of candidates rather than trying to reorganise when they've given out offers (as at that point, they may need to ask people to...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,243
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! I'd recommend structuring it in three clear sections so that it stays focused but fits within the 250-word limit. 1. Introduction (1-2 sentences) I'd start by briefly stating that the legal industry is undergoing rapid innovation and that this is reshaping the role of commercial lawyers...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,242
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! As you only have 200 words, I would be really selective and tie everything back to what Clifford Chance values. A structure could be: Start with 1-2 core strengths (e.g. commercial awareness, teamwork, problem-solving) and briefly show how you have developed these - for example, through...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,180
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Video interviews definitely feel different from written applications, but the good news is that you don't need to overhaul everything - it's more about adapting your structure so it fits naturally into 1-2 minutes and doesn't sound scripted. For questions such as "Why X Firm", I would...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #496
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Huge congratulations!!! That's an amazing achievement, and you should be super proud 🥳 🥳- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,165
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! As others have mentioned, this will vary between firms so it's difficult to give a definitive answer. However, I've found that most firms will allow you to have a typo or two without it negatively impacting you - particularly if your overall application is strong! If it is something as...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #6,164
- Forum: Applications Discussion