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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I have quoted some advice below that I have previously given on approaching Reed Smith's SJT and VI - I hope it assists! If you have any specific questions, please do let me know :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,887
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I totally get how overwhelming it feels when applications and uni pile up at the same time - I faced a similar issue when I was applying last year whilst in my final year of uni! What helped me was getting really intentional with my time. I made a weekly schedule and blocked out...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,885
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Great question - the wording definitely feels a bit abstract! From the way RPC uses the phrase "strikingly real", you're right that it is mostly about authenticity, self-awareness, and the strengths that make you effective in real situations (rather than generic traits). One way to link...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,882
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Great question, and I can definitely share the resource that worked best for me (both when building awareness for applications and commercial awareness competitions!). I found that the most helpful resource for understanding the basics was Investopedia. It includes information on the...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,869
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! Apologies for the delay - I will PM you :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,868
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! It's generally a good idea to use as much of the word count as you reasonably can, since the limit is there to give you enough space to fully develop your points. However, being a bit under is usually fine - what matters most is that everything you include is clear, strong, and relevant to...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,866
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Huge congratulations - what an amazing day!!! You should definitely take the time to celebrate - you've earned it! 🎊- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,864
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I would approach this question with a simple and logical structure. You don't need anything too fancy - they just want to see your reasoning in a way that flows. I would think of the answer in three parts: 1. Start with why commercial law: just a few sentences on what attracts you to...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,795
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! They sound like good scores to me! I'm not too sure on what the team is specifically looking for (as I don't deal with the test side of the process), but in my SJT, I had a relatively similar score. I also thought that my VI was awful, and was convinced that I would get a rejection - but...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,793
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hi! It's not a dumb question at all! You don't necessarily need to rewrite your whole CV for every firm (as the cover letter is usually the way you will show interest towards the firm) - however, you can selectively emphasise the parts of your experience that match what that firm values. For...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,792
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Great question! I would say that you don't need to limit "work experience" to paid jobs or formal legal roles. It is usually treated quite broadly, so anything that develops relevant skills (including your financial services role and any positions of responsibility, such as society...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,791
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hey! A strong answer will usually combine three main elements: what attracts you to transactional work, why that fits your skills and traits, and why a transactional-focused firm is the right environment for you. For example, this could look like: 1. What attracts you to transactional work...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,789
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
It's not ridiculous at all, and it can feel very overwhelming at first! There is a ton of information out there, and markets do move fast - but you don't need to follow absolutely everything to stay informed. A few simple plans can help you keep up to date. Set up a small set of reliable...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,787
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Just to confirm what other forum users have stated, we look for a 2:1 overall - it doesn't matter if you have a few modules below a 2:1! As long as you meet this requirement, the main thing we'll focus on is your written answers :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,784
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I'm well, thank you - I hope you are too! :) Absolutely, I'm happy to share my thoughts on this question. For that kind of question ("Why are you applying and why would you be a good candidate"), you'll want to balance both your motivation and your personal qualities/skills. A good...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,735
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! That's a great question - it's not dumb at all! Technology can mean a lot of things, and in this context, I would say it is any tool, app or system that aims to make a task easier or more efficient. For example: 1. Using legal research databases (such as Westlaw and LexisNexis) to find...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,734
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I would put the 20 most recent ones and include a full module breakdown elsewhere so that the graduate recruitment team are aware (for example, email them your transcript or add your module grades in an "additional information" section) :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,655
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Happy to tackle these individually! “Client Sector” question You’re absolutely right that client sector refers to a commercial industry (such as finance, life sciences, real estate, tech, energy, etc.) rather than a legal practice area. DLA Piper organises a lot of its work around...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,611
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! I would say that this is typically asked to avoid conflicts throughout the application process - i.e. to make sure that you aren’t interviewed by partners that you know. However, the wording of that question specifically could indicate that they mean anyone that you have interacted with...- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,610
- Forum: Applications Discussion
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
Hello! Yes, it was recorded :)- Abbie Whitlock
- Post #5,608
- Forum: Applications Discussion