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application advice

  1. LLM Applicant 2026

    Seeking Advice on Training Contract Timeline | International Applicant

    Hi All! I am extremely glad to have come across this forum – it is literally a godsend. I have been spiraling for the past few weeks, reading about vac schemes, TCs, SQEs, etc. etc. etc. There’s just so much to grasp!!! Finding this forum and going through its posts has finally given me ample...
  2. 1

    Discouraged with reapplying: Seeking advice and new perspectives

    First time creating an account and posting, I've frequently lurked the popular threads here. As per the title, I'm very discouraged (putting it mildly!) and looking for some support or advice, or just a second opinion from another perspective (especially reapplicants and those more experienced)...
  3. qazwsx

    Failed first semester modules but made a comeback - have I ruined my chances?

    Hello everyone! I just wanted ask if anyone had any advice for the route I should take or things I should apply for? As the title states, I did really badly in my first semester - at least in part due to undiagnosed ADHD, I was stressed and overwhelmed for a majority of the term, so much so...
  4. Andrei Radu

    Is it worth submitting last-minute applications for firms recruiting on a rolling basis?

    As deadlines for many firms are fast approaching and we are entering in the busiest time for applications in the year, a question many candidates ask around this point in the application cycle is: it is worth investing time and effort to complete a last-minute application for a firm recruiting...
  5. Andrei Radu

    How to explain using AI in applications

    A recurrent question a number of firms have been asking this cycle which applicants have struggled with is: how have you used generative AI when preparing your application to the firm? To help you write a good answer here, I think it is firstly important to clarify that the "How did you use...
  6. hannahmcgee60

    Application Guidance

    Hi everyone, I could use some direction with a training contract application I’m currently completing. There are three questions on the application form with no option to upload a CV/cover letter. The three questions are as follows; 1. Tell us why a career in corporate law interests you? Tell...
  7. W

    Application Help!

    Hi Forum, I have a few questions regarding applications and would really appreciate some guidance. My questions are as follows: Applying without prior firm contact – Is it worth applying to a vacation scheme without having met the firm beforehand (e.g., via insight days or open days)? Would...
  8. legallysg

    Graduate seeking guidance

    Hello anybody who is reading this, I so wish I found this community earlier, it is so great to see everybody's inspiring journeys and motivations! For myself, I am wondering if i should join the journey as well or if it's just not right for me. My situation I am a recent LLB graduate. I did...
  9. M

    Which secondary school qualification to indicate on applications?

    Hi, I'm new to this forum :) I'm an international student from Canada about to enter my second year in LLB at a RG uni. I unfortunately ended my first year with a 2:2 and I'm not sure if my circumstances would be considered extenuating (Taking care of a sick family member during exam seasons...
  10. U

    Reed Smith Direct Training Contract

    Has anyone heard back from Reed Smith about the direct training contract? I know they’re meant to get back about the next stage (situational judgement test) but it’s been over a week.
  11. T

    Managing expectations and general advice

    Hi all, I’ll be starting the MA Law Conversion course part-time at the University of Law later this year. Unfortunately, the firm I currently work for doesn’t offer funding for the course, which is a significant factor for me as I come from a lower-income background. Unfortunately, I've also...
  12. optimistic_undergrad

    My Hopeless TC Journey :')

    Hello to everyone reading this! After reading a few TC journeys, I am somewhat convinced that I should post a thread of my own. So please bear with me T_T. I have been applying for VS and TC since last fall. It was my step towards a world of struggle that I was completely unaware of at that...
  13. Papaya25

    Shakespeare Martineau Assessment Centre - Any tips or previous experiences?

    Hi there, I have an AC tomorrow for SM. It only involves a written assessment and a group project. I believe the group project will involve 'factors that will impact the profession in the future'. No idea about the written assessment - will it involve drafting legal documents? I don't have...
  14. Anusha07

    Spelling error on vac scheme application

    Hi - just submitted an application for a Vacation Scheme and noticed that I spelled the firm name incorrectly (“Mischon” instead of “Mishcon”) in one of the answers - twice. Not sure how, I believe I made the typo once and autocorrect took it like that from there. Should I email the firm and...
  15. B

    Extra curricular activities, positions of responsibility and an achievement of importance question

    Hello everyone, I am applying to multiple TCs with non-law background. So I apologize if this question is very basic. 1. For extracurricular activities I didn't participate in any activities due to covid can I put part-time jobs (working at 7-11) as extracurricular? 2. In my free time I...
  16. Andrei Radu

    A Guide to Building a Winning Application Strategy

    Introduction This post is meant to serve you as a definitive guide to crafting your optimal application strategy. As it is quite lengthy, I have divided it into five subsections for you to navigate according to your interests: Why do you need an application strategy? How many law firms should...
  17. S

    what practice area is sidley austin known for

    hello everyone, what practice area is sidley austin known for? and please don't say "just google".on their websites, almost all firms depict that they practice in all sectors and industries, but the market knows what the market knows. i have interned at a law firm in my non-UK country..they...
  18. xenchia

    Taylor Wessing Open Day Application

    I am applying for an open day at Taylor Wessing. I wanted to ask whether this would be the correct approach for answering questions like this. The second question in the application has a word limit of 300 words. The question asks, what questions would you put to our lawyers? I do not feel I...
  19. A

    Law Masters Advice

    Hello! I was wondering if anyone would be able to offer some advice on writing a masters application for law, preferably a General LLM. If anyone has any tips or would be happy to share sample personal statements for this, I would be eternally grateful. Thank you
  20. K

    CV section: bullet points or paragraph?

    I was under the impression that the CV section of one's application should be kept succinct, and well, in CV-like form with bullet points. However, a friend who has been successful in securing a TC at a top firm told me she had written out her work experience more elaborately, as an explanatory...

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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.

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