Documenting my TC Journey (Project TC🚀)

[ZNadeem]

UPDATE

Good news! I secured the TCLA x Willkie Open Day! I am very surprised by this and extremely excited! I can’t wait to attend and get to know the firm better

I have submitted another application this week and I am waiting to hear back!

In the meantime I am finished drafting an application and looking forward to get started on another one during the weekend!

I am aiming to submit roughly three applications by the end of September, one is submitted two more to go!

Slowly but surely I am making progress, having both the application tracker and a personal planner helps a lot in staying up to date and organised with everything.

(TJ Maxx has amazing planners btw!!)

That’s me done for this week.


Hope everyone has a very relaxing and productive weekend

All the best,

J

Huge huge congrats — that’s amazing news! So glad all your effort is paying off. (And totally agree, everything at TJ Maxx is elite!)

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Huge huge congrats — that’s amazing news! So glad all your effort is paying off. (And totally agree, everything at TJ Maxx is elite!)

Thank you so much Zainab! Super happy!! I genuinely wouldn’t have done without the support I received from you and Vera!! Big shoutout to you

I know right!!! Need to start my autumn shopping

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

UPDATE:

This is definitely not the update I wanted but since I sharing my wins it’s only fair I also share my losses too

Current STATS:

Sidley Rejection - received August 2025
Jones Day rejection post app - received on September 2025.

Both hurt, they hurt because I dedicated time and effort to research and write good quality applications. To be rejected post app is disheartening.

Bruh, two rejections in and I am already bawling my eyes out.

That’s me done for today lol


Best,

J

 

[ZNadeem]

UPDATE:

This is definitely not the update I wanted but since I sharing my wins it’s only fair I also share my losses too

Current STATS:

Sidley Rejection - received August 2025
Jones Day rejection post app - received on September 2025.

Both hurt, they hurt because I dedicated time and effort to research and write good quality applications. To be rejected post app is disheartening.

Bruh, two rejections in and I am already bawling my eyes out.

That’s me done for today lol


Best,

J

Thank you for sharing this update! It takes courage to be open about the tough parts. This might feel disappointing, especially when you’ve poured time and effort into the applications — but it really doesn’t define your ability or future chances. Every strong candidate faces setbacks like this, and it’s part of the process rather than a reflection of your potential!

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Thank you for sharing this update! It takes courage to be open about the tough parts. This might feel disappointing, especially when you’ve poured time and effort into the applications — but it really doesn’t define your ability or future chances. Every strong candidate faces setbacks like this, and it’s part of the process rather than a reflection of your potential!

Thank you so much Zainab! I really appreciate your message

I am actually okay now! I had a big cry but now I good!! Upwards and onwards

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

UPDATE:

This is definitely not the update I wanted but since I sharing my wins it’s only fair I also share my losses too

Current STATS:

Sidley Rejection - received August 2025
Jones Day rejection post app - received on September 2025.

Both hurt, they hurt because I dedicated time and effort to research and write good quality applications. To be rejected post app is disheartening.

Bruh, two rejections in and I am already bawling my eyes out.

That’s me done for today lol


Best,

J

Hey J,

I'm really sorry to hear about the rejections - it is completely normal to feel disheartened, especially when you have put so much effort and care into your applications. It shows how much you're committed, and that dedication will absolutely pay off.

The time and energy you've invested isn't wasted, as every application sharpens your skills and strengthens the next one! This process can be very demanding, but your resilience is a major strength and you deserve credit for showing up and giving it your all. You've got this!

WIshing you all the best

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Thank you so much Abbie! I will continue to persevere

All the best,

J

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

UPDATE

TCLA x Willkie Open Day

I would like to thank @Jaysen and @WillkieGemma for organising such an insightful and eventful Open day!

I have learned so much about Willkie and spoke with so many interesting people!

I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without TCLA

I would like to thank @tenibankoleolusina for taking the time to meet me today. Thank you for the tips and advice for the Open day, it felt way less daunting

That’s me done!

Best,
J

 

[Jaysen]

UPDATE

TCLA x Willkie Open Day

I would like to thank @Jaysen for organising such an insightful and eventful Open day!

I have learned so much about Willkie and spoke with so many interesting people!

I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without TCLA

I would like to thank @tenibankoleolusina for taking the time to meet me today. Thank you for the tips and advice for the Open day, it felt way less daunting

That’s me done!

Best,
J

Lovely to meet you today!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

UPDATE

TCLA x Willkie Open Day

I would like to thank @Jaysen for organising such an insightful and eventful Open day!

I have learned so much about Willkie and spoke with so many interesting people!

I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without TCLA

I would like to thank @tenibankoleolusina for taking the time to meet me today. Thank you for the tips and advice for the Open day, it felt way less daunting

That’s me done!

Best,
J

Hi @JasmineM9 !!

It’s great to hear you had an amazing time at the TCLA x Wilkkie Open Day today!!

I always used to love going to open days as it was a great way to see the firm firsthand and speak to so many interesting people. I can totally understand the daunting feeling as well - I’m still not overly confident at networking (and I’ve spoken to partners at firms who have said the same!).

Well done for getting a place on the open day and making the most of it - what a great start to the cycle!

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Hi @JasmineM9 !!

It’s great to hear you had an amazing time at the TCLA x Wilkkie Open Day today!!

I always used to love going to open days as it was a great way to see the firm firsthand and speak to so many interesting people. I can totally understand the daunting feeling as well - I’m still not overly confident at networking (and I’ve spoken to partners at firms who have said the same!).

Well done for getting a place on the open day and making the most of it - what a great start to the cycle!

Thank you so so much @Abbie Whitlock

I completely agree with your point, it feels a little intimidating at the beginning and I suppose I can definitely improve my networking!

I honestly had a really good time!

 

[ZNadeem]

UPDATE

TCLA x Willkie Open Day

I would like to thank @Jaysen for organising such an insightful and eventful Open day!

I have learned so much about Willkie and spoke with so many interesting people!

I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without TCLA

I would like to thank @tenibankoleolusina for taking the time to meet me today. Thank you for the tips and advice for the Open day, it felt way less daunting

That’s me done!

Best,
J

So glad you had such a great time! It’s amazing that you were able to learn so much about the firm, meet interesting people, and go in feeling more confident. Sounds like you really made the most of the opportunity

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

So glad you had such a great time! It’s amazing that you were able to learn so much about the firm, meet interesting people, and go in feeling more confident. Sounds like you really made the most of the opportunity

Thank you so much Zainab!

I really did, it was my first ever in person open day! I always ever went to virtual events as I am based in Wales!

It was such a great experience

I am celebrating the wins

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you so so much @Abbie Whitlock

I completely agree with your point, it feels a little intimidating at the beginning and I suppose I can definitely improve my networking!

I honestly had a really good time!

Absolutely - I’ve definitely gotten more confident at networking events over the years, so it really is about gaining exposure!

 

[tenibankoleolusina]

UPDATE

TCLA x Willkie Open Day

I would like to thank @Jaysen for organising such an insightful and eventful Open day!

I have learned so much about Willkie and spoke with so many interesting people!

I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without TCLA

I would like to thank @tenibankoleolusina for taking the time to meet me today. Thank you for the tips and advice for the Open day, it felt way less daunting

That’s me done!

Best,
J

Was lovely to meet you Jasmine! So glad you had a good time.

 

[WillkieGemma]

UPDATE

TCLA x Willkie Open Day

I would like to thank @Jaysen for organising such an insightful and eventful Open day!

I have learned so much about Willkie and spoke with so many interesting people!

I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without TCLA

I would like to thank @tenibankoleolusina for taking the time to meet me today. Thank you for the tips and advice for the Open day, it felt way less daunting

That’s me done!

Best,
J

Glad you enjoyed it @JasmineM9

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Glad you enjoyed it @JasmineM9

Thank you so much @WillkieGemma ! I really had the best time during the Open Day.

Thank you so much for organising such an incredible Open Day!

I am looking forward to attend the Willkie’s Application Workshop and further events!

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Was lovely to meet you Jasmine! So glad you had a good time.

Thank you @tenibankoleolusina

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

UPDATE

Wow it has been a while since I updated my thread!

I can’t believe it we are nearly in mid October so far I submitted three applications and received two rejections (yikes).

Balancing a full time job, life commitments and applications is taking a tool on me.

I am proceeding slower than usual, writing an application is taking me ages right now. I find it difficult to let go, in my head it can always be better, so I am stuck on the re-drafting loop constantly.

I am waiting to hear back from one firm, which I only now realised is affecting my motivation, I can’t seem to want to move on until I hear back which is completely the wrong mindset lol.

Anyways I am hoping to finish drafting on application this weekend and submit another.

I find that drafting on the weekend and amending during the weekdays works for me.

Anyways that is all for this week! See you soon.

All the best,

J

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

UPDATE

Wow it has been a while since I updated my thread!

I can’t believe it we are nearly in mid October so far I submitted three applications and received two rejections (yikes).

Balancing a full time job, life commitments and applications is taking a tool on me.

I am proceeding slower than usual, writing an application is taking me ages right now. I find it difficult to let go, in my head it can always be better, so I am stuck on the re-drafting loop constantly.

I am waiting to hear back from one firm, which I only now realised is affecting my motivation, I can’t seem to want to move on until I hear back which is completely the wrong mindset lol.

Anyways I am hoping to finish drafting on application this weekend and submit another.

I find that drafting on the weekend and amending during the weekdays works for me.

Anyways that is all for this week! See you soon.

All the best,

J

Hello!

It's great to see your update, and it looks like you're managing the cycle well! Balancing full-time work, life, and applications is really tough, so don't be hard on yourself for moving at a slower pace. The fact that you're still pushing through and staying consistent is a win!

I completely relate to getting stuck in the redrafting loop - sometimes it helps to just set a "final version" deadline and remind yourself that perfection doesn't exist with these applications! Waiting to hear back can definitely mess with motivation too, but you've got a good system going with your weekend drafting and weekday edits

I wish you all the best with your next submission - you've got this!!