2026/2027 Application Cycle: Update #3 (Application preparation)
Another update on my planning progress so far! I wasn't able to do as much in the evenings last week since it was a busy week at work with me as I was helping run things outside of my usual role. I'm glad I did that despite the tiredness it caused because I enjoy volunteering and it'll give me something to talk about at least in terms of getting involved.
To make up for that, my weekend was basically allllll law application preparations. I didn't really mind (I'm framing this process as a fun thing rather than work because I know that'll get tiring fast otherwise) and I now have a much better understanding of the firms.
I've also done some watson glaser/critical thinking tests! I seem to be strong in all areas BUT assumptions so I just did a bunch of the free TCLA ones and got in the 75% percentile, despite rushing a little bit/making some mistakes I knew were wrong (for the sake of timing - wouldn't do this if it was my final practice before a real one). I'm quite proud since WG's have been my weakness in the past so knowing I've improved at them is a good start. I'll be doing more steadily as I approach assessments but luckily they aren't used by too many firms I'm applying for. Because of this, I'll also be doing some SJ tests.
I've got a very basic 'why commercial law' answer but will be making this more specific this week. What I will say is I can already tell my 'why this firm's will be strong (and also are mostly-formed for all the firms I've deep-researched) since I'm doing much more thorough research off the bat and find myself relating the things I read about firms to my own work/understanding/interests without even trying. I think this is also a good sign that the firms I've chosen align with me and my interests.
I've also reached out to a few people on Linkedin from firms I'm applying to who went to my uni for top tips for those and have scheduled in a few chats with people at my firm on how they found the application process here. I feel really confident in my application to my firm since 1) I love it here and that comes through in how I talk about the firm and 2) I know it very well now that I've been here for a while and have knowledge I doubt many externals would have just because I'm here day-in-day-out.
I've got a few more firms I want to deep research this week before apps open but feeling good about the timings! My priority is getting a plan as to what firm I'm applying to what week so that things are staggered nicely which shouldn't take long now that I feel comfortable in my understanding of how much I have left to do.
Another update on my planning progress so far! I wasn't able to do as much in the evenings last week since it was a busy week at work with me as I was helping run things outside of my usual role. I'm glad I did that despite the tiredness it caused because I enjoy volunteering and it'll give me something to talk about at least in terms of getting involved.
To make up for that, my weekend was basically allllll law application preparations. I didn't really mind (I'm framing this process as a fun thing rather than work because I know that'll get tiring fast otherwise) and I now have a much better understanding of the firms.
I've also done some watson glaser/critical thinking tests! I seem to be strong in all areas BUT assumptions so I just did a bunch of the free TCLA ones and got in the 75% percentile, despite rushing a little bit/making some mistakes I knew were wrong (for the sake of timing - wouldn't do this if it was my final practice before a real one). I'm quite proud since WG's have been my weakness in the past so knowing I've improved at them is a good start. I'll be doing more steadily as I approach assessments but luckily they aren't used by too many firms I'm applying for. Because of this, I'll also be doing some SJ tests.
I've got a very basic 'why commercial law' answer but will be making this more specific this week. What I will say is I can already tell my 'why this firm's will be strong (and also are mostly-formed for all the firms I've deep-researched) since I'm doing much more thorough research off the bat and find myself relating the things I read about firms to my own work/understanding/interests without even trying. I think this is also a good sign that the firms I've chosen align with me and my interests.
I've also reached out to a few people on Linkedin from firms I'm applying to who went to my uni for top tips for those and have scheduled in a few chats with people at my firm on how they found the application process here. I feel really confident in my application to my firm since 1) I love it here and that comes through in how I talk about the firm and 2) I know it very well now that I've been here for a while and have knowledge I doubt many externals would have just because I'm here day-in-day-out.
I've got a few more firms I want to deep research this week before apps open but feeling good about the timings! My priority is getting a plan as to what firm I'm applying to what week so that things are staggered nicely which shouldn't take long now that I feel comfortable in my understanding of how much I have left to do.
