TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

TortillaTC

Star Member
May 10, 2025
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Hi everyone, what’s the best practice on paralegal applications submitted via online forms - is it recommended to attach a cover letter too if it’s optional or just a cv can suffice? Many firms require a cv but leave a separate box for cover letters too. I want to submit quality applications but I find it very time-consuming to write whole letters per firm just for a paralegal job on top of TC apps😭
 

TCLA Community Assistant

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TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,525
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Hi everyone, what’s the best practice on paralegal applications submitted via online forms - is it recommended to attach a cover letter too if it’s optional or just a cv can suffice? Many firms require a cv but leave a separate box for cover letters too. I want to submit quality applications but I find it very time-consuming to write whole letters per firm just for a paralegal job on top of TC apps😭
If you have a strong profile that aligns with the job (e.g. you have strong Real Estate experience and you are applying for a Real Estate paralegal role), you can probably afford to aim off on the cover letters as your CV will do the heavy lifting.

However, if you have no experience or alignment with the department/area of law then a cover letter would be useful.

I would be selective and draft cover letters for the opportunities you are most interested in - prioritise them and put effort into them. For those that are less of a priority, maybe spend less time on your cover letters or don't submit one at all.
 

Bread

Legendary Member
Jan 30, 2024
129
215
All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.
Have you tried SPAGging your work experience etc? Most of the firms you applied to rejected you after spag check, so there might be some typos in the stuff that you have copy-pasted onto apps?
 
T

Tintin06

Guest
Have you tried SPAGging your work experience etc? Most of the firms you applied to rejected you after spag check, so there might be some typos in the stuff that you have copy-pasted onto apps?
I've fixed this more recently, yes.

Not motivated for VS apps, honestly. So probably didn't check those much.

The TC apps had more checking. All apps went through Grammarly, IIRC.
 
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Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
597
2,201
All application cycles snd my results.

2017-18: Cleary VS AC, Slaughters WE
2018-19: Debevoise VS, Milbank VS offer
2019-20: Jones Day VS AC
2020-21: Travers Smith VS
2023-24: W&C AC, Latham AC, Ropes VS
2024-25: Morgan Lewis TI (and that’s it)

More focus on TCs this time. Still, 40 apps later - what gives? Not sure what the issue is.
Have you considered taking an alternative kind of approach to applications i.e., not playing the numbers game but making fewer, more tailored applications, targeting a select few firms you have a strong interest in (10-15 firms)?​
 
T

Tintin06

Guest
Have you considered taking an alternative kind of approach to applications i.e., not playing the numbers game but making fewer, more tailored applications, targeting a select few firms you have a strong interest in (10-15 firms)?​
For TCs yes that’s been happening. Ideal approach is open day first. However, that isn’t always an option. Scatter gun approach worked last year. Honestly wish it was like UCAS. If only five applications was enough.
 


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