TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Hi everyone, I’m working on my CV for the Freshfields TC application and was wondering if anyone knows whether they’d accept a 2-page CV? I have two versions – one that’s 1 page and another that’s 2 pages, which is slightly more detailed as I’ve been out of university for a few years and have some work experience and publications. I know a 1-page CV is the norm, but I’m not sure if it’s worth including the extra details. Would love to hear any advice – thanks in advance!
 

Ram Sabaratnam

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
485
1,129
Hi everyone, I’m working on my CV for the Freshfields TC application and was wondering if anyone knows whether they’d accept a 2-page CV? I have two versions – one that’s 1 page and another that’s 2 pages, which is slightly more detailed as I’ve been out of university for a few years and have some work experience and publications. I know a 1-page CV is the norm, but I’m not sure if it’s worth including the extra details. Would love to hear any advice – thanks in advance!

Hiya @paralegaltotrainee

They might accept it, but if I remember correctly there's no need to submit a CV. From previous experience, I've also been told that it's very unlikely to be read. You should be able to include all your relevant work experiences on the Vantage form itself. There should also be enough word count space for you to adequately describe the various tasks and responsibilities you carried out during each role. Good luck with the application!
 
Hiya @paralegaltotrainee

They might accept it, but if I remember correctly there's no need to submit a CV. You should be able to include all your relevant work experiences on the Vantage form itself. There should also be enough word count space for you to adequately describe the various tasks and responsibilities you carried out during each role. Good luck with the application!
Thank you so much! That is really helpful – I really appreciate it! 😊

Do you also know if there are any formatting requirements for the personal statement?
 

Jessica Booker

Legendary Member
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
15,502
21,642
Hi everyone, I’m working on my CV for the Freshfields TC application and was wondering if anyone knows whether they’d accept a 2-page CV? I have two versions – one that’s 1 page and another that’s 2 pages, which is slightly more detailed as I’ve been out of university for a few years and have some work experience and publications. I know a 1-page CV is the norm, but I’m not sure if it’s worth including the extra details. Would love to hear any advice – thanks in advance!
You don't need to include a CV.

If you still want to include it (it most likely won't be read), a two page CV is the norm rather than a one page CV.
 
  • Like
Reactions: paralegaltotrainee

Ram Sabaratnam

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
485
1,129
Thank you so much! That is really helpful – I really appreciate it! 😊

Do you also know if there are any formatting requirements for the personal statement?

It’s worth keeping in mind that the personal statement is a little different from a cover letter, so you don’t need to worry about formatting it in the same way. Make sure you stick to the 850-word count, but you can dive straight into answering the three main questions: why commercial law, why Freshfields, and why you. Stylistically I’d also suggest avoiding filler words or overly general phrases, as these can sometimes come across as a bit clichéd. Instead, focus on being specific and personal, especially by using examples that really show who you are and what excites you about the firm and the work they do.

When writing about why you’re interested in commercial law, try to think about what first got you interested and what keeps you motivated. Was there a specific experience, like an open day, a case study, or even just something you read, that made you realise commercial law was the right path for you? The best answers include an example and explain why it confirmed that this is the career you want to pursue.

Similarly, for “Why Freshfields,” I'd encourage you to be specific. Various candidates mention the eight-seat training contract, but I'd also recommend being more specific about their work in particular areas like corporate finance, anti-trust, tax, etc. Have a good think about why their specific practice area strengths matter to you personally.

Finally, for the “Why Me” section, make sure to back up what you say with examples. Please, please avoid generic statements about your time management or “transferable” skills. You want to show the reader, rather than tell them, that you have certain skills. The more specific you are, the more your personality and skill set will actually come across through your statement.

Hope that helps and good luck!
 
Last edited:

j.thelu

Standard Member
Jan 16, 2025
7
3
Thank you so much!
Timeline: applied 27/12, WG invite on 02/01, completed on 07/01, AC invite on 10/01, AC on 21/01, VS offer 22/01.
Hope that helps!
hey this is os random but did you get the email saying 'we are currently reviewing all applications, please bear with us and youll know by end of feb latest' etc or not? im worried its like a waitlisted sign or sm
 

lawyer195

Active Member
Jan 20, 2025
14
12
Did an AC with Latham 2nd week of Jan but haven't heard back yet. I've seen a few offers go out... if you don't get an offer within the first week after doing your AC does this usually mean you haven't made it through? Has anyone experienced getting offers after a couple of weeks?
 

AlegalA

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Dec 4, 2023
235
456
hey this is os random but did you get the email saying 'we are currently reviewing all applications, please bear with us and youll know by end of feb latest' etc or not? im worried its like a waitlisted sign or sm
No they called me yesterday to offer me the VS, and said they would send over an email with the offer in writing in the next 5 days but I haven't received anything yet. I've had no other communication from them since yesterday! My AC was the first one I think (?) so it's very possible they're waiting a bit longer to make all their decisions.
 


Write your reply...

About Us

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.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.