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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Hi guys, I submitted a last minute application to Arnold&Porter and realised that in a small section of the application explaining my use of AI (so not the main questions or work experience) I wrote the wrong firm name😭. How bad is this for me? @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
Hello!

I'd try not to panic - one small slip-up like that isn't always fatal, especially if it was in a minor section and the rest of your application is strong and tailored to Arnold & Porter. The graduate recruitment team may be willing to overlook a single mistake if everything else in your application shows genuine interest and effort.

That said, it can depend on the firm and how strict they are about attention to detail. Some may shrug it off, and some may factor it in - but there's definitely still a chance you'll be fine, so it's not automatically game over! :)
 
Random question, but can someone give Insights into the common softwares used by the global law firms for case management an etc etc?

I would like ti familiarise myself with them before any AC.

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
Hi!

A lot of firms will use similar types of software, but the exact ones are likely to differ from firm to firm. The ones that I have encountered as a paralegal and during vacation schemes were:
  • iManage (document management)
  • NetDocuments (document management)
  • HighQ (document management)
  • Clio (time recording and billing)
  • Intapp (time recording and billing)
Whilst I can only speak from my experiences, iManage is the one I have seen most often! You don't need to master them now, but having a basic understanding of what they're used for can show commercial awareness and an interest in legal tech.

Good luck with the prep! :)
 
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For the Reed Smith application, is it advisable to enter work experience in prose?

@Abbie Whitlock would love your insight on this well.
Hello!

I have quoted a post below that Rik posted in the Reed Smith AMA thread - hopefully it's useful! Prose or bullet points is absolutely fine - it's more about the substance of what you write, and the key skills and traits that you discuss. I hope that helps! :)

I would always advise bullet points. With work experience the detail is important, not the style. So focus on the skills gained and tangible "facts". Rather than too many opinions and superfluous adjectives
 
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