TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

for open day applications that only have 300 words, should I be linking back to myself? How much should I include? For why attend I am planning to say about their DEI initiatives, link back to myself, and then 2 practice areas and link back to myself. is this too much?

Hi @Kakaboo !

As the word limit is 300 words, I would say that less is definitely more. The main thing is to show that you've thought about why that firm and why you are interested, without trying to cram in too many points. As you mentioned, linking back to yourself is really important, so I would focus on incorporating as much of that into your answer as you can.

In terms of a structure, I would typically follow something along the lines of:

• Intro (1 - 2 sentences): Why you are interested in the firm overall (i.e. a short summary)
• Point 1 (3 - 4 sentences): DEI initiatives, and why they resonate with you personally
• Point 2 (3 - 4 sentences): Practice Area 1, and how it links to your skills / interests
• Point 3 (3 - 4 sentences): Practice Area 2, and how it links back to your skills / interests
• Conclusion (1 - 2 sentences): Why you would value the open day

If needed to fit within the word count, I would perhaps only discuss one practice area so that you are able to expand on both of your points, as that should be the bulk of your answer.

It's definitely a tricky one, and I always found that reducing my answers down to the word count was the hardest part of writing applications. I hope that helps!

 

[ZNadeem]

for open day applications that only have 300 words, should I be linking back to myself? How much should I include? For why attend I am planning to say about their DEI initiatives, link back to myself, and then 2 practice areas and link back to myself. is this too much?

Hi! The structure I recommend is to keep it simple but impactful: pick 2–3 distinct USPs about the firm that genuinely interest you and that you’d like to explore further (e.g. DEI initiatives, a practice area, international work, etc.). Then use the PEA structure for each paragraph:

• Point – what you’re interested in (e.g. their DEI focus, or strength in a specific area).
• Evidence – how you’ve engaged with or observed this (could be from research, talks, articles, etc.). This is the link to yourself and should be brief.
• Analysis – state how the open day will allow you to learn more about this at that particular firm.

That way, you do link back to yourself without cramming too much in, and your answer stays focused, clear, and within the 300-word limit.