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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

'If you could witness any event, past, present, or future firsthand, what would it be and why?' (Covington)

Should I stick to being corporate/legalistic in this answer, or can I say an event that does not really have anything to do with commercial law? I think it would be so cliche to say a famous merger or the formation of a conglomerate LMAO. My idea is still linked to the law but not commercial or financial related at all
 
'If you could witness any event, past, present, or future firsthand, what would it be and why?' (Covington)

Should I stick to being corporate/legalistic in this answer, or can I say an event that does not really have anything to do with commercial law? I think it would be so cliche to say a famous merger or the formation of a conglomerate LMAO. My idea is still linked to the law but not commercial or financial related at all
Hi!

You can absolutely go with something outside corporate or commercial law! For this type of question, the key isn't necessarily to pick a "law-related" event (and it can usually work to your advantage to pick something outside of law) - I would aim to show thoughtfulness and reflection in your answer. A historical, scientific, or cultural moment can work just as well, particularly if you tie it back to why it matters to you personally or why you find it interesting.

Even if you don't choose a commercial event, you can still make a subtle connection to law (or values you admire in legal work) without it feeling forced. For example, you could potentially choose a landmark civil rights case or a famous trial that you found interesting. You can even go fully outside law but highlight certain skills or traits that would be beneficial in law - e.g. analytical thinking, ethics, problem-solving, etc.

I would say that the main thing to avoid is a cliche "big corporate deal" answer unless you have a genuinely unique angle or a past experience that demonstrates why it particularly resonated with you - your idea of linking it to law but not commercial law sounds like it can work well!

Ultimately, I would answer the question truthfully, even if this is outside of law. This is likely to be the most genuine and reflective answer, and will read a lot better than trying to force an overly commercial angle :)
 
Hi!

You can absolutely go with something outside corporate or commercial law! For this type of question, the key isn't necessarily to pick a "law-related" event (and it can usually work to your advantage to pick something outside of law) - I would aim to show thoughtfulness and reflection in your answer. A historical, scientific, or cultural moment can work just as well, particularly if you tie it back to why it matters to you personally or why you find it interesting.

Even if you don't choose a commercial event, you can still make a subtle connection to law (or values you admire in legal work) without it feeling forced. For example, you could potentially choose a landmark civil rights case or a famous trial that you found interesting. You can even go fully outside law but highlight certain skills or traits that would be beneficial in law - e.g. analytical thinking, ethics, problem-solving, etc.

I would say that the main thing to avoid is a cliche "big corporate deal" answer unless you have a genuinely unique angle or a past experience that demonstrates why it particularly resonated with you - your idea of linking it to law but not commercial law sounds like it can work well!

Ultimately, I would answer the question truthfully, even if this is outside of law. This is likely to be the most genuine and reflective answer, and will read a lot better than trying to force an overly commercial angle :)
Thank you so much for your help Abbie, especially at this late hour! You're a star⭐
 
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Reactions: Abbie Whitlock
I have a question:

I think one of the only ways to make my cover letter fit the 1 page limit is to use times new roman. Will this be disadvantageous for my app? Personally Times New Roman is an eyesore lol but need to get this cover letter down to 1 page one way or another
 
I have a question:

I think one of the only ways to make my cover letter fit the 1 page limit is to use times new roman. Will this be disadvantageous for my app? Personally Times New Roman is an eyesore lol but need to get this cover letter down to 1 page one way or another

I'm pretty sure traditionally Times New Roman was always used for cover letters, so no, I don't think it'll be an issue. I personally use it still since it's just more formal imo.
 
I have a question:

I think one of the only ways to make my cover letter fit the 1 page limit is to use times new roman. Will this be disadvantageous for my app? Personally Times New Roman is an eyesore lol but need to get this cover letter down to 1 page one way or anothi
Depends on the firm! I saw some ask to write in Times New Roman only like Cleary, but Slaughter, TW, etc don't explicitly say it as long as the font is readable and appropriate for cover letter like Arial and Calibri. Don't use Old English or Comic sans fonts of course.
 
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Reactions: Afraz Akhtar
I have a question:

I think one of the only ways to make my cover letter fit the 1 page limit is to use times new roman. Will this be disadvantageous for my app? Personally Times New Roman is an eyesore lol but need to get this cover letter down to 1 page one way or another
HI sorry, did PC say their CL should be 1 page : O there's no way I can fit it in that haha. Would 1.5 pages be a bad idea? Thank you!!
 

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