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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Hey @Abbie Whitlock & @Andrei Radu & anyone else w any opinions on this,

Happy New year!! I have a question on the Orrick VS app. the first two questions are "Please use the space below for your cover letter. Please address your cover letter to Pete Sugden." and "Why have you decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer? What factors and influences have affected your decision?" - both 300 words each

I know the usual CL format is why law, why firm then why me, but seeing as the 2nd question is why law (and the cover letter is a mere 300 words lol), would you suggest only doing a why firm and why me for the CL, or try and cram why law in there too? Thank u sm!! <3
 
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Abbie Whitlock

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Sep 11, 2025
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Hey @Abbie Whitlock & @Andrei Radu & anyone else w any opinions on this,

Happy New year!! I have a question on the Orrick VS app. the first two questions are "Please use the space below for your cover letter. Please address your cover letter to Pete Sugden." and "Why have you decided to pursue a career as a commercial lawyer? What factors and influences have affected your decision?" - both 300 words each

I know the usual CL format is why law, why firm then why me, but seeing as the 2nd question is why law (and the cover letter is a mere 300 words lol), would you suggest only doing a why firm and why me for the CL, or try and cram why law in there too? Thank u sm!! <3
Hi!

Happy New Year to you too!!

Based on what you have outlined, I'd resist trying to force the full traditional "why law / why firm / why me" structure into the cover letter, given that Orrick has explicitly separated out "why commercial law" into a separate 300 word question. In my view, this is a sign that they don't want you to duplicate that content in the cover letter itself.

It might be sensible to approach it as:
  • Cover Letter: focus mainly on why Orrick and why you. As you know that the graduate recruitment team will also read your "why commercial law" answer, you don't need to necessarily re-justify the career choice in the cover letter. You could potentially make a brief mention of your commercial interest if it links to your motivations towards Orricks work, but I wouldn't use much of the word count on explaining "why law".
  • Why Commercial Lawyer: this is where you can discuss your "why law" narrative, which you would normally address in the cover letter. Just make sure to mention the factors and influences that affected your decision to pursue this career path, using examples from past work experiences or university.
This way, you avoid repetition and ensure you answer exactly what each question is asking. You can also go deeper and be more specific in both responses, rather than trying to cram everything into the cover letter!

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application! :)
 

Adnanlone

New Member
Jan 2, 2026
3
3
Hi everyone,

Quick update:

Hill Dickinson amberjack- 4,6,6,9!!!!! Not happy about the 4 but I’m super happy about the rest! Think this is the first time I’ve done relatively well in this stupid test, hope it’s enough? 😭 scored mid for numerical/verbal. Think the VI went well too? Fingers crossed 🤞🏽

Got Goodwin and NRF (round 2 haha) VIs to do. Barely any time to revise for my exams next week 😭
Hi mate did you finish the nrf interview?
 

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