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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
- Sep 9, 2024
- 1,032
- 1,816
Hi @CharlesT47 I think you should seek to be a bit strategic when describing your motivations so as to explain why you prefer JD. I do not think it is an issue to mention that two criteria for selecting firms to apply to were strong PE and Restructuring practices. Nonetheless, you should explain that:
- These were not the only criteria for selection, in that there are aspects you look for in a firm in which JD scores better than the set of firms which have better PE/Restructuring practices; and
- That you care more about these other selection criteria than the strong restructuring/PE practices ones.
Finally, there are some other possible selection criteria JD scores well in that you could consider linking your motivations to:
- The firm has a very strong mid-market corporate M&A practice, with a band 1 Chambers UK ranking; since corporate M&A work is very similar to PE work (with the only major difference being that firms will advise corporations on strategic acquisitions rather than PE funds on acquisitions of portfolio companies), having an interest in it would definitely not appear implausible.
- Strong real estate, capital markets, and international arbitration expertise;
- Arguably, JD is one of the US firms which comes closest to having a full service offering, which could be attractive to someone who wants a broader and more well-rounded training experience.
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Hey! Same here and due tomorrow by 23.45pm.Just got an invite to the next stage (VI) for Bristows IP workshop (deadline was today!)
Have you done your VI? I'm surprised they are making candidates do a VI for an event.
Not yet! it is a very quick turnaround. I think because this is their version of a vac scheme the process is a bit more intense.
@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem
Hi, does anyone know how long is the cover letter supposed to be for Sullivan & Cromwell? Would 1.5 pages be fine?
Hi, does anyone know how long is the cover letter supposed to be for Sullivan & Cromwell? Would 1.5 pages be fine?
Yeah i had the same thoughts on it being a mini condensed vac scheme. Can i dm you?
Thank you so much! I was also wondering for the work experience section do I include extra curricular and volunteering too? I feel like including them in the work experience section and then writing about them again might be repetitive. @Abbie WhitlockHey!
I can offer some general advice on the things I would / wouldn't include in the new application questions! They are designed to test your self-awareness, motivations, and fit with the firm's culture, so I would make sure that you are specific and reflective (and avoid being generic).
Question A
It's important to show that you've genuinely researched the firm, and why (based on this research) the firm is the right fit for you. I would avoid generic things such as "global firm" or "prestige", and try to show you actually understand what makes Clifford Chance stand out (such as their LIFT or ACCESS programmes). Then link this back to you specifically - how does working at Clifford Chance align with the kind of lawyer you want to be and your future career goals.
Question B
Have a think about what makes a good Clifford Chance trainee (e.g. teamwork, attention to detail, resilience, commercial thinking, etc.). There might be a list of traits and skills that they value on their website - it might be worth having a read of those as well. Pick 2-3 real examples from your past experiences (e.g. uni projects, part-time work, volunteering, internships) that prove that you have developed those skills. Don't just list them - show the situation, what you did, and the outcome. This is where you can show reflection and self-awareness - be concise in discussing the experience itself, and focus on what you did that helped you to develop those skills and attributes and how they would help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.
Question C
I would choose a few extra-curriculars or achievements that you're genuinely proud of. It could be something such as running a society, volunteering work, a particularly high grade, or even something more centred in your personal life. When I was writing a similar question for Clifford Chance a few years ago, I discussed achieving a high grade in a public speaking module (as this was an area I wasn't confident in). As long as you can show why it was important to you and why you are proud of it, most examples can work here! The experience you choose should show some relevant transferable skills as well, such as initiative, leadership, or perseverance. Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it's shaped you.
In summary: specific examples + reflection + link back to CC. This will help make your answers personal and tailored, and avoid generic reasonings. I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application
I'd kind of forgotten that it wasn't really a formal vac scheme, but I assume the facetime really benefits you for a TC application - I did the VIs today, prep time was very short, but also the whole thing takes about 3 mins, so it's not like some of the bigger vac scheme testing regimes.
Thank you for the insight! That's crazy it's so short, I guess its different because you still have to go through the whole TC app process even if you get the workshop
Hey!
For the 150-word work experience section, I'd recommend keeping it in short, clear prose rather than bullet points - however, if you are struggling, bullet points should be perfectly acceptable (unless they state otherwise). I'd focus on a few experiences that best show skills that they value - on their 'About Us' page, they list their core values which might be useful to refer to! You can demonstrate these skills through concise examples, rather than explicitly listing them.
I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!
Hi!
If the website / FAQs do not state an exact length for the cover letter, I would aim for around 1 page - however, 1.5 pages should be perfectly fine
No problem at all!
I would include those if you feel they are important to your profile as a candidate - e.g. they are substantive experiences or provided you with transferable skills. For example, I always used to include my time volunteering at a charity shop in my work experience section, as this felt similar to the formal structure of a part-time job. I also included my committee positions in university societies, as these were also more structured - however, I didn't include other extra-curriculars that I participated in just for fun or short-term volunteering projects.
If you can write about the role itself, the main responsibilities that you had, and any transferable skills (if relevant), I would include it in the work experience section (even if there is some repetition). However, if you feel you are simply going to be reciting the experience itself when you have already discussed it in an application question, it might be more beneficial to leave it out.
I hope that answers your question!
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