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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
704
705
In no more than 200 words, tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer. would appreciate if anyone has any guidance/tips as to how they answered this/allocated their word count.
Hey!

As you only have 200 words, I would be really selective and tie everything back to what Clifford Chance values. A structure could be:
  1. Start with 1-2 core strengths (e.g. commercial awareness, teamwork, problem-solving) and briefly show how you have developed these - for example, through your work experience, academics, university societies, etc. These are the skills that you have learned and can demonstrate with evidence.
  2. Link each strength directly to the role of a Clifford Chance trainee. For example, how your analytical skills help you break down complex matters, or how working with diverse teams has prepared you for Clifford Chance's collaborative, global environment. I would have a look at their website and see what values and attributes they highlight as most important to them, and try to tie these in where you can.
  3. Add 1-2 personal attributes (e.g. resilience, adaptability, attention to detail) and again connect them to the demands of a fast-paced, high-performing firm like Clifford Chance. Compared to the core strengths, these are character traits that you naturally have or have developed over time.
  4. Finish your answer with a forward-looking sentence about how these skills will enable you to contribute and grow at the firm.
A rough word count split could be:
  • 30-40 words on background/skills gained
  • 120-130 words linking those skills to Clifford Chance
  • 20-30 words on your future contribution to the firm
I would just make sure that everything is specific, concise, and clearly relevant to Clifford Chance's culture and expectations.

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

Unknowncabbage

Valued Member
May 18, 2024
106
142
Hey!

As you only have 200 words, I would be really selective and tie everything back to what Clifford Chance values. A structure could be:
  1. Start with 1-2 core strengths (e.g. commercial awareness, teamwork, problem-solving) and briefly show how you have developed these - for example, through your work experience, academics, university societies, etc. These are the skills that you have learned and can demonstrate with evidence.
  2. Link each strength directly to the role of a Clifford Chance trainee. For example, how your analytical skills help you break down complex matters, or how working with diverse teams has prepared you for Clifford Chance's collaborative, global environment. I would have a look at their website and see what values and attributes they highlight as most important to them, and try to tie these in where you can.
  3. Add 1-2 personal attributes (e.g. resilience, adaptability, attention to detail) and again connect them to the demands of a fast-paced, high-performing firm like Clifford Chance. Compared to the core strengths, these are character traits that you naturally have or have developed over time.
  4. Finish your answer with a forward-looking sentence about how these skills will enable you to contribute and grow at the firm.
A rough word count split could be:
  • 30-40 words on background/skills gained
  • 120-130 words linking those skills to Clifford Chance
  • 20-30 words on your future contribution to the firm
I would just make sure that everything is specific, concise, and clearly relevant to Clifford Chance's culture and expectations.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application! :)
Thank you so much Abbie, I really appreciate that detailed response :)
 
  • 🤝
Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

cookedlawstudent

Distinguished Member
Nov 10, 2025
68
52
Hi guys, today I got my Freshfields cappfinity feedback. Idk how to interpret these, I feel like my strengths seem good. Can anyone who progressed to stage 2 give their thoughts?

Strengths - Championing clients and giving them the edge, Delivering extraordinary outcomes, Thriving under pressure

Weaknesses - Collaboration, embracing transformation (adaptation)
 
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