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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Donna Paulsen

Legendary Member
  • Sep 23, 2025
    323
    1,054
    '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
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    883
    970
    '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 :)
     

    Donna Paulsen

    Legendary Member
  • Sep 23, 2025
    323
    1,054
    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⭐
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    M85672

    Distinguished Member
    Aug 5, 2025
    66
    142
    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
     
    D

    Deleted member 43292

    Guest
    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.
     

    Laurel Lance - Black Canary

    Legendary Member
  • Jul 31, 2025
    199
    231
    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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    iklawapps

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
    Mar 1, 2025
    51
    46
    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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