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  1. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would agree with @patternteddybear that a one page CV is ideal, but that a two page one is also fine. Throughout my past application cycle, I always used a two paged CV in applications that required it and I progressed to the further stages multiple times. The only further caveat I'll add is...
  2. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    If you include all the relevant module grades in the application form, I do not think you need to necessarily also include them in the CV - especially GCSE and A level grades. I was successful in my Slaughters VS application and my CV only included university module grades + overall grades at A...
  3. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I know someone who had not completed their work experience and still progressed to the interview stage. As far as I'm aware they also did not have prior interactions with the firm, so I do not think it is a deal-braker. That said, the fact that they have a separate Yes/No question for it might...
  4. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    This sounds fine to me - as long as you properly explain the reason behind your current more expansive interest in commercial law at large (which you seem to have done), I don't think there's any issue with mentioning that the origin of the interest was in a specific practice that a firm does...
  5. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi Lauren, my top tip for the WG is to read really carefully the instructions for each section and note them down in a number of short bullet points, which you can then go back to when having difficulty during the assessment. The biggest mistake I've seen people make with the WG is to treat it...
  6. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    No - Paul, Weiss has just launched its first UK training program this year.
  7. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Unless the firm asks you to discuss 'why law' and 'why the firm' in the same question (eg 'Why do you want to begin a legal career at out firm?'), I don't think there will be any expectation for you to tailor it to the firm. Thus, I do not think it is necessary to find any direct links or...
  8. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    They have not announced any dates for open days this year, but last year K&E had an open day in November and opened the application on the 1st of October. I would expect similar dates this year, so I'd advise you to check their applications webpage again in early October.
  9. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    When I applied to DLA Piper last year, my answer solely focused on my motivations for 'Why the firm' and I ended up being invited for an AC. However, part of the reason why I followed this approach is that I had some previous work experience with one of the firm's foreign offices, which I wanted...
  10. Andrei Radu

    Aside from Slaughter and May, where should I avoid applying if I just have a 2.1?

    I can't think of any other firms who have a similar reputation for a focus on candidates who have achieved/are on track to achieve a 1.1. However, I think you can infer a grade-focused recruitment strategy from the firms who have an application eligibility criterion of a 'high' or 'strong' 2.1...
  11. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    While I do not think it is necessary, it is very helpful for improving the quality of your written answers. I only got reviews for the first 4/5 applications I submitted in my second application cycle - but this was by far the biggest contributor to learning about type of writing law firm...
  12. Andrei Radu

    Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

    Hi there - and thanks for the question! 1. I think your approach should depend on the specific work experience you are describing. In general, I think it is good advice to use the STAR structure, especially if the work experience includes a higher number of aspects you could discuss. Regarding...
  13. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi there! For the first question, I think the two things the firm is trying to test you on is (1) your understanding of the role of a trainee - and specifically, your knowledge of the the less appealing parts of the job; (2) your understanding of the specific internal resources and support...
  14. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I wouldn't worry too much on the pace at which you are completing applications early in the cycle. For me, the first two applications took me around 2-3 weeks each, and then for about a month I started doing around one per week. Finally, come end of December/January, I could research and write...
  15. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Unfortunately, I do not think there is an answer to your question that applies across all law firms. Among the firms that recruit on a rolling basis, there are still significant differences in their approach. Some of them, like Jones Day, can sometimes reply to your application in a matter of...
  16. Andrei Radu

    Can anyone give me an insight on how you can prepare for an assessment centre?

    What is the AC process like and what happens in it? The AC process differs from firm by firm, but in general, it consists of an entire day of assessments and networking at the firm's office. You will generally start the day with an introduction and short presentation from the firm's graduate...
  17. Andrei Radu

    Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

    Hi there, and first of all, well done for submitting an application so early in the cycle - keep this up :) ! To your question, I don't think one or two typos will lead to an automatic rejection at any firm. I remember some recruiters mentioning a 'three strikes and you're out' rule for grammar...
  18. Andrei Radu

    A Guide to Building a Winning Application Strategy

    Introduction This post is meant to serve you as a definitive guide to crafting your optimal application strategy. As it is quite lengthy, I have divided it into five subsections for you to navigate according to your interests: Why do you need an application strategy? How many law firms should...
  19. Andrei Radu

    Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

    Glad you've found some of my input useful :)! As for your question about starting your answer from a particular characteristic of commercial law, I can broadly think of 2 structures you may employ: Option A: Firstly, you can begin by explaining a relevant concrete experience using the STAR...
  20. Andrei Radu

    Ask 4 future trainees ANYTHING! *New TCLA Team Members*

    Hi there, and thanks for the questions! For you Why Law question, while I don't think there is a single right way to go about structuring this answer, the approach that made most sense for me was to firstly (though of course, this depends on the word count limit), split my answer between a 'why...

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