TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

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Izzy1026

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Premium Member
  • Aug 23, 2023
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    I applied to them last year and some tips I got from future trainees was:
    • Use the why law, why the firm, why me structure for the cover letter and try to be succinct (aka one page for the cover letter). This will ensure that graduate recruitment already knows that you have some of the skills that will help you to thrive as a lawyer, i.e. attention to detail (as the cover letter as to be well-written, and conciseness).
    • Try to genuinely emphasise why the firm appeals to you: is it the general practice? is it the small trainee intake (which is around 5/6 each year), is it the work they do? their clients? Pick the factors that resonate with you and make sure to link them back to you. For instance, if you like the small trainee intake, I would make sure to stress how you potentially like to work in small environments as you find that these allow for a better learning opportunity and for building a good rapport with the leadership within the firm. It is important for you to find a link between the reason that you are mentioning and your interests/needs.
    • Academic excellence: the firm really values academic excellence and so this is a must. This means having exceptional grades and being at the top of your classes is something that it is highly regarded. If I were you, in the why me section of the cover letter, I would highlight all your scholarship/academic awards and prizes you have won and obtained to impress them.
    I hope these helps and good luck with the application!
    Very helpful as always, thanks so much Axel!
     
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    LegallyBrown

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
  • Jun 20, 2023
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    also those who have been successful w travers smith, how long should a cover letter be because they dont have a word limit do they
    I just aimed to get mine on one page of A4 - at size 11 font. Once the whole page was full - I copied it over to the application form.

    I don’t think they’re so strict on cover letter length - so long as it doesn’t waffle and gets to the point (of course balance this with trying not to overdo it) so aim for 750-1000 words I think.

    My only rationale being - they read each application without any form of filtering - so you need to keep them engaged as they read on, whilst making good use of their time.

    Again, I can’t confirm any of this - it was just the approach I adopted. I applied to them two years ago and wasn’t successful - and when I looked back I realised that I waffled too much about things which could easily be summarised E.g. “I was asked to join the team on an anti-competition investigation…” —> “my work on an anti competition investigation…”
     

    hannah04

    Legendary Member
    Jan 9, 2023
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    How do firms actually weigh the WG? Is it the case that if you dont meet the "benchmark" you are just automatically disqualified, or is your score looked at in conjunction with your written application?
     

    mfuturetrainee

    Legendary Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
  • Sep 21, 2021
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    817
    I just aimed to get mine on one page of A4 - at size 11 font. Once the whole page was full - I copied it over to the application form.

    I don’t think they’re so strict on cover letter length - so long as it doesn’t waffle and gets to the point (of course balance this with trying not to overdo it) so aim for 750-1000 words I think.

    My only rationale being - they read each application without any form of filtering - so you need to keep them engaged as they read on, whilst making good use of their time.

    Again, I can’t confirm any of this - it was just the approach I adopted. I applied to them two years ago and wasn’t successful - and when I looked back I realised that I waffled too much about things which could easily be summarised E.g. “I was asked to join the team on an anti-competition investigation…” —> “my work on an anti competition investigation…”
    thats really helpful thank u
     
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