TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Jessica Booker

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Aug 1, 2019
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I have received an invite to AC with NRF. They've asked for my A-level certificates before the assessment day, but I received them in 2016, and cannot locate them.

In terms of next steps, should I just explain that I can contact the exam boards but will need more time to receive the certificates while sending over my uni transcripts?
Do you have any formal documents from your school (eg an email or letter) that confirmed your grades? If so, you could also include something like this while you get the exam board to replace your certificates.
 

m12

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Jan 26, 2023
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@Jessica Booker hi Jessica! how much do law firms value a high2.1 - in the event I’ve got very strong a levels & gcses (straight A*) and an overall higher end 2.1 around 66/67 from a Russell group uni but I’ve got a few 2.2s from 1st year and lower end 2.1 for 2nd year - Does this put me at a disadvantage if my uni grades aren’t as strong despite my a-levels, however I showed consistent improvement?
 

lawyersum

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Jun 28, 2024
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Thank you so much! Any tips on how I can present my CV so that it is more tailored to the firm?
You're welcome! I'm by no means an expert but the application also requires you to give a 400 word personal statement, so that would ideally be the best chance for you to take some of your experiences/skills and tailor them to the firm. I'm sure @Jessica Booker could provide some more accurate advice :)
 

Jessica Booker

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Graduate Recruitment
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Aug 1, 2019
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Thank you so much! Any tips on how I can present my CV so that it is more tailored to the firm?
90%+ of your CV will not be tailored to the firm as it should just show the best evidence of your experiences to date.

However, the 10% that can be tailored can be done by:
  • Prioritising content that is more focused on elements that align to the firm's work - e.g. if you did a vacation scheme where you worked in both private client and litigation departments, it would make sense to prioritise the litigation bullet points over the private client ones in your CV (literally putting them first)
  • Thinking about highlighting the skills the firm is looking for. For instance, Freshfields say they look for "determination, enthusiasm, time management, flexibility, attention to detail, an interest in business, willingness to work as a team, and resilience". If it was me, I'd try to make references to time management, attention to detail and team working in my CV.
 

bangarangbass39

Legendary Member
Sep 13, 2023
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Just invited to Mishcon Race Open day. However, my application has been transferred to the online event instead of the In person one. Is there a reason why this happens? Was my application not strong enough for the In-person Open Day?
 

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