TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

yasmars

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Jan 1, 2021
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Congrats!! Just out of curiosity, is this for their 2027 TC? Their website says they only invite applicants to the strength assessment before deadline not the rest so I assumed it was only semi rolling?
I think they progress applicants to interview before the deadline. After I completed the test, the confirmation email stated that I’d hear back within 14 days.
 

Amma Usman

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Sep 7, 2024
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Hi guys! Does anyone know if i can add in the forage experience from one firm while applying for a VS for another firm? So for example, let's say i have done a forage job simulation from A&O, can i add this experience into my application for Linklaters? Is there any drawbacks if i do this?

@Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam

Hi @Tangcy ,

I‘m sure the rest of the team, @Jessica Booker, @Andrei Radu , @Ram Sabaratnam , will have more thoughts on this but I generally recommend doing so. Even though the experience was at another firm, including it will still show an understanding of the role of a trainee and commercial law firms at large. Another thing I recommend, specifically for forage experiences, is to group them all under one heading if you’ve completed a lot. This will make your work experience more diverse by giving you the chance to focus on other experiences too. It’s also particularly beneficial to do this when applying to firms which use cvmail - as this only lets you log in 4-6 experiences per form.
 

Amma Usman

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uhhh I am bombing these video interviews. What do people say when a question asks you, 'how do you build rappor with a client who is seeking to expand into a new market?' More specifically how do you speak for 2 minutes
Hey @Aspiringsolicitor01 , I’m sorry to hear about the PFOs. Please keep going - you are one step closer to that ‘yes’, with every application you submit.

@Andrei Radu has made a really comprehensive interview guide which I’ve linked below:


Best of luck with the applications!
 
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cwhite233

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Dec 26, 2020
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Thoughts on Wedlake bell? Possible internship and wanted to know others thoughts on them as a firm I’ve not done any research on them as of yet.
They're a really nice mid-sized firm and have good culture and I have met some people that worked there and moved to larger firms (particularly from the funds team). I interviewed with them a while ago and will say that their pay (at trainee level and for associates) is not very competitive IMO.
 

Amma Usman

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Sep 7, 2024
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I am sick of getting rejected post app, and so I am overhauling my work experienc/employment section in the hope that it helps (I am almost 30 so have a load of different employment that is very varied). Just wondering if anyone has a structure for these employment descriptions that they know are what graduate recruitment wants to see? I have tried putting in loads of detail, and then less, and never really been happy with it. I understand that my application answers also need improving, but it can't harm to fix up my work section.

@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman if you have any insights please do let me know. Or anybody else of course too :) Thank you!
Hi @Parsorandini

I completely understand how overwhelming it is to face rejections post-application – it’s a tough process, but the fact that you’re taking the time to rethink your work experience section shows your dedication. Sometimes even small adjustments can make a huge difference, so it’s great that you’re focusing on this.

To start off with, I suggest sticking to about six experiences that are well-detailed, concise, and demonstrate the skills that graduate recruitment teams are looking for.

1. Be Selective but Strategic: Focus on roles that best highlight your transferable skills, even if they’re not directly legal. Think of experiences where you showed communication, leadership, organisation, or problem-solving – those are always valued.

2. Add Specific Examples: For each role, focus on what tasks you did, what results you achieved, and if possible, quantify the outcomes. For example, did you streamline a process, lead a team, or receive positive feedback? Something like:

While working as a marketing assistant, I developed a social media strategy that increased engagement by 25% in three months. My manager praised my ability to analyse trends and adapt content to our audience.


3. Group Similar Experiences: If you’ve done multiple similar things – like open days, or forage programmes – group them together under one entry. For example:

Completed virtual work experiences at Firm A, Firm B, and Firm C, gaining exposure to key areas of commercial law, including M&A and litigation. Learnt how to analyse contracts, conduct legal research, and present findings to senior associates. In particular, during the virtual work experience at Firm B, I …


This avoids repetition and keeps your section clear and focused.

4. Keep Links to Law or the Firm Minimal: Unless the word count allows or the firm specifically asks for it, I don’t usually try to link my experiences to the firm or the law in this section. I save that for the main application answers. However, if there’s a role that clearly aligns with the firm’s values or a key trainee skill, you could include a short mention of it.

I’ve also made a few posts on this thread which I hope will be of help as well - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/work-experience-section.9392/#post-189202
 

Audric_T

Distinguished Member
Oct 20, 2024
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@Jessica Booker @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman @Ram Sabaratnam - apologies i know Andrei already provided some support on this but could you kindly provide some insight to Analytical presentations and group exercises that DLA use for their assessment centre and links to examples I can practice with (having not done this before)

could you also help with commerical awareness questions practice and advise on how to build commerical awareness for the presentation and case studies used in the group exercise please
 

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