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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Shandy101

Distinguished Member
Oct 22, 2024
73
282
Does anyone have any advice on how to fill out the work experience sections of these application forms. Im worried that the way Im answering them is having an impact on my success.

Is it recommended to do bullet points, mention the firm, body of text... Any insight learned on open days/ discussions with any firms would be really appreciated
I used bullet points for most but I used prose for 2 volunteer positions. Honestly, and maybe @Jessica Booker has better insight, I don't think it's a major factor. There is so much more to the application, grades, your answers to the questions etc. that is more relevant. As long as it's clear and concise what the role entails, I don't think it makes a difference.
 
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yasmars

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2021
370
594
Going through this thread with tears in my eyes because so many firms haven’t even bothered to send me a rejection email yet. I hate this part so much. How hard can it be to send a generic rejection email? It’s the least they can do after all the hours we spend on these applications.
Silence doesn’t necessarily mean rejection!
 

3000to1shoteverytime

Legendary Member
Dec 9, 2023
181
222
Going through this thread with tears in my eyes because so many firms haven’t even bothered to send me a rejection email yet. I hate this part so much. How hard can it be to send a generic rejection email? It’s the least they can do after all the hours we spend on these applications.
So I was just thinking similar but it's more along the lines of oh ffs!

Especially when you see people getting VS or AC and you assumed everyone was waiting for the interim stage 🙈
 
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tea

Active Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 26, 2024
15
81
Does anyone have any advice on how to fill out the work experience sections of these application forms. Im worried that the way Im answering them is having an impact on my success.

Is it recommended to do bullet points, mention the firm, body of text... Any insight learned on open days/ discussions with any firms would be really appreciated
I've always been told prose is better, though I know some people use bullet points and are fine.

The formatting of some application websites can be a bit odd too so prose is always a safe bet! It's also a lot easier to write in prose if your work exp has been quite passive and you don't have many substantive achievements as it allows you to talk more about the work you did.

I also split it up quite a bit, so 2-4 line paragraphs, which is quite readable just like bullet points. (like here!)

bullet points for CVs always though :)
 

ashwright

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
  • Jul 10, 2023
    184
    375
    I emailed them a while back after I received a rejection post-WG but never got a reply. I think they say they don't disclose scores but if you're really keen to know, a SAR might help?
     

    jta227

    Legendary Member
    Nov 10, 2024
    144
    280
    Do people actually get asked legal knowledge questions during interviews? Not commercial awareness but like "what is a freehold covenant".

    NRF said they'll ask about your modules most likely and that you should revise contract law pre-interview if you're a Law student. That being said the trainee I spoke to on their open day said she didn't actually get asked about it. One of the partners said he also likes to ask "what's your favourite case" and it catches lots of people out because they didn't expect it and they just start waffling. Also for their negotiation exercise, Law students are grouped together and non-Law are grouped together, so the level of knowledge expected is different.
    Linklaters have asked "what is an indemnity" "what is a warranty" before
    Lots of firms don't ask any legal knowledge Qs at all.
     
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