TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

how do you approach the anything else to add question on apps like Dechert and hogan - is it meant to be a way to add a why commercial law why that firm answer or is it actually for other information

Hey!

Those questions are really more of a "catch-all" section. It's mainly there if you have something relevant that hasn't had a natural place elsewhere in the form - for example, extenuating circumstances, unusual experiences, or a particular achievement that doesn't fit neatly in any of the other questions or sections.

If you feel you've already covered your motivations properly in earlier answers, I wouldn't repeat them here. However, if there is a genuine gap (e.g. something that rounds out your story or strengthens your application) this is a good place to add it briefly.

If nothing comes to mind, it's perfectly fine to leave it blank rather than force something in

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

given that some firms like freshfields only ask for work experience now, what is the best way to do the section to ensure it is hitting the points they need?

Hey!

With firms that are moving to a work-experience-only format, the key element is to make sure you aren't just listing roles. It's about showing what you learned and how it links back to the skills they're looking for in a trainee. A simple structure that might be helpful is:

1. Context - briefly outline the role / experience
2. Action - what you actually did. I would highlight your main responsibilities and / or challenges
3. Skills / Insights - discuss the transferable skills that you developed (e.g. teamwork, research, client contact, problem solving)
4. Relevance - the key part is to tie this to how it prepares you for a career in commercial law and why it matters at a firm such as Freshfields

By handling the section this way, even if the experience isn't strictly legal, you're still demonstrating your suitability and motivation in a way that they are looking for.

I hope that helps!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi,

Does anyone know what the Osborne Clarke vac scheme Qs are for this cycle?

Hey!

Q1: What skills have you been developing over the last 12-24 months that you believe are instrumental to ensuring your success as a solicitor? How have you been developing these skills? Why do you believe that these skills will set you up for a successful career at Osborne Clarke? Your examples can be taken from any activities or experiences you have participated in and don't have to be focussed solely on the legal sector (Max 500 words)

Q2: What work has Osborne Clarke done recently that is of particular interest to you? Why are you interested and inspired by this work? (Max 300 words)

There is also an optional question that states:

Have you been a part of any professional services support programmes in the last 5 years? Please outline those that you have participated in below - this could include (but is not limited to) mentoring programmes, work experience opportunities, scholarships and diversity access schemes with other organisations (Max 200 words)

I hope that helps! Let us know if we can assist at all

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Jones Day spring scheme VI ! Any insights massively appreciated

Hi!

Congratulations on getting the VI! For Jones Day (and law firm video interviews in general), I'd say that a few things really help:

• Know the firm's USP: Jones Day has the non-rotational training contract model, but it's also worth understanding what makes the firm unique so that you can tailor your answer to your own experiences and motivations.
• Stay structured: use STAR (situation, task, action, result) for competency answers so that you stay clear and focused. For other answers, I would ensure that you roughly know your answers for the common questions (e.g. 'Why Law', 'Why X Firm', 'Why Me') before doing the VI.
• Commercial awareness: be prepared to link your answers back to the wider business / commercial context, not just the legal angle, particularly if that seems like what the question is asking you to do.
• Practice: the camera can feel a bit awkward at first, so rehearsing aloud can help you come across as confident and natural. I'd try and make sure you look at the camera and act as if you were in the room with the interviewer (which can feel a bit silly!).

Most importantly, try not to panic if you stumble - the graduate recruitment team won't penalise you for a stumble or two, and they're looking for how you think, not perfection.

Best of luck - you've got this!

 

[johnsmith]

Hello, does anyone have any insights on what Mishcon are looking for in the activities section? Do they mean personal hobbies or say societies/volunteering?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Anyone heard back from Akin post app?

 

[ISK]

Hi can anyone share which games were played for NRF? Many thanks

 

[vacschemes]

I've noticed that a lot of firms have changed their grade requirements quite drastically over the past year or so. For example, firms like Linklaters and W&C used to have a great reputation for being holistic with grades and only required an overall 2:1, but they’ve now changed their policy to require 2:1s in every module. Does anyone know why they’ve done this?

I was thinking it might be related to the SQE and its low success rates. Maybe firms are trying to mitigate risk by recruiting mostly first-class or high 2:1 grads, as there are concerns about hiring people who may not pass an already challenging exam. I’m not entirely sure how accurate this is and would appreciate insight anyone has.

 

[johnsmith]

I've noticed that a lot of firms have changed their grade requirements quite drastically over the past year or so. For example, firms like Linklaters and W&C used to have a great reputation for being holistic with grades and only required an overall 2:1, but they’ve now changed their policy to require 2:1s in every module. Does anyone know why they’ve done this?

I was thinking it might be related to the SQE and its low success rates. Maybe firms are trying to mitigate risk by recruiting mostly first-class or high 2:1 grads, as there are concerns about hiring people who may not pass an already challenging exam. I’m not entirely sure how accurate this is and would appreciate insight anyone has.

Think the SQE part seems rational. I also wondered if the increase in AI usage means it's harder to filter based on the quality of responses to their questions, hence the greater reliance on the SJTs and grades to filter.

It might also have been that they were largely filtering based on that anyway; they just weren't overtly stating it.

 

[lawstudent2]

For the Latham & Watkins second SJT has anyone been assigned it twice?
There are two tests waiting to be completed on my profile but they have the same description and the same questions so I am not sure if it was a mistake or not

 

[James Wakefield]

Has anyone who applied to Latham in the last week got that second test? I haven’t!

 

[Legallywhatever]

Hey!

Q1: What skills have you been developing over the last 12-24 months that you believe are instrumental to ensuring your success as a solicitor? How have you been developing these skills? Why do you believe that these skills will set you up for a successful career at Osborne Clarke? Your examples can be taken from any activities or experiences you have participated in and don't have to be focussed solely on the legal sector (Max 500 words)

Q2: What work has Osborne Clarke done recently that is of particular interest to you? Why are you interested and inspired by this work? (Max 300 words)

There is also an optional question that states:

Have you been a part of any professional services support programmes in the last 5 years? Please outline those that you have participated in below - this could include (but is not limited to) mentoring programmes, work experience opportunities, scholarships and diversity access schemes with other organisations (Max 200 words)

I hope that helps! Let us know if we can assist at all

Thank you, abbie!!

In terms of the optional question, what should I be trying to showcase through my answer?

 

[teeps6]

Has anyone who applied to Latham in the last week got that second test? I haven’t!

I haven't either, only did the first test a few days ago

 

[sapphireoreos]

Hi, has anyone heard back from Mishcon for the race equity open day (in person)? Haven’t heard anything yet and the event is next week …

 

[johnsmith]

Hi, has anyone heard back from Mishcon for the race equity open day (in person)? Haven’t heard anything yet and the event is next week …

Similar boat for their Trainee open day in person, my guess is at this point it's a no as it feels too short notice.

 

[Hopefully2025]

Could someone please confirm if Addleshaw's only London VS question this year is "Please explain what motivates you to pursue a career in commercial law and why you are particularly interested in joining Addleshaw Goddard. Please include any specific aspects of our firm that resonate with your career aspirations."

They had four questions last year, according to the TCLA directory, but I can only see this one on the form. Wondering if I might have missed something. I'd appreciate any clarification, thanks!

 

[msclm]

I have the jones day partner and Sidley HR interview, as well as the Dechert written exercise all next week - I would be so grateful for any advice anyone would have with any of the above. thank you !!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, does anyone have any insights on what Mishcon are looking for in the activities section? Do they mean personal hobbies or say societies/volunteering?

Hello!

From my understanding of the section, I would focus on more established activities rather than personal hobbies. Things such as university societies, volunteering, sports teams, music, or any other hobbies where you've shown commitment and developed skills are all good to include. Achievements or positions of responsibility within those activities are especially valuable, as they highlight qualities like leadership, teamwork, and dedication.

It's less about listing every interest you have and more about showing meaningful involvement and what you've gained from it

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you, abbie!!

In terms of the optional question, what should I be trying to showcase through my answer?

No problem at all!!

That question is really about giving them a sense of the additional exposure you have had. If you've taken part in mentoring schemes, insight days, vacation schemes, scholarships, diversity or access programmes, or any structured work experience, it's worth including.

In terms of what you should be trying to showcase in your answer, I would focus on:

• Commitment & Initiative - try and show that you've actively sought out opportunities to learn more about the industry
• Skills & Insights - demonstrate the skills you gained from taking part, such as networking, commercial awareness, communication skills, or a better understanding of the profession
• Progression - I would discuss how those experiences have influenced your journey so far and why you've prepared you for the role you're applying for

It doesn't need to be a long list, but I would try to focus on quality and what you got out of it, rather than just the name of the programme.

I hope that answers your question!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Could someone please confirm if Addleshaw's only London VS question this year is "Please explain what motivates you to pursue a career in commercial law and why you are particularly interested in joining Addleshaw Goddard. Please include any specific aspects of our firm that resonate with your career aspirations."

They had four questions last year, according to the TCLA directory, but I can only see this one on the form. Wondering if I might have missed something. I'd appreciate any clarification, thanks!

Hey!

I just went onto their application portal, and that's the only question I can see as well! Unless there is an additional question later on in the form, I believe that is the only one this year