TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone, I have a question regarding my university grades and how this factors in for applying to firms.

My official degree classification is a 2.1, however my breakdown percentage is a 58%. My university does not calculate the official percentage and so that number isn’t present on my certificate or transcript. For the overall result section it just says 2.1. Therefore, when applying to firms that ask for breakdowns (my 1st and 2nd year grades aren’t great but I picked it up in my final year and secured a 2.1), what should I do? I know I should rule out MC/US firms.

Am I okay to apply to firms with a 2.1 requirement? What do I do if they ask for a percentage even though my official grade/classification is a 2.1? Do I just put N/A?

For further context: I have solid work experience. I have completed a vacation scheme, interned with another international firm for 6 weeks and completed an AC for a TC based on my performance with them, and completed other corporate experience too. Will this outrank the low percentage?

Hello!

I'd say you're absolutely fine to apply to firms that require a 2:1 as that is your official classification. If a form asks for a percentage, I would email the graduate recruitment team to ask what they would advise is the best thing to do in this situation. They might state that entering 'N/A' is perfectly fine, or they might ask you to input your overall percentage (and you will have been able to let them know that you did get a 2:1 overall). I think it would be best to clarify with them directly to avoid confusion, as this might differ between firms.

Your strong final-year performance and solid experience will carry a lot of weight and show firms that you are a really strong candidate! While some US/MC firms are stricter, most UK and international firms take a more holistic view, especially when you've proven yourself through real experience.

I hope that assists, and best of luck with your applications

 

[c.t.tc]

does the Simmons first stage test have a vi or is it just an sjt?

Was wondering the same thing?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello,
How do you answer 'tell me about yourself' in a video interview. What do they expect you to talk about (particularly as I've graduated)?

Also, I was wondering what's the best way to prepare for video interviews, because I thought writing out my answer in full and then writing bullet points from that. However, I saw numerous posts about just doing bullet points. I feel like if I did 2-3 bullet points for each question, I wouldn't be able to speak for the entire time given - it would be extremely brief. What's the best thing to do?

Also, in competency questions, e.g. describe a time leadership was shown - do you need to relate back to the firm / legal profession?

Thank you @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

Hi!

For "tell me about yourself", focusing on giving a concise overview of your background, key experiences and motivations, and what makes you a unique candidate. As a graduate, you could structure it as:

1. Education and background - briefly mention your degree and university
2. Relevant experience - highlight any internships, vacation schemes, or other non-legal roles, and discuss how they have shaped your interest in law and given you transferable skills
3. Why Law - end with what motivates you to pursue a legal career or what kind of work environment you're drawn to, and why the skills / experiences that you have make you a good fit for the career path

For preparation, this will definitely differ from person to person, but I usually prepared in a similar way to the one you have described. I found it helped to jot down everything I wanted to say in full and then reduce this down to bullet points (e.g. of each point I want to make). I would then practice my answer with just the bullet points and if my mind went blank, I referred back to the full answer to jog my memory of what I wanted to say. I repeatedly practiced this until I remembered my full answer with just the bullet points, and then I went on to record my answer. I found doing it this way got me into a 'rhythm' so that when I went to record it, I could speak for the full amount of time given. However, I would focusing on finding a way that works for you, as everyone will prepare differently! I would try and avoid writing and reading from an entire script if you can, as this feels less natural (and you wouldn't be able to do this in an in-person interview).

For competency questions, you don't always need to link directly back to the firm or law, but it helps if you reflect briefly on what the example shows about skills that are relevant to legal work (e.g. communication, initiative, and decision-making). I wouldn't try to force a link if it isn't quite straightforward to make, as that will feel less natural. However, if you feel that the experience you are describing links directly to a core value of the firm, it might make sense to make that link!

I hope that helps, and good luck with the preparation!

 

[c.t.tc]

Hey, I was just wondering if you had any insights for the Bird & Bird video interview questions? In the email they are being really vague, and B&B is the firm I most want to work for, so I would really appreciate any insights you can give, paticularly regards to the questions. I'm happy to trade any OA insights that you could find useful, I've personally done 9 so far and know the structures of 5 more from my friends who have done them.

Thank you so much, and good luck with your applications!!

Of course! There were three questions but I would assume they differ for each person as they are likely drawn from a pool of questions. I had one competency question and two that were more specific about Bird & Bird Good luck!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Identify an industry sector of interest to you and discuss its current challenges or opportunities and how the Firm could help a client in the sector navigate these. (400 words max)

@Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock This is one of the questions in the application form for Baker Mckenzie, how would you recommend structuring this answer?

Hey!

Good question! A good way to tackle this question is to use a clear, structured approach that balances commercial awareness with insight into Baker McKenzie's strengths. A structure you could follow:

Introduce the sector (1 paragraph)

I would pick a sector that you genuinely find interesting, as this will make it easier to write about - e.g. technology, energy transition, healthcare, or financial services. Briefly outline what the sector involves, why it interests you, and why it's commercially / socially significant right now.

Identify key challenges or opportunities (1-2 paragraphs)

Discuss 2-3 current trends shaping the sector, such as regulatory changes, ESG pressures, or geopolitical risk. I would use concrete, recent examples where possible. The key is to show that you understand both the business and legal dimensions of these developments, and how they relate to a client's business.

Explain how Baker McKenzie could help (1 paragraph)

Link your analysis back to the firm's strengths - such as international outreach, sector expertise, etc. For example, if writing about technology, you might mention their work in data privacy, cross-border M&A, or IP protection. Highlight how their unique capabilities as a firm (i.e. with reference to rankings or previous deals) will allow them to help clients navigate and manage the opportunities and challenges discussed above.

Conclude briefly

End your answer by tying it together, and discuss why this sector is exciting to you and how Baker McKenzie is well placed to support clients within it.

I'd aim for a logical, commercially aware answer rather than listing facts. Think of it as: "What's happening in the industry, why does it matter, and how can Baker McKenzie add value?"

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

 

[flower1]

Hi!

For "tell me about yourself", focusing on giving a concise overview of your background, key experiences and motivations, and what makes you a unique candidate. As a graduate, you could structure it as:

1. Education and background - briefly mention your degree and university
2. Relevant experience - highlight any internships, vacation schemes, or other non-legal roles, and discuss how they have shaped your interest in law and given you transferable skills
3. Why Law - end with what motivates you to pursue a legal career or what kind of work environment you're drawn to, and why the skills / experiences that you have make you a good fit for the career path

For preparation, this will definitely differ from person to person, but I usually prepared in a similar way to the one you have described. I found it helped to jot down everything I wanted to say in full and then reduce this down to bullet points (e.g. of each point I want to make). I would then practice my answer with just the bullet points and if my mind went blank, I referred back to the full answer to jog my memory of what I wanted to say. I repeatedly practiced this until I remembered my full answer with just the bullet points, and then I went on to record my answer. I found doing it this way got me into a 'rhythm' so that when I went to record it, I could speak for the full amount of time given. However, I would focusing on finding a way that works for you, as everyone will prepare differently! I would try and avoid writing and reading from an entire script if you can, as this feels less natural (and you wouldn't be able to do this in an in-person interview).

For competency questions, you don't always need to link directly back to the firm or law, but it helps if you reflect briefly on what the example shows about skills that are relevant to legal work (e.g. communication, initiative, and decision-making). I wouldn't try to force a link if it isn't quite straightforward to make, as that will feel less natural. However, if you feel that the experience you are describing links directly to a core value of the firm, it might make sense to make that link!

I hope that helps, and good luck with the preparation!

Thank you for your answer

For example, if the questions 'describe a time you demonstrated teamwork' - should I say something at the end like - teamwork is important in commercial law because... or is it not recommended in case it looks like I'm drifting away from the question?

 

[confusedbird]

Hi @Andrei Radu and @Abbie Whitlock,

I was wondering how you would go about answering a question like "What are 3 challenges and 3 opportunities that you believe the legal industry is likely to face in coming years?"

I have answered this question in the past multiple times but was just looking for some non-generic input in case it shows up again.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey, thanks for replying to this! It is really helpful.

Can I ask - would you use the word count to apply the experience to Mischon specifically? I am tied between just raising the skills that they value versus explicitly linking it to Mischon. I am not sure what is best.

Thank you!

Hello!

No problem at all

I would try to speak more generally about the skills that you gained from each experience, rather than trying to link each entry to Mishcon specifically. The word count should be used to describe what you did, what your main responsibilities were, and any transferable skills. However, if there is an experience that taught you a skill that is valued at Mishcon, it might make sense to highlight this in your application to show why you are a good fit for the firm.

I hope that answers your question! 😄

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you for your answer

For example, if the questions 'describe a time you demonstrated teamwork' - should I say something at the end like - teamwork is important in commercial law because... or is it not recommended in case it looks like I'm drifting away from the question?

Hi!

No problem at all!

I'd say that you don't have to explicitly link every competency answer back to commercial law, but adding a short reflection at the end can strengthen your answer if it feels natural. For example, after describing your teamwork example using the STAR method, you could add a brief sentence at the end such as:

"This experience showed me the importance of clear communication and collaboration, which are skills that are essential when working in legal teams and managing long-term client projects"

This keeps your answer focused on the original question while subtly demonstrating awareness of how that skill is useful in the legal context. The key is to keep it short and relevant - I would avoid turning it into a long discussion about what skills are generally valued in law.

If the link feels forced, it's better to end confidently on the outcome of your example instead. However, if you can fit it in relatively seamlessly, the reflective line can show commercial awareness and self-reflection!

I hope that answers your question - you're definitely thinking about this in the right way!

 

[flower1]

Hi!

No problem at all!

I'd say that you don't have to explicitly link every competency answer back to commercial law, but adding a short reflection at the end can strengthen your answer if it feels natural. For example, after describing your teamwork example using the STAR method, you could add a brief sentence at the end such as:

"This experience showed me the importance of clear communication and collaboration, which are skills that are essential when working in legal teams and managing long-term client projects"

This keeps your answer focused on the original question while subtly demonstrating awareness of how that skill is useful in the legal context. The key is to keep it short and relevant - I would avoid turning it into a long discussion about what skills are generally valued in law.

If the link feels forced, it's better to end confidently on the outcome of your example instead. However, if you can fit it in relatively seamlessly, the reflective line can show commercial awareness and self-reflection!

I hope that answers your question - you're definitely thinking about this in the right way!

Thank you - that's really helpful and makes a lot of sense

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hello Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith , I hope you're doing well! I was wondering how to answer this question in an interview - Two managers give you important tasks that are both due at the same time. How would you handle this situation?/ The partner asks you to take on more work when you’re already at capacity.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

For those receiving second-stage video invites for L&W open day, is this for the grad recruitment open day or a different one? Thanks!

Hi, yes this is for the grad rec open day. I am genuinely not sure whether the second stage is automatic or selective, though!

 

[johnsmith]

Hi, yes this is for the grad rec open day. I am genuinely not sure whether the second stage is automatic or selective, though!

I’m thinking it must be selective as I’ve only had the SJT so far.

 

[flower1]

@Abbie Whitlock Hello, I wanted to ask for competency questions (VI), about handling feedback, I wanted to mention how I got 30% (failed) my module formative to then getting best in year - would this be alright to talk about, or would it look bad that I failed? Should I mention something else instead?

Also, is it appropriate to mention things from my A Level time (I just graduated) or is this too old (I was going to mention changing A Level subjects and mitigating circumstances)

Thank you

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I’m thinking it must be selective as I’ve only had the SJT so far.

It could be, but I do think it's still pretty early - even if the test is automatic ppl will get it at different times and if it is selective they probably will be going through them this week, given the deadline was only on Sunday.

 

[James Wakefield]

Yes they do! The first test and the application form are a combined Stage 1, and you need to pass Stage 1 to receive the 2nd test. Congrats!

Went to their open day and they said they only read after second test, and use that in conjunction with written application to decide AC slots.

Second test is automatic if you reach benchmark on the first.

 

[johnsmith]

It could be, but I do think it's still pretty early - even if the test is automatic ppl will get it at different times and if it is selective they probably will be going through them this week, given the deadline was only on Sunday.

I found an email that mentioned two tests though to be completed in 3 days but I think I only had one?

“Please note, if you have applied for any of our London vacancies (including open days), you will have been assigned a two-part online assessment to complete as part of the application process. To access the assessments, please log back into the apply4law homepage. The deadline for completing these assessments is three days after submission of your application for all vacancies.”

 

[jacobn04]

Hey all! HSFK AC today and received same day offer for WVS. So excited!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hey all! HSFK AC today and received same day offer for WVS. So excited!

Wow congrats! Did you they call you at 9-ish pm or you were just telling us now haha

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Yes they do! The first test and the application form are a combined Stage 1, and you need to pass Stage 1 to receive the 2nd test. Congrats!

Do you mind sharing where you found this information? Thank you