thank you sm!! One firm has already gotten back and told me I cannot postpone lol so that kinda answers it. Thank you for your advice tho, hopefully my wvs is successful so I dont have to worry about spring apps!
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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Hey!
Congratulations on getting the interview, what a fantastic achievement!
Most first-stage interviews will be relatively conversational, with the aim of learning more about your motivations and skillset. You can expect questions around your motivation for law, why Gibson Dunn specifically, and competency-based questions (such as showing examples of teamwork, resilience, or attention to detail).
It really helps to have a strong answer for why Gibson Dunn in particular. I would make sure to refresh your research of the firm and have a look at a few of their standout deals (especially in their main practice areas), as well as think about what attracts you to their US firm culture in London. Try to show you understand how they differ from other US firms in London, such as their focus close trainee supervision and smaller intakes.
Also, have a few thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer - these do not have to be overly technical, but you should show some genuine curiosity in learning more about the firm and the application process. I would usually prepare 2-3 in advance, but it's also good to bring up questions that pop up on the day!
Overall, whilst you should show clear motivations and knowledge of the firm, it is a chance to get to know you better - stay relaxed, be yourself, and show enthusiasm for the firm and its work. Best of luck!
Thank you this is helpful. I was thinking of discussing career progression like networking and mentoring opportunities. Will do more research into these points you suggested. Always grateful for your insights they are amazing insights as always.Hello!
Good question - it's smart to mention a few different things in your answer to show you have a good understanding of the firm! Alongside their practice areas, you could talk about:
- Culture and Training: what attracts you about how the firm develops its trainees or its collaborative approach, and how you'd like to learn more about this or experience it first-hand on a placement
- International or Client Exposure: if the firm's work gives you insight into global or commercial issues you're keen to understand, this could be a strong motivation for wanting to apply for the placement
- Innovation or Values: perhaps their focus on ESG, tech, or inclusion resonates with you and you'd like to meet a wide range of people that work in these areas
- Personal Fit: how the placement aligns with the skills or experiences that you want to build
A great answer will link your goals with what's distinctive about their placement - it should show that you've done your research, and also discuss how your traits and skills mean that you would genuinely thrive there.
I hope that assists - best of luck with your application!
Kind of worried about my Simmons scores now, I got 7, 9, 4 and excelled in both numerical and verbal but scared that the 4 will weigh me down massively! 🙁 have no idea how they judge/weigh the results
what are the three competencies you received 7, 9, 4 in if you don’t mind me asking?
I had the same worry, I got an 8, 7 & 5 but remember it's holistic - you have your verbal & numerical, but even more importantly, your VI answers, which I'm sure carry a huge amount of weight!
That’s very true actually, ahh it’s just so easy to spiral and read into every little stage of the process. Fingers crossed we get through! ☺️
They just closed for applications yesterday and they don't recruit on a rolling basis so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Good luck to us all!
It most certainly is, and that's why being part of a forum like this is so important.
Anyone did W&C VI yet? I wanted to know the time allocation as is it 2 mins overall or 2 mins to speak.
Thank you so so much! This is incredibly helpful and reassuring. I really appreciate all your advice, I'll make sure to incorporate all of it into my preparation. Really thank you so much!Hey!
Congratulations on getting the interview, what a fantastic achievement!
Most first-stage interviews will be relatively conversational, with the aim of learning more about your motivations and skillset. You can expect questions around your motivation for law, why Gibson Dunn specifically, and competency-based questions (such as showing examples of teamwork, resilience, or attention to detail).
It really helps to have a strong answer for why Gibson Dunn in particular. I would make sure to refresh your research of the firm and have a look at a few of their standout deals (especially in their main practice areas), as well as think about what attracts you to their US firm culture in London. Try to show you understand how they differ from other US firms in London, such as their focus close trainee supervision and smaller intakes.
Also, have a few thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer - these do not have to be overly technical, but you should show some genuine curiosity in learning more about the firm and the application process. I would usually prepare 2-3 in advance, but it's also good to bring up questions that pop up on the day!
Overall, whilst you should show clear motivations and knowledge of the firm, it is a chance to get to know you better - stay relaxed, be yourself, and show enthusiasm for the firm and its work. Best of luck!
Does anyone know if W&C VI questions are currently relatively standard? I've seen some threads from few years ago, the questions were quite bizarre (e.g. If you had a £1,000,000 where would you invest?) and I'm not sure how representative this is now. The email just said to reflect on practice areas that interest you, legal trends etc. but I'm terrified of getting an 'explain commercial law to your grandma' question with 15 seconds prep time
I don't think they'll ask such obscure questions in a VI as it's the first time the firm is interacting with a potential candidate. This is probably at a later stage or must be for TC interviews.
It's like that on purpose. At the open day I attended they said just put your latest experiences. They also said link it to the skills they expect out of trainees, so keep their values in mind.
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