I’ve got my Jones Day AC in two days if anyone wouldn’t mind sharing a few insights, or if anyone else is going and wants to chat or discuss prep together, feel free to DM me!
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi everyone, I just have a doubt. I recently completed my W&C VI, and I found it quite difficult. I felt that the 15 seconds of thinking time wasn’t enough, and I ended up stammering a lot and repeating myself several times. Although I had a few good points, overall, I think my presentation was poor. I’m worried it might lead to a rejection because, honestly, while typing this message, I can’t even remember what the questions were, they came so quickly.
IMO me too.. which track are you applying? Spring or Summer?
I am on leveraged finance track and would like to tell a bit more about islamic finance seat on my test, but due to time constraint I forget it.
Hello!
That's a really good question, and something that I always struggled with when it came to interviews! You are not necessarily being formally assessed at that stage, but it can still leave an impression. If you ask something inappropriate or something that would be really easy to find online, it might put you at a disadvantage.
The best approach is to treat it as a two-way conversation - you're also interviewing them to see if it's a place you'd actually want to work! Instead of memorising generic questions, try to build on what came up during the interview. For example:
- "You mentioned the team is growing - what do you think will be the biggest focus for the next few months?"
- "It sounds like collaboration is a big part of the culture here - what does this look like day to day?"
Just make sure you are asking the appropriate person for the question - for example, you may not ask a partner about the seat selection process, but this can be something to ask the graduate recruitment team. On the flip side, you could ask a partner about the business development opportunities or the key skills needed to progress in the firm.
I hope that helps! As long as you ask questions that show genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for learning more about the firm, it's unlikely it'll have any impact on your overall performance
Do not worry, I haven’t received it and I was among the first to receive the first test 🤡
That said, I’m feeling pretty disheartened. I thought the SJT was pretty simple, and my answers for the written part weren’t fascinating but they were well-structured and logical. I’d just like to know what exactly I’m doing wrong in this process, but oh well I guess sending scores to people who put in time and effort to apply is too much for certain multi-million dollar companies
Honestly I thought my VI went really badly but I’ve made it through to final interview! I think if you still made good points then you stand a good chance! They know that 15 seconds worth of thinking time isn’t enough and no one’s answers will be perfect!
Congrats! Do you think I should just go for the spring vc? I was thinking of applying for winter this week, but they are already sending out VIs...
@Abbie Whitlock I wonder if you could give me some advice on one of the CC application questions. It asks ‘what are your motivations for applying to Clifford Chance?’. How much of my answer should be dedicated to the firm itself? Should I also include ‘why commercial law’ within my answer? Thank you so much!
Not sure on that as I completed test 1 and haven't received it.
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Hi!
Reed Smith consider all applications submitted for the deadline (and often receive the majority of their applications close to the deadline), and the deadline in December is for both the Winter and Spring vacation schemes. There is still plenty of time to submit a really strong application and be progressed to the next stages in the process - they send out invites in batches!
I would still encourage you to apply, as the deadline is still a little while away - the most important part is submitting a strong, tailored application!
Hey!
That's a great question! For the "motivations for applying to Clifford Chance" question, I'd say it's best to strike a balance between why the firm and why commercial law, but with a clear emphasis on Clifford Chance itself.
You can briefly mention what draws you to commercial law (just a couple of lines to show awareness of the role itself and your genuine interest in the field), but the bulk of your answer should focus on why Clifford Chance specifically. Have a think about what sets the firm apart, and why that appeals to you - both due to your skill set and attributes, and your future career goals. This could be its global reach, approach to innovation, key practice areas, culture, or particular initiatives. I would try and discuss a couple of these areas, rather than relying on just one.
The key is to be specific and personal - show that you have done your research and that there's a genuine connection between your interests and what Clifford Chance offers. This is how you ensure that your application is tailored to the firm, and will help you stand out!
I hope that assists, and good luck with your application!
By selective, I mean more than pass/fail automatically i.e. someone reviewing it.
And they take a while after test 1 to send it anyway so I wouldn't worry too much. I took the 1st one on October 20th and it took until October the 30th to receive the 2nd one.
No clue whether I applied for Spring or Summer tbh.
It's whatever I feel like when I'm filling in the form lol. It could be spring, summer depending on where the button is on the page.
If I get an assessment centre, I wouldn't even have a clue whether it was spring or summer I applied for haha.
@Abbie Whitlock
I would like to have your insights into how to draft solid CV for Travers Smith and Slaughter and May.
What is the ideal length, what are things to cover and preferred tone.
I've been drafting a "perfect" one for 2 days now but kinda feeling clueless about what the ideal output would be.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I would like to have your insights into how to draft solid CV for Travers Smith and Slaughter and May.
What is the ideal length, what are things to cover and preferred tone.
I've been drafting a "perfect" one for 2 days now but kinda feeling clueless about what the ideal output would be.
Thanks in advance for your help!
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