TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lawlawland]

Yes - recieved an offer

May I know when you applied and when did they get back?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

What is Reed Smith's position on grades - do they require 2.1s in all modules

Hello!

Just to confirm what other forum users have stated, we look for a 2:1 overall - it doesn't matter if you have a few modules below a 2:1! As long as you meet this requirement, the main thing we'll focus on is your written answers

 

[legallybrunette8]

@Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock Hi both, do you have any advice on how to approach the question of opportunities/challenges currently affecting law firms (especially in a VI context)?

Is it better to stick to a broad example, or something more niche? Always would love any examples you might have if possible 🫣

 

[JBM]

HSFK WVS PFO as expected.

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Does anyone have any insight on freshfields stage 2 video interview!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
This may seem ridiculous but I was wondering how can I actually keep track of ongoing things in the market, like inflation / interest rates, trade wars and geopolitics etc - I feel like there's so much information, and with things like interest rates which keep changing how am I supposed to track when it changes and other things in relation to this?

Thank you

It's not ridiculous at all, and it can feel very overwhelming at first! There is a ton of information out there, and markets do move fast - but you don't need to follow absolutely everything to stay informed. A few simple plans can help you keep up to date.

Set up a small set of reliable sources

I would pick 2-3 places that you trust and understand, and stick with them rather than trying to read everything. For example:

1. Read BBC Business or the Financial Times for in depth articles of the most impactful commercial events
2. Listen to the FT News Briefing daily to keep up to date with recent changes and stories
3. Read LittleLaw (or another similar resource) to follow any commercial stories that are likely to have an impact on the legal sector.

It's important to pick resources that suit your style of learning and retention - I always enjoyed the FT News Briefing for a quick summary, and LittleLaw as it gave examples of how concepts worked in practice. However, this will be individual for you, so make sure to pick resources you know and like

Use alerts instead of constant monitoring

Interest rate changes don't happen randomly, and they will be released on fixed schedules. Most financial news apps or platforms allow you to set notifications for any specific events, so you're only alerted when something actually changes rather than constantly checking for updates.

Focus on broader trends rather than every headline

It can sometimes be more useful (and manageable) to track overarching themes (such as the general state of global trade relations or whether inflation is rising or stabilising) rather than trying to follow every minor update. This makes the information more coherent and easier to connect with your legal studies.

It also makes it easier to discuss commercial issues in activities such as case studies or commercial awareness exercises, as you will have a broader view of the factors currently impacting the market

Remember that you don't have to know absolutely everything - the goal is to keep you aware of the things that matter to you and your interests. I hope that helps!

 

[Amgrad]

Anyone received email from Skadden about our application update? They seem monitor our progress on portal though I haven't submitted it yet

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

I hope you're doing well ✨
I would like to have some suggestions on how to answer this question:

"Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor in a transactional focused firm?"

Hey!

A strong answer will usually combine three main elements: what attracts you to transactional work, why that fits your skills and traits, and why a transactional-focused firm is the right environment for you. For example, this could look like:

1. What attracts you to transactional work: for example, you could state that you enjoy deal-making and seeing how businesses operate - or even preferring proactive, solution-focused work over disputes.

2. How your strengths fit this environment: you can mention things like attention to detail, teamwork, commercial thinking, or enjoying fast-paced projects with moving parts. Make sure to back up any strengths you state you have with brief examples of when you have displayed them.

3. Why a transactional-focused firm specifically: these firms often offer early responsibility, exposure to major deals, and a strong commercial training environment. I would explain why these factors matter to you, and how your long-term ambitions align with what the firm offers.

I hope that assists!

 

[johnsmith]

I got a no on the P,W OD but made the AS grand final 😁

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey everyone!

I’m trying to work out the best approach to the work experience section on applications, especially when there isn’t a separate section for extracurriculars, or open days/events attended.

What counts as ‘work experience? Is it only paid jobs, internships, and in-person legal experience? Should I include positions of responsibility (e.g. a role at a uni society) in that section too? I’m asking this in relation to A&O Shearman (TC App), but the questions apply more broadly as well.

I’ve done several Forage courses (including A&O) attended open days, insight workshops, webinars, panel presentations etc. I thought these could show my interest and commitment to a career in law, however, I’m never quite sure if these should be included under WE.

For context, I’m an LLB and LLM Corporate Law grad, work full-time in financial services for alternatives (PE, RE etc.), but I have almost no legal work experience. I’m wondering whether including these courses/events in my WE section would be beneficial.

Also, how many experiences is too many if the firm doesn’t have a limit and are bullet points for this section a ‘no-go’?

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu @Jaysen Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

Hello!

Great question! I would say that you don't need to limit "work experience" to paid jobs or formal legal roles.

It is usually treated quite broadly, so anything that develops relevant skills (including your financial services role and any positions of responsibility, such as society committee roles) absolutely belong there too! I always used to include my Forage programmes as well, particularly if they are a way of showing an interest in the legal sector. However, I would try to keep the entries brief and discuss what you learned from them and any insights they gave you.

You can definitely include open days and workshops too, if you can discuss what was involved and your main takeaways from each event. However, if you have a few shorter experiences, it's probably best to group these together if they are similar!

There's no strict limit on how many entries to include, but I would aim for a focused list of the most valuable experiences rather than everything you have done. If you can discuss your role, responsibilities, and skills developed (or insights gained if a programme / open day), then I think it is fine to include it

I would always advise using prose in the work experience section (as this is what most firms prefer), but if the firm doesn't state which they prefer, it is usually fine to write detailed bullet points.

I hope that assists - best of luck with your application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

This might sound dumb- but how exactly do you tailor your CV to specific firms? @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Hi!

It's not a dumb question at all! You don't necessarily need to rewrite your whole CV for every firm (as the cover letter is usually the way you will show interest towards the firm) - however, you can selectively emphasise the parts of your experience that match what that firm values.

For example, if a firm is known for strong transactional work, I would highlight any experiences that show commercial awareness, teamwork, or involvement in business-focused / commercial roles. If a firm emphasises pro bono or community impact, you could give more space to volunteering or people-focused experiences. Tailoring is really just about highlighting which skills, achievements, and responsibilities you have that align with that firm's culture and strengths

I'd think of it as shifting the focus of your CV, rather than rewriting the whole thing - the core CV will stay the same, but you may include / exclude certain experiences to make it relevant to what the firm prioritises (especially if you don't have space to include them all).

I hope that assists!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For Reed Smith, I scored mid for both Verbal and Numerical reasoning. 3 for grit, 6 for Applied Intellect, 4 Creative Force and
6 Digital Mindset. I’m not too sure how I did in the VI and fear I sounded slightly nervous. Has anyone had similar scores or know of any success stories or would it be best to prepare for the rejection … thanks !! @Abbie Whitlock

Hi!

They sound like good scores to me! I'm not too sure on what the team is specifically looking for (as I don't deal with the test side of the process), but in my SJT, I had a relatively similar score. I also thought that my VI was awful, and was convinced that I would get a rejection - but you often think it goes worse than it actually does!

I would try to remain positive, and remember that it is out of your hands now - you've done your best!

 

[TortillaTC]

I got a no on the P,W OD but made the AS grand final 😁

Also no on the PW open day! Congrats on AS)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

could anyone give an insight on how to structure the answer- Why do you want to become a commercial lawyer at (redacted) law firm and what do you think are the key skills and qualities required for success? i heard mixed reviews on if they wanted us to talk about why commercial law first then why the firm and the rest. I'd appreciate some insight! @Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

I would approach this question with a simple and logical structure. You don't need anything too fancy - they just want to see your reasoning in a way that flows. I would think of the answer in three parts:

1. Start with why commercial law: just a few sentences on what attracts you to commercial work - whether that is the business focus, problem-solving, client interaction, or the collaborative nature of commercial deals. Make sure you back up any motivations with tangible examples, either from your studies or work experience.

2. Explain why this firm: I would pick two or three genuine reasons that connect to your interests, such as specific practice strengths, the kind of work they're known for, or their approach to training and culture. You can link this to why commercial law and your future aspirations to show why you are particularly motivated to apply this firm.

3. Finish why the key skills needed: make sure to highlight key skills that are required for a commercial lawyer - things such as teamwork, attention to detail, communication, resilience, etc. If the firm has a list of key competencies on their website, it might be useful to refer to these as this is likely what they believe are most important for success! I would also briefly link them to your own experiences to demonstrate how you have displayed them.

This will keep your answer clear, avoids repetition, and addresses each element of the question.

I hope that assists!

 

[Amgrad]

For law firms which don't excel on both UK Chamber and Legal 500 England (no band 1 or Tier 1), how can we show interest to their practice areas or department? Usually I mention their rank and recent deals to connect with my related experiences. Honestly, that's make it harder when I wrote my first VS app ever at Paul, Weiss which resulted PFO. My first essay was generic as I told about their culture and industries excessively on my first essay. I mentioned deals and tie it with my experience in the second essay.

Similarly, I found another US firm Morrison & Foersters, but at least it has int'l secondment unlike PW. I also don't want to mention their perks and benefits obviously or talking about justice. I tend to focus on the commercial aspects, but stuck as these firms don't have any more peculiarity I am afraid there are more firms in the same extent. How should I write them? @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

 

[JBM]

wnc wvs offer

 

[Lawlawland]

Hey!

A strong answer will usually combine three main elements: what attracts you to transactional work, why that fits your skills and traits, and why a transactional-focused firm is the right environment for you. For example, this could look like:

1. What attracts you to transactional work: for example, you could state that you enjoy deal-making and seeing how businesses operate - or even preferring proactive, solution-focused work over disputes.

2. How your strengths fit this environment: you can mention things like attention to detail, teamwork, commercial thinking, or enjoying fast-paced projects with moving parts. Make sure to back up any strengths you state you have with brief examples of when you have displayed them.

3. Why a transactional-focused firm specifically: these firms often offer early responsibility, exposure to major deals, and a strong commercial training environment. I would explain why these factors matter to you, and how your long-term ambitions align with what the firm offers.

I hope that assists!

This is really helpful, thanks Abbie✨

 

[itsallgoodman]

Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon post AC? They told us to expect a response by today, but I haven't heard anything yet.

 

[Lawlawland]

A random Q, but does anyone here follow news on Data Centers and PE firms' investments in them?

If yes, please DM me, I would like t have a discussion on this.

TIA.

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon post AC? They told us to expect a response by today, but I haven't heard anything yet.

Literally doing the same ahaha