TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Kirsty Wilkins]

Hi @Kirsty Wilkins, I have attended close to 10 virtual events that Gemma hosted. I recently started a new job and had a few things in my schedule so I haven't submitted my application yet. I want to submit by next week and I was wondering if it is a bit late to submit my application now?

Hi @i-want-a-tc ,

Our application process is open until 10th December, so you still have plenty of time to submit.

Good luck!

Kirsty

 

[Kirsty Wilkins]

She is the best Grad Recruiter I've ever had the chance to speak with, and I loved that she was straightforward and brutal. I wonder what firm she'll be joining next.

Hi @noahsmiit01 ,

Great to hear your lovely words about Gemma. She didn't leave Willkie for another law firm, but instead has joined Rare Recruitment, so we still get to work with her, which is wonderful!

Kirsty

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Is it okay to look at your notes(on your laptop) when preparing for a VI with unlimited time- when the camera is on all through the test

 

[yk1906]

Is it okay to look at your notes(on your laptop) when preparing for a VI with unlimited time- when the camera is on all through the test

I always structure my answer on paper, never thought it could be an issue.

 

[londonlawyer]

For DLA Piper's question, describe a specific personal experience that shaped your motivation to pursue a legal career. How has this influenced your career ambitions, my draft is based on a vacation scheme experience, but would that be considered a personal experience? I might be overthinking it here, but are they asking for an experience outside of work (extracurriculars or leadership positions)?

 

[Mara]

Hey!

A good way to avoid sounding forced or cliche in motivational questions is to stay away from generic lines like “I enjoy problem-solving” or “I like working with business” (although, these can still work if framed well!). Instead, I’d link you interest to specific experiences you have had and show what you learned from them.

For example, refer to a particular deal that you followed, a module that you enjoyed, something observed on placement, or a real commercial issue that caught your attention. Then explain why it made you want to work in commercial law - maybe you liked the mix of legal analysis and strategy, working closely with clients, or seeing how legal work shapes a business decision.

I would make sure that you focus on the parts of the job that genuinely attract you to the role - such as long-term client relationships, project-based work, teamwork with different specialists, cross-border elements, etc. The more concrete or personal your examples are, the more authentic your motivation will sound. For example, I always used to discuss my work in my university’s legal clinic, and how I could see the tangible impact that my advice had on specific issues that a client had. I could then link this to how I was motivated to work in commercial law due to this problem-solving nature coupled with long-term client relationships.

In summary: use real experiences, extra the main insights, and link them clearly to the day-to-day work of a commercial lawyers. This tailored approach will make your answer feel genuine rather than rehearsed!

Thank you so much for this helpful and detailed response

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Mishcon chat based interview invite.

 

[user333]

Hi, has anyone heard back from Simmons who completed the test around the 27th October?

 

[maylawwww]

Does anyone know if Addleshaw Goddard (AG) has changed its critical thinking test to WG?
Also does anyone know if the new RPC assessment includes VI?

Addleshaw's test is critical thinking - I didn't take it last year, so I can't say if it's changed. But, for comparison, it's basically the same test as TW this year!

 

[maylawwww]

Does anyone know how long it usually takes to get the Fieldfisher test?

 

[lelezb1]

Does anyone know how long it usually takes to get the Fieldfisher test?

I got it after 20 days

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Freshfields stage 2 online test invite. For context, applied last week and invited to do test last week, completed the test on Monday, feedback on Tuesday

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Hi @i-want-a-tc ,

Our application process is open until 10th December, so you still have plenty of time to submit.

Good luck!

Kirsty

Thank you Kirsty!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Dreading the Reed smith VI, anybody who's done it - was it really hard?

 

[e_turbo2]

I applied to my best firms first this cycle and I regret that. What this meant is that, I have used my best firms as a trial and error training ground and ofc gotten the PFOs. Now I am a stronger candidate, both in written apps and interviews which means I am progressing further with firms I'm not hugely in love with. Anyways, the game goes on. Happy Friday...

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

Can anyone provide any BCLP interview insights please? Feel free to DM me or reply in thread here 🙏 // separately, @Andrei Radu How should I prepare for a strength based interview with this firm? Thank you!!

How long did it take for you to hear back after receiving feedback from SJT please?

 

[e_turbo2]

How long did it take for you to hear back after receiving feedback from SJT please?

3 weeks!

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

3 weeks!

Thank you !

 

[Amgrad]

I applied to my best firms first this cycle and I regret that. What this meant is that, I have used my best firms as a trial and error training ground and ofc gotten the PFOs. Now I am a stronger candidate, both in written apps and interviews which means I am progressing further with firms I'm not hugely in love with. Anyways, the game goes on. Happy Friday...

It reminds me when applying to College, I applied early admission to Stanford and got rejected. Then I got other ivy schools which I don't put on Top 3. Yet, I chose non ivy either because I got full scholarship despite the ranks drop huge. As a foreign student who came from low income and first gen university I take that as pride and shows my capability.

You don't know where you can thrive and destiny carry you. I advise you to keep go on!

 

[abc124]

Dreading the Reed smith VI, anybody who's done it - was it really hard?

Dw it’s not bad and there’s unlimited prep time!!