bit of a random question but do any firms not have a final interview after the vacation scheme and just judge off your performance on the scheme ? or do most firms include a final interview afterwards
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Is this automatic or do they read your application as I applied today and received the test invite aswell
I think Willkie has their assessments before the VS (written app, video interview, written exercise and partner interview). Candidates are judged solely on their VS performance. Most firms have a range of assessments during the VS and/or a final interview afterwards.
Any tips on how to get over fear and dread around ACs especially after trauma from PFOs after a bunch of past ones?
For those who applied to Milbank, did you receive the first test immediately and how many days do you get to complete it? Thank you!
Wow, thank you very much for this!I have been to their AC before and can confirm it is heavily weighed.
I passed every component of their AC but did not finish the intray due to strict timings. I was told if I had finished that it would’ve been a different outcome.
Partner interview is pretty easy… why the firm, why London. It is a very rigid format everyone is asked the same exact questions across all offices. They will ask you a commercial question. I can’t remember it.it is one partner in the interview 1 partner in the commercial case study. They will mostly be looking down taking notes so don’t be too nervous. Friendly firm for sure. I know someone who got a TC offer from a VS AC as they were very good and passed all aspects of the AC.
Please don’t send me lots of messages asking for tips just giving my two pence above
Quite a few are tbh - often the ones that have a similar culture I have found (not that this is the rule just a pattern)
Hey!
Congratulations on being invited to the telephone interview stage!
Whilst I‘m not too sure on the specifics of Akin’s process, telephone interviews tend to focus on getting to know you and discussing your motivations for applying to the firm. If I was preparing for a telephone interview, I would focus on:
1. Motivational Questions
I would generally expect the classic three questions - why commercial law, why Akin, and why you. This can come in various forms, such as “why are you interested in our core practice areas” or “what makes you a good fit for Akin’s culture”. These approaches tend to blend a few of the motivational questions together, so I would just make sure that you address each aspect when answering the questions.
2. Competency Questions and Scenario Questions
I’d expect the common ones that are relevant to the role of a trainee solicitor - such as teamwork, resilience, handling pressure, solving problems, proactivity, etc. Using a clear structure such as STAR is ideal, as it ensures that you discuss each situation and competency in depth. I would always encourage you to read this guide by Andrei for competency questions
Scenario questions are quite similar to what would appear in an SJT, and could include things such as:
- ”What would you do if you had competing deadlines?”
- ”How would you handle a difficult colleague?”
3. Commercial Awareness
I would prepare for questions that follow the lines of “Tell us about a recent news story that interested you” or “Tell us about a recent news story that will impact the firm and our clients”. Make sure to research a few stories that you are able to understand well and that you are genuinely interested in, and explain:
- The context of the story (i.e. what is actually happening)
- The commercial implications
- How it might affect Akin’s clients or practice groups.
As it is a telephone interview, it will be slightly different than a normal interview in a few ways. I would make sure to keep your answers structured and concise, and speak with energy and genuine interest - this will help you build a rapport with the interviewer! You might also find it useful to clearly signpost your answers so that the interviewers are able to clearly follow along.
I hope that helps, and best of luck with the interview!
Hi jus wondering if you have done this, and whether it includes VI? thanks!!
Hey @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu , if a why firm question is asked, and I haven't been to any of their open days/insight days, how can I make my reasoning stand out?
Hey!
Most firms will have some form of assessment / interview that they will factor in alongside your performance on the scheme. One vacation scheme that I completed that didn't have a final 'interview' was Travers Smith - they ask you to submit an essay before the scheme, and then assess you on the scheme based on a written task, negotiation, and your overall performance. You are therefore not required to complete an interview during the scheme, which is quite rare! However, all of the other vacation schemes I have completed involved final partner interviews that were factored in alongside performance
Congratulations! May I ask when you submitted your app and got the test invite please?
Hey!
It makes total sense to feel fear and dread when you have had tough assessment centres before - your brain is trying to protect you from something it remembers as stressful! I felt a similar way before my DTC AC as I had never been the best at assessment centres in the past, and it was easy to spiral into what could go wrong.
There are some constructive ways to approach this round to try and put yourself in a healthier mindset for approaching the AC.
1. Focus on the positives you've earned
You were invited to the AC because you've already impressed them. Application form, tests, video interviews - they have clearly seen potential for you to make it this far. That is not luck - it is proof that you belong in this process and that you are more than capable of receiving an offer!
2. Be proud you are at this stage
A lot of really strong candidates might not make it this far - and you have managed to multiple times! Even if past ACs didn't go how you hoped, the fact you're trying again shows resilience and growth.
3. Look at where you can improve rather than what went wrong
Instead of replaying past negatives (which is easier said than done, I know!), try to break down what specific areas you felt weaker in - maybe interviews, group exercises, or commercial awareness. This makes it feel more manageable to work on them in small, targeted ways, and improvement itself builds confidence.
4. Remember what you did well last time
Even in an AC that felt bad, there were definitely still things that went right - perhaps communication, time management, written tasks, etc. Make sure you remember those parts when you reflect on your past experiences, as they are part of your performance too - use it to build your confidence!
5. Remind yourself its a new AC
New people, new exercises, and a brand new opportunity to make a great impression. What happened before is not automatically what will happen again, and you are able to start afresh and give it your all.
6. Choose at least one "win" goal that isn't outcome-based
What really helped me to manage my expectations and anxiety going into an AC was to give myself a clear goal alongside "doing my best" in all the tasks. For example:
- "I'll contribute clearly in the group exercise"
- "I'll keep calm breathing before each segment"
- "I'll back myself when answering questions"
Remember that you are not starting again from zero every time - you're starting from everything you've learned. Whilst the past ACs feel like bad memories, I would try to remember that they were practice to make you more resilient and determined for the ones to come.
Wishing you the best of luck
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