TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter]

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

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.​

 

[Dannie]

Any tips on how to get over fear and dread around ACs especially after trauma from PFOs after a bunch of past ones?

 

[WeGotThis!]

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!

 

[johnsmith]

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

Simmons is like this! They outlined this at a recent OD.

 

[yasmars]

Does anyone know much about the Proskauer Rose training contract?

 

[Someoneinlaw]

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 🫡

Wow, thank you very much for this!

 

[elizabethkate]

rogue but anyone applying to capsticks?

 

[c.t.tc]

Simmons is like this! They outlined this at a recent OD.

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)

 

[msclm]

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

You can presume most (if not all) US firms have additional assessments on the vac!

 

[user55998384]

Hey guys, whats the time limit to answer each video interview quesion in the Simmons & Simmons assessment. It doesn't tell you how long next to the first question. Thanks!

2 minutes

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any advice for Akin Telephone interviews?

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?”

They are not necessarily looking for a ‘right’ answer - they want to see your judgment, approach, and thought process. I’d make sure to talk them through each stage in your process, and outline what you’d take into consideration at each point.

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:

1. The context of the story (i.e. what is actually happening)
2. The commercial implications
3. 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!

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Does anyone have insight for the freshfields stage 2 assessment, specifically the email aspect?

 

[ahem]

Anyone know if the RPC online assessment includes video interview questions?

Hi jus wondering if you have done this, and whether it includes VI? thanks!!

 

[futureharveyspecter]

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?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

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

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Any advice for Akin Telephone interviews?

Congratulations! May I ask when you submitted your app and got the test invite please?

 

[M85672]

Anybody heard from PwC for the legal vac schemes yet?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any tips on how to get over fear and dread around ACs especially after trauma from PFOs after a bunch of past ones?

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"

I found this was a great way to maintain control of my performance, and allowed me to find the small wins even if overall it felt like it went 'badly'.

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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Hello!

You definitely do not need to have attended an open / insight day to give a strong "Why this firm?" answer - I only attended an open day at one of the firms I was successful with overall! The main ways that you can stand out:

1. Show you've done deeper research than the website itself

Look for things such as:

• Recent deals, cases, or matters the firm worked on that have interested you
• Industry sectors or client bases that they're growing in
• New offices, strategy changes, hires, or expansions
• Awards or rankings that match your interests

I would try to reference specific and unique facts about the firm that show a genuine interest and desire to learn more. Avoid picking generic elements that you are able to find on the first page of the website - you should show off the depth of research you have conducted!

2. Link the firm's strengths to your personal motivations

My main advice for all motivational questions is to constantly link the unique aspects of the firm back to your own past experiences to demonstrate genuine interest, and where the interest has grown.

For example, rather than saying "I want to work at X because they are strong in Y", I'd say something more along the lines of: "Your growth in private equity appeals to me as I enjoy analytical, long-term client relationships as show through my experience as X"

Making that connection is what helps set your application apart, and makes it feel more personal and tailored overall.

3. Talk about what you can contribute to the firm

A really useful way of showing an interest in a firm is by demonstrating that you know what they value, and that you have those qualities yourself. For example:

• A technical interest in a certain area
• Prior sector experience
• Client-facing or leadership skills

This shows that you see yourself as part of the firm, and that you believe you can contribute to the long-term success.

4. Highlight what makes the firm different to its competitors

This can be across a range of different factors, but some of the most common starting points are:

• Culture or training approach
• Client base
• Seat structure
• Early responsibility
• International opportunities

Framing your answer in terms of what sets them apart is a good way to show that you are not sending the same application to every firm, and that you have taken the time to research and compare.

Even without open days, a well-researched and personal answer can easily stand out more than someone who simply says "I went to the firm presentation and liked the culture". It's all about showing your genuine interest and motivations for the firm through your research, and tying this into why you'd be a good fit based on your past experiences.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your applications!

 

[tjeya26]

Bird & Bird AC!!!

Congratulations!! Is it okay to ask if this is for spring or summer?