TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yasmars]

Those who attended Skadden OD -- do you know how they want us to structure the Work section? Thanks!!

They said it doesn’t really matter. It should be structured in a way that you feel presents your experience the best

 

[TCchaser]

Those who attended Skadden OD -- do you know how they want us to structure the Work section? Thanks!!

Grad Rec said they don't mind if you use prose or bullet points

 

[i-want-a-tc]

so sorry to hear that - could i ask when you submitted simmons

Both apps submitted 2 weeks ago, Simmons was on 16th

 

[yk1906]

They said it doesn’t really matter. It should be structured in a way that you feel presents your experience the best

Thank you so much! Also, if you don't mind my asking, were there any particular requirements about the open questions?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Sorry to hear that, was it Bristol or London office?

London for both

 

[i-want-a-tc]

so sorry to hear that - could i ask when you submitted simmons

Submitted amberjack on 16th

 

[futureharveyspecter]

How long did it take for anyone to get Bird & Bird wgt after submitting their app for the SVS? Do they view apps before sending it?

 

[CuriousTrainee]

I was wondering if someone might be able to help me on this. I'm not really sure how DLA screen the WG or applications or what the benchmark is to pass. It almost seems random at how people get through since some will do the WG then hear back days even weeks later yet others, the next day. Also another question I have is, do they look at both the application and the WG or is it predetermined only by the WG score?

Any insight would be much appreciated

 

[user55998384]

Submitted amberjack on 16th

do you mind sharing how you did on the test

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Pinsents PFO- right before I started work
I applied 23rd Oct

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Pinsents PFO- right before I started work
I applied 23rd Oct

I got it midday when I was at work yesterday. You can't even have a quick cry

 

[seriouscandidate_]

I’ve been invited to two in-person open days on the same day and at the same time. What should I do? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Chelsea101]

Those that applied to BCLP - is the test sent automatically? Thanks

 

[Jessica Pearson]

I got it midday when I was at work yesterday. You can't even have a quick cry

That's literally what I was thinking . Got mine this morning before work so I've been listening to funny videos so I don't cry.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi all, for Reed Smith's VI what type of questions are to be expected i.e., situational, competency, motivational?

Hello!

This video from the TCLA Law Firm Directory was really useful for me when preparing for the Reed Smith VI - Rik goes into detail on what kinds of questions you can expect, and how to properly answer them. I hope you find it useful!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie, thanks this is helpful. I do have a slight concern though-- the Akin form asked multiple short questions and so it forced me to really use many of my examples to explain why I was interested in X or Y. Is it concerning if I repeat some of the experiences in competency sections? I can try find some other examples, but they tend to be far weaker imo.

Hey!

No problem at all

It's completely fine to repeat examples as long as you are not giving exactly the same answer word-for-word. Firms know that strong experiences will often demonstrate more than one competency, and they won't expect you to have an endless list of examples / experiences.

If you reuse an example, just make sure you:

1. Focus on a different angle each time (e.g. one answer emphasises teamwork, another focuses on problem-solving or motivation)
2. Add a slightly different reflection or takeaway to distinguish the two answers

It's better to use a strong example more than once with a fresh focus, rather than switch to a weaker example that doesn't show you at your best

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I’ve been invited to two in-person open days on the same day and at the same time. What should I do? Any help would be appreciated.

Hello!

First of all, congratulations on being invited to two in-person open days!

I would try to decide which event matters most to you, focusing on factors such as your interest in the firm, chances of applying, networking value, etc. It might be helpful to think about which firm you know less about, as the open day might be a great way to gain some more insights into their work / culture.

Once you have chosen, I would email the other firm politely, explain you have a clash, and ask if there's another date or way to attend (for example, there may be a virtual session or event in the future).

Firms are usually very understanding, particularly if you politely email them and let them know in advance. It definitely won't reflect badly on you as long as you communicate professionally and as soon as you can

 

[seriouscandidate_]

Hello!

First of all, congratulations on being invited to two in-person open days!

I would try to decide which event matters most to you, focusing on factors such as your interest in the firm, chances of applying, networking value, etc. It might be helpful to think about which firm you know less about, as the open day might be a great way to gain some more insights into their work / culture.

Once you have chosen, I would email the other firm politely, explain you have a clash, and ask if there's another date or way to attend (for example, there may be a virtual session or event in the future).

Firms are usually very understanding, particularly if you politely email them and let them know in advance. It definitely won't reflect badly on you as long as you communicate professionally and as soon as you can

Thank you, Abbie. I will do!

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hello!

This video from the TCLA Law Firm Directory was really useful for me when preparing for the Reed Smith VI - Rik goes into detail on what kinds of questions you can expect, and how to properly answer them. I hope you find it useful!

thank you so much Abbie

 

[wrloyst]

Could anyone kindly share insights from the 2nd stage of the FF assessment? Would greatly appreciate it