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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
For those applying to Skadden, how do we write a detailed answer for the second question ‘if you could choose a career other than the law, what would you choose?’ Is the expectation to explain why that career, our skills or competencies, how they align back to law and/or Skadden, etc? Just seems very confusing hence I left it till the end. I am able to think of a few other careers, but should they be similar to commercial law or something different? Surely I can just say I would choose X career and call it a day but it is asking for 250 words lmao. Any help would be appreciated! Also if @Andrei Radu or @Abbie Whitlock could help that would be great!
Hey!
Whilst it is an advantage to apply early for a rolling deadline, I would still encourage you to apply even if people have been progressed to the next stages already! Most firms will review every application that is submitted before the deadline (and will receive the majority of applications in the last few days), and so the most important factor is that you submit a strong and tailored application that you are confident with!
If you feel you can do that before the deadline, I absolutely would apply
Hi!
This question definitely feels confusing at first, but it's actually more about understanding you rather than testing your commitment to law. Skadden wants to see how you think, what motivates you outside the standard "commercial law" narrative, and whether you can give a thoughtful and well-rounded explanation of your interests.
A strong 250-word answer will usually cover three main things:
1. Pick a genuine alternative career
It doesn't need to be similar to commercial law, but it can be if that is your genuine answer. However, picking something different often works as it gives them a clear picture of you as a person. As long as it is credible and you can back it up with reasons for why you would choose it, any career path should be fine!
2. Explain why that career appeals to you
The main focus should be on what draws you to it - this could be problem-solving, strategy, creativity, leadership, analytical thinking, working with people, etc. This should show what drives you and makes your answer authentic and personal. Discuss the elements of the role that you would like and why your skills would be well suited for it.
3. Indirectly reveal strengths and transferable skills
You don't need to link it back to Skadden explicitly, but you can highlight the underlying qualities that you'd bring to any career (including a career in commercial law).
For example, if you choose journalism, this could include curiosity, communication, and distilling complex information - all traits that are very transferable to the role of a trainee solicitor. This allows Skadden to infer the traits you'd bring as a trainee without you hammering the point home.
The two main things that I would avoid in your answer are:
- Don't say a career that undermines your motivation for law (e.g. "I'd be happier doing anything else" or "I'm really open minded to lots of career paths and haven't decided", etc.)
- Don't force a cliche "this is basically law but with a different name" answer - they want to see what your genuine interests and motivations are!
250 words are there to let you develop your reasoning and personality, not to trip you up! As long as you write a genuine answer and back it up with real motivations, you can write a really strong answer. I hope that helps, and best of luck!
Congratulations!!! Is that competitive? I heard that master's degree is less selective compared to bachelor's especially in the UK even though it's RG uni.
Just spotted a spelling typo in one of the vac scheme applications I sent off. Jesus take the wheel.
Does anybody have any advice on how to answer the following-Identify an industry sector of interest to you and discuss its current challenges or opportunities and how the Firm could help a client in the sector navigate these. (400 words max) for Baker McKenzie
I spelt Sidley Austin “Sidney Austin” in my first sentence of my first question. And I still got the vac 💀 one typo isn’t the end of the world
I feel like I majorly messed up the Taylor Wessing cover letter by adding a “why commercial law” paragraph, even though I tried to keep it really short. Could have used the space to expand more on skills 🥲
I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. The successful applications from last year have that part. I believe it also comes under the "why the scheme", question.
Especially as a career changer (the firm hires a lot of people from STEM), none can write a cover letter without answering why commercial law.
So I believe that's totally okay.
I really hope so. I procrastinated that cover letter for over a month and literally sent the application an hour before the deadline. 😂
Just don't everthink if your typo doesn't change the meaning of it or have hilarious recourse of words. Eg. Bowling, Growling, Growing when the actual name is Gowling 🤭
Grad Rec confirmed in an online event that there are a few numerical questions based on datasets. The provider is Amberjack too so it would make sense
Another one is King Spalding which I always want to call Spadling
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