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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Is there anyone that didn't receive the email from DLA "we're writing to confirm that your application is now under consideration for the next stage of our recruitment process: the first stage interview", that still got a TI? Still confused on how they send out emails, feeling like it's a PFO.
The applications where I did this last year were overall more successful. Just add a line in the description saying that, following a successful application, you will be joining the firm's vacation scheme in X month for X number of weeks
Thank you so much Andrei for your advice. I am a little reluctant to change it majorly as I did pass the first stage so in this would you recommend keeping some things similar? Many Thanks
Just been invited to Osborne Clarke's AC (through 10k) and I’d really appreciate any insight!
Hello!
For Q2, as the question specifically asks you to select one articles from the DLA Piper Insights page on a client sector, it's best to choose something that clearly sits within a recognised sector area (e.g. tech or real estate). You can explore a wider industry trend within that article, but the starting point should be a sector-focused piece rather than something completely general.
This makes it much easier to demonstrate commercial awareness and link it back to why that sector interests you and how it aligns with your ambitions - which is exactly what graduate recruitment are trying to see in your answer. Picking a relevant sector article also gives you a clearer route to connect it to DLA Piper's international work and client base.
I hope that clarifies!
It was yes! The interview was a pleasant experience. Every person I meet from BCLP, whatever seniority, just seems so positive and friendly. It's nice to see the culture stated on the website playing out in practice.
Hello!
My stance on this was to include it in any Direct TC applications, but not for any vacation scheme applications. The reasoning for this was that I wanted to convey that I would have experienced that vacation scheme by the time that I would potentially be completing the AC (or later stages), and DTC processes often prefer if you have some legal experience. However, this isn't necessarily the case for applying for vacation schemes, so I didn't include it as I felt it wasn't necessarily relevant.
However, I think the most important thing is how you frame it - if you feel it would be beneficial to include, adding it briefly is unlikely to cause an issue
Hello!
I have quoted some posts below that might be helpful in terms of preparing for video interviews, so hopefully they are a useful starting point! I would also recommend this forum post from Andrei, which is really great for competency style questions!
In terms of preparation, with a 5-day deadline I found that consistent practice worked far better than cramming the night before. I'd usually spend an hour or two each day looking over common questions, practising responses, and doing some focused research on the firm. Breaking the prep down into manageable chunks made a much bigger difference to my performance compared to when I tried to do everything last-minute and for hours on end.
I hope that helps - I always found that VIs were something I got better at over time, so I'm sure your hard work will pay off!
Hello!
Congratulations on reaching the VI stage for Latham & Watkins!
I haven't completed a VI with Latham & Watkins specifically, but for video interviews generally, it helps to think of them as a mix of motivational, competency, and situational questions. Common questions that you could be asked are: why you're interested in the firm, what your personal strengths and weaknesses are, and how you've demonstrated relevant skills (e.g. teamwork, resilience, or problem-solving). I would have a think about your answers for some of the more common questions, but don't stress about trying to prepare for every question imaginable - it's impossible to predict everything! Making sure that you have a good understanding of your motivations and can reflect on your own experiences goes a long way!
For video interviews in particular, structure is really important - using the STAR method can help keep your answers focused and prevents rambling (which I used to be guilty of!). It also really helped me to practice in advance, particularly making sure that you are speaking clearly and at a steady pace - don't be afraid to pause briefly to think before answering. I can totally understand how awkward video interviews can feel, but making sure that you are looking at the camera and treating it like you would a normal interview is really important.
It is also worth brushing up on a few recent commercial or legal developments that interest you so that you can demonstrate commercial awareness if prompted, particularly with the firm's key practice areas / sectors. I would try to show genuine enthusiasm and authenticity - this can feel tricky over VI, but they're assessing how you communicate and whether you'd be a good fit for their culture, so it's important that you are yourself!
I've linked the TCLA Wiki page on video interviews - there are a couple of resources here that might be useful to have a read over before your VI.
Good luck with the interview!
Hey!
Sure, happy to share how I approached the VI!
In general for video interviews, it's really important to make sure that you are fully answering the question and that any examples that you use actually fit with the question. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and try and fit it to the question, however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell and it'll look better to use an example that fits best (even if it is a less 'substantive' experience)
Another main thing I did was practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so it really helped me to have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror (even if it felt a little silly!). I had a tendency to ramble in my video interviews, so knowing roughly how long it would take me to cover my main topics was really helpful.
Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful to have a clear idea of what you are going to say before you start recording - Reed Smith actually recommend you use the prep time instead of jumping straight into the questions! I would avoid writing a script as this can sound robotic and could reflect badly on your overall performance, but I stuck a post-it note with all the key points I wanted to discuss and used that when practising (and in the recording).
There's a video in the TCLA Law Firm Directory that I watched before my VI that I found was super helpful - I'll link it here. I'd definitely give that a watch, as Rik gives some great advice on what they are looking for and how to approach each aspect of the assessment.
Overall, just answer truthfully and be yourself. I think there's a tendency to think you have to come across as super composed and scripted for a video interview, but this isn't necessarily how you would behave in an actual interview. Take a moment to relax before recording, and try and come across as approachable and friendly - show them your personality and what your strengths are!
I hope that assists
Hey!
Great question - it can feel tricky to personalise and tailor your VI responses, especially when you're thinking on the spot! However, there are a few ways to make your answer stand out - a strong video interview usually shows three things:
- Clear structure: using something such as STAR helps you stay focused and prevents rambling. This allows you to deliver your answers in a more clear and concise way, which allows the graduate recruitment team to follow along easier
- Personal insight: the graduate recruitment team want to understand why you made certain choices and what you learned. Adding reflection is what lifts a seemingly generic answer into something memorable and personal
- A real sense of motivation: this is where your genuine enthusiasm and research can come in. Show that you understand the firm, the role of a trainee, and that you've thought about how your skills and ambitions make you a good fit.
As some more general tips in order to stand out in video interviews, I always used to try to:
Overall, I think most successful answers will be structured, genuine, and reflective - I used to think of it as not being rehearsed, but clearly prepared!
- Prepare a bank of examples for each competency: this meant that I was able to refer to them quickly if they were asked in a video interview, which made it easier to incorporate more of my own personal experiences when I didn't have loads of time
- Be specific, not vague: instead of simply saying "I worked well in a team", explain exactly what you did and what the impact was. This is where specificity is really key - using measurable results can really help hone this in!
- Bring energy and presence: I always found that in my earlier video interviews, I came across as slightly robotic and 'stiff' due to not being used to the VI format. However, this isn't necessarily how you would act in a normal interview - things such as good posture, eye contact with the camera, and natural tone make a big difference and really let the graduate recruitment team see your personality. Remember, whilst you have to have the skills for the role, they are also looking to hire trainees they can imagine would be a good fit!
- Link back to the role of a trainee: wherever you can, it's always useful to link how any skills or traits that you discuss will help you succeed as a trainee at their firm. Even a quick line such as "This is relevant to the role of a trainee at X because..." shows that you understand the role and the firm.
I hope that helps, and best of luck with any video interviews!
Hiya, did you get an email confirmation for completing stage 1 and how long did it take for you to move onto stage 2! Goodluck and all the best
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