TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Andrei Radu]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock please can I ask during a 2 minute video interview response, if I talked about all important points and got cut off when I was trying to end the whole answer with a nice conclusion sentence, does that automatically mean failing the video interview question?

Not at all - I was progressed to the AC stage following two different VI experiences where I had failed to properly conclude my point and got cut off in at least one answer. I think recruiters generally care a lot more about your substantive points and about how you went about expressing them than about whether you stuck very strictly to the intended format, to the extent that they can easily overlook issues with the latter if they are quite happy with how you handled the former.

 

[TortillaTC]

I think what matters more here is how you go about discussing achievements or positions of responsibility rather than how many of them you discuss. You want each of your points to be properly contextualised and to be very specific about what you exactly did and accomplished, but at the same time to be concise and to stick to what is truly important. For a 500-word answer, I think anything in the range of 3-5 separate experiences to discuss would be considered acceptable.

Thank you, I was thinking 4! Would you recommend highlighting exact skills developed and connecting them back to the role of a trainee solicitor? (The original question is: "Please tell us about your achievements and positions of responsibility.") Their grad rec said no skills under the work experience section but this is a supporting question so I'm unsure.

 

[c.t.tc]

Anyone who did the TW written exercise last year and passed it do you have any tips at all? I would be super grateful!

 

[abc124]

Is Latham very strict on grades? Not sure if it's worth it to submit a last minute app

 

[Harvey Specter]

How many achievements/positions of responsibility did you discuss on Willkie's application given the 500 word limit? Gemma said 3 should be fine but firms usually have 300 words for this question not 500.

I think I discussed 4, 3 positions of responsibility and 1 achievement. Don’t think you’d need to hit the full word count for it. Depends on the amount of detail you go into for each I guess.​

 

[CharlesT47]

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu Hi, I've got a VS at Slaughter and May (HK). I'm also applying to VS in London, targetting specifically US firms. Is it worth mentioning this VS despite the fact that it really doesn't fit the profile of the firms I am applying to in London? In other words, is it better to show I am a desirable candidate by mentioning this experience? Or does it actually negatively impact my application because 1) it shows I am not committed to HK and 2) I am not committed to PE/ US firms.

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Is Arnold & Porter strict on grades?

 

[user55998384]

for lathams app - for the work exp section if i am still working there should i leave blank the working up until data?

 

[Harvey Specter]

for lathams app - for the work exp section if i am still working there should i leave blank the working up until data?

You could leave it blank or put a rough estimated date as to when your contract will end. Suppose you could also put the current date (Dec 2025), so it signals you are still working there.​

 

[cf26]

Is Latham very strict on grades? Not sure if it's worth it to submit a last minute app

I emailed them about this. They said 'our requirements specify a 2:1 average grade. While we understand that some modules may have lower scores, we will consider your application if your overall average meets the 2:1 criteria. However, we do look for consistency in grades across your modules.'

 

[user55998384]

You could leave it blank or put a rough estimated date as to when your contract will end. Suppose you could also put the current date (Dec 2025), so it signals you are still working there.​

thank you

 

[svb risk management intern]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that to people struggling with application answers, you should look at the Economical Writing Book by Deirdre McCloskey. The book is really clear in outlining how to argue for your point in economics, and writing in general. You get frameworks to follow when writing and it has been very helpful.

 

[user55998384]

for the latham app for this q: Have you previously applied to Latham & Watkins for any position? - the OD isn't included right?

 

[chiichii]

Hi everyone! I know this is a vacation scheme thread but I just thought maybe i could get some advice or guidance here. I recently applied for a paralegal job and I was invited to do an "NDA Assessment", which is basically a test that requires me to mark-up a mock NDA. Does anyone know how to approach or prepare for this kind of test? I would also be really grateful if @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu can share your advice as well!

 

[Unknowncabbage]

For those who attended one of the Latham OD's, we do just ignore the test invites right? lol

 

[johnsmith]

for the latham app for this q: Have you previously applied to Latham & Watkins for any position? - the OD isn't included right?

I put OD down myself

 

[Bbhu19]

Did anyone do the Weil test and what score did you get?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For those applying to Akin, how are we meant to approach these two questions, as they appear to be pretty similar:

1: what motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor, and why do you see Akin as the right place to begin that journey?

2: what are you looking for in your legal career, and how do you see a firm like Akin helping you achieve those goals?

Any help would be appreciated! Also, if @Andrei Radu or @Abbie Whitlock have any insight that would be super helpful too!​

Hey!

They do seem similar at first glance, but you can separate them by focusing on motivation vs long-term aspirations.

1. "What motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor, and why do you see Akin as the right place to begin that journey?"

Here, you want to explain:

• Why commercial law? (e.g. interest in global markets, problem-solving, transactional work, client exposure, fast-paced environments, etc.)
• Your motivation (what sparked your interest and what keeps you driven)
• Why Akin specifically: link your interests to things that Akin is known for, such as: (1) standout practice areas, (2) lean team structure and responsibility early on, (3) international exposure, (4) culture / values you have researched, (5) training approach, (6) pro bono, and (7) recent deals that you have read about.
• Make sure to link the why Akin to your past experiences - essentially answering why you want to pursue commercial law, and why Akin is the space that you particularly want to pursue it.

2. "What are you looking for in your legal career, and how can Akin help you get there?"

This is more forward-looking. I'd focus on:

• What you want from your development as a lawyer during your training contract (e.g. early responsibility, strong training, international work, high-value transactions, supportive culture, client exposure, etc.)
• The kind of lawyer you hope to become (which could potentially link to your motivations to becoming a lawyer)
• How Akin enables that progression: tie specific firm features to your goals (e.g. pro bono opportunities, global platform, small intake, etc.)

I hope that helps!

 

[Suii]

If I received a test on Wednesday and it says 5 days would the deadline be tomorrow or tonight.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How do you write a strong conclusion for a written exercise? And how should it differ from an executive summary at the start of the email/memo?

Hi!

They're definitely very similar in nature! I've found that a good way to think about it is the executive summary tells the reader what they need to know upfront, while the conclusion reinforces what they should take away at the end.

Executive Summary

• Brief and high-level
• States the purpose of the memo / email
• Highlights your key recommendations immediately
• Gives the reader an overview without reading the whole document (i.e. the most important information)
• Think: "Here's the issue, here's what I recommend, here's why it matters"

Conclusion

• Wraps everything up logically
• Reaffirms the recommendation based on the analysis you have just presented
• May include next steps, actions, or considerations going forward
• Think: "Based on the discussion above, the best course of action is..."

An example of each could be:

Executive Summary: "X issue has arisen. After considering A, B and C, I recommend option Y because it provides the best balance of risk and commercial benefit"

Conclusion: "In summary, given the legal risks under A and the commercial advantages under B, option Y is the most suitable. If you're happy to proceed, I can prepare a draft..."

I hope that helps to illustrate the subtle differences!