😣 fr they just keep adding more and more rounds with each application cycle... soon we'll be on par with IB with 5-6 interview rounds after all the crazy tests and hirevues haha...
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
I'd say no, it's not too late. I'm planning to send mine in the next week. They review on a rolling basis and they've still got the ongoing WVS to manage so I wouldn't worry and just try and submit the best possible application and see what happens.
I wouldn’t say so champ. The apps are open until the 31st Dec. I sent mine just last week and they said they are currently accepting and reviewing apps on a rolling basis so I would go for it.
If we all get a trainee contract AC everytime someone has spoken about how dreadful the Latham interview is, we all would have atleast 30 training contract invites.
That's not a lot (it is XD), but it's funny it happens all the time.
Huge congratulations!! 🥳
I have quoted a post below that I have previously shared on how I would approach the Reed Smith assessment - I would really recommend that you watch the video in the TCLA Directory (linked below), as I personally found it really helpful before my Reed Smith online assessment. Wishing you the best of luck!
Hello!
Of course, I can share some general tips for VIs and SJTs that I always used in my last cycle. I can't share too much information on Reed Smith's in particular, just because the process has to be fair for all candidates!
Some SJT advice that I found really useful was actually shared by Zainab, and I'll copy it below. Just always remember that you are answering these situations as a trainee and so you should view each situation from that perspective.
- Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
- Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
- Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
- Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
- Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
- Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.
For VI's, I'd make sure that you are fully answering the question and that all of the examples you use actually link. 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. I would also practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror! Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful! There was actually a video on TCLA in the Law Firm Directory that I watched before my SJT and 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
I hope that helps! Best of luck with the SJT and VI to anyone completing it
IB is way easier than Law in terms of the process getting started. Law is demotivating because you don't even get responses from firms if they're not interested - at least in IB, those rounds give you a chance to at least explain why you're suited.
For Law, you have to do detailed research, pour over things and then you get rejected anyway because your cover letter was too generic. And the module grades seem to matter so much for Law whereas IB doesn't care as long as it's a 2:1.
For IB, all you have to do is write a generic cover letter, mention a specific deal they worked on and why you liked it, and then praise the firm for either being big (so 'more complex deals') or small ('not being a cog in a machine').
You do that and you can get interviews from many firms. I had lots of IB interviews and my cover letters were so generic.
😮 is this a sign to switch to IB... jkjk lol
that makes sense, I agree being given a chance to showcase your interest and skills is much better than getting rejected straight away after hours of research.
If it's okay to ask - what made you want to switch to applying to law after doing IB? Or are you kind of doing both at the same time? If so, props to you! It's not easy even doing one strand haha
IB is waaaaaay stricter with unis though. A member of my family works closely with HR dep in a major IB and said they have a file with unis they target. Not groundbreaking news but just a confirmation. 😁😁
Can someone give me info on Milbank's 1st stage OA? Does it include a VI etc?
Thank you so much Abbie!!Huge congratulations!! 🥳
I have quoted a post below that I have previously shared on how I would approach the Reed Smith assessment - I would really recommend that you watch the video in the TCLA Directory (linked below), as I personally found it really helpful before my Reed Smith online assessment. Wishing you the best of luck!
😮 😮 😮 might work in my favour lowkey... jkk that's so interesting to know tho! I thought every company would be big on ensuring they have a diverse cohort these days
Nah slaughters got the ultimate test - 1st from oxbridge 😆
In your case for sure!!! Not in my case 😁😁 But I would struggle with technical part of IB interviews anyway hahaha
Imagine how many interviews you’d have for questions on what’s included and when results come 😅😆
me too ahah would require so much learning to catch up - i find law much more interesting anyways, but the application processes and the intakes are brutal ahah
@GT1205H Hi! Do you think it is quite a bad sign not to have heard anything since I took their WG test? 😅 On Friday it will have been 2 weeks. Thank you.
If I were you I’d just apply to IB for the sake of it 😁 I still do it just for fun. And to practice logical tests
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