TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[annalise.keating]

hey everyone, I wanted to just get some life advice regarding next steps of my life. it's a bit of a weird space to do it but I think it will definitely relate to a lot of people here. I'm a non-law finalist and right now it feels like its go time for applications whether that's law or masters. in my heart of hearts I want to do a masters, but there's always been a piece of me that loves law and wants to try it out but law is not only competitive and time-consuming but also not something you can dip your toes in since its often times vac scheme- tc offer-law school which is like a 3 year process.

I know I don't have enough time to balance masters and law but I also do not want to risk potentially having regrets in the future. I've thought about doing just masters applications but again it's so hard because it just so happens that my potential course is only offered at the best unis in the uk/u.s. I also really like law but sometimes I find myself questioning if the applications, pfo's and 10 stages is even worth it. In an ideal world, I would get my dream masters but also have a tc offer which I would defer for post masters but we unfortunately do not live in such paradise. It's been scarier knowing in this one holiday I have 5 masters apps, diss work, coursework and potentially more law apps too.

I feel like I'm getting nowhere asking myself what it is that I want so I wanted to ask here to see if others have been through this, if anyone has any guidance and advice?

 

[RJ Ruban]

Guys why do I feel like I'm going through like a mid life crisis - at some points I'm feeling devastated and tired with this process and other times (like now) I'm super excited for no reason to do this process... like hello what is going on

Guys why do I feel like I'm going through like a mid life crisis - at some points I'm feeling devastated and tired with this process and other times (like now) I'm super excited for no reason to do this process... like hello what is going on

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRYH1m9H/ hope this TikTok helps haha

 

[cookedlawstudent]

I'm in the same situation - my thoughts are that yes it's probably a PFO - HL usually just takes forever to reject you if you fail their tests

Ok so I am a little bit concerned as I did just submit the test this evening. I spent a LOT of time on their application and rlly would like to atleast make it to stage 2 with them so I hope I hear good news tomorrow

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Anyone heard from Arnold & Porter?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Guys why do I feel like I'm going through like a mid life crisis - at some points I'm feeling devastated and tired with this process and other times (like now) I'm super excited for no reason to do this process... like hello what is going on

Switching between exhausted, excited, apathetic and anxious every day is doing WONDERS for my nervous system it is truly not for the weak hahahaha

 

[DavidJC]

6467 in the Weil SJT and I think I bombed the VI (at least the first question which is the one question I could've been really prepared for) so that's probably gone

 

[AngelB]

CMS PFO, was eagerly awaiting this because I started laughing mid way through my video interview

 

[AnnonymousOtter]

hey everyone, I wanted to just get some life advice regarding next steps of my life. it's a bit of a weird space to do it but I think it will definitely relate to a lot of people here. I'm a non-law finalist and right now it feels like its go time for applications whether that's law or masters. in my heart of hearts I want to do a masters, but there's always been a piece of me that loves law and wants to try it out but law is not only competitive and time-consuming but also not something you can dip your toes in since its often times vac scheme- tc offer-law school which is like a 3 year process.

I know I don't have enough time to balance masters and law but I also do not want to risk potentially having regrets in the future. I've thought about doing just masters applications but again it's so hard because it just so happens that my potential course is only offered at the best unis in the uk/u.s. I also really like law but sometimes I find myself questioning if the applications, pfo's and 10 stages is even worth it. In an ideal world, I would get my dream masters but also have a tc offer which I would defer for post masters but we unfortunately do not live in such paradise. It's been scarier knowing in this one holiday I have 5 masters apps, diss work, coursework and potentially more law apps too.

I feel like I'm getting nowhere asking myself what it is that I want so I wanted to ask here to see if others have been through this, if anyone has any guidance and advice?

You don't have to decide your entire future this holiday. It’s worth remembering that the average age of qualification as a solicitor in the UK is around 30. There is absolutely no rule that says you must secure a TC before you graduate. Law firms deeply values people with unique academic backgrounds and passion, so doing a masters doesn't close the door to a legal career, and will quite often enrich your profile for later applications.

Right now, with diss and masters apps, your plate is full. Consider focusing your energy there to do them justice. You can keep law warm by targeting just a few firms you genuinely love, or by using time to network and attend open days instead of applying everywhere. This will help you gather intel without burning out before you even start working in the career. You could also consider exploring in-house legal internships, as I found that it is genuinely a more accessible way to get direct commercial legal experience.

 

[AnnonymousOtter]

Does anyone have any advice on how to build commercial awareness (other than reading the FT everyday and keeping up with the Firm)...? Any current trends to look out for?

A method that served me very well in interviews was to research the major clients of the firms I was applying to. Instead of just knowing that the firm has a top-tier M&A practice, look at who their key clients are, maybe a major retail bank or a renewable energy developer. Then, ask yourself what are the biggest commercial and regulatory challenges facing that client's industry right now, and how could a law firm help to mitigate those issues? This is how some law firms analyse the news to scope out potential new clients and to manage risk for their existing ones.

 

[AnnonymousOtter]

What is the benefit of doing a TI as opposed to a VI? I have reasonable adjustments and have struggled with VI’s but always felt it may be unfair to request a TI or questions beforehand as ultimately you’re meeting the recruiters themselves and can build a small but somewhat personal rapport. Also what if I’m asking for too much too soon. I mainly pass applications that do not require a VI.

Does GR look down on those who request this adjustment? Is there discrepancy between those doing the VI and TI? How does this translate to meeting a client on a zoom call would adjustments made too or is it only for assessment purposes?

The core benefit of doing a TI is human interaction. You can pick up on tonal cues, ask for brief clarification if needed, and build a more natural rapport. It feels less like a performance and more like a dialogue. A VI can often make you feel like you're speaking into a void which can heighten anxiety, and cause some people to perform less adequately.

Any GR team that views a reasonable adjustment request negatively is failing in its duty to ensure fair access. In practice, GR teams handle these requests confidentially and routinely. Using an adjustment you're entitled to does not mark your application down, it simply ensures the assessment measures what it's supposed to.

The format is different, but the assessment criteria are the same. You are still being evaluated on your motivation, competencies, and commercial awareness. The TI might allow for slightly more nuance in a conversation, but the benchmark for success doesn't change. The firm is assessing your suitability for the role of a solicitor, which leads to your next point.

Good luck on your applications!!

 

[AnnonymousOtter]

ive not heard back from hsf summer vs after passing their sjt. not heard from bclp for summer either yet… did u apply for spring w bclp?

I got my invite for the hsfk summer vac scheme ac in February last year, so it might take a while as they will probably still be interview spring vac scheme candidates at this time. The waiting is really tough, but no news is definitely still good news at this stage.

 

[AnnonymousOtter]

How long should I spend on preparing for my Weil VI? It’s next Tuesday

I’m getting very overwhelmed because it’s my first VI ever and I have no clue what to expect!

I’ve currently structured my prep as:

1. Motivation
   • Why Weil?
   • Why commercial law?
2. Competency
   • Teamwork
   • Challenge
   • Resilience
   • Communication
3. Judgement / values
   • Ethical dilemma
   • Handling conflict
   • Client pressure
4. Commercial awareness
   • Recent deal
   • Market trend
   • Why it matters to Weil

However, I’m so worried they’re gonna throw in a trick question that I will be stumped on. I’ve spent 1-2 hours today just bullet pointing key facts about the firm, their values and practice areas. I know I need to start recording myself actually practicing saying my answers out loud but I’m stumped…

Also, are there any exemplar responses to VI questions on TCLA?

You’ve prepped really well! A solid tip now is to start recording yourself answering mock questions. Smiling while you speak and ounding confident makes a huge difference and is one of the things they assess. You’ve got this!

Weil VI

Could I ask for some advice on Weil VI? What kind of questions do they usually ask? I have terrible stage fright whenever doing HVs or VIs and usually only do well when the firms allow re-record (my first takes are usually not very good). I have PTSD from getting rejected from this stage by...

www.thecorporatelawacademy.com

This post from a year ago seems to suggest that Weil doesn't try to trick you out either, so I wouldn't worry too much about it

 

[meredithgrey]

Can anyone provide insight into HL stage 2 test? Please PM me! Need help prepping for VI and worried that my reasonable adjustments haven't been added.

Thanks so much and happy holidays!

 

[Rads]

Can anyone provide insight into HL stage 2 test? Please PM me! Need help prepping for VI and worried that my reasonable adjustments haven't been added.

Thanks so much and happy holidays!

Congratulations! Do you mind sharing when you took the first test?

 

[AnnonymousOtter]

Hi everyone, I am very grateful to be in a position where I have two AC's. However, they are both next month and I am quite stressed about them. Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with nerves? I believe my nerves are what ultimately get in the way. I need to stay calm somehow. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Massive congratulations on securing two ACs! One thing that really helped me was focusing on my physical presence. I made a conscious effort not to visibly show my nerves through things like tapping my leg or fidgeting. By deliberately presenting myself as composed, it actually started to make me feel more confident and in control. It’s a bit like “acting as if”, and over time the feeling catches up with the performance.

 

[meredithgrey]

Congratulations! Do you mind sharing when you took the first test?

Thanks! I did the first test on the 5th then got job sim invite a week later

 

[Rads]

Thanks! I did the first test on the 5th then got job sim invite a week later

Thank you for sharing! Best of luck

 

[Bree]

@Abbie Whitlock Hello Abbie, hope you are doing well. I wanted to ask how to approach 'Why have you decided to pursue a career in commercial law'? Should I include only my motivations or also the skills I have that are matched to commercial law?

 

[FutureTrainee213]

@Abbie Whitlock Hello Abbie, hope you are doing well. I wanted to ask how to approach 'Why have you decided to pursue a career in commercial law'? Should I include only my motivations or also the skills I have that are matched to commercial law?

I remember struggling with this question a lot at the beginning of my application journey, so just to offer my two cents as to what worked for me. There is no fixed answer, but I found a lot more success when I broke each component of the cover letter/application form down into “stages” if you will. Each of which I told myself were assessing for a different thing. As for the “why law” portion, I decided this was to assess my pure motivation for the industry and not skill, and wherever I mentioned a skill - it was more in line with if I had a certain skill I was good at, was that pushing me to this career above others (but this was kept at a minimum, given the word count and all there is to say on motivation alone). It’s important to be honest to yourself too, think about where your motivation has genuinely come from, and rely on that to guide your overall answer. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Bree]

I remember struggling with this question a lot at the beginning of my application journey, so just to offer my two cents as to what worked for me. There is no fixed answer, but I found a lot more success when I broke each component of the cover letter/application form down into “stages” if you will. Each of which I told myself were assessing for a different thing. As for the “why law” portion, I decided this was to assess my pure motivation for the industry and not skill, and wherever I mentioned a skill - it was more in line with if I had a certain skill I was good at, was that pushing me to this career above others (but this was kept at a minimum, given the word count and all there is to say on motivation alone). It’s important to be honest to yourself too, think about where your motivation has genuinely come from, and rely on that to guide your overall answer. Hope this helps and good luck!

Thank you for this! Do you think if the application does not give you any space to talk about your skills then it is good to mention those in this answer?