TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I'm quite stuck with these Akin questions:

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

I feel like motivations and career goals overlap - say I'm motivated by complex reasoning. Naturally my career goal may also be to build on that interest and become even better at it? And then I also feel like there's not that many diverse Akin-specific points you can make to support your answers - if I mention Akin's culture in q1 then I shouldn't say the same thing in q2...And I can't really mention wanting to develop my professional interests in the career goals question because that's already covered in another question on which practice area at Akin interests you most.

Idk if that makes sense I think I may be going mad lol

I was stuck on these questions too and asked on the forum and was given this guidance:
​

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!

 

[yk1906]

I felt like crying in the middle of it.😭

What was it about, if I may ask? I'm genuinely curious what they made you guys review/draft 😃

 

[abc124]

I was stuck on these questions too and asked on the forum and was given this guidance:
​

Omg thanks so much!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Thanks! How should I tell the difference between when I'm supposed to go to my supervisor vs when not to

Sometimes it’ll say something like ‘you haven’t done this task before’ or ‘you are unfamiliar with the matter’ vs ‘you think you know xyz’ etc so I’d always assumed that distinction meant when we should approach our supervisor or seek help and when not to and instead show more initiative. Idk if this is the right approach but it’s helped me pass a few SJT tests throughout this cycle so far.​

 

[BobThebIlly]

Sometimes it’ll say something like ‘you haven’t done this task before’ or ‘you are unfamiliar with the matter’ vs ‘you think you know xyz’ etc so I’d always assumed that distinction meant when we should approach our supervisor or seek help and when not to and instead show more initiative. Idk if this is the right approach but it’s helped me pass a few SJT tests throughout this cycle so far.​

thank you so much!

 

[legallybald]

fieldfisher interview invite

 

[alphabravocharlie]

When do we find out if our written exercise was sufficient for TI?

 

[abc124]

Also, has anyone heard from Willkie today?

 

[RJ Ruban]

Fingers crossed there is, I thought I did well in the vi 🫠

I saw their TikTok post and someone asked in the comments and they said still have offers coming out and it commented to 21 hours ago so I think there is a good chance there is 😭

 

[alphabravocharlie]

I wrote my WE in word and then copy and pasted into the email, I couldn't fix the format within the allocated time, how much will I be penalised for my table text not being aligned ?

 

[Deleted member 43346]

When do we find out if our written exercise was sufficient for TI?

Week commencing 12th January

 

[sooae]

What was it about, if I may ask? I'm genuinely curious what they made you guys review/draft 😃

To write a report identifying potential compliance issues and related legal considerations that may arise as a result.
Very time-pressured! I was already past the 30-minute mark and had only just started writing 😭

 

[yk1906]

To write a report identifying potential compliance issues and related legal considerations that may arise as a result.
Very time-pressured! I was already past the 30-minute mark and had only just started writing 😭

Oh wow that sounds pretty tough. I don't think they wanted you to write a perfect answer (perhaps it's impossible, considering the time pressure), but rather to see how your brain works(?). Good luck, and I hope you progress further!

 

[anjali20]

Also, has anyone heard from Willkie today?

nopeee

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it worth me applying to Reed Smith today or am I cooked? xoxo

Hello!

I'd say it is still worth applying, even this close to the deadline! The graduate recruitment team receive the majority of their vacation scheme applications in the last few days, and will review anything submitted before the deadline. The most important factor is that you submit a strong application that is tailored to the firm - if you are confident that you can do that, it's definitely worth it!

Best of luck!

 

[Madison Pinewall]

have any HSF spring AC offers come out yet?

 

[abc124]

nopeee

I hope we're not part of the small group who's only going to hear back in January :')

 

[NomenEstOmen]

Hey everyone, quick question. I submitted Stage 1 for Hogan Lovells last Wednesday and still haven’t heard back. Usually I’d be worried, but six of my classmates who submitted a few days before me also haven’t received an invite to Stage 2. Nevertheless, I wanted to ask whether anyone who completed Stage 1 after 9 December has already received an invitation to Stage 2. Thank you, and best of luck to all of you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

HSFK PFO, buuuut Reed Smith WVS offer!!! Absolutely over the moon!

Woooo!! Huge congratulations, you should feel super proud!! 🥳 🥳

I hope you take the time to celebrate this amazing achievement, and hopefully see you at the firm for the scheme!

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

have any HSF spring AC offers come out yet?

i think they send out AC invites in the new year, im basing this off of last year but some invites got sent out as late as feb, not sure tho