TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Please tell us about a recent commercial deal that has captured your interest. If you could represent a side, which would it be and why? - should i focus on the specific firm or more generally? I am confused.

Hi!

That's an interesting question - I'd perhaps think of it in two main parts:

• The deal can be chosen more generally - this doesn't need to necessarily involve the firm. I would focus on picking something recent and genuinely interests you, as this will allow you to analyse it in more detail.
• Your analysis is what matters most - make sure that in your answer, you show that you understand the commercial drivers, risks, and why you would want to act for that side.

When choosing a side to represent, there's no "right" answer - it's more about how you justify it, rather than which party you pick. It might help to focus on factors such as:

• The commercial objectives of that party
• The risks they're managing
• Why that role would be interesting from a legal perspective

If the firm has a known strength that aligns with the side you have chosen (e.g. acting for lenders, sponsors, innovators, etc.), then you can make a brief nod towards that at the end - I would just make sure to avoid it feeling forced!

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys, I'm trying to prep answers to motivational interview questions and I'm not sure how to answer why law separately from why commercial law. When asked why law, are interviewers asking why did you decide to study law at uni or why do I want to be a lawyer (in a general sense) separately from why I want to be a commercial lawyer?

Hi!

You're definitely thinking about it in the right way! I'd say that these questions are generally related but can be slightly distinguished:

• Why Law? - this is about why you want to be a lawyer in general, rather than why you chose a law degree (although you can link this to your answer). They're looking for your interest in the nature of legal work (e.g. problem-solving, advising, responsibility, etc.), and so it is important to have an understanding of what the legal profession involves and how your past experiences have made you interested in the area
• Why Commercial Law? - this then narrows the focus to the specific context of commercial law. Why do you want to apply the legal skills above in a business environment - e.g. working with companies, having a wider impact, balancing strategies and risk, working in ever-changing markets, etc.

I would distinguish them as:

• Why Law: why the profession itself
• Why Commercial Law: why this type of legal practice

You don't need to repeat yourself, but there is likely to be some overlap across your answers - your "why commercial law" should build on your "why law" by showing how your general motivations fit particularly well with commercial work.

I hope that helps to distinguish them!

 

[elle woods]

will grad rec be working tomorrow? or are they only back after new years?

 

[anon78365222111]

will grad rec be working tomorrow? or are they only back after the new years?

I think it depends. I’d assume the ones who have a closing date on new years will be working tomorrow or the ones that have closed in December. They need to get through application's

I also think I’m being biased because I just want a damn reply 😭but the ones with a deadline on the 1st I’d assume their workload would be too crazy if they took days off rn

 

[AS24]

Is anyone applying to Perkins Coie? I would love to share opinions.

 

[James Wakefield]

Is anyone applying to Perkins Coie? I would love to share opinions.

Just looking at them right now. Happy to share opinions too! Is it just a CV and cover letter we need?

 

[AS24]

Just looking at them right now. Happy to share opinions too! Is it just a CV and cover letter we need?

Yes, but I wonder how to fit everything on one page. Font size 11 is okay?

 

[ayiiii05]

has anyone heard from davis polk?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Reed smith assessment completed.

Mid verbal
High numerical
7,6,3,7

My vi was pretty strong.

One of the hardest amberjacks I’ve competed. The lowest score I’ve ever gotten. That 3 will having me crying myself to sleep tonight thanks 🙁

Hey! These are good scores try not to dwell on it too much!!

I hope you don’t mind me asking how was the vi? With the amberjacks I’ve never done one before is there anything I should be on the look out for?

And again please don’t stress I’m sure you smashed it !

 

[BealMcAlly]

Hey! These are good scores try not to dwell on it too much!!

I hope you don’t mind me asking how was the vi? With the amberjacks I’ve never done one before is there anything I should be on the look out for?

And again please don’t stress I’m sure you smashed it !

I am due to do the Vi as well tomorrow or sometime in the week but maybe I can provide some clarity.

I did it last year for the direct training contract and it was one motivational question, and 3 scenario based questions.

I suspect it will be the same this year with a slight variation on content.

 

[Mikeross750]

Anyone heard from Withers or Cooley?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Anyone heard from Withers or Cooley?

Cooley is non-rolling and the deadline is 01/01/26. The post-app automatic email says we will all hear back by mid Jan latest.​

 

[abc124]

I am due to do the Vi as well tomorrow or sometime in the week but maybe I can provide some clarity.

I did it last year for the direct training contract and it was one motivational question, and 3 scenario based questions.

I suspect it will be the same this year with a slight variation on content.

As someone who did the vi for the vac scheme this year I can confirm it was one motivational question and 3 scenario-based questions, good luck!

 

[Mikeross750]

Cooley is non-rolling and the deadline is 01/01/26. The post-app automatic email says we will all hear back by mid Jan latest.​

did they specify mid-Jan? My automatic Vantage email says 'you will hear back in due course' and that's it.

 

[Harvey Specter]

did they specify mid-Jan? My automatic Vantage email says 'you will hear back in due course' and that's it.

 

[Mikeross750]

View attachment 7535

that's interesting I have this:

 

[AGB2060]

I've been a bit gone last week and a half so haven't checked out here, has anyone heard back from:
Jones Day (Summer)
Slaughter and May
Sidley Austin (Summer)
Freshfields (Post Stage 2) --> Ik some people got vac scheme offers but not sure about here

 

[LaDiva]

Anyone heard from Withers or Cooley?

I applied to Withers back in October, other than the application confirmation email, I haven't received anything! When did you apply?

 

[Mikeross750]

I applied to Withers back in October, other than the application confirmation email, I haven't received anything! When did you apply?

Applied mid-October as well.

 

[Jennifer2003]

Just completed reed smith blended assessment, got 9, 4, 4, 7 with high/'excelled' verbal and numeral intellect. Any ops on if the two 4s would bring me down?