TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Afraz Akhtar]

1. When I applied for TS, I stuck to the one side of A4 rule, as like you, it's what I'd heard looks the best/is the most succinct. 2. It is meant to be anonymous, so I don't think you should include your address or even name or anything like that. That's what I did at least, happy to be told I was wrong !!

@pfoapplicant agree with the above. I just wanted to add that there is no correct answer as to the word limit. For cover letters, your written ability is being taken into account (at least off face value) so if you manage to write a 1,000 words, and can realistically say the same thing with less words, I would trim it down and get to the point.

Personally, I ended on around 800 words. I don't think they're looking for those that meet the 800 mark, but more so, those that don't waffle about things. Equally, if you can't trim it down, then the limit is there for a reason and feel free to use it.

 

[WillKitchen]

Does anyone know where to find a database of firm application processes detailing the steps involved?

For example...

ABC LLP (Vacation Scheme, based on 2025 cycle): stage 1 written application, stage 2 Watson Glaser, stage 3 video interview, stage 4 assessment centre.
XYZ LLP (Direct Training Contract, 2026): stage 1 cover letter, stage 2 video interview, stage 3 assessment centre.
etc.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Not sure what exactly I'm looking for lol but has anyone absolutely done awful horrible at an AC but been successful at getting a VS? I feel like I messed up a major part (like one exercise out of three but I think they value this exercise the most) and idk if they'll offer a VS after that. Good luck to everyone else with ACs - you've got this!! : )

@iklawapps first of all congratulations on your AC. It is typical for everyone to reflect on things straight after, and most of us will actually focus on the negatives without seeing the positives. Sure, you may have messed up on one exercise, but what if you excelled at all the others, or what if others messed up on the same component? You shouldn't write yourself off at this stage. Personally, I felt like I messed up a case study in one of mine, and it turned out it was one of my strongest exercises. Just, push this to the back of your head now until you hear back. Good luck!

 

[bluebell123]

Does anyone know whether amberjack tests are taken in consideration holistically with the VIs? I just did the Reed Smith SJT + VI and I feel like I messed up! I got highest band for numerical and verbal but I got 21/36. I think the Vi went ok though.

 

[dannyp123]

Does anyone have any advice on this question for RPC: In what ways do you see yourself as ‘strikingly real’, and how does that connect with your motivation to apply here and your confidence in succeeding? (300 words max) *

I have to say, a rather unconventional question ...

 

[iklawapps]

@iklawapps first of all congratulations on your AC. It is typical for everyone to reflect on things straight after, and most of us will actually focus on the negatives without seeing the positives. Sure, you may have messed up on one exercise, but what if you excelled at all the others, or what if others messed up on the same component? You shouldn't write yourself off at this stage. Personally, I felt like I messed up a case study in one of mine, and it turned out it was one of my strongest exercises. Just, push this to the back of your head now until you hear back. Good luck!

I think one thing which helped me relax for ACs is remembering a lot of firms aren’t expecting you to have the right answer but want to see your thought process.

So I remember coming out of an AC thinking I botched it, because the partner went “Right okay…”

Then I got the phone call that same day, so honestly it can be okay!! You got this

thank you both so much < 3 that's very kind of you and really cool to hear. I guess ill just have to keep waiting and try and stay positive :' ) congratulations to you both for clearly doing so amazing : D I guess I'll just try and stay positive

good luck with everything else you two might be up to < 3

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Ok so I’m panicking before my DLA AC now. How does one prepare for the interview? Drill down on why law, why firm, why me?

@nbjani when preparing for interviews, the first thing I tell myself is that I have full-control (at this stage). There is no set answer, and the correct answer comes from you (not them). So, you don’t need to study or learn deep concepts that you don’t already know. In fact, the correct answers come from you and most of the knowledge you need, if not all of it, is already in your head.

The preparation is just about understanding how to bring that knowledge out for certain questions. In this case, I’ve found that it is best to think about the sort of questions you’ll be asked e.g. why law, why the firm, tell us about a time… etc. And, make bullet points for each one from your own knowledge. Then have a go at saying your answer out loud. It is important to not attempt reading from a script, so that you don’t tell yourself that you need to work off memory (which can actually take away from the natural feel of an interview, and can hinder your performance). Instead, leverage that list you prepared for guidance only.

In doing this, you’ll become more comfortable with yourself, and you’ll actually be able to bring in some of your personality, which I’m sure they would want to see.

As for commercial awareness/recent deals, this is where research will most definitely be required. However, after considering your study of why the firm, it should be easier to select a development/case that interests you or has some impact on the firm – as you’ll be able to cross-reference and analyse during your fact finding. I would recommend having a few of these, across different sectors or different talking points, just in case your interviewer focuses in on a particular aspect.

Good luck, and feel free to ask about anything that you’re struggling on during your prep!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hi everyone! I am struggling to figure out how to structure the following question:
'If you were asked to write an article for one of our sectors or practice areas, what topic would you choose and why?' (200 words)

Is this asking us to explain why a topic within a particular area captures our interest while showing commercial awareness? Do we have to explain 'why' in terms of the topic being something the firm's clients are interested in, or something we are interested in writing?

@avantika_s one of the great things about this question is that your reasoning can be purely interest based or firm-knowledge based. In legal practice, many solicitors choose to write articles for a variety of reasons, whether that be business development, client attraction & retention, personal branding, or pure interest. There is no correct answer, only yours - which will be the strongest.

If you decide to go down the interest route, you should focus on why it interests you, what experience has qualified that interest, and what you'd hope to gain from having written it. However, if you decide to go down the route of it benefitting the firm, then focus on how that would happen, and why it was needed in the first place. Both reasons can be correct, provided you make them strong enough.

 

[WillKitchen]

Does anyone have any advice on this question for RPC: In what ways do you see yourself as ‘strikingly real’, and how does that connect with your motivation to apply here and your confidence in succeeding? (300 words max) *

I have to say, a rather unconventional question ...

Its a strange one!

I interpreted that question to mean "tell us about a time when you acted authentically", i.e., acted according to values that mattered to you, such as ambition, collaboration, originality, etc. If you can tell a story that illustrates these things in practice, then link that to firm values, that would probably be what they're looking for.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

The Birketts test was incredibly complicated (not necessarily hard, but spent long time completing each Maths question and didn't complete the test either) ... I graduated from high school so long ago pretty sure I'd have completed the maths question much quicker back then lol

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

did anybody else not manage to finish the birketts test?? it was ridiculously hard , and they said that not completing the test means a score deduction wth

I didn't either

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

@Afraz Akhtar @Andrei Radu

I had a question regarding employment screenings for a TC offer I recently got. In my application the firm required exact dates of employment. I’ve noticed for two of my listed jobs I was off by a week in terms of my listed dates. I was wondering if this would be an issue which would be cause for having my offer rescinded?

One of them was a part time internship I said I started on 20/10/2025 when in reality I started on 27/10/2025.

The other was a job I finished two weeks later than the dates I started on my application.

These were honest mistakes and honestly just sloppy errors on my part.

@TCLA Community Assistant

@HauntingPiccolo personally, I don't think being off by a few weeks is a big enough deal to rescind any job offer, let alone a TC. I think I'm always off for mine, because truthfully, I don't know when I stopped flipping pancakes at selfridges, I just know it was before Christmas 2020.

So don't worry. As long as you get the company and job role correct, being off by a few weeks isn't really a concern. You are good. Congrats on the TC!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

I keep seeing people receive further test invites for firms that I've applied for but I've never received any direct rejections either. is this because I've only applied for summer schemes, or because I've applied quite close to the deadline? Or am I getting screened out lol

@ggbj it could be that they're screening for the spring schemes first (as a priority) or that they haven't looked at your application yet as its recently come in. However, it's hard to tell. Nevertheless, its not a PFO until its a PFO - so I don't think its worth framing negatively at this stage. The ball is in their court, right now you have everything to play for.

 

[abcdefg12]

@nbjani when preparing for interviews, the first thing I tell myself is that I have full-control (at this stage). There is no set answer, and the correct answer comes from you (not them). So, you don’t need to study or learn deep concepts that you don’t already know. In fact, the correct answers come from you and most of the knowledge you need, if not all of it, is already in your head.

The preparation is just about understanding how to bring that knowledge out for certain questions. In this case, I’ve found that it is best to think about the sort of questions you’ll be asked e.g. why law, why the firm, tell us about a time… etc. And, make bullet points for each one from your own knowledge. Then have a go at saying your answer out loud. It is important to not attempt reading from a script, so that you don’t tell yourself that you need to work off memory (which can actually take away from the natural feel of an interview, and can hinder your performance). Instead, leverage that list you prepared for guidance only.

In doing this, you’ll become more comfortable with yourself, and you’ll actually be able to bring in some of your personality, which I’m sure they would want to see.

As for commercial awareness/recent deals, this is where research will most definitely be required. However, after considering your study of why the firm, it should be easier to select a development/case that interests you or has some impact on the firm – as you’ll be able to cross-reference and analyse during your fact finding. I would recommend having a few of these, across different sectors or different talking points, just in case your interviewer focuses in on a particular aspect.

Good luck, and feel free to ask about anything that you’re struggling on during your prep!

Where would you recommend finding deals that firms are currently working on? Whenever I try to research deals on the firm's website or via LinkedIn, they're not always recent and/or have been completed. I then struggle to explain how I'm 'following' a deal that has already been completed. Any tips?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hi @Afraz Akhtar, how would you suggest structuring answers for scenario-based questions in an interview? Particularly if it’s a VI and there’s 2 mins to answer.

Hi @M_m for scenario-based questions, the firm is looking to see how you’d approach certain tasks. Although it is purely opinion based, so there is no set way to approach this, I do think there is some bonus in qualifying your answer with examples. For these sort of questions and given that 2 minute time limit, I would start off by qualifying my answer by stating if I have dealt with a similar situation in the past (it doesn’t need to be STAR) but it needs to showcase that you have had experience with this capability. You should then refer back to the scenario, and break down in phases how you would approach it. What is the first step you would take? If that doesn’t work, highlight why that could be and introduce your second step. The best answers here often include some form of contingency, as there is never on correct answer and it depends on the contextual circumstances of each situation.

 

[nbjani]

@nbjani when preparing for interviews, the first thing I tell myself is that I have full-control (at this stage). There is no set answer, and the correct answer comes from you (not them). So, you don’t need to study or learn deep concepts that you don’t already know. In fact, the correct answers come from you and most of the knowledge you need, if not all of it, is already in your head.

The preparation is just about understanding how to bring that knowledge out for certain questions. In this case, I’ve found that it is best to think about the sort of questions you’ll be asked e.g. why law, why the firm, tell us about a time… etc. And, make bullet points for each one from your own knowledge. Then have a go at saying your answer out loud. It is important to not attempt reading from a script, so that you don’t tell yourself that you need to work off memory (which can actually take away from the natural feel of an interview, and can hinder your performance). Instead, leverage that list you prepared for guidance only.

In doing this, you’ll become more comfortable with yourself, and you’ll actually be able to bring in some of your personality, which I’m sure they would want to see.

As for commercial awareness/recent deals, this is where research will most definitely be required. However, after considering your study of why the firm, it should be easier to select a development/case that interests you or has some impact on the firm – as you’ll be able to cross-reference and analyse during your fact finding. I would recommend having a few of these, across different sectors or different talking points, just in case your interviewer focuses in on a particular aspect.

Good luck, and feel free to ask about anything that you’re struggling on during your prep!

Thanks for this Afraz. I think no matter what I'm going to be panicking, especially with FLK1 the next day and other VIs to find time to prep for/do.
I feel like the best bet for me at this stage is to make those lists like you said and have faith that I know enough about my own skills/motivations to recall them in a conversational setting, and focus some more time on the commercial research.
With regards to the individual presentation aspect, any general advice on these?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Where would you recommend finding deals that firms are currently working on? Whenever I try to research deals on the firm's website or via LinkedIn, they're not always recent and/or have been completed. I then struggle to explain how I'm 'following' a deal that has already been completed. Any tips?

Hey @abcdefg12

Firstly, people may have different opinions on this, but if I have ever been asked about a deal the firm is working on, I don’t think I have chosen one that is ongoing. Instead, I have chosen deals that the firm has completed on, purely because I don’t work there. I could be wrong, and maybe it’s an ego thing, but I don’t think many firms publish their ongoing work commitments purely out of commercial sensitivity or confidentiality – so unless I work there, I wouldn’t know for sure. I’m not going to tell you to find a deal that has completed if you feel it is safer to actually find one that the firm is working on, and to do this I would suggest moving away from the firm’s website and looking into press releases on the firm, its clients, or its practice areas. I’m sure there are some resources out there speculating what’s going on with who and who is representing them.

Once you’ve found this, the focus of your answer shouldn’t be “how you’re following it” because truthfully, it’ll be through the news or social media. Guide your answer to explain “why you’re following it”. Highlight why this matter interests you enough to follow it, why it could be important to the firm or its clients, what you think the impact is that will carry on the market, the firm or its clients.

 

[Novaa]

Just saw someone on my FYP do a “Training Contract Wrapped” and I want to do one too!

Let me go get my laptop, there are applications to do.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Thanks for this Afraz. I think no matter what I'm going to be panicking, especially with FLK1 the next day and other VIs to find time to prep for/do.
I feel like the best bet for me at this stage is to make those lists like you said and have faith that I know enough about my own skills/motivations to recall them in a conversational setting, and focus some more time on the commercial research.
With regards to the individual presentation aspect, any general advice on these?

@nbjani no doubt you've got this! FLK1, VI's, interviews - look at you juggling so much at once like the solicitor you're meant to be. Just make sure you're organised and strict with time allocation here, so you don't end up focusing more on one thing at the expense of another.

As for the individual presentation... can you tell me more? What have you been asked to do here?

 

[confusedbird]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! Honestly you have been a star on this forum and will never forget your words of wisdom which helped me a lot during a particularly challenging and frustrating time. You more than deserve the offer, congratulations once again!

Thank you!! That means a lot!
Fingers crossed for you and everyone else on this forum