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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
@lawstudent2 don't worry, they're meant to be learning curves. It is not assessed and not considered in any application. I can't remember if we had one or two of them created when I was working at Clyde & Co, but the only time we actually checked to see if candidates had used our Forage programmes was to see if it was leading to higher quality candidates e.g. for the 20 AC candidates, what percentage sat our online programme etc. Data like this fed into ROI analysis, so it's meant to be an accurate snapshot and not a manipulated datapoint - which is why I doubt firms are actively looking for those that completed the internship.
As for reading into your performance, if we think about it, graduate recruitment are very busy during application rounds e.g. screening, mailbox management, events, admin, programme planning etc. I don't think any of them are going to take on the added burden of analysing your performance on an external programme that is not a part of their process, when they're actually paying external companies like Amberjack and Cappfinity, to do that separately for them anyway.
So, don't worry.
Hey @lesh although the general expectation is that you can choose anything that interests you, the reason being that you're the one that has to talk about it, which you'll fail to do without that interest. I think it is beneficial to choose something that can still link to the firm in any way, whether that be their clients, sectors, practice areas, law firm politics etc. Niche or not, the list is endless, but you should be able to explain how this may impact the firm in some way or the other. It is best to do this so that you can leverage this as another opportunity to solidify your interest in them.
Dropping off another message from Novaa’s fyp, Happy Tuesday ❤️ (I’m really showing why I act how I do LOL)
Hey @FutureTraineeMaybe I understand why this question may be a little confusing, it's actually one of the rare chances you get in an application to be personal but that is what they want to see here, something personal. They want to see what makes you tick, what gets you going as a person. For each of us, the answer will be different and could change as the years go on.
But think about it deeply, is it a particular ability like problem-solving, a book you read that inspired you, or perhaps a situation which carried a significant impact of your life. Once you have that in mind, you can build the answer out.
Once you've highlighted what your motivation is, it could be one or two, focus on why you have them. Then try and link this to certain experiences e.g. if challenges motivate you, focus in on certain challenges you've actually sought out and overcome like competitions. This isn't a call to use the STAR method, but instead a way to showcase how that motivation has driven your previous actions/experiences.
Like I just clocked in! Late for my shift, but better late than never!Nah these are the peak TCLA night life hours we’re only just getting started here lad lmao:
Clocking out though, I need to sleep after W&C gave me resilience as an area of development in my feedback report. That’s all I’ve been this cycle
Interview related - Can anyone point me in the direction of a "model answer" for interviews for a "why this firm" question. I have been told in previous interviews that my reason for rejection is not being firm-specific enough. I think I have improved on this, but I really have nothing to compare it to...
Just got this from the for real guys
Thank you for applying for the 2026 RPC London Summer Scheme.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, we will be in touch soon with details of the next stage — our new online Early Talent Assessment. This assessment has been designed specifically for RPC, based on a detailed analysis of the skills and attributes needed to succeed as a Trainee Solicitor here.
I'm strongly doubting that this is a new assessment rather than some Amberjack with a quick find/replace and a big fat bill to For Real PC, but we'll see.
Thank you for applying for the 2026 RPC London Summer Scheme.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, we will be in touch soon with details of the next stage — our new online Early Talent Assessment. This assessment has been designed specifically for RPC, based on a detailed analysis of the skills and attributes needed to succeed as a Trainee Solicitor here.
I'm strongly doubting that this is a new assessment rather than some Amberjack with a quick find/replace and a big fat bill to For Real PC, but we'll see.
Grad rec dreaming of all the PFOs they're gonna send out rn
For anybody looking to apply to covington, I'd start working on the app earlier. I don't know about others, but I definitely spent longest on this app researching and fighting out how I should answer the questions.
It’s Capfinity. They mean new as in it’s replaced the WG from previous years
People that have previously applied to Vacation Schemes and Direct Training Contracts
Are Direct TC applications more competitive on average? What are the differences and is there anything particular that one should take note of when applying to TC instead of VS?
My Graduate visa is expiring so my only real chance is TC going forward if I get nothing this cycle.
Are Direct TC applications more competitive on average? What are the differences and is there anything particular that one should take note of when applying to TC instead of VS?
My Graduate visa is expiring so my only real chance is TC going forward if I get nothing this cycle.
It's not about how competitive it is; it's how many places they allocate to VS vs TC. Some firms have a set number of places per year. Vacation Schemes happen first, so they give x places during that and then have y places for DTC applicants. Conversion rate of the VS and the total places available are factors.
The other thing is that VS gives you the opportunity to prove your ability. Firms are therefore more likely to offer a VS place than a DTC (Less to lose), and then high-performing candidates have more opportunity to prove themselves than they would have during a DTC application. However, that works both ways if you have a bad showing.
If you have no legal experience, then VS is much more likely (firms will want you to prove you know what the job entails, etc., and also be sure it's something that you as a candidate really want). If you have been to vacation schemes, done internships, legal work etc then this isn't as big as a factor (although some firms prefer it as you can see if you match well with the firm and will follow through the TC).
TLDR: depends on the firm and the candidate.
has anyone heard from Taylor Wessing post WG for the Summer Vacation Scheme? Re the written exercise I mean 
any insights on clyde and co VI please? I can exchange for Mishcon VI, Kennedys VI and Fieldfisher interview
OMG I BEEN SAYING this! it’s the year of HORSE Nova 😍😍 “insert Digits by Young Thug”
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