TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[summersun]

When can we expect to hear back from OC?

last year they replied at the end of January

 

[startupgeek]

my 4th PFO of the week just hit - let us welcome the one that got away... REED SMITH

tbf my sjt scores were pretty bad... but i had a shining written app so what a waste

 

[startupgeek]

anyone who has done willkie's WE for at least two cycles, can u confirm if they change the WE every cycle or has it been the same for u? tysm!

 

[elizabethkate]

Yes

sorry about that! i’m confused how they’re responding then ive heard nothing

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Quick q: on AllHires, if you’re currently in a role what do you put in the “to” date in the work experience section? Not sure if I’ve been doing it wrong this whole time.

I leave it blank. For one where you had to put a date, I put the current date and added a note that they are ongoing roles.

 

[Flynn Southgate]

sorry about that! i’m confused how they’re responding then ive heard nothing

I’ve heard nothing too did mine on the 16th very random I’m presuming bad news though. They don’t seem to be rejecting or accepting in batches

 

[ilikelaw]

With questions like 'How do you ensure that you are a valued member of the team. Please provide an example where you have been able to contribute to the team’s success.' (as in competency questions I guess where it asks you to give one example), how on earth do you get it to be 300 words? Its always a stretch for me to get to 250 let alone 300 so I feel like I'm missing something important..

edit: are you meant to include a link as to how it relates to being a trainee?

 

[startupgeek]

With questions like 'How do you ensure that you are a valued member of the team. Please provide an example where you have been able to contribute to the team’s success.' (as in competency questions I guess where it asks you to give one example), how on earth do you get it to be 300 words? Its always a stretch for me to get to 250 let alone 300 so I feel like I'm missing something important..

edit: are you meant to include a link as to how it relates to being a trainee?

it's probably a project where u have done multiple things to help from start to end like suggesting certain tools to improve workflow, mediating a disagreement among teammates, working effectively with progress trackers etc.

at least that's how i would approach it!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Thank you for the prompt response! @Afraz Akhtar So sorry to perturb you once more, I also wanted to ask if international students like myself are at a bit of a disadvantage owing to the ambiguous immigration rules currently. I know Goldman and PWC did not hire a single international this cycle

@Adnanlone overall I think international students are at a disadvantage, as not all firms sponsor TC's and where those offers are only available through a VS, then it is dependent on whether they are within the visa term and restrictions to work. However, I think a lot of firms tackle this well, and actually may explain why they have summer/spring/winter VS's.

As for if they sponsor the TC, then it's not going to hold you back that you're an international student. They have the budget, hence the decision to do so - so don't worry.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hey @Afraz Akhtar

Hope you’re well!

Just wondering, to build rapport in an interview would you ask the interviewer questions *during* the interview? Eg if they asked you about a time you overcame a challenge, and you mirror it back to them in a natural way, is that fine?

Hi @floral.tcla I think the interviewer will take control to make sure they can build rapport with you. However, you can make this easier by being personable - some laugh, some crack jokes, some offer a little sarcasm - essentially it's no different to connecting with people in daily life.

That being said, during the course of questioning, I don't think it's wise to revert back to them if they have a lot of questions to go through. You can save this till the end, when its your chance to ask them. I think referring to things they've said in their introduction/during the course of the interview to build your questions is a great way to achieve this, as it shows active listening, curiosity, and ability to develop a conversation.

 

[floral.tcla]

Hi @floral.tcla I think the interviewer will take control to make sure they can build rapport with you. However, you can make this easier by being personable - some laugh, some crack jokes, some offer a little sarcasm - essentially it's no different to connecting with people in daily life.

That being said, during the course of questioning, I don't think it's wise to revert back to them if they have a lot of questions to go through. You can save this till the end, when its your chance to ask them. I think referring to things they've said in their introduction/during the course of the interview to build your questions is a great way to achieve this, as it shows active listening, curiosity, and ability to develop a conversation.

Ah okay thanks that makes more sense!!

 

[Lissa06]

hi! got a test invite for Freshfields first year scheme. Does anyone know a) whether this is automatic/sent to all applicants or if they've screened my application already and b) is it sjt/wgt/video interview? apparently their application process got changed this year, so I wonder if anyone knows what to expect. thank you!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Congratulations could I ask what your strength and weakness on capfinity was?

Sure!

Top strengths: Growth, Explainer, Credibility.
Lowest: Personal Responsibility

But I really wouldn't think too much about the implications - you always have 1/2 areas of improvement, unlike Amberjack which clearly indicates your performance in each strength/competency the firm is looking for. So say if you did well in Amberjack tests or generally get through the SJTs I wouldn't be too concerned.

 

[zonnonomo]

Sure!

Top strengths: Growth, Explainer, Credibility.
Lowest: Personal Responsibility

But I really wouldn't think too much about the implications - you always have 1/2 areas of improvement, unlike Amberjack which clearly indicates your performance in each strength/competency the firm is looking for. So say if you did well in Amberjack tests or generally get through the SJTs I wouldn't be too concerned.

what did u say made u strikingly real 😭

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Anyone applied to these firms, would love some insights:

Browne Jacobson
Boodle Hatfield
Glaisyers ETL
Capsticks
VWV
Joelson
Gide Loyrette Nouel
Howes Percival
Lockton?

Can't search more other than their websites, it's not on legal cheek firm's most list directory

Not sure if you use LawCareers.Net and Chambers Student. Some are on there and they are actually more helpful than Legal Cheek imo (e.g., perks are good to know but it never impacted how I write or perform at each assessment stage lol). Would also recommend emailing the early talent teams for more info.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

what did u say made u strikingly real 😭

I didn't say something made me strikingly real, I said I'm not afraid to speak up when things aren't right then provided examples - which basically implies I'm strikingly real and authentic. I then linked it to the firm's culture and also one of the practices.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Same ! although I hate presentations and am somehow only progessing with firms that have presentations ...
Oh well... Good luck !!

passed VWV assessment ! now a pre prepared presentation scary

Congrats both! May I know when did you two submitted your written application and the online test? I submitted my application on the deadline.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I didn't say something made me striking real, I said I'm not afraid to speak up when things aren't right then provided examples - which basically implies I'm striking real and authentic. I then linked it to the firm's culture and also one of the practices.

Btw saw @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner 's reaction ahah - your insights on the forum were helpful when drafting! And also @Abbie Whitlock 's

 

[Applicant3728299643]

I know someone today said that not hearing from HSFK is good news as they screen potential AC candidates and then eventually make a final shortlist, would someone be able to confirm if grad rec said this!! Thanks

 

[SM2001]

Simmons summer vac scheme offer!!!!!!!

Congratulations!! When did you do the AC?