TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[law123456789]

Congratulations!! When did you do the AC?

Thurs 15th Jan

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Guys...apparently they assess your level of language speaking in interviews??? Is this true?

 

[Legallywhatever]

Guys...apparently they assess your level of language speaking in interviews.

What does that even meannnn

 

[LawAspirer]

Anybody still waiting on Cooley post WG?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

In an interview, if they ask the question- "What type of tasks do trainees usually complete and how will you use your skills during the role" do they expect you to use STAR? i.e you list out typical trainee tasks then STAR how you have completed those in the past?

Hey!

I’d say that this sort of question doesn’t really warrant a full STAR-style structure - the graduate recruitment team are typically looking for you to show commercial awareness and self reflection, rather than one specific competency.

The structure that I would use for this question would be:

1. Briefly identify typical trainee tasks (e.g. legal research, due diligence, initial drafting, client exposure, etc.)
2. Link each task to relevant skills that you already have (e.g. research, attention to detail, communication, teamwork, etc.)
3. Support with brief examples if they are useful - however, this does not need to be a full STAR answer unless you are specifically asked for an example.

Therefore, it would look sort of like: “Trainees typically assist with X and Y, and I’ve developed the skills for this through [experience + discussion of the relevant skills], where I did [brief example to illustrate / back up your point]

I hope that assists!

 

[law123456789]

Linklaters AC for Feb, terrified >.<

Congrats! Was this for spring or summer?

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

anyone heard from Katten?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Hello!

I’d say you generally want to be at least around 250-260 words for these questions, but I wouldn’t say you are expected to stretch to 300 if it means filling your answer with padding for the sake of it.

Firms will be expecting you to display enough depth to show:

• What you actually did (I.e. your individual role in the team)
• Why your actions made you a valued team member, and
• What you learned and would carry into a trainee role (I.e. how the behaviour translates to working in a legal team)

These last two points are often what will help add the additional words to your answer. I would ensure that you are briefly explaining how your behaviour in the team supported others, and reflecting on what you would repeat in future teams that you work in. You can then make a short and explicit link to how this would support you as a trainee.

Aiming to get as close to 300 as you can is sensible (to avoid your answer being underdeveloped), but it is unlikely that the graduate recruitment team will penalise you for having slightly less if your answer is strong overall.

Best of luck with the application!

 

[loch_sk]

Congrats! Was this for spring or summer?

Summer I'm pretty sure

 

[Flynn Southgate]

Anybody still waiting on Cooley post WG?

Yes very weird

 

[HopefulTC]

PFO Cleary post WG btw

 

[LawAspirer]

@Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner
I swear you're on this forum 24/7. If you're not the most active user then idk who is hahaha

 

[bella!1403]

PFO Cleary post WG btw

When did you do the WG if you don't mind me asking? I haven't heard back from them in over a month

 

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

3 rejections this week, absolute stinker.

Has anyone heard from the following I'm aware this is a VS thread:

1. Hogan Lovells DTC (Rolling) - applied late November
2. HFW VS (Rolling) - applied late December
3. Linklaters DTC (Non rolling) closed early last month
4. Macfarlanes DTC (rolling) - not applied yet but want to gauge how rolling they are before I rush.
5. Kirkland DTC (Non Rolling) - applied early December
6. White & Case DTC (Rolling) - applied early December
7. Paul, Weiss Spring VS (Non Rolling) - applied December (please don't like the post if you did not apply to spring)
8. Katten VS (Non rolling) - applied December

 

[Hanzeeb]

Which firms recruit a good amount from DTC route?

 

[Tama]

Hi, could someone give me a link to the Legal Cheek x Clifford Chance event at 3:30 today? I'd forgotten to update my profile to 2nd year and it auto rejected me from the opportunity with no ability to reapply.

 

[Chak]

Hi! Has anyone heard back from Withers post SJT?

 

[axelrod901]

did u apply for the pathway to practice or direct tc for fieldfisher

I applied for the direct TC

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Hi Guys!! I have a Gibson Dunn first stage interview early next week, any insights are highly appreciated!! Can share insights about NRF VI, BAKERS VI, Hogan Lovells Job sim, Freshfields Job Sim, Akin TI, PwC VI, Pinsent Masons VI

 

[ExcitingEasting]

Any update from RPC or Clyde & Co post VI today?