TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Dannie]

Hey ! could I get some help on this? When in interview you're asked what client you would advise the law firm takes should it preferably be one the firm has never worked with? is it ok if they worked with that company but a few years ago?

 

[flower1]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock
I was just wondering what's a good structure for this question: Why me? Why should Firm X take me as their trainee solicitor?
Given how commonly this question is asked, how can we differentiate our answers?

Thank you

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Hey guys, funny story. Today I started doing the VI for Simmons, I started the video interview and accidentally stopped recording about 20 seconds into my answer 😭😭 Low key don’t even care, I’m so burnt out with this cycle, so I’m not even going to email and explain hahaha 🤣

 

[tc2026]

question: does anyone have an idea of which seats generally have the best work/life balance?

 

[BelleOfTheLawBall]

question: does anyone have an idea of which seats generally have the best work/life balance?

All I know is that litigation usually is better in the sense that cases usually take years so your time is a lot more predictable as opposed to the volatile nature of transactional seats where you might be called to work urgently at 2am or up until 3am closing a deal.

 

[bh.sa]

If anyone has successfully progressed past the application stage for Arnold & Porter, please can you send me a message? 🙏

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I was recently going through the course and posts on situational/scenario type interview questions. While trying a question with a non-law friend, they suggested using an example briefly for some scenarios. In the past I would usually just answer these questions with what I would do and voice out any assumptions I am making in my answer. I thought that two scenarios may not be the same, where even if I link an example it maybe a hard fit and may not always match. Is it worth doing it for some answer, say for example based on a previous question someone asked about working late hours, "You have a busy day ..... partner has additional task ..... you have a personal thing later(that may (definitely 😬) will have to be moved) .... what do you do ?" in this sort of a question would it make sense to answer it properly and maybe at the end add that in a previous situation abc, I experienced something similar where I acted in X way.... .

Or should I just stick with answering what I would do and that's it ?

Hello!

With situational questions, your main focus should be on answering the scenario in front of you clearly and logically - for example, what you would do, why you would do it, and how you would communicate or prioritise. That is what the graduate recruitment team or interviewers will be assessing, as they'll want to see clear judgment and professionalism.

If you have a genuinely relevant past example, it can add value to briefly reference it at the end to reinforce your approach. A brief mention at the end that shows you have handled something similar before can strengthen your credibility, as long it is a natural fit. I would definitely avoid trying to force an example that doesn't quite fit or sounds made up, as this could make your answer feel slightly disjointed.

If you don't have a strong example, that is completely fine! A well-structured and thoughtful answer about what you would do (and perhaps what you would learn from it in case you encounter it in the future) is absolutely enough

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey ! could I get some help on this? When in interview you're asked what client you would advise the law firm takes should it preferably be one the firm has never worked with? is it ok if they worked with that company but a few years ago?

Hi!

I would say that either option is perfectly acceptable, as long as you can display clear commercial reasoning as to why that client would be a good strategic fit for the firm.

It is absolutely fine if the firm has worked with the company before, even a few years ago, and could even potentially strengthen your answer. For example, you could say that the firm already understands the client's business, there is an existing relationship, and there may be opportunities to expand into new practice areas or jurisdictions.

Equally, suggesting a completely new client is also a good option, provided that you justify it clearly (e.g. growth into a specific sector, alignment with the firm's strengths, strong pipeline of work, etc.).

What matters most is that you:

• Explain why the client fits the firm's sector or practice area strengths
• Identify the type of work that the firm could win with the client
• Show awareness of the commercial opportunities and risks that arise from each client

Therefore, your reasoning is often far more important than the client that you choose. I hope that helps!

 

[jojo23]

Hey guys, funny story. Today I started doing the VI for Simmons, I started the video interview and accidentally stopped recording about 20 seconds into my answer 😭😭 Low key don’t even care, I’m so burnt out with this cycle, so I’m not even going to email and explain hahaha 🤣

Dont worry, you wont hear back till next year (if you're lucky)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock
I was just wondering what's a good structure for this question: Why me? Why should Firm X take me as their trainee solicitor?
Given how commonly this question is asked, how can we differentiate our answers?

Thank you

Hello!

I would structure it in the following way:

1. Start with 1-2 sentences that summarise the core value(s) you bring (e.g. strong commercial awareness, client-focused mindset, a willingness to learn and reflect, etc.)
2. Briefly back that up with examples that show skills that are directly transferable to the role of a trainee. This can include taking responsibility, managing competing deadlines, communicating clearly with different parties, attention to detail, teamwork, etc. Focus on the transferable skills that you gained, rather than the background of the experience itself (although you should mention this briefly for context).
3. Finish by tying it to what the firm values - e.g. they might have a particular training style, sector focus, or favour certain values. Explain how you would contribute as a trainee at that firm specifically, and why you'd make a good fit based on your background and skills.

In terms of differentiation, there will definitely be some overlap with other applicants as the generic strengths (e.g. hardworking, team player, etc.) are still important (even if generic)! However, you can stand out by:

• Showing self-awareness about your own strengths and how you operate under pressure
• Framing yourself in terms of the value you'd bring to the firm, rather than what you like about the firm or hope to gain.
• Being specific rather than vague - using past experiences to highlight where you have gained the skills you are claiming to have can help in this part!

Ultimately, they are looking to see that you know what the firm values, and that you understand how you could add value to the firm and their clients. If your answer shows that, you're on the right track!

I hope that assists

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Dont worry, you wont hear back till next year (if you're lucky)

Probs won’t hear back until the next presidential election which is on Tuesday, Nov 7 2028… so not that long away just a short 990 days wait…

 

[flower1]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock
Thank you for your response to my previous question

I was also wondering, for this question: Name a leader in the media that you admire and why - can I mention an actor? I'm worried if it's too big of a risk, but if prompted further questions, I'm confident I would be able to answer. I did also try to connect back to skills needed in law too. I'm not sure if it would be impressive or risky. Or is it better to just mention a business leader / something more law & business focused?

Thank you

 

[jojo23]

Probs won’t hear back until the next presidential election which is on Tuesday, Nov 7 2028… so not that long away just a short 990 days wait…

Still more likely to get married first than receive any credible response from simmons

time to download hinge guys
🤣

 

[AryanAgg]

Still more likely to get married first than receive any credible response from simmons

time to download hinge guys
🤣

On a side note this scene is getting animated this season, do you think the meme will be embraced?

 

[Mikeross7]

HSF Kramer first year scheme offer! Really nervous as this will be my first time visiting a firm in person

 

[AryanAgg]

HSF Kramer first year scheme offer! Really nervous as this will be my first time visiting a firm in person

Congratulations and good luck. The first experience is always a crucial one to get your foot in the door.

 

[8law]

can the tariff situation please pause until ACs are done

 

[jojo23]

On a side note this scene is getting animated this season, do you think the meme will be embraced?

i don't even watch jjk but i swear they gotta commit to the brazilian funk music or people will go insane 😅

 

[AryanAgg]

i don't even watch jjk but i swear they gotta commit to the brazilian funk music or people will go insane 😅

TikTok kaisen won't like it indeed 🤣🤣

 

[AryanAgg]

can the tariff situation please pause until ACs are done

Trump does what Trump does if i do say so myself.