TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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.

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

has anyone not heard from Morgan Lewis post TI?

 

[M85672]

Hi, just a question regarding answering Baker Mckenzie's questions (I've written a ton of apps this cycle and I think Baker's questions are some of the most difficult I've faced personally).

The question "Discuss how the role of a commercial lawyer is evolving in today’s business environment. Identify the key skills required and how you have demonstrated these", what would people recommend the best skills to talk about here? Was thinking one could be increasing need for commercial lawyers to be AI/tech-literate perhaps.

Usually with these "skills required to be a commercial lawyer" questions I always go with commercial awareness, attention to detail/ability to present large amounts of information intelligibly etc. However, the wording of this question implicitly asks for something that perhaps is a skill NOW required, as opposed to one that has always been required (like the former skills). So it has me slightly stumped.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Hi, just a question regarding answering Baker Mckenzie's questions (I've written a ton of apps this cycle and I think Baker's questions are some of the most difficult I've faced personally).

The question "Discuss how the role of a commercial lawyer is evolving in today’s business environment. Identify the key skills required and how you have demonstrated these", what would people recommend the best skills to talk about here? Was thinking one could be increasing need for commercial lawyers to be AI/tech-literate perhaps.

Usually with these "skills required to be a commercial lawyer" questions I always go with commercial awareness, attention to detail/ability to present large amounts of information intelligibly etc. However, the wording of this question implicitly asks for something that perhaps is a skill NOW required, as opposed to one that has always been required (like the former skills). So it has me slightly stumped.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

I mentioned AI literacy and progressed to next stage so go ahead!

 

[CharlesT47]

Anyone have access to the newest zip law article for the impact on trumps tariffs being revoked?

Also very surprised but K&E are actually offering feedback post AC

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Hi!

For the AC, if anyone could’ve told you one useful tip before, what would you want to know?

The tips I’ve acquired are: + bring a digital watch
Group: Don’t speak over people, don’t dominate, be respectful and smiley, don’t speak just for the sake of it ( have meaningful contributions); the teamwork has a shared objective, call people by names and make eye contact.

Case study: structure is key ( exec summary, intro, body, conclusion); body language; clear simple language, jargon- free; smile and eye contact. Read from the back to the front.

Interview: mine is a strength based and motivational. Research well the USP of the firm. Don’t use STAR as it’s not competency but stil use a smaller version of STAR? Smile, body language, strong eye contact. Ask meaningful questions at the end to engage with interviewers.

Is there anything else I should know?

Thank youuu ☺️🎉

 

[Novaa]

can the tariff situation please pause until ACs are done

This reminds me of when I had an AC a couple days after the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 came into effect.

And I couldn’t tell if the company’s turnover would trigger a CMA review now or wouldn’t. Then I wrote the new threshold wrong. Then I realised when I was on lunch. So the first thing I did was apologise in my case study discussion.

WHEW WHAT A DAY 🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[A worried paralegal]

Anyone have access to the newest zip law article for the impact on trumps tariffs being revoked?

Also very surprised but K&E are actually offering feedback post AC

Why is post ac feedback so rare?