TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock do you have any advice on how to prepare for the Travers Smith interview for the VS. Specifically the commercial topic discussion section? They mentioned during the call that its like a debate. What are your tips on preparing for something like that. Thank you!

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite! Unfortunately, as I got my Travers Smith VS through BIUCAC, I'm not too sure what the commercial topic discussion section involves.

However, for an assessment described as a "commercial topic discussion" or debate, I would focus less on trying to predict the exact topic and more on practising how you structure and communicate your thinking. Firms are often more interested in how you analyse an issue, consider different perspective, and engage with others' points rather than whether you have the "right" view.

It can help to practise taking a current commercial issue and thinking through a few different angles / questions - for example, what the issue is, who is affected (e.g. businesses, investors, regulators, etc.), what the potential risks and opportunities are, and how it might impact law firms or their clients. I'd focus on showing that you can explain your reasoning clearly and respond thoughtfully to differing viewpoints.

More generally, I would recommend staying fairly up to date with major commercial or business stories so that you feel comfortable discussing them. In a debate setting, showing that you can listen, build on others' points, and challenge ideas (respectfully!) can be just as important as the actual substance of what you are saying.

Best of luck with the interview!!

 

[kikiki]

That’s awesome! I assume you didn’t get the holding email then?

It was just this one, headlined "next steps".

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock , do you have any advice for a strengths based interview? I have one at an AC next week and don’t want to fumble. Any advice is greatly appreciated

Hi!

I have previously written a few posts on strengths-based interviews - I have quoted them below!

Best of luck with your AC next week (+ I'm sure you won't fumble it!)

Hi!

Just to add to Andrei's advice, I thought I'd share my past experiences with strengths-based interview questions!

For these types of of questions, the important element is to answer truthfully and be yourself. They are typically looking to see how you would handle specific problems, your general working style, and the traits that you naturally possess that would make you a good fit for the firm. In preparation for the interview, I would make a note of what your key strengths are, and how they align with the skills needed to be a trainee (and what the role involves).

If you are given a hypothetical scenario, I'd talk the interviewer through each step that you would take to address the situation, and how you would use your personal strengths to aid you in handling anything that comes up.

Additionally, I've also found that the questions can be reflective in nature and may ask you specific questions about your way of workings. For an interview I did on a vacation scheme, I was asked "What type of person are you under pressure?" (which definitely threw me off!). There isn't necessarily one right answer here, and I would take a moment to actually think your answer through and consider how you usually approach these situations. It might be helpful to reflect on your past experiences and weave these into your answer, so that the interviewer can see that you are rooting your answer in concrete examples.

I hope that helps!

Hey!

It's totally normal to feel nervous, but I'd try to remember that they've progressed you this far for a reason! From my experience with strengths-based interviews, I would try to build rapport with the interviewers by being warm, engaged and genuine - try to treat it as a discussion rather than a formal assessment (whilst still remaining professional, of course!). Interviewers are human too, and sometimes asking genuine questions about their roles and career journeys can go a long way to show your interest in the firm.

When answering strengths-based questions, I'd focus less on giving a "model answer" and more on explaining how you naturally think and work. They are likely trying to see what motivates you, what you enjoy doing, and how you respond in real situations. In a previous strengths-based interview I completed, I was asked questions such as "What kind of person are you under pressure?" - this definitely threw me off, but the important part is to just be honest! You don't need long STAR-style answers, as short and specific examples are usually more than enough to demonstrate your point.

It can also help to link your answers back to the kind of environment BCLP offers (e.g. collaboration, adaptability, etc.), while still remaining genuine. The goal is to show that your strengths would translate well into how trainees at BCLP actually work day to day, and that you are motivated to work in the kind of environment that BCLP has.

I hope that assists, and wishing you the best of luck with your interview - I'm sure you'll do great!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi @Abbie Whitlock lucky enough to have a VS at a firm and waiting to hear back from another firm for ages. could you please give me some advice on how to phrase a polite follow up email to that firm? i’m cautious about not coming across rude haha

Hey!

Congratulations on the VS!

It is completely reasonable to send a polite follow-up email if you have been waiting a while, and I don't think this would come across as rude. I'd usually keep it short and appreciative in tone - for example, you could briefly reiterate your interest in the firm, mention that you are managing timelines for other opportunities, and ask whether they are able to provide an update on your application. Keeping it concise and polite is usually the best way to go about this.

Most graduate recruitment teams will be used to these kinds of emails, especially during the decision period of recruitment, so it shouldn't be seen as rude at all as long as the tone is polite and professional.

I hope you hear back soon!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

In the details of my upcoming AC, they stated we'd have a "Technical assessment", what is that likely to be?

Hi!

I haven't encountered a "technical assessment" before, so I would definitely take my answer with a pinch of salt! However, I'd say that it is likely to be something along the lines of a case study, contract extract, or written task where they are assessing your ability to spot key issues, structure your answer clearly, and give practical commercial advice.

If they have said that no specific preparation is needed, that is a good sign! However, if you wanted to prepare, I'd make sure that you have an understanding of the key commercial terms (e.g. indemnities, warranties, representations, etc.) and can structure your answers clearly, thinking about client risk and commercial impact.

Best of luck with the AC!

 

[cooked5678]

For Sidley VS post-ac how quickly did people hear back/ have you heard back? Just had ac today and wondering when I’ll hear.

 

[CharlieandLola]

Honestly idk I had a look at last year’s thread and I think a 4 or below might be ‘bad’, tbf I got a 4 in the Simmons Amberjack and got a PFO soon after. 6 or above seems to be okay. This is all just guessing though.

Thank you that’s super helpful!

 

[EL2003]

for SH amberjack- when ppl say they did bad are we talking about 6 or lower? Just trying to understand what’s a good score

TBH I have got 30+ on amberjack before and not progressed and then also got a 3 on one pillar in a different amberjack and an overall 'bad score' and progressed so who knows

 

[AryanAgg]

TBH I have got 30+ on amberjack before and not progressed and then also got a 3 on one pillar in a different amberjack and an overall 'bad score' and progressed so who knows

It really is a luck game after all.

 

[user397485]

how long did people take to hear back from hsf ac

 

[Joey green]

Hi Everyone! Did anyone attend the ac for Debevoise earlier this week? If so, please let me know! I really would like to know something specific about the ac!

I attended one but not this week, if you’re interested

 

[msclm]

For Sidley VS post-ac how quickly did people hear back/ have you heard back? Just had ac today and wondering when I’ll hear.

For winter I heard back after 2 days.

 

[iklawapps]

Thank you!! Can't believe my eyes, it's my first AC ever.

Yes, this is for Summer London office. I submitted app on deadline and didn't get the AI interview link before it died? Completed it on the deadline too, i believe the first week of Jan.

first of all congratulations that's so amazing! I bet they could've just felt how amazing a fit you were and you're going to shine at the AC too, im so happy for you!!

would you be okay if I ask two things. what was your amberjack score if you dont mind? also would you be down to share the est. AC dates or like how many slots/days they had? no pressure at all to share anything and CONGRATULATIONS, I hope you're celebrating < 3

 

[CupOfTea17]

Mills and Reeve VS offer!

Thank you so much to everyone for all their help! Best of luck to you guys!

 

[Applicant7874652]

For Sidley VS post-ac how quickly did people hear back/ have you heard back? Just had ac today and wondering when I’ll hear.

I had quick turnaround - 2 days for offer

 

[WillKitchen]

Do we know the current situation with CRS applications? Apologies if this has been covered recently on the forum; I’ve been busy teaching and preparing for an AC elsewhere.

Thanks!

 

[amb303]

Do we know the current situation with CRS applications? Apologies if this has been covered recently on the forum; I’ve been busy teaching and preparing for an AC elsewhere.

Thanks!

No one has shared that they have an offer yet but if last year is any indication some probably do and will be able to share soon. There would also be more decisions sent out potentially next week if things play out how they did last year!

 

[asplawyer100]

Anyone waiting on AC (for summer VS) outcome for OC, grad recruitment said start to middle of next week

Thanks so much for the update! Could I ask how you found out about this? Did you reach out to them? Also is this for a specific office or is this the case for all of their offices? Thanks again!

 

[trainee4u]

Michelmores with the 10:30pm PFO

 

[florrrrnnn76]

Michelmores with the 10:30pm PFO

same lol