TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[aliiiisonxooox]

Hi everyone and hi @Abbie Whitlock. Thanks for your help to my previous question, it was very insightful.

I have another Question: how old does a competency interview example can be. For example, tell me about a time you worked within a team. My example is very valuable from a moot competition, but it is about 4 years old. I only have worked 1 legal paralegal job- so I used this one for many competency wuestions, I’m trying to have varied examples as the feedback I got given before as that I keep using the same examples. Would 4 years old example be too old? ( they don’t know I’m not telling them I just say I participated in uni @ moot competition)

And also, how long would you recommend spending on a question? I always get told I’m not too concise. And I need to be more specific. So would 1 minute 30 seconds be good, or should I cut it to 1 minute?

Thanks in advance

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi Abbie! Hope you're doing well!

I have an upcoming AC where we have to do an intray exercise. I've never done one of these before, and I'm not 100% certain about how to prepare for it and how to approach it in the AC, I was wondering if you have any tips?

Thank you!

Hi!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too! Congratulations on the AC invite, that is amazing news!!

I haven't actually completed an in-tray exercise before either, but I've had a look online and I'll share how I would personally approach this sort of exercise!

For an in-tray exercise, the firm is essentially testing how you manage a busy inbox as a trainee - therefore, things like prioritisation, attention to detail, commercial awareness, and communication will all be key traits that you'll want to display.

In terms of preparation, I would try to practise by quickly reading and extracting key information from documents or emails, and then making decisions based on that. You don't necessarily need legal knowledge, but I do think it is important to be comfortable identifying what is urgent vs important, spotting risks, and thinking about logical next steps.

On the day, my approach would be to:

• Read everything once through fairly quickly to get the overall picture
• Then go back and prioritise tasks accordingly (for example, urgent / time-sensitive / client-facing first)
• Be clear and structured in any responses - even things like bullet points could work if they are concise and logical
• Always explain the reasoning briefly if the format of the assessment allows it (e.g. why something is prioritised or why a risk has been flagged).

I would also keep an eye out for small details, such as deadlines, attachments, or any inconsistencies - firms might use these to test your accuracy and attention to detail.

Ultimately, I think it is important to try not to overthink it, as they'll be looking for a sensible and structured approach, rather than perfection.

Good luck - I'm sure you'll smash it!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Giving you a dragon egg for Easter, in accordance with the gifting guidelines of Westeros!

Is it bad that I had to Google what Westeros was....

I am honoured, thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone and hi @Abbie Whitlock. Thanks for your help to my previous question, it was very insightful.

I have another Question: how old does a competency interview example can be. For example, tell me about a time you worked within a team. My example is very valuable from a moot competition, but it is about 4 years old. I only have worked 1 legal paralegal job- so I used this one for many competency wuestions, I’m trying to have varied examples as the feedback I got given before as that I keep using the same examples. Would 4 years old example be too old? ( they don’t know I’m not telling them I just say I participated in uni @ moot competition)

And also, how long would you recommend spending on a question? I always get told I’m not too concise. And I need to be more specific. So would 1 minute 30 seconds be good, or should I cut it to 1 minute?

Thanks in advance

Hey!

I'm glad I could help!!

On your first question, I would say that an example from 4 years ago is absolutely fine. The main thing that the interviewer will care about is the quality and relevance of the example, particularly in relation to the question being asked, not when it happened. A moot competition is a great example for competencies such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, so definitely don't feel like you can't use it just because it is older!

The feedback that you have had about varying your examples is important (and I've received similar in the past), as even if one example is strong, using it repeatedly can limit how much your skillset is showing. I would try to build a small "bank" of 4-6 examples that you can rotate between - for example, your paralegal role, the moot, maybe something from university, extracurriculars, or any non-legal work. It is completely fine if not all of them are legal - most of my interview examples are from when I worked at Subway! Firms care more about the competency than the context, so I would focus on the reflections you can make from those experiences.

On timing, I'd say that 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds per answer is a good target. If you have been told to be more concise, I'd aim closer to 1 minute (as you might end up speaking a little longer anyway) and focus on being sharp and concise, rather than detailed. A structure that might help is:

• Brief context (a few sentences)
• What you specifically did (this should be the bulk of your answer)
• Clear result + what you learned (i.e. what reflections and insights did you gain)

Ultimately, the interviewer might ask follow up questions, which gives you a chance to go into more detail!

I hope that helps!!

 

[jessyjimmiejupiter]

just bumping this incase anyone sees it:
Hi everyone — I’m due to attend Burges Salmon’s upcoming spring vacation scheme and I’m keen to make the most of the opportunity and hopefully convert it into a training contract.

If anyone who completed the 2025 winter vacation scheme would be open to sharing any advice or insights, I’d be hugely grateful. Please do message me if you’re happy to chat — thank you so much.

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

@Ijustwanttobealawyer No for Arnold & Porter (I did not apply to Mayer Brown). You?

I have heard from Mayer Brown but I have not heard from Arnold & Porter post application for DTC.

 

[BigFO]

Michelmores PFO after HR Interview. Annoyingly, I know exactly where I messed up, a rookie mistake...

 

[summersun]

Michelmores PFO after HR Interview. Annoyingly, I know exactly where I messed up, a rookie mistake...

same ...very dissapointed as I really liked them ...

 

[corplawperson23]

Hi, just wondering if anyone has heard back from CRS chelt office post VI?

 

[8law]

Has anyone heard back from DAC vac scheme post app

 

[AS24]

Can someone explain me how Perkins Coie application works? Do we need to draft a cover letter? Does it also include a VI element?
@Jaysen do you advise answering why this vacation scheme in the cover letter? Thank you in advance guys!

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock thank you for your reply last night.

I just wanted to clarify something if that’s ok, when you said you mostly provided examples for competency questions- from your Subway role, is this for VS? Or does this apply for TC interviews too?

For example, if you’re interviewing for a TC for the same firms, do they expect you to only give legal job competency examples? As I said, I only had one legal job so it would be hard for me.

So sorry to bother you. Think I’m just being overly anxious .
Thanks a lot!!

 

[Isobel.liddle]

For SH Amberjack Assessment peeps that got a PFO, could you please share your scores? Thank you!

4, 6, 6, 9 - mid numerical high verbal

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Could anyone that got the SH VS share what their test scores were? Cos seeing some of these scores from people w/ PFOs is making me think that their benchmark is really high…

Just want to manage expectations for if I get the SJT and VI for the DTC. I’ve figured I’d probs need high verbal and numerical but not sure what the benchmark is gna be for each of the pillars…​

 

[AryanAgg]

My guess is at 7 each pillar but no idea

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen
I have a question. I have been invited to an assessment centre on the same dates as a vacation scheme. I have informed the AC team but the have no alternative dates. Should I ask the VS firm or withdraw from the process? The AC is for a DTC.

 

[axelrod901]

Just had my TI with BJ, soo nerve wrecking to wait for the results. For those who have had it, how long did it take for them to get back?

 

[Marble_Moth]

Could anyone that got the SH VS share what their test scores were? Cos seeing some of these scores from people w/ PFOs is making me think that their benchmark is really high…

Just want to manage expectations for if I get the SJT and VI for the DTC. I’ve figured I’d probs need high verbal and numerical but not sure what the benchmark is gna be for each of the pillars…​

Hey, my guess is that the onus is on the VI. I think my scores were lower than some posted suggesting that perhaps the benchmark for the test is lower than people are guessing. Hope this helps!

 

[Lollipopx]

Hey! Is the Video Interview element automatic for Perkins Coie Vacation scheme?

No, they said it is completely separate. They pass the first stage and then if they like you they will proceed to VI stage.

 

[WillKitchen]

I just received a Capptivate invitation from Gibson Dunn. That application was a long time ago now - October 4th!

Best of luck if you have also received this.