TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[WillKitchen]

Hi, I have an interview coming up very soon and I’m almost certain that they’re going to spring a random commercial topic on me and ask what I think (they’ve done this in previous years). Worst case scenario, I don’t know anything about the topic - how do I navigate this? Should I just ask them to briefly explain the topic and then try to go from there?

I'd either (1) be totally honest and say that the area is new to me, and then try to seem really engaged and interested by asking them about it instead, and see if I can bounce off anything they say, or (2) try to make a connection to an area I am more confident to speak about, and see if it works as an analogy. "Well, X has always been something that has intrigued me, because I know how complex it can be and I'm really impressed by people who have a handle on it! I've always found Y to be a useful point of comparison, because..."

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I have an interview coming up very soon and I’m almost certain that they’re going to spring a random commercial topic on me and ask what I think (they’ve done this in previous years). Worst case scenario, I don’t know anything about the topic - how do I navigate this? Should I just ask them to briefly explain the topic and then try to go from there?

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

I would personally start by giving it your best shot and talking through anything you do know about the topic, even if it is only quite broad. Often, the interviewers are just as interested in seeing how you approach an unfamiliar commercial issue, and I think it would be unlikely that they'll expect you to have in-depth and detailed knowledge on everything that could come up.

If you then reach the limit of what you know, I think it is absolutely fine to be honest about that rather than trying to bluff. You could say something along the lines of "I'm not too familiar with that specific topic yet, but I'd be really interested to learn more about it". Then, I'd make sure that you stay engaged by asking questions and respond to any extra context they give you that might nudge you in the right direction.

Generally speaking, I think a thoughtful and curious discussion usually comes across much better than trying to force a perfect answer. As @WillKitchen stated, even finding ways to link it to things that you are confident speaking about will show that you understand where it fits in the wider context and how it impacts other areas.

Best of luck with the interview!!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

I'd either (1) be totally honest and say that the area is new to me, and then try to seem really engaged and interested by asking them about it instead, and see if I can bounce off anything they say, or (2) try to make a connection to an area I am more confident to speak about, and see if it works as an analogy. "Well, X is always been something that has intrigued me, because I know how complex it can be and I'm really impressed by people who have a handle on it! I've always found Y to be a useful point of comparison, because..."

This is such a great approach - I suppose what they’re really testing is curiosity and enthusiasm! Thank you so much Will!

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

I would personally start by giving it your best shot and talking through anything you do know about the topic, even if it is only quite broad. Often, the interviewers are just as interested in seeing how you approach an unfamiliar commercial issue, and I think it would be unlikely that they'll expect you to have in-depth and detailed knowledge on everything that could come up.

If you then reach the limit of what you know, I think it is absolutely fine to be honest about that rather than trying to bluff. You could say something along the lines of "I'm not too familiar with that specific topic yet, but I'd be really interested to learn more about it". Then, I'd make sure that you stay engaged by asking questions and respond to any extra context they give you that might nudge you in the right direction.

Generally speaking, I think a thoughtful and curious discussion usually comes across much better than trying to force a perfect answer. As @WillKitchen stated, even finding ways to link it to things that you are confident speaking about will show that you understand where it fits in the wider context and how it impacts other areas.

Best of luck with the interview!!

This is super helpful, I really appreciate it Abbie!! Thank you so much

 

[nicoledm]

Anyone have any insight into the arnold and porter interview?

 

[W5690]

Heyy,
Honestly, you have more criminal law experience than I do when I applied. I would recommend applying to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) as they are actually entry level (they're looking for people willing to learn). With regards to the defence side, I would say tailor your CV and cast a wide net. Sorry if this isn't the best of advice but this is the only criminal law role I applied for, so I don't really have much advice on it

@Jessica Pearson Hi! When you applied, was it for an entry level paralegal position? Did you have experience in criminal law when you applied? Also, you mentioned "With regards to the defence side, I would say tailor your CV and cast a wide net." - could you please expand on this? Many thanks for your time.

 

[Lollipopx]

Hi, has anyone heard back from Weightmans?

 

[Isobel.liddle]

Hi
Not to do with VS, however, I was wondering if anyone here has applied to the L'oreal Legal Summer Internship - and if they have if they have heard anything from them? Anxiously waiting.

 

[Magdalena6912]

Thank you! Progressed to stage 2. Phew. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

It was horrific - stage 2 if anyone needs advice, please PM. Happy to help and prevent others from embarrassing themselves like I just did

 

[lucy_p]

Browne Jacobson SVS

 

[mrebeccafr]

Kinda freaking out, Browne SVS Bham!!! Only an e-mail so almost panicked it was a rejection hahaha

 

[MZJxLadha]

Kinda freaking out, Browne SVS Bham!!! Only an e-mail so almost panicked it was a rejection hahaha

amazing!!!

 

[MZJxLadha]

Browne Jacobson SVS

omg congratulations!!

 

[lucy_p]

omg congratulations!!

Thank you!!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Browne Jacobson SVS

Kinda freaking out, Browne SVS Bham!!! Only an e-mail so almost panicked it was a rejection hahaha

 

[StudentWP]

anyone know when we hear from Perkins Coie after vi?

 

[StudentWP]

does anyone know if the Perkins Coie video element was automatic or after reviewing cv and cover letter

 

[User22022002]

does anyone know if the Perkins Coie video element was automatic or after reviewing cv and cover letter

The VI is not automatic. From the online call, they said they read the CV and CL to decide who goes on to the next stage.

 

[user55998384]

i know some firms say AAB as min requirement but does anyone w those grades find themselves progressing w us law firms?

 

[WillKitchen]

i know some firms say AAB as min requirement but does anyone w those grades find themselves progressing w us law firms?

My A Levels (a long time ago now!) were A*AD, and I made it to round 2 with Willkie and Latham & Watkins last year. So even a D won't hold anyone back at the first post, I think.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

i know some firms say AAB as min requirement but does anyone w those grades find themselves progressing w us law firms?

I don’t have AAA A-levels and I got offers from 3 firms that asked for AAA A-levels, so I’m sure there are firms that ask for AAB that are lenient.

I know people that got ACs, VSs and TCs with a few firms that ask for AAB like Goodwin, White & Case, Travers Smith, Hogan Lovells and NRF.​