TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[StudentWP]

has anyone been in contact with Perkins I have emailed them but not heard anything

 

[Bbhu19]

Heyyy, would any application veterans mind having a look at a couple of my motivational VS interview answer drafts ?

I’ll look over it if you still need it

 

[user55998384]

i boosted my cv a lot this year: did insight days, a week in IB, have a couple of legal palcements for the summer and have a admin role at a regional firm but this meant my second year grades arent that good - think i will probs end up w a 64 overall - does anyone have success in progressing w us/MC firms w similar grades?

 

[tosin4774]

Heyyy, would any application veterans mind having a look at a couple of my motivational VS interview answer drafts ?

There is a TikTok user named Lawwith Rachel who offers a free review on your first request. If you would like to receive additional reviews from her, there is a fee involved, but it's reasonably priced.

This is the link "https://lawwithrachael.com/buy"

 

[Garak]

Hi everyone - just want to ask a couple of questions:

In the TCLA interview question video on 'How does the firm compare to its competitors, and why do clients keep coming back to the firm?', it advises to research why in-house counsel keep going back to the law firm.

1) How do I find out why in-house consel keep going back to a law firm?
2) Where would I find such information in general about why clients keep coming back to the firm?

Many thanks

 

[M85672]

On the deadline, 24th

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Hi everyone - just want to ask a couple of questions:

In the TCLA interview question video on 'How does the firm compare to its competitors, and why do clients keep coming back to the firm?', it advises to research why in-house counsel keep going back to the law firm.

1) How do I find out why in-house consel keep going back to a law firm?
2) Where would I find such information in general about why clients keep coming back to the firm?

Many thanks

Hello

I’m not a solicitor, but I work as an in‑house corporate advisor for a bank in my jurisdiction. We typically brief external law firms depending on the nature of the matter, and each firm tends to have its own strengths. For example, some are excellent with employment matters, so we consistently use them for that work.

Beyond technical expertise, our decision-making usually comes down to service style, how frequently they update us, how well they manage meetings, whether they are readily available, and how easy they are to work with. Cost is also a major factor for in-house counsel.

Speaking only from my experience, we also pay close attention to the key practitioners in a specific field (IP, M&A, Lending). If certain well‑recognised individuals move firms, we monitor whether they’re moving with the team that previously supported us. It’s not that we terminate engagements immediately, but it does influence our assessment to determine whether we renew or not.

Another consideration is the quality of training law firms provide to in‑house counsel. Many firms offer extensive training programmes, and we do evaluate the standard and usefulness of those sessions.

In-house counsel for most institutions will conduct performance-based assessments and all of this will be recorded there.

I hope this helps

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone - just want to ask a couple of questions:

In the TCLA interview question video on 'How does the firm compare to its competitors, and why do clients keep coming back to the firm?', it advises to research why in-house counsel keep going back to the law firm.

1) How do I find out why in-house consel keep going back to a law firm?
2) Where would I find such information in general about why clients keep coming back to the firm?

Many thanks

Hey!

This is a really good question, and I think the key thing to remember is that you're usually not expected to know the exact reasons why a firm's clients keep returning unless you have spoken to those clients directly (which is unlikely). Instead, you are trying to make a reasoned inference based on the information available.

The main places that I would look for this type of information include:

• Legal Directories (e.g. Chambers or Legal 500): It helps to check the client testimonials section, as clients will often explain what they value about the firm, whether that's responsiveness, commerciality, sector expertise, value for money, international reach, or technical excellence.
• Recent Matters and Clients: If you notice the same clients appearing repeatedly across multiple deals or cases, that is often a good indication that the firm has developed a strong relationship with them.
• Firm Publications or Webinars: If a firm consistently produces insights in a particular sector that relates to their client base, that can help explain why clients continue to instruct them.

For interviews, I would usually avoid saying something definitive like "clients keep returning because of X". Instead, I'd frame it as a wider observation, for example: "Based on the firm's client testimonials and repeat instructions from major clients, it appears that clients value the firm's combination of strong technical expertise and commercial advice. This is reflected in Chambers feedback, where clients consistently highlight...".

I think it is also worth remembering that clients rarely choose a law firm for just one reason. It is often a combination of factors such as sector expertise, longstanding relationships, international capabilities, quality of service, and the firm's ability to understand the client's commercial objectives.

I hope that helps! I personally found that Chambers and Legal 500 were the most useful sources as it gives you direct insights into what clients themselves are saying about the firm

 

[addy2004]

Random question if anyone can help please - when do winter vac scheme/open day apps typically open? Basically, one of the times for me to take annual leave this year would awkwardly be the start of September for two so I'm weighing up having a break v being around to apply!

 

[NLegal]

Hi All,

I'm starting the SQE in September and, hearing all the horror stories, I really want to get a head start with revising the academic legal knowledge (i.e. what the SQE doesn't teach you/ expects you to already know).

I was wondering if anyone had a clear syllabus/ criteria which covers every topic we're expected to already know in detail within:

The Legal System
Contract
Tort
Land
Equity and Trusts
Criminal
Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law

and/or if they would be willing to share their notes/ hints/ tips/ sources on revising these areas.

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[Jaysen]

Hi All,

I'm starting the SQE in September and, hearing all the horror stories, I really want to get a head start with revising the academic legal knowledge (i.e. what the SQE doesn't teach you/ expects you to already know).

I was wondering if anyone had a clear syllabus/ criteria which covers every topic we're expected to already know in detail within:

The Legal System
Contract
Tort
Land
Equity and Trusts
Criminal
Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law

and/or if they would be willing to share their notes/ hints/ tips/ sources on revising these areas.

Thank you so much in advance!

Just responded to your post in the thread but will share here too:

Here's what you need to know for each module.

I haven't used these myself, but you might find these notes helpful (found on Reddit).

 

[174Tess9y3]

Does anyone know what the Fried Frank assessment day or the Travers Smith online interview involves?

 

[CupOfTea17]

Does anyone know if a few spelling mistakes are enough to get you out in an AC? I’ve read that they are… just trying to prepare myself!

Hey!
I had an AC where one of the timed exercises was really tight and so I didn't have time to proof read (and knowing me, that means lots of typos...) At the AC we had a feedback session after each written exercise where I said I was frustrated I didn't prioritise proof reading, and the partner agreed with me (essentially confirming my suspicion of lots of typos). I still got the VS though!

Essentially, while it is super natural to worry about, the assessors know you are time pressured and in regular situs you would likely catch all the potential mistakes. Also the way I see it, to get to an AC they have already assessed your writing and so they know you are capable. I imagine a mistake at that stage would be more fatal.

Good luck!

 

[NLegal]

Just responded to your post in the thread but will share here too:

Here's what you need to know for each module.

I haven't used these myself, but you might find these notes helpful (found on Reddit).

Hello,

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond - both links look really helpful - I really appreciate it!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Random question if anyone can help please - when do winter vac scheme/open day apps typically open? Basically, one of the times for me to take annual leave this year would awkwardly be the start of September for two so I'm weighing up having a break v being around to apply!

Hey!

From what I've seen in previous cycles, most winter vacation scheme and open day applications tend to open around August to September (based on the deadlines thread from this cycle, which you can find here).

However, firms do seem to be opening applications earlier and earlier each year, so there may well be some opportunities that open before then. Additionally, firms tend to stagger their application windows throughout the start of the recruitment cycle, rather than all opening on the same day, so I wouldn't be too concerned about being away for a short period as I'm sure some applications will open later in September/October as well. In my experience, application deadlines are also usually a month of two after applications open, so you'll generally have a reasonable amount of time to get your applications submitted

 

[mintgecko]

Has anyone heard back regarding Bird & Bird's Flying Start programme?

Applied almost two months ago when applications opened, and the programme is only a month and a half away. Want to make summer plans but still holding out until I hear back.

 

[Futuretrainee002]

Hey,

Random question, does anyone have any advice what to wear to a networking session with no formal dress code. I’m struggling to decide if I should just wear a suit or if that would be too overdressed.