TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[laww]

I’m going to be very blunt, but you should really try to make it sound a bit less AI-generated

Thank you, really appreciate the input! Struggling with this as the question as I'm finding it difficult to not make it sound generic given that the question itself is quite broad

 

[Bread]

Thank you, really appreciate the input! Struggling with this as the question as I'm finding it difficult to not make it sound generic given that the question itself is quite broad

It is quite broad; also weird because in a TC application obviously your career goal will be getting a TC

I’d absolutely avoid expressions such as “taking responsibility for defined pieces,” “drafting and discrete workstreams,” and “improve the efficiency of my output.”

Nobody writes or even communicates like this except good old GPT, so it’s very obvious

 

[Futuretrainee002]

Hey, can someone help me answer the question: what are the current trends in the private equity market?
I’m struggling to find anything relevant

 

[CharlieandLola]

Hey, can someone help me answer the question: what are the current trends in the private equity market?
I’m struggling to find anything relevant

If you have Ziplaw they have some great stuff on there. Particularly the rise of private credit and increase of evergreen structures and redemption requests!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone! I was just curious if anyone had a link to a list of written application questions that first ask so I can pre-write applications ahead of their opening in September. Thank you!

Hey!

We have a thread on the forum that has some of the law firm application questions from the 2025-26 recruitment cycle - you can find it here!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi could someone give me feedback on an answer I drafted for 'What personal or career goals do you have for yourself at present?' Thank you!

At present, my primary goal is to begin my training contract and develop into a solicitor who can combine strong technical ability with commercial awareness and adaptability. I am keen to approach each seat with an open mind, recognising that exposure to different areas of work is essential to understanding where my strengths can add most value. Conversations with junior lawyers have also shown me that preferred practice areas often change once trainees experience the realities of day-to-day work.

During my training, I aim to build confidence by taking responsibility for defined pieces of work early, including research, drafting and discrete workstreams, and by acting on feedback to improve the quality and efficiency of my output. I also aim to build resilience by stepping outside my comfort zone and taking on unfamiliar tasks across different areas of law, learning to adapt quickly and maintain accuracy under pressure.

Longer term, I would like to build lasting relationships across the firm, contribute to business development initiatives, and progress towards a senior role with greater responsibility for managing client relationships and developing matters.

Hey!

I'd generally echo what others have said, and I'd suggest trying to add a slightly more personal element.

At the moment, your goals are all sensible and exactly the sort of things firms want to hear, but they could probably apply to a lot of candidates. If you can tie them back to something that is particularly important to you or explain why those are your goals, it'll make the answer feel a bit more authentic and memorable.

For example, if there is a particular aspect of being a solicitor that motivates you, or a quality that you are especially keen to develop, incorporating that into your answer could help the graduate recruitment team get a better sense of who you are, rather than just what you want to achieve - this is how you can differentiate your answer from others

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey, can someone help me answer the question: what are the current trends in the private equity market?
I’m struggling to find anything relevant

Hey!

Generally speaking, the current trends that come to mind include:

1. High interest rates have made leveraged buyouts more expensive to finance, which means that deals are less profitable than they used to be. This can mean that firms are now focused more on actually improving the businesses they buy, rather than just relying on cheaper loans and rising prices.

2. There are increased challenges in terms of exiting investments, particularly as IPOs and takeovers have slowed down. This also makes it harder for firms to raise new money, as investors will want to see returns first.

3. Private equity firms have a lot of cash to invest but deal activity has been more subdued, due to valuation gaps and financing costs. This has led to longer holding periods for portfolio companies.

4. There is a rise of continuation funds to deal with the exit bottleneck issues. This means that instead of selling a good investment outright, firms are moving it into a new fund so that they can hold onto it longer while still giving investors a way to cash out if they want.

I would also try to link any trend back to what it means for lawyers. For example, rather than just saying there has been an increase in continuation funds, think about why clients are using them and how that changes the legal work involved. Interviewers are usually more interested in whether you can understand the practical and commercial implications of a trend, rather than whether you can list lots of them.

Some resources I would suggest for this type of research include:
- The private equity insights or blogs published by firms like White & Case, Kirkland & Ellis, Linklaters, etc.
- The Lawyer and Law.com International, as they often discuss how market trends are affecting law firms and transactions
- The Financial Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, etc.

I hope that assists!

 

[laww]

Hey!

I'd generally echo what others have said, and I'd suggest trying to add a slightly more personal element.

At the moment, your goals are all sensible and exactly the sort of things firms want to hear, but they could probably apply to a lot of candidates. If you can tie them back to something that is particularly important to you or explain why those are your goals, it'll make the answer feel a bit more authentic and memorable.

For example, if there is a particular aspect of being a solicitor that motivates you, or a quality that you are especially keen to develop, incorporating that into your answer could help the graduate recruitment team get a better sense of who you are, rather than just what you want to achieve - this is how you can differentiate your answer from others

Thank you!

 

[greentree]

Hey!

Generally speaking, the current trends that come to mind include:

1. High interest rates have made leveraged buyouts more expensive to finance, which means that deals are less profitable than they used to be. This can mean that firms are now focused more on actually improving the businesses they buy, rather than just relying on cheaper loans and rising prices.

2. There are increased challenges in terms of exiting investments, particularly as IPOs and takeovers have slowed down. This also makes it harder for firms to raise new money, as investors will want to see returns first.

3. Private equity firms have a lot of cash to invest but deal activity has been more subdued, due to valuation gaps and financing costs. This has led to longer holding periods for portfolio companies.

4. There is a rise of continuation funds to deal with the exit bottleneck issues. This means that instead of selling a good investment outright, firms are moving it into a new fund so that they can hold onto it longer while still giving investors a way to cash out if they want.

I would also try to link any trend back to what it means for lawyers. For example, rather than just saying there has been an increase in continuation funds, think about why clients are using them and how that changes the legal work involved. Interviewers are usually more interested in whether you can understand the practical and commercial implications of a trend, rather than whether you can list lots of them.

Some resources I would suggest for this type of research include:
- The private equity insights or blogs published by firms like White & Case, Kirkland & Ellis, Linklaters, etc.
- The Lawyer and Law.com International, as they often discuss how market trends are affecting law firms and transactions
- The Financial Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, etc.

I hope that assists!

Hey Abbie!

Would you be able to do the same for Transport? Also, does anyone have any recommendations for resources to learn more about that sector?

Thank you!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi Abbie! I have a call scheduled with an associate at a firm I want to apply to. What kind of questions should I look to cover since they're an associate and not a trainee etc?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey Abbie!

Would you be able to do the same for Transport? Also, does anyone have any recommendations for resources to learn more about that sector?

Thank you!

Hey!

Of course! A few transport trends that come to mind include:

• Decarbonisation and the energy transition: Governments and businesses are investing heavily in low-emission transport, including electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, sustainable aviation fuel, and rail electrification. This is driving significant investment, regulation, and commercial opportunities.
• Infrastructure investment: Many governments continue to invest in major transport infrastructure projects (rail, airports, ports, and roads) to improve connectivity and support economic growth. These often involve complex financing, procurement and regulatory issues.
• Digitalisation: The sector is increasingly using AI and data analytics to improve efficiency, optimise routes, predict maintenance, and enhance passenger experiences. This also raises data protection and cybersecurity considerations.
• Supply chain resilience: Following disruptions in recent years, many businesses are placing greater emphasis on diversifying supply chains and improving the resilience of transport and logistics networks, particularly given ongoing geopolitical tensions.

As with PE, I would always try to think about what these trends mean for clients and the legal work involved. For example, increased investment in transport infrastructure creates opportunities across project finance, construction, regulatory, and M&A work, while decarbonisation gives rise to new financing structure and regulatory advice.

I hope that assists!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi Abbie! I have a call scheduled with an associate at a firm I want to apply to. What kind of questions should I look to cover since they're an associate and not a trainee etc?

Hey!

That is a great opportunity! I would say there is likely to be some overlap between the kinds of questions that you would ask trainees and associates, but some areas I'd consider covering include:

• What their day-to-day work looks like and the types of matters they have been involved in recently.
• What differentiates the firm's practice (or the specific team they are in) from its competitors.
• The firm's culture and how that manifests in practice, beyond what is written on the firm's website.
• How much responsibility junior lawyers are given and how work is supervised.
• How the firm supports junior lawyers' business development and progression.
• Any trends they are seeing in their practice area, and how those are affecting clients.
• If you are interested in a particular seat or sector, I'd ask what makes that area interesting at the firm and what work juniors typically get involved in.

I would also aim to make the questions as tailored as possible. You could have a look at their profile beforehand to see what matters they have worked on or any articles they have written, as it is often easier to have a more natural conversation if you can ask about something specific rather than relying on generic questions.

I would also avoid treating it like a checklist, and if they mention something interesting, don't be afraid to follow up with another question. Those conversations tend to flow more naturally, and you'll often come away with better insights to use in your application.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the call!