TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock do you have advice on how to tackle questions like this: 'What attracts you to X firm and the office to which you are applying?' What are they looking for in an answer? Thanks in advance!

Hey!

I would approach this as a combination of "why this firm?" and "why this office?". They are likely looking for evidence that you have researched the firm and have genuine and specific reasons for wanting to join that particular office, rather than reasons that could apply to any firm.

For the firm, I would pick 2-3 things that attract you (e.g. practice areas, sectors, clients, culture, training, etc.) and explain why they appeal to you rather than just listing them. For the office, think about things that are distinctive to that location - e.g. the work it handles, its client base, its role within the wider firm, or why the location itself makes sense for you.

I would also try to link your reasons back to your own interests and experiences where possible, as that tends to make your answer much more convincing and personal

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you're doing well!

I was wondering how you'd approach answering the following question: "What do you think would be the most challenging elements about working at the firm as a trainee? How would you approach these challenges?"

Should I need to link my approach back to an experience where I’ve done that?

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - I hope you are too!

I would approach this by identifying 1-2 challenges that are realistic and specific to being a trainee at that firm, rather than generic things like "the workload would be challenging". This is a question where your firm research is super important - think about the nature of the work, the trainee role, the firm's expectations, etc.

Then, I would explain how you would approach these challenges, and walk the graduate recruitment team through it step-by-step. I don't think you necessarily need a specific example for each one, but if you have a relevant experience that demonstrates that you have dealt with something similar (e.g. managing competing deadlines, working under pressure, adapting quickly, etc.), I would definitely bring that in briefly. The key thing is showing that you have thought realistically about the challenge and have a practical strategy for dealing with it

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Hey!

I would approach this as a combination of "why this firm?" and "why this office?". They are likely looking for evidence that you have researched the firm and have genuine and specific reasons for wanting to join that particular office, rather than reasons that could apply to any firm.

For the firm, I would pick 2-3 things that attract you (e.g. practice areas, sectors, clients, culture, training, etc.) and explain why they appeal to you rather than just listing them. For the office, think about things that are distinctive to that location - e.g. the work it handles, its client base, its role within the wider firm, or why the location itself makes sense for you.

I would also try to link your reasons back to your own interests and experiences where possible, as that tends to make your answer much more convincing and personal

Thank you so much!!

 

[174Tess9y3]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I was wondering how to structure the answer to "What do you understand to be the key features of the firm's approach to legal practice? Why does Skadden's model appeal to you? (300 words)"?

Do I:

1. Choose 2/3 features, write a paragraph on each, then add an experience and explain why it appeals to me; or
2. Explain their approach in the first paragraph, then explain why it appeals to me in the second paragraph.

 

[174Tess9y3]

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - I hope you are too!

I would approach this by identifying 1-2 challenges that are realistic and specific to being a trainee at that firm, rather than generic things like "the workload would be challenging". This is a question where your firm research is super important - think about the nature of the work, the trainee role, the firm's expectations, etc.

Then, I would explain how you would approach these challenges, and walk the graduate recruitment team through it step-by-step. I don't think you necessarily need a specific example for each one, but if you have a relevant experience that demonstrates that you have dealt with something similar (e.g. managing competing deadlines, working under pressure, adapting quickly, etc.), I would definitely bring that in briefly. The key thing is showing that you have thought realistically about the challenge and have a practical strategy for dealing with it

Thank you so much!

 

[sarg1234]

Hey!

My understanding is that the "Other Experience" section could be used for any additional work experience that doesn't fit into the four main entries, rather than just for open days/insight events. However, I don't think Ashurst has explicitly confirmed what they expect applicants to put in this section, so I wouldn't be able to give a definitive answer - apologies!

If you do have additional work experience, I think it would be sensible to use the space to briefly explain the role, what you did and anything you achieved or learnt from it. For open days or insight events, I would prioritise mentioning the ones that are the most relevant to your application

Thanks!

 

[ilovelawplshireme]

Hey, does anyone have any insight into the timeline of the Freshfields summer VS re when they send out tests. I am away from the middle sept to 9th October so wouldn't be able to complete any tests with the preparation I would preferably like between these dates. The scheme is rolling and closes on the 30th October but specifies that it might shut sooner, would it be best to apply on the 9th October or apply now and hope they send the first test before I go away and, if I reached the benchmark, the second when I'm home? Any advice or insight would be appreciated!

 

[jamsparkle]

Hey, does anyone have any insight into the timeline of the Freshfields summer VS re when they send out tests. I am away from the middle sept to 9th October so wouldn't be able to complete any tests with the preparation I would preferably like between these dates. The scheme is rolling and closes on the 30th October but specifies that it might shut sooner, would it be best to apply on the 9th October or apply now and hope they send the first test before I go away and, if I reached the benchmark, the second when I'm home? Any advice or insight would be appreciated!

i think you should just apply ASAP - it's easier to ask them to extend a test deadline because you have an unavoidable commitment than it is to ask them to reopen the applications after they're closed...

 

[Euphrosynos]

Does anyone know where we can sign up to Ashurst Perkins Coie's mini virtual series?

If you're asking about ‘Behind the scenes with Ashurst Perkins Coie’ it’s on their career page. When you filter the location to London, you should be able to find it easier.

 

[TJ360]

Right, summary of the last week (not that anyone asked) !

- Applied to Ashurst’s Winter Vac
- Did Macfarlanes Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessments (that was so long wow)
- Read 4 chapters in of ‘All you need to know about the city’
- Listened to the FT podcast everyday

This Week:
- Apply to Hogan Lovells’ Winter Vac
- Read another 5 Chapers of ‘All you need to know about the city’
- Prepare more generally for the AS commercial awareness competition (if anyone has some tips PLEASE DO DM)
- Look at NRF’s Q’s and start researching.

It looks like it’s going to be a long week…

Hey, what sort of video questions are in macfarlanes second stage assessment? I mean are they motivational? how you would sort of respond in the given situation or competency based? And is any research and prior knowledge required? Also, they said in the email it should take 90 mins but when I open the link, it says it should take 45 mins. Which one would you say is more accurate?

 

[user55998384]

Hey, what sort of video questions are in macfarlanes second stage assessment? I mean are they motivational? how you would sort of respond in the given situation or competency based? And is any research and prior knowledge required? Also, they said in the email it should take 90 mins but when I open the link, it says it should take 45 mins. Which one would you say is more accurate?

hey when did u get the stage 2 invite

 

[e.jy336]

Is the Ashurst webinar that just finished available to watch anywhere?