TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone, I’m planning my answers for Addleshaw Goddard’s application before it opens and I’m a bit stuck on the first question: “What attracts you to a career in commercial law and why specifically at Addleshaw Goddard?”

I’m unsure whether to focus on the firm’s culture (e.g., high responsibility for trainees) or a specific practice area. At a Legal Cheek event a few weeks ago, Grad Rec suggested highlighting culture and values, but I’m skeptical since we haven’t worked there yet and generic statements might not stand out. Given that the other application questions already focus on AG’s work and commercial aspects, I’m leaning towards emphasising firm culture and values, but I’d love to hear others’ thoughts.

For context, the other three questions are:

1. Is technology and AI an opportunity or threat for Addleshaw Goddard and why? (2000 characters max)
2. Choose one of Addleshaw Goddard's practice areas or sectors and tell us about a major change in law or government policy that clients in that sector/practice area are facing and what opportunities that creates for us. (2000 characters max)
3. If you were in government, what one thing would you change to make it easier for UK businesses to succeed and why? (2000 characters max)

Hi there!

I think the key with this question is to focus on your motivation and fit with AG, while the other three questions already test your commercial awareness and knowledge of their work. A simple way to structure your answer could be:

1. Why commercial law generally - what excites you about the career (e.g. variety of work, problem-solving, client impact, client contact). Make sure to link this to your own experiences and how these helped you develop an interest in the career.
2. Why Addleshaw Goddard's culture / values - highlight specific aspects (e.g. early responsibility, focus on innovation, collaboration) and connect them to your own strengths and experiences. This avoids generic "I like the culture" statements that you were concerned about. I would also try and link this into your future career aspirations as well - e.g. why do you want early client contact in your career?
3. Link to practice areas - you can still bring these in naturally by showing how AG's culture would shape your experience in an area that interests you. For example, this could look like "AG's emphasis on early responsibility appeals to me, particularly in their competition practice area, where trainees are trusted to take ownership on complex matters".

That way, you're not duplicating content from the other questions, but it gives you space to discuss the practice areas you are interested in. I would always say it is important to discuss a firm's work in a motivational question, as that is the core of what you will be doing if they hired you!

I hope that assists with your question

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it still worth it to invest a lot of time in the Reed Smith application if they’re rolling and they opened on 3/09? I only today realised they’re weirdly aligned with my interests but if it‘s realistically too late to have a real shot I think I’d rather get it over with quickly lol

Hey!

Definitely still worth it! Reed Smith reviews all applications submitted before the deadline, so there is plenty of time to get a strong application in.

TCLA are also hosting an 'Ask Reed Smith Anything' thread on Monday, which would be a great chance to ask the graduate recruitment team any questions you may have before submitting your application!

 

[x_law2004]

Hi!

I'd recommend keeping this section as concise as possible - if bullet points work best for you, I'd say that's fine given the 100-word limit. You don't need to write long explanations, just enough detail for the achievement to be clear (e.g. "Awarded Faculty Scholarship for academic excellence (2023)" or "Elected President of University Law Society").

If something is more substantial and better fits under the work experience section, I'd save it for that section where you'll have space to expand on the responsibilities and skills that you developed. This section is really just to highlight your stand-out achievements at a glance

Thank you! I thought so : )

 

[Lawlife5]

Has anyone heard back from the Mishcon social mobility open day?

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Has anyone heard back from the Mishcon social mobility open day?

Hi, yes, I've been invited to Mishcon's in-person social mobility open day.

 

[lawyerpn]

Hi! I'd like to apply for HSF Kramer's vac scheme. I see they require consistent 2.1s across all undergrad modules but one of my modules in 1st year got a 2.2 and so did a module in my 2nd year (this year in particular was impacted by internet disruptions during lockdown). This makes 2 modules with a 2.2. The rest are a mix of 2.1s and firsts. Should I still apply? I've heard during interviews we might get asked why we got certain grades.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi! I'd like to apply for HSF Kramer's vac scheme. I see they require consistent 2.1s across all undergrad modules but one of my modules in 1st year got a 2.2 and so did a module in my 2nd year (this year in particular was impacted by internet disruptions during lockdown). This makes 2 modules with a 2.2. The rest are a mix of 2.1s and firsts. Should I still apply? I've heard during interviews we might get asked why we got certain grades.

Hey!

I'd definitely still encourage you to apply. Firms such as HSF Kramer state their academic requirements because they are looking for consistency, but they will also take a holistic view of applications. A couple of 2:2s among an otherwise strong transcript full of 2:1s and firsts isn't usually going to close the door, especially if you can explain the context.

Lockdown disruptions (like internet issues) were a real challenge for a lot of students, and the graduate recruitment team will be aware of this. If it comes up in an interview, you can frame it honestly but briefly - e.g. mention the disruption, and focus on how your later grades demonstrate resilience and a strong upward trajectory.

Ultimately, if you meet the general standard and have a strong application with experiences, skills, and motivation for law, those will carry a lot of weight too! I would definitely still apply if HSF Kramer is a firm you'd like to work at

 

[x_law2004]

I'm doing the PGDL, for the Slaughter and May vac schemes would i count as a law student now?

 

[s.x7]

Hi, has everyone received the invite for Taylor Wessing online assessment?

 

[e_turbo2]

Hey! I spoke to grad recruitment at the last LegalCheek law fair, and they said it was non-rolling.

Thank you!

 

[applicant457]

Hi, has everyone received the invite for Taylor Wessing online assessment?

I have not received anything, if anyone has received it could they maybe write in the chat?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SamiyaJ]

I have not received anything, if anyone has received it could they maybe write in the chat?

Thanks in advance!

Would highly recommend emailing [email protected] asap for it as I don’t think they will extend the deadline (3 Oct midday) !

 

[DavidJC]

Hi! I'd like to apply for HSF Kramer's vac scheme. I see they require consistent 2.1s across all undergrad modules but one of my modules in 1st year got a 2.2 and so did a module in my 2nd year (this year in particular was impacted by internet disruptions during lockdown). This makes 2 modules with a 2.2. The rest are a mix of 2.1s and firsts. Should I still apply? I've heard during interviews we might get asked why we got certain grades.

Hey! I attended a virtual application skills session with them yesterday and they said that this is fine as long as there are mitigating circumstances for each 2:2 module. They also said that they don't request evidence of mitigating circumstances at this stage and if there's anything specific to how your degree is classified (e.g. first year grades don't count), to mention it in the provided free space for details about your degree. I'd say to definitely apply anyway!

They didn't mention anything about interview but from my perspective as someone with lots of 2:2s but an overall 2:1, if I get to interview stage and get asked about them, I would take it as an opportunity to elaborate on the steps I've taken since those modules to improve as I think this demonstrates self-awareness, resilience, and growth/willingness to learn. Hope that helps!

 

[lawyerpn]

Hey!

I'd definitely still encourage you to apply. Firms such as HSF Kramer state their academic requirements because they are looking for consistency, but they will also take a holistic view of applications. A couple of 2:2s among an otherwise strong transcript full of 2:1s and firsts isn't usually going to close the door, especially if you can explain the context.

Lockdown disruptions (like internet issues) were a real challenge for a lot of students, and the graduate recruitment team will be aware of this. If it comes up in an interview, you can frame it honestly but briefly - e.g. mention the disruption, and focus on how your later grades demonstrate resilience and a strong upward trajectory.

Ultimately, if you meet the general standard and have a strong application with experiences, skills, and motivation for law, those will carry a lot of weight too! I would definitely still apply if HSF Kramer is a firm you'd like to work at

Thank you!

 

[lawyerpn]

Hey! I attended a virtual application skills session with them yesterday and they said that this is fine as long as there are mitigating circumstances for each 2:2 module. They also said that they don't request evidence of mitigating circumstances at this stage and if there's anything specific to how your degree is classified (e.g. first year grades don't count), to mention it in the provided free space for details about your degree. I'd say to definitely apply anyway!

They didn't mention anything about interview but from my perspective as someone with lots of 2:2s but an overall 2:1, if I get to interview stage and get asked about them, I would take it as an opportunity to elaborate on the steps I've taken since those modules to improve as I think this demonstrates self-awareness, resilience, and growth/willingness to learn. Hope that helps!

Thanks a lot!

 

[whywhy88]

Anyone been sent the HL online assessment thingy? If so, how long after you submitted your application did you receive it?

 

[a1024]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem @Amma Usman @vera.mekhonoshina
Hi, what would you recommend including in this answer considering most of the work experience and extracurriculars will be covered in the work experience section? Should we still mention those experiences in an answer format?

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300)

 

[iklawapps]

Hello!

I completely agree with what @TCpleasex has outlined - I would try and incorporate your enthusiasm for commercial law within the framework of the other questions.

I would definitely make sure to answer specifically what NRF asks for - focus on why you want to join NRF, what excites you about their programme, and how your skills align with their values. If you are able to show your enthusiasm for commercial law through this, I would absolutely include it. However, I wouldn't try and force it into your answer if it means that you aren't fully answering the specific question

Hi, I would interpret this to scatter 'why commercial law' throughout the cover letter.

For example, when talking about 'why NRF' you could mention here why commercial law and then specifically why commercial law at NRF.

'What excites you about our programme' also has scope for you to sprinkle in why commercial law. Why specifically does your interest in commercial law excite you about what NRF offer on their programme and how you will use that passion and understanding of a commercial solicitor in the position you are applying to.

Finally, in terms of skills matching values, this could be a great opportunity to highlight your commercial awareness. Not simply stating you have commercial awareness but how using that skill of commercial awareness and your interest in commercial law fits with the firms values.

I know you will have limited words, however, this is the approach I would attempt to take. I have never applied to NRF so someone else might have a better insight, but I think the fact that they have dropped the 'why commercial law' question means they will be looking for you to indicate through the other questions why commercial law and also indicate your commercial awareness of the firm and also their clients etc.

gotcha, thank you both so much : )) I was probably unnecessarily freaking out about it, so I REALLY really appreciate the help with that!! < 3

 

[ZNadeem]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem @Amma Usman @vera.mekhonoshina
Hi, what would you recommend including in this answer considering most of the work experience and extracurriculars will be covered in the work experience section? Should we still mention those experiences in an answer format?

Please use this section to tell us about any academic or non academic achievements and interests not covered elsewhere in this application. (300)

Hi! For this question, I’d suggest choosing your three most impressive achievements or interests and making your answer a bit more personal. You don’t need to cover everything — the rest can sit in the work experience section.

 

[flower1]

Hello, I applied to the White & Case Vac Scheme around 2 years ago. My application was successful, but I got rejected at the video interview stage. Would it be appropriate to use the same application, changing some parts? For example, my motivation to law hasn't changed. I also noticed the firm has an immersive skills-based assessment - what is this, what does it entail, how to prepare?

Thank you