TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Legallywhatever]

I would imagine that this Q is asking for you to share specific qualities of the firm's that appealed to you so that the answer reads as more tailored. I highly doubt they want to restrict you to writing however many words on just one specific eureka moment 😅
Though ofc, if you have attended an Open Day or something, then I'm sure talking about just one instance is fine!

Thank you!

 

[WeGotThis!]

So just to clarify after the application question is the SJT and critical reasoning. No VI

Is it Capp?

 

[lawninja00!]

Hello!

I'd say they're looking for one strong and detailed example rather than multiple shorter ones. The question says "an example", and firms usually prefer depth over breadth - they want to see that you can reflect on your experience, analyse what you did well, and link it meaningfully to the firm's values.

A good structure is the STAR method - set out the Situation / Task, outline what Actions you took, and then conclude with the Result / Reflection. Then, in the final few sentences, you could explicitly link that experience to Taylor Wessing. For example, you could mention how that value (e.g. creativity of teamwork) aligns with something specific about the firm (beyond it being one of their core values) - such as their work in tech and life sciences, or their approach to innovation.

I don't think you need to include a full case study, especially given the character limit, but a short reference to something you've read about Taylor Wessing (e.g. a deal, initiative, or an insight from a talk) makes the answer feel tailored and shows genuine engagement. The key is to show both self-awareness and firm-awareness, and how your experience reflects a value that is important at Taylor Wessing.

I hope that helps!

thank you!

 

[silonthesofa]

Or best fit get addressed first - the rejection email said what they were looking at - they then work down through the others so they're sort of scored.

Did HSF Kramer's rejection email actually give a reason? Not just the generic "having reviewed your application, as well as your test scores, we regret to inform you that on this occasion, we cannot..."?

 

[johnsmith]

Did HSF Kramer's rejection email actually give a reason? Not just the generic "having reviewed your application, as well as your test scores, we regret to inform you that on this occasion, we cannot..."?

It was generic but outlined what they mostly judged it upon.

 

[lawninja00!]

Has anyone received a FF assessment more than 2 days after submitting the app?

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

For those who done DLA WG. For Question 1 did you lot link it back to DLA like their values or their work or the TC structure at DLA.

 

[summersun]

Hi
Does anyone know if the WG is selective this year for DLA Piper?

 

[johnsmith]

Anybody heard from Bird and Bird about open days? Applied to their STEM open day and not heard yet! Or bristows for their IP workshops?

Just heard back from Bristows! Moved to video interview stage.

 

[Lamb7075]

Just completed the amberjack assessment for Reed Smith. I got 7/9 for Grit, 7/9 for Applied Intellect, 1/9 for Creativity, and 9/9 for Digital Mindset. I got “high” in both verbal and numerical intellect, but does anyone know if 24/36 is considered a low score, or is the 1/9 a major concern?

 

[adh3]

This application cycle has got to be one of the worst in recent years.

1. The number of qualified candidates remains high, while many (big) firms have reduced the number of TCs they are willing to offer. Competition is higher than ever.

2. Countless firms have decided that, as AI usage is so ubiquitous, gamified assessments and video interviews must be the way forward. Therefore, how to succeed in the "application" process is even more obscure.

Surely, at this point, recruiting graduates is more of a hair-splitting exercise than it has ever been. I don't think that I can be convinced otherwise.

 

[Jennifer2003]

Just heard back from Bristows! Moved to video interview stage.

Did you apply for their STEM IP day or just normal IP day? I applied for stem last year and got rejected and applied again this year and haven’t heard back still 😭

 

[johnsmith]

Did you apply for their STEM IP day or just normal IP day? I applied for stem last year and got rejected and applied again this year and haven’t heard back still 😭

Just the normal as I studied law!

 

[elliece]

Anybody heard from Bird and Bird about open days? Applied to their STEM open day and not heard yet! Or bristows for their IP workshops?

Just got an invite to the next stage (VI) for Bristows IP workshop (deadline was today!)

 

[johnsmith]

This application cycle has got to be one of the worst in recent years.

1. The number of qualified candidates remains high, while many (big) firms have reduced the number of TCs they are willing to offer. Competition is higher than ever.

2. Countless firms have decided that, as AI usage is so ubiquitous, gamified assessments and video interviews must be the way forward. Therefore, how to succeed in the "application" process is even more obscure.

Surely, at this point, recruiting graduates is more of a hair-splitting exercise than it has ever been. I don't think that I can be convinced otherwise.

I feel a bit like it’s Groundhog Day - I last tried applying in 2010/2011 and only realised recently there was a hangover of great candidates after 2008 crash. Roll on 14 years I decide to go again at probably the worst economic time 😆

 

[M_m]

Does anyone know if it’s still worth applying for the Bristows TC without having done or applied for their IP workshops? For context, I’m a law graduate (I’m aware they’re known for recruiting heavily from STEM backgrounds) and have done 3-4 IP and tech focused internship. I’ve also interacted with the firm at other networking events.

 

[user9809]

Does anyone have any insight into the pwc virtual interview? Does it have any commercial elements ?

 

[berocca567]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

 

[lawninja00!]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

for WVS?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Just got an invite to the next stage (VI) for Bristows IP workshop (deadline was today!)

Ah okay! The deadline for the STEM day is the 24th so I’m hoping I’ll hear back then !