Has anyone heard back from Linklaters for the Winter Vac Scheme?
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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Very amateur question to ask but for this question - Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise? - how do you write about one opportunity for 300 words? if anybody has any structure/tips for this, it would be much appreciated.
I have a 2:2 in 3 modules, finished with a mid 2:1. I've managed to interview at Slaughters, White & Case, Jones Day etc. I had the same concern, but I really don't think the law firms are bothered, especially if you have a first!
Hey!
That's not an amateur question at all - it's a really good one! Writing 300 words about a single opportunity can feel tricky, especially when it has to be tied to one of the sectors that the firm specialises in. I would follow a simple structure such as:
1. Introduction (50-60 words)
Start by choosing one of the firm's specialist sectors - for example, technology, healthcare, finance, or renewable energy. Briefly set out the context for that sector: What's happening in the market? Why is it interesting or changing right now? For example - "Within the healthcare sector, the rapid rise of digital health tools presents a major opportunity to improve access and efficiency in patient care"
2. Explain the opportunity (120-150 words)
I would zoom in on one key opportunity within that chosen sector. Describe what it is, why it's emerging, and what evidence supports it - this is where your research comes in. Mention relevant trends (e.g. regulation, innovation, or consumer behaviour) and link them directly to the firm's area of specialisation - this shows you've done your research and understand it's relevance to the firm.
3. Why the firm is well-placed (50-60 words)
Briefly explain how the firm is position to advise on or capitalise on this opportunity. Mention relevant expertise, clients, or recent deals. This part demonstrates commercial awareness, and genuine understanding of the firm's work and how they bring value to clients in this sector.
4. Impact and conclusion (40-50 words)
Sum up the potential impact: who benefits, and how could this shape the sector's future? You can then end with one clear takeaway on why this is the biggest opportunity in the sector at the moment.
The key is to not just discuss the opportunity, but to focus on why it matters and why it is important to the firm. I hope that helps!
Hi guys, I am currently facing a scheduling dilemma and I figured it might be helpful for me to hear some advice and opinion in this forum.
So, I've got my first training shift at my current job on next Wednesday, 22nd. but there's a chance I might get invited to an insight day on the same day. I haven't heard back from the law firm yet, the application deadline was the 15th and today's the 18th, so I'm not sure if invites are still coming. The law firm said application is non rolling and they reviewed after deadline.
Now I don't want to seem unreliable with my new manager, and risk my reputation and first impression, but the insight day could be a great opportunity if it comes through. And now I'm not sure how long I should wait to confirm my availability to my current boss? Should I wait until next monday or Tuesday to confirm? Because if the insight day is happening on Wednesday, I doubt I will get invite on tuesday, which is a day before.
Would love to hear how others handled something like this. Ahhh
would really appreciate your help as well!)) @Abbie Whitlock
So, I've got my first training shift at my current job on next Wednesday, 22nd. but there's a chance I might get invited to an insight day on the same day. I haven't heard back from the law firm yet, the application deadline was the 15th and today's the 18th, so I'm not sure if invites are still coming. The law firm said application is non rolling and they reviewed after deadline.
Now I don't want to seem unreliable with my new manager, and risk my reputation and first impression, but the insight day could be a great opportunity if it comes through. And now I'm not sure how long I should wait to confirm my availability to my current boss? Should I wait until next monday or Tuesday to confirm? Because if the insight day is happening on Wednesday, I doubt I will get invite on tuesday, which is a day before.
Would love to hear how others handled something like this. Ahhh
would really appreciate your help as well!
)) @Abbie Whitlock
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Oh this is so disheartening to hear
especially since this has been my best application yet. I’m worried now lol hopefully we will hear back AI! What do they really add when everyone has the potential to write something really well? It’s almost not testing anything anymore though I would argue some will just paste in the word salad it generates without any real substance or personality so probably still some value to questions for now.
Sorry that’s just my personal thoughts don’t read anything in to it! Keep your chin up 😄Oh this is so disheartening to hear
Wow, thanks for telling me. It is a real shame, I feel like this might worsen social mobility. Now they basically only have grades and the university you went to when filtering applications :/
I'm sure there will still be Watson Glaser tests, but I do feel like the application questions gave everybody an opportunity to shine.
My gut says it will be the VIs that are the solution to this - they probably test aptitude for speaking under pressure better but can also demonstrate structure and knowledge but with 2 min prep times you lower the efficacy of AI.
Mishcon in particular mentioned that their application numbers have shot up in the last year or two because of ChatGPT and that it was getting harder and harder to actually pick the right people to progress because answers were getting so generic through using AI. That might not apply to every firm but there is a good chance it is the reasoning behind a few of them.
I can agree that it's super frustrating though if you write well and feel like you're not getting the chance to prove you would stand out regardless!
I think it's to combat the use of AI in applications. I spoke to grad rec at Weil and Freshfields as the AS Law Fair (both firms application processes have switched entirely to online assessments) and they mentioned they believe these assessments are a much better way of getting to know candidates now!
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