TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bread]

@Andrei Radu Hi, I was wondering whether you could give some advice for a Jones Day Interview. Right now, I am trying to think of an answer as to why JD as opposed to other law firms I have applied to. (e.g Weil, Cleary, Willkie, Kirkland) I have consistently picked US law firms who are strong either in PE or restructuring as those are my main interests. How do I explain my JD pick though-- they have expertise in PE/ Restructuring though not to the same extent as the other firms I've listed.

I am interested in JD mainly for their training and opportunity to shape my own TC. If they did not have this aspect, I wouldn't apply to them. The international nature is appealing to me, but none of the above firms I have applied to above make being a 'global' powerhouse a strong reason for applying and so I find it difficult to use this reason to justify JD.

If anyone is willing to offer some advice, that would be great. Cheers

I don’t see how the fact that other firms don’t make being a global powerhouse a strong reason to apply should affect your motivations to applying to one that does.

If you want to talk about other firms (even though it is unlikely that you will specifically be requested to do so), then it’s arguably better to talk about the similarities (US, global work, strong corporate/financial practices, small trainee intake) than the differences. Ofc, an interviewer will care about why you applied to THEIR firm, not other ones.

Bottom line is, really don’t sweat about the similarities and differences, you definitely won’t be asked to name the specific firms that you have applied to so generic qualities will suffice

 

[johnsmith]

Is this for Osborne Clarke? If so when did you submit your app because I got an email when i submitted at the beginning of this week saying there was some kind of issue with their tests so there would be a delay in sending them out

Yes it was for OC, I also got that email indicating next week and then it came early.

 

[johnsmith]

I don’t see how the fact that other firms don’t make being a global powerhouse a strong reason to apply should affect your motivations to applying to one that does.

If you want to talk about other firms (even though it is unlikely that you will specifically be requested to do so), then it’s arguably better to talk about the similarities (US, global work, strong corporate/financial practices, small trainee intake) than the differences. Ofc, an interviewer will care about why you applied to THEIR firm, not other ones.

Bottom line is, really don’t sweat about the similarities and differences, you definitely won’t be asked to name the specific firms that you have applied to so generic qualities will suffice

I think Goodwin asked what sort of firms you applied to on their form though I think a generalised answer was better there than naming others:

 

[CharlesT47]

I don’t see how the fact that other firms don’t make being a global powerhouse a strong reason to apply should affect your motivations to applying to one that does.

If you want to talk about other firms (even though it is unlikely that you will specifically be requested to do so), then it’s arguably better to talk about the similarities (US, global work, strong corporate/financial practices, small trainee intake) than the differences. Ofc, an interviewer will care about why you applied to THEIR firm, not other ones.

Bottom line is, really don’t sweat about the similarities and differences, you definitely won’t be asked to name the specific firms that you have applied to so generic qualities will suffice

Hmm I'm not entirely sure I agree with you. I was under the impression that a common interview question is 'What other firms have you applied to? and why us over them' which would neccessitate an explanation as to specific qualities/ differentiating factors.
I feel if I say JD is attractive because of 'small trainee intakes' or 'high responsibility', this isn't entirely convincing as it can be applied to every other US law firm? But thanks for the repsonse.

 

[lawyersum]

is the Osborne Clarke test only verbal reasoning?

 

[Suii]

DLA rejection on a Sunday🫩 made it to the AC last year

Sorry to hear this and know how upsetting this can be. Was this for London if you don't mind sharing.

 

[johnsmith]

is the Osborne Clarke test only verbal reasoning?

They detail in their email what the tests are and there’s a link to find practice ones - they use a provider that I’ve not seen before!

 

[safari3]

DLA rejection on a Sunday🫩 made it to the AC last year

Sorry to hear this Did you check if the firm has a policy to reject candidates that made it to AC or the Internship in a recent cycle? I wouldn't take it heart and wish you the best of luck in your other applications!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any advice on how to answer Clifford Chance's new application questions:

A) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), what are your motivations for applying to Clifford Chance?

B) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

C) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), tell us about your extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility which you are most proud of or, an achievement of importance which you are most proud of.

@Abbie Whitlock

Hey!

I can offer some general advice on the things I would / wouldn't include in the new application questions! They are designed to test your self-awareness, motivations, and fit with the firm's culture, so I would make sure that you are specific and reflective (and avoid being generic).

Question A

It's important to show that you've genuinely researched the firm, and why (based on this research) the firm is the right fit for you. I would avoid generic things such as "global firm" or "prestige", and try to show you actually understand what makes Clifford Chance stand out (such as their LIFT or ACCESS programmes). Then link this back to you specifically - how does working at Clifford Chance align with the kind of lawyer you want to be and your future career goals.

Question B

Have a think about what makes a good Clifford Chance trainee (e.g. teamwork, attention to detail, resilience, commercial thinking, etc.). There might be a list of traits and skills that they value on their website - it might be worth having a read of those as well. Pick 2-3 real examples from your past experiences (e.g. uni projects, part-time work, volunteering, internships) that prove that you have developed those skills. Don't just list them - show the situation, what you did, and the outcome. This is where you can show reflection and self-awareness - be concise in discussing the experience itself, and focus on what you did that helped you to develop those skills and attributes and how they would help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

Question C

I would choose a few extra-curriculars or achievements that you're genuinely proud of. It could be something such as running a society, volunteering work, a particularly high grade, or even something more centred in your personal life. When I was writing a similar question for Clifford Chance a few years ago, I discussed achieving a high grade in a public speaking module (as this was an area I wasn't confident in). As long as you can show why it was important to you and why you are proud of it, most examples can work here! The experience you choose should show some relevant transferable skills as well, such as initiative, leadership, or perseverance. Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it's shaped you.

In summary: specific examples + reflection + link back to CC. This will help make your answers personal and tailored, and avoid generic reasonings. I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application

 

[username10341034]

Hey all, I would be interested to know whether anyone could share tips on what Mischon looks for. The application form is really short - only 150 words for work experience. I wonder whether I should write in bullet points rather than prose. Also thinking there is not much space to draw out the skills I have built. I find the website not to be very prescriptive of the traits they look for either! If anyone has any thoughts, I would be grateful.

 

[Bread]

Hmm I'm not entirely sure I agree with you. I was under the impression that a common interview question is 'What other firms have you applied to? and why us over them' which would neccessitate an explanation as to specific qualities/ differentiating factors.
I feel if I say JD is attractive because of 'small trainee intakes' or 'high responsibility', this isn't entirely convincing as it can be applied to every other US law firm? But thanks for the repsonse.

It is a common interview question, but you aren’t expected to name the actual firms. They are looking for consistency, but since firms aren’t all exactly the same you don’t need to go into extensive detail of what similarities and differences there are, as long as you can name some common qualities.

When it comes to “why us over them,” it sounds like you already have your answer.

 

[Suii]

Did anyone attend DLA Grow event on Tuesday.

 

[baj5]

Hi all, I've been taking the CMS practice test for WG to prep for the real thing and I keep scoring at 55%. Any tips or resources specifically for Drawing Conclusions and Evaluating Assumptions?

 

[chiichii]

They detail in their email what the tests are and there’s a link to find practice ones - they use a provider that I’ve not seen before!

Interesting! Would you be able to share the link for the practice test?

 

[chiichii]

Hi all, I've been taking the CMS practice test for WG to prep for the real thing and I keep scoring at 55%. Any tips or resources specifically for Drawing Conclusions and Evaluating Assumptions?

Where did you find the CMS practice test for WG, if you don't mind me to ask?

 

[baj5]

Where did you find the CMS practice test for WG, if you don't mind me to ask?

it's in the CMS TC webpage showing the stages of an app.

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu Hi, I was wondering whether you could give some advice for a Jones Day Interview. Right now, I am trying to think of an answer as to why JD as opposed to other law firms I have applied to. (e.g Weil, Cleary, Willkie, Kirkland) I have consistently picked US law firms who are strong either in PE or restructuring as those are my main interests. How do I explain my JD pick though-- they have expertise in PE/ Restructuring though not to the same extent as the other firms I've listed.

I am interested in JD mainly for their training and opportunity to shape my own TC. If they did not have this aspect, I wouldn't apply to them. The international nature is appealing to me, but none of the above firms I have applied to above make being a 'global' powerhouse a strong reason for applying and so I find it difficult to use this reason to justify JD.

If anyone is willing to offer some advice, that would be great. Cheers

Hi @CharlesT47 I think you should seek to be a bit strategic when describing your motivations so as to explain why you prefer JD. I do not think it is an issue to mention that two criteria for selecting firms to apply to were strong PE and Restructuring practices. Nonetheless, you should explain that:

1. These were not the only criteria for selection, in that there are aspects you look for in a firm in which JD scores better than the set of firms which have better PE/Restructuring practices; and
2. That you care more about these other selection criteria than the strong restructuring/PE practices ones.

As for what these other selection criteria where JD scores better could be, I think you have made some really good suggestions. Firstly, if you want to have a lot of freedom and autonomy in terms of the work you take on and your general TC experience, there is arguably no better firm to go to than JD. Secondly, while the other firms on this list may also describe themselves as global powerhouses, I think there's a plausible argument to be made that JD is more of a "truly" global law firm than they are: JD has 40 offices, compared to Kirkland's 22, Weil's 15, Willkie's 16, and Cleary's 14. Furthermore, the offices of these other firms tend to be based in major financial centres, whereas JD operates a broader platform and has a presence in a greater variety of jurisdictions. As for your concern that these firms may not market themselves as strongly as JD as being "global" and that thus it may appear implausible that you care so much about this feature if you have nonetheless applied there - I would advise you not to worry. Firms are well aware that there are many aspect a candidate can look for in a firm, and that no one firm will score top in all of them; thus, the fact that you have to make some compromises will not be held against you.

Finally, there are some other possible selection criteria JD scores well in that you could consider linking your motivations to:

• The firm has a very strong mid-market corporate M&A practice, with a band 1 Chambers UK ranking; since corporate M&A work is very similar to PE work (with the only major difference being that firms will advise corporations on strategic acquisitions rather than PE funds on acquisitions of portfolio companies), having an interest in it would definitely not appear implausible.
• Strong real estate, capital markets, and international arbitration expertise;
• Arguably, JD is one of the US firms which comes closest to having a full service offering, which could be attractive to someone who wants a broader and more well-rounded training experience.

 

[BealMcAlly]

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

Hey! Same here and due tomorrow by 23.45pm.

Have you done your VI? I'm surprised they are making candidates do a VI for an event.

 

[elliece]

Hey! Same here and due tomorrow by 23.45pm.

Have you done your VI? I'm surprised they are making candidates do a VI for an event.

Not yet! it is a very quick turnaround. I think because this is their version of a vac scheme the process is a bit more intense.

 

[a1024]

@Abbie Whitlock @ZNadeem
Hi, does anyone know how long is the cover letter supposed to be for Sullivan & Cromwell? Would 1.5 pages be fine?