TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[confusedbird]

Hi @Andrei Radu and @Abbie Whitlock,

I was wondering how you would go about answering a question like "What are 3 challenges and 3 opportunities that you believe the legal industry is likely to face in coming years?"

I have answered this question in the past multiple times but was just looking for some non-generic input in case it shows up again.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey, thanks for replying to this! It is really helpful.

Can I ask - would you use the word count to apply the experience to Mischon specifically? I am tied between just raising the skills that they value versus explicitly linking it to Mischon. I am not sure what is best.

Thank you!

Hello!

No problem at all

I would try to speak more generally about the skills that you gained from each experience, rather than trying to link each entry to Mishcon specifically. The word count should be used to describe what you did, what your main responsibilities were, and any transferable skills. However, if there is an experience that taught you a skill that is valued at Mishcon, it might make sense to highlight this in your application to show why you are a good fit for the firm.

I hope that answers your question! 😄

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you for your answer

For example, if the questions 'describe a time you demonstrated teamwork' - should I say something at the end like - teamwork is important in commercial law because... or is it not recommended in case it looks like I'm drifting away from the question?

Hi!

No problem at all!

I'd say that you don't have to explicitly link every competency answer back to commercial law, but adding a short reflection at the end can strengthen your answer if it feels natural. For example, after describing your teamwork example using the STAR method, you could add a brief sentence at the end such as:

"This experience showed me the importance of clear communication and collaboration, which are skills that are essential when working in legal teams and managing long-term client projects"

This keeps your answer focused on the original question while subtly demonstrating awareness of how that skill is useful in the legal context. The key is to keep it short and relevant - I would avoid turning it into a long discussion about what skills are generally valued in law.

If the link feels forced, it's better to end confidently on the outcome of your example instead. However, if you can fit it in relatively seamlessly, the reflective line can show commercial awareness and self-reflection!

I hope that answers your question - you're definitely thinking about this in the right way!

 

[flower1]

Hi!

No problem at all!

I'd say that you don't have to explicitly link every competency answer back to commercial law, but adding a short reflection at the end can strengthen your answer if it feels natural. For example, after describing your teamwork example using the STAR method, you could add a brief sentence at the end such as:

"This experience showed me the importance of clear communication and collaboration, which are skills that are essential when working in legal teams and managing long-term client projects"

This keeps your answer focused on the original question while subtly demonstrating awareness of how that skill is useful in the legal context. The key is to keep it short and relevant - I would avoid turning it into a long discussion about what skills are generally valued in law.

If the link feels forced, it's better to end confidently on the outcome of your example instead. However, if you can fit it in relatively seamlessly, the reflective line can show commercial awareness and self-reflection!

I hope that answers your question - you're definitely thinking about this in the right way!

Thank you - that's really helpful and makes a lot of sense

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hello Reed Smith">@Abbie - Reed Smith , I hope you're doing well! I was wondering how to answer this question in an interview - Two managers give you important tasks that are both due at the same time. How would you handle this situation?/ The partner asks you to take on more work when you’re already at capacity.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

For those receiving second-stage video invites for L&W open day, is this for the grad recruitment open day or a different one? Thanks!

Hi, yes this is for the grad rec open day. I am genuinely not sure whether the second stage is automatic or selective, though!

 

[johnsmith]

Hi, yes this is for the grad rec open day. I am genuinely not sure whether the second stage is automatic or selective, though!

I’m thinking it must be selective as I’ve only had the SJT so far.

 

[flower1]

@Abbie Whitlock Hello, I wanted to ask for competency questions (VI), about handling feedback, I wanted to mention how I got 30% (failed) my module formative to then getting best in year - would this be alright to talk about, or would it look bad that I failed? Should I mention something else instead?

Also, is it appropriate to mention things from my A Level time (I just graduated) or is this too old (I was going to mention changing A Level subjects and mitigating circumstances)

Thank you

 

[Unknowncabbage]

I’m thinking it must be selective as I’ve only had the SJT so far.

It could be, but I do think it's still pretty early - even if the test is automatic ppl will get it at different times and if it is selective they probably will be going through them this week, given the deadline was only on Sunday.

 

[James Wakefield]

Yes they do! The first test and the application form are a combined Stage 1, and you need to pass Stage 1 to receive the 2nd test. Congrats!

Went to their open day and they said they only read after second test, and use that in conjunction with written application to decide AC slots.

Second test is automatic if you reach benchmark on the first.

 

[johnsmith]

It could be, but I do think it's still pretty early - even if the test is automatic ppl will get it at different times and if it is selective they probably will be going through them this week, given the deadline was only on Sunday.

I found an email that mentioned two tests though to be completed in 3 days but I think I only had one?

“Please note, if you have applied for any of our London vacancies (including open days), you will have been assigned a two-part online assessment to complete as part of the application process. To access the assessments, please log back into the apply4law homepage. The deadline for completing these assessments is three days after submission of your application for all vacancies.”

 

[jacobn04]

Hey all! HSFK AC today and received same day offer for WVS. So excited!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hey all! HSFK AC today and received same day offer for WVS. So excited!

Wow congrats! Did you they call you at 9-ish pm or you were just telling us now haha

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Yes they do! The first test and the application form are a combined Stage 1, and you need to pass Stage 1 to receive the 2nd test. Congrats!

Do you mind sharing where you found this information? Thank you

 

[jojo23]

Another year passes and expecting a Reed smith pfo after the test...
The vi was good though💀💀💀

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Abbie Whitlock Hello, I wanted to ask for competency questions (VI), about handling feedback, I wanted to mention how I got 30% (failed) my module formative to then getting best in year - would this be alright to talk about, or would it look bad that I failed? Should I mention something else instead?

Also, is it appropriate to mention things from my A Level time (I just graduated) or is this too old (I was going to mention changing A Level subjects and mitigating circumstances)

Thank you

Just jumping in, I think the story of how you got from a fail mark in a formative to the best mark in the year in the summative is an amazing example of handling feedback well and I would highly recommend making use of it. I would definitely not be concerned with looking bad because you got a fail mark.

First of all, the entire purpose of the question is to showcase how you improve as a result of negative feedback - which requires you to mention something you had struggled with. This is because law firms are not looking for perfect "finished products" candidates; they are looking for people who demonstrate exceptional willingness and capacity to learn when given the right support, as they are the ones who will get the most out of a TC and become great practitioners. Secondly, even if there had been any downside to you mentioning the fail formative grade, it is completely outweighed by how impressive the achievement of getting the highest grade in the year is.

Finally, I think that while it is not ideal, it is certainly not prohibited to mention experiences that date back a few years, such as A-levels. Nonetheless, before mentioning that, I would firstly look to fill the answer time with a more in depth presentation of relevant recent experiences.

 

[Annabellekoll]

Hogan second test invite. Applied few days before deadline. Anyone know if they actually review the application before sending this test?

Congrats! Is this for WVS or SVS?

 

[Afuturetrainee]

I’m thinking it must be selective as I’ve only had the SJT so far.

Mine took two weeks to arrive so you may still get an invitation

 

[bh.sa]

Went to their open day and they said they only read after second test, and use that in conjunction with written application to decide AC slots.

Second test is automatic if you reach benchmark on the first.

I'm a campus ambassador for HL and on the induction day, they said the application and the 1st assessment (online immersive assessment) is stage 1. This needs to be passed to get to stage 2 (online job simulation). They did also mention, however, that they take a holistic evaluation, which may be what you're referring to?

 

[flower1]

Just jumping in, I think the story of how you got from a fail mark in a formative to the best mark in the year in the summative is an amazing example of handling feedback well and I would highly recommend making use of it. I would definitely not be concerned with looking bad because you got a fail mark.

First of all, the entire purpose of the question is to showcase how you improve as a result of negative feedback - which requires you to mention something you had struggled with. This is because law firms are not looking for perfect "finished products" candidates; they are looking for people who demonstrate exceptional willingness and capacity to learn when given the right support, as they are the ones who will get the most out of a TC and become great practitioners. Secondly, even if there had been any downside to you mentioning the fail formative grade, it is completely outweighed by how impressive the achievement of getting the highest grade in the year is.

Finally, I think that while it is not ideal, it is certainly not prohibited to mention experiences that date back a few years, such as A-levels. Nonetheless, before mentioning that, I would firstly look to fill the answer time with a more in depth presentation of relevant recent experiences.

Thank you for your response - very helpful