TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey everyone!

I’m trying to work out the best approach to the work experience section on applications, especially when there isn’t a separate section for extracurriculars, or open days/events attended.

What counts as ‘work experience? Is it only paid jobs, internships, and in-person legal experience? Should I include positions of responsibility (e.g. a role at a uni society) in that section too? I’m asking this in relation to A&O Shearman (TC App), but the questions apply more broadly as well.

I’ve done several Forage courses (including A&O) attended open days, insight workshops, webinars, panel presentations etc. I thought these could show my interest and commitment to a career in law, however, I’m never quite sure if these should be included under WE.

For context, I’m an LLB and LLM Corporate Law grad, work full-time in financial services for alternatives (PE, RE etc.), but I have almost no legal work experience. I’m wondering whether including these courses/events in my WE section would be beneficial.

Also, how many experiences is too many if the firm doesn’t have a limit and are bullet points for this section a ‘no-go’?

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu @Jaysen Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

Hello!

Great question! I would say that you don't need to limit "work experience" to paid jobs or formal legal roles.

It is usually treated quite broadly, so anything that develops relevant skills (including your financial services role and any positions of responsibility, such as society committee roles) absolutely belong there too! I always used to include my Forage programmes as well, particularly if they are a way of showing an interest in the legal sector. However, I would try to keep the entries brief and discuss what you learned from them and any insights they gave you.

You can definitely include open days and workshops too, if you can discuss what was involved and your main takeaways from each event. However, if you have a few shorter experiences, it's probably best to group these together if they are similar!

There's no strict limit on how many entries to include, but I would aim for a focused list of the most valuable experiences rather than everything you have done. If you can discuss your role, responsibilities, and skills developed (or insights gained if a programme / open day), then I think it is fine to include it

I would always advise using prose in the work experience section (as this is what most firms prefer), but if the firm doesn't state which they prefer, it is usually fine to write detailed bullet points.

I hope that assists - best of luck with your application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

This might sound dumb- but how exactly do you tailor your CV to specific firms? @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Hi!

It's not a dumb question at all! You don't necessarily need to rewrite your whole CV for every firm (as the cover letter is usually the way you will show interest towards the firm) - however, you can selectively emphasise the parts of your experience that match what that firm values.

For example, if a firm is known for strong transactional work, I would highlight any experiences that show commercial awareness, teamwork, or involvement in business-focused / commercial roles. If a firm emphasises pro bono or community impact, you could give more space to volunteering or people-focused experiences. Tailoring is really just about highlighting which skills, achievements, and responsibilities you have that align with that firm's culture and strengths

I'd think of it as shifting the focus of your CV, rather than rewriting the whole thing - the core CV will stay the same, but you may include / exclude certain experiences to make it relevant to what the firm prioritises (especially if you don't have space to include them all).

I hope that assists!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For Reed Smith, I scored mid for both Verbal and Numerical reasoning. 3 for grit, 6 for Applied Intellect, 4 Creative Force and
6 Digital Mindset. I’m not too sure how I did in the VI and fear I sounded slightly nervous. Has anyone had similar scores or know of any success stories or would it be best to prepare for the rejection … thanks !! @Abbie Whitlock

Hi!

They sound like good scores to me! I'm not too sure on what the team is specifically looking for (as I don't deal with the test side of the process), but in my SJT, I had a relatively similar score. I also thought that my VI was awful, and was convinced that I would get a rejection - but you often think it goes worse than it actually does!

I would try to remain positive, and remember that it is out of your hands now - you've done your best!

 

[TortillaTC]

I got a no on the P,W OD but made the AS grand final 😁

Also no on the PW open day! Congrats on AS)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

could anyone give an insight on how to structure the answer- Why do you want to become a commercial lawyer at (redacted) law firm and what do you think are the key skills and qualities required for success? i heard mixed reviews on if they wanted us to talk about why commercial law first then why the firm and the rest. I'd appreciate some insight! @Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

I would approach this question with a simple and logical structure. You don't need anything too fancy - they just want to see your reasoning in a way that flows. I would think of the answer in three parts:

1. Start with why commercial law: just a few sentences on what attracts you to commercial work - whether that is the business focus, problem-solving, client interaction, or the collaborative nature of commercial deals. Make sure you back up any motivations with tangible examples, either from your studies or work experience.

2. Explain why this firm: I would pick two or three genuine reasons that connect to your interests, such as specific practice strengths, the kind of work they're known for, or their approach to training and culture. You can link this to why commercial law and your future aspirations to show why you are particularly motivated to apply this firm.

3. Finish why the key skills needed: make sure to highlight key skills that are required for a commercial lawyer - things such as teamwork, attention to detail, communication, resilience, etc. If the firm has a list of key competencies on their website, it might be useful to refer to these as this is likely what they believe are most important for success! I would also briefly link them to your own experiences to demonstrate how you have displayed them.

This will keep your answer clear, avoids repetition, and addresses each element of the question.

I hope that assists!

 

[Amgrad]

For law firms which don't excel on both UK Chamber and Legal 500 England (no band 1 or Tier 1), how can we show interest to their practice areas or department? Usually I mention their rank and recent deals to connect with my related experiences. Honestly, that's make it harder when I wrote my first VS app ever at Paul, Weiss which resulted PFO. My first essay was generic as I told about their culture and industries excessively on my first essay. I mentioned deals and tie it with my experience in the second essay.

Similarly, I found another US firm Morrison & Foersters, but at least it has int'l secondment unlike PW. I also don't want to mention their perks and benefits obviously or talking about justice. I tend to focus on the commercial aspects, but stuck as these firms don't have any more peculiarity I am afraid there are more firms in the same extent. How should I write them? @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

 

[JBM]

wnc wvs offer

 

[Lawlawland]

Hey!

A strong answer will usually combine three main elements: what attracts you to transactional work, why that fits your skills and traits, and why a transactional-focused firm is the right environment for you. For example, this could look like:

1. What attracts you to transactional work: for example, you could state that you enjoy deal-making and seeing how businesses operate - or even preferring proactive, solution-focused work over disputes.

2. How your strengths fit this environment: you can mention things like attention to detail, teamwork, commercial thinking, or enjoying fast-paced projects with moving parts. Make sure to back up any strengths you state you have with brief examples of when you have displayed them.

3. Why a transactional-focused firm specifically: these firms often offer early responsibility, exposure to major deals, and a strong commercial training environment. I would explain why these factors matter to you, and how your long-term ambitions align with what the firm offers.

I hope that assists!

This is really helpful, thanks Abbie✨

 

[itsallgoodman]

Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon post AC? They told us to expect a response by today, but I haven't heard anything yet.

 

[Lawlawland]

A random Q, but does anyone here follow news on Data Centers and PE firms' investments in them?

If yes, please DM me, I would like t have a discussion on this.

TIA.

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

Has anyone heard back from Burges Salmon post AC? They told us to expect a response by today, but I haven't heard anything yet.

Literally doing the same ahaha

 

[l789]

May I know when you applied and when did they get back?

Hey I applied on the deadline.

I recieved an email yesterday with an offer to attend- it was addressed as Dear All, - so I’m assuming it was sent to all successful applicants.

I am happy to provide notes from the open day, I write absolutely everything down, and if you have any questions, happy to ask them aswell!

 

[LaDiva]

Literally doing the same ahaha

How did you find the AC, any general things you've learnt from attending?

 

[ananyasalecha]

BCLP interview invite ! Got to interview stage last year but failed it. Really hope this time I’m better

Congrats! When did you apply?

 

[tball]

Can anyone help with advice or resources for Bird & Bird WG, Linklaters WG, Weil SJT & VI, Freshfields stage 1?
I have autism and struggle with psychometric tests so any advice would be really appreciated

 

[manifestingthetc]

Not sure what to think of the DLA piper WG ..I received my feedback report and I can't tell if I passed or failed it or what the pass rate is.. how soon will we find out?

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

Ngl could be very famous last words but very manageable:

• Tasks was not overly complicated - some tasks required using multiple different sources of info, so I managed to make several explicit references to them throughout my task's
• People there was not trying to trick you out
• Interview was extremely conversational

In terms of what I learnt

• Learn how to wrap things up - So during the group activity, I did was last presenting my part and I did not really prepare a concluding remark. But oh wells not that deep.
• When listing, remember to use different lingo/ structure like firstly, secondly and etc apart from also this blah blah also blah blah and etc
• Finally remember even though Timekeeper role is bait , remember to still appoint one. We forgot too lool (also none of us did not know how to read analog clock so made tracking time a bit long but is what it is)

 

[JBM]

wnc wvs offer

And gibson dunn offer same day. best day of my life

 

[JBM]

Congrats (also for GD)!! Could I ask whether your AC for W&C was on Monday or Tuesday?

tuesday

 

[Goingtogetatc]

Congrats! When did you apply?

September