TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Suii]

Can anyone share the VI questions for Pinsent Masons online blended assessment? I know its untimed prep and they mentioned the questions at the open day but I've forgotten what Q2 was

You get unlimited prep time so it won't make a difference if someone shares the VI questions or not.

 

[Chelsea101]

How bad is it to record VIs at night? I can either do my VI tonight or tomorrow at 9am and as a night owl I anticipate I’ll actually be much more coherent tonight…Just worried about how it may be perceived as I’ve heard the preference is to record them in daylight?

I've recorded VIs at night before and progressed to next stages. Especially as now it gets dark at like 5pm, I tend to not have time to do VIs until after work! Anyway as long as you're coherent and have decent enough lighting, i don't see how the time of day you submit a VI would affect your chances. Good luck!

 

[TCLA0322]

Jones Day interview invite (summer vs) just come in

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Congrats! Is this form DTC or VS?

VS

 

[shadowkiller]

Jones Day interview invite (summer vs) just come in

Congrats! When did you apply?

 

[TCLA0322]

Congrats! When did you apply?

2nd Spet

 

[bells123]

Did anyone who applied to Travers Smith direct TC on the last day heard back from the team yet?

Hey! I applied on the last day too and not heard yet if this provides some comfort

 

[abc124]

One of the main reasons for VIs is that the applicant can complete it whenever it suits them. Many people are working full-time or have university during the day, so the only time they can complete it is when they get back home. Given it's late November and it gets dark at like 4pm, I highly doubt grad rec care, in fact I'd say it's the norm. I strongly suggest you do it tonight if you believe you will perform better. Just make sure your face is well lit and you aren't in complete darkness lol. Best of luck.

I've recorded VIs at night before and progressed to next stages. Especially as now it gets dark at like 5pm, I tend to not have time to do VIs until after work! Anyway as long as you're coherent and have decent enough lighting, i don't see how the time of day you submit a VI would affect your chances. Good luck!

Thanks a lot for the reassurance, I'll do it tonight

 

[anonymous.15]

Don't worry about these rejections, even though it's disheartening, I'm sure you'll be landing at an amazing firm soon! And that time these PFOs will feel like a blessing! 🥹

Also, for A&O was it the DTC or the VS?

VS , thankyou for your kind words wishing u get a tc as well xx

 

[a1024]

Anyone have insights about the CMS VI?

 

[RJ Ruban]

Just got a ReedSmith assessment invite! Is there any advice I can get for this please! Is there anything I should look out for?

 

[AngelBaird]

A&OS assessment centre this coming Thursday, any insights from previous attendees?

 

[jacksollaf]

A&OS assessment centre this coming Thursday, any insights from previous attendees?

Congrats!! Is this for the summer?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Just got a ReedSmith assessment invite! Is there any advice I can get for this please! Is there anything I should look out for?

Hello!

Congratulations on being invited to the assessment!! I have quoted a post below which contains some general advice I have given on the Reed Smith test, so hopefully it's a useful starting point.

Best of luck with the assessment!

Hello!

Of course, I can share some general tips for VIs and SJTs that I always used in my last cycle. I can't share too much information on Reed Smith's in particular, just because the process has to be fair for all candidates!

Some SJT advice that I found really useful was actually shared by Zainab, and I'll copy it below. Just always remember that you are answering these situations as a trainee and so you should view each situation from that perspective.

• Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
• Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
• Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
• Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
• Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
• Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.

For VI's, I'd make sure that you are fully answering the question and that all of the examples you use actually link. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and try and fit it to the question, however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell and it'll look better to use an example that fits best. I would also practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror! Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful! There was actually a video on TCLA in the Law Firm Directory that I watched before my SJT and VI that I found was super helpful - I'll link it here. I'd definitely give that a watch, as Rik gives some great advice on what they are looking for and how to approach each aspect

I hope that helps! Best of luck with the SJT and VI to anyone completing it

 

[Lawlawland]

Just had a painful realisation that I was rejected from SPG and Baker Open Day because, I literally didn't add any of my module details in the academic page and was blindsided as cvmail format is kinda weird.

The most amusing part of it all is, how did I even make it to 4 Open Days via cvmail application, with same academic info😂.

This makes me think that most firms just read the answers and made decisions based on that...

 

[user55998384]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I had a quick question about an application prompt: The world is changing in the legal sector - how do you think the profession is changing? Do you think it’s too niche to focus on the rise of blockchain in IP, even though the firm has a strong IP practice? I’m wondering whether it’s safer to take a broader approach instead.

 

[flower1]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
I was wondering if you have any insights into challenges and opportunities facing law firms. I know AI, ESG etc - but something more niche beyond this? And also, when the question says 'how will these affect your clients', I'm confused on how to structure this?

Thank you

 

[Chriss]

is the RPC test automatic?

 

[TCLA0322]

When writing Davis Polk cover letter, who should we address? thx.

 

[DavidJC]

When writing Davis Polk cover letter, who should we address? thx.

It used to be the training principal in the past but I'm not sure who it is now, might be worth emailing Grad Rec. Chambers Student at least shows that the current recruitment partner is Aaron Ferner.

Maybe @Andrei Radu has some insights?