I applied the last day (like 15 mins before closing) and I got invited to interview early this week. The next stage (the recruitment day) is in early December (2 days on the first week of dec/1 day second week). They also have a written assessment over a 2 week period. I’d imagine that all interviews will be finished this coming week.
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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I applied the last day (like 15 mins before closing) and I got invited to interview early this week. The next stage (the recruitment day) is in early December (2 days on the first week of dec/1 day second week). They also have a written assessment over a 2 week period. I’d imagine that all interviews will be finished this coming week.
- Sep 9, 2024
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Hi @DavidJC while I do not have any insider knowledge about this topic, I am quite certain it is fine to either address it to the name of the recruitment partner (who I can confirm still is Aaron Ferner) or to the "Graduate Recruitment Team/Early Careers Team". Firms will generally not care much about the specifics of to whom exactly you addressed the letter, as long as there are no blatant inaccuracies or errors (e.g. addressing it to a prior recruitment partner who has now moved to a different firm).
- Sep 9, 2024
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I am not sure the firm has a well-defined and advertised policy on this matter - while I spent a lot of time interacting with the firm, I did not come across any information relating to this. As such, I think the best option would be to email the graduate recruitment team directly about this issue.
How to answer this fieldfisher question: Please provide us with more details of your achievements, scholarships, positions of responsibility, insight schemes, open days and virtual work experience opportunities, extra-curricular activities and everything else that interests you (2000 characters)- do i just talk about my self or do i talk about the firm?
- Sep 9, 2024
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Hello!
You should focus mainly on yourself in that question. Fieldfisher is asking for a summary of what you've achieved so far and what makes you stand out - things such as academic achievements, scholarships, work experience, open days, insight schemes, volunteering, leadership roles, and extra-curriculars.
You don't need to talk about the firm directly (and I would definitely avoid turning it into a "why Fieldfisher" answer, as that does not directly answer the question), but you can subtly and briefly link your experiences to the skills and qualities that the firm looks for. That way, you're still showing why you're background is relevant without turning the answer into a cover letter.
This question is an opportunity for Fieldfisher to get to know you through the type of initiatives and activities that you have voluntarily participated in - therefore, I would make it about you, but perhaps write it in a way that subtly shows how your experiences make you a good fit for Fieldfisher.
I hope that helps!
Hello Everyone!
As an international student from India, I don’t have extensive commercial work experience. Most of my internships have been in dispute resolution, with one exception. For my CV, is it advisable to include Forage virtual experience programmes? Slaughter and May specifically asks applicants to list these, along with virtual insight days and similar activities.
More generally, should I include virtual open days, events, and Forage certificates in my CV and in the work experience section?
Additionally, do law firms actually verify Forage experiences?
As an international student from India, I don’t have extensive commercial work experience. Most of my internships have been in dispute resolution, with one exception. For my CV, is it advisable to include Forage virtual experience programmes? Slaughter and May specifically asks applicants to list these, along with virtual insight days and similar activities.
More generally, should I include virtual open days, events, and Forage certificates in my CV and in the work experience section?
Additionally, do law firms actually verify Forage experiences?
hey !! i js had my ti last week
so if i remember q1 correctly it was the thing about a personal experience that motivated you to pursue a career in commercial law + how it’s furthered your professional ambitiond or something.
i guess i took more of a “story telling” approach. so i started off with my first ever memory of wanting to become a lawyer/why I wanted to become a lawyer. I only spoke about that briefly though because I used it so i could show how a specific experience at university shifted my motivations to become a barrister to becoming a commercial solicitor.
I made sure to show that I align with the firm’s heavy focus on identifying as a BUSINESS law firm specifically.
hope that helps x
Thank you so so much, that is really helpful!Hello!
I would structure a strong 300-word answer to Ashurst's question by following a clear framework that shows: (1) you understand the firm, (2) you understand the sector, and (3) you can analyse future opportunities. A good structure could follow something along the lines of:
1. Opening (40-50 words)
Start by briefly stating the sector you've chosen (e.g. energy transition, digital economy, real estate, etc.). Show that you understand Ashurst's strategic focus and global position in the sector - this can involve discussing deals, published insights, or public statements from the firm.
2. Context of the sector (80-100 words)
Move on to explain what key facts or market trends are creating opportunities in that sector. For example:
You can support these points with news articles and current market insights, statistics, or trends - although there is no need to go into huge detail on the specifics!
- Regulatory reform
- Technological disruption
- The global push toward net zero
- Increased private capital deployment
- Geopolitical risk and supply chain restructuring
3. The biggest opportunity (100-120 words)
Identify one major opportunity and go into more detail on it - for example, digital assets regulation or demand for sustainable infrastructure funding.
Whichever opportunity you choose, explain why this is a priority, who the clients are, what problems they need solving, and how the opportunity is likely to evolve over time commercially and legally.
4. How Ashurst is positioned (40-60 words)
Finish your answer by linking the opportunity to Ashurst's specific strengths - for example:
To wrap up your answer, end with a confident line that shows how the firm can capitalise on this shift!
- Cross-border capabilities
- Strong regulatory advisory practice
- Financing and project development experience
I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!
Hello!
I'd say its absolutely fine to include Forage programmes on your CV - especially early on when you might not have a long list of commercial experience yet. If the firm has specifically asked for them, I'd definitely include them to show initiative and genuine engagement with the profession.
In terms of listing virtual open days and events on your CV, it might be easier to put these in a separate sort of "events" section, or group them all under one heading in the work experience section.
You can definitely list Forage programmes and events in your work experience section, particularly if you can share particular insights that you gained. However, as above, you might find it helpful to group some of them together if you are struggling to write a lot about them.
As for verification, law firms generally don't "check" Forage experiences as far as I am aware, but you should always be ready to talk about what you learned and the tasks that you completed. As long as you are honest, you'll be absolutely fine
Hey @Abbie Whitlock I'm SO sorry for the millionth question about RS VIs, but I saw in all of the firm's videos, they talk about having examples for things even if not asked, and I'm wondering for scenario questions (like how would you respond if ...), would you suggest explaining our thought processes in that scenario exactly and then tagging an example in the end, or would it be better to spend the whole two mins on an analogous example and explain our thought processes through that. I'm just curious cause the time is so short
Sorry for the question and thank you so much for all of your help < 3
Sorry for the question and thank you so much for all of your help < 3
Thank you so much!!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!
If I can ask is there a specific structure that ReedSmith is looking for when it comes to the VI?
If someone doesn’t mind can they point to some really strong points about why CMS for a potential VI answer. I’ve never applied to them and just did it this year and got the VI so don’t know much other than their band 1 for mid market work and their global structure and potential for US merger
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