TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[llblawstudent]

I definitely think you should still apply if you have an interest in the firm. While Jones Day is known to be a firm that is really serious about their rolling reviewing process by sending out many offers early, there is more than a month and a half till the application deadline, and it is well known that firms receive the vast majority of their applications in the last week before the deadline. As such, if JD were to fit up all their spots so quickly, they would be missing out on a lot of talented candidates, which the firm is unlikely to want. There has also certainly not been enough discussion on the forms about JD ACs to think that they have filled up all their spots already, particularly since the firm usually hosts ACs for quite an extended period of time.

Would you say a similar thing for slaughters? Their deadline is 05/12 and I’m almost ready but I feel I’m cutting it a bit fine…

 

[Mikeross750]

Hello!

For this type of question, you definitely don't need four or five skills - usually two or three well-developed ones will make a much stronger and more focused response. I'd definitely follow the early careers guidance of "skill -> evidence -> link", as it gives you space to explore each skill in depth, rather than listing lots quite briefly.

For each skill, you could structure it along the lines of:

1. What the skill is: e.g. commercial awareness, adaptability, collaboration, time management, etc.
2. How you developed it: this can come from work experience, part-time jobs, volunteering, university projects, sports team, etc.
3. What the impact was: what changed as a result of that development? What are you now more confident in, and what did you learn?
4. Why it matters at Osborne Clarke: this is the key part! Demonstrate that you understand the firm's strengths, client base and sectors, and show how the skill will help you contribute to the firm.

I would have a think about what Osborne Clarke is known for, and pick skills that genuinely reflect how you would thrive in that environment. If you pick two or three strong skills and really unpack them with evidence and clear links to the firm, you'll end up with a much more compelling 500-word answer than trying to briefly touch on several.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!

Thank you very much!

 

[iklawapps]

Hello!

No need to apologise at all - more than happy to help! It's a great question, and definitely something that a lot of people wonder about.

In a two-minute scenario answer for VI, my approach to the structure would be:

1. Briefly explain your thought process and what you would do in the situation - I'd aim to show that you understand the firm's expectations and what Reed Smith looks for in potential trainees, and talk through each stage of your thought process. They might not necessarily be assessing a "right" or "wrong" answer to the situation, and likely will focus on how you approach the scenario.
2. Add a short real life example if you have one - I'd aim for this to be just 20-30 seconds at the end, as it shouldn't necessarily take up the bulk of your answer. Include an example that demonstrates you've handled something similar before and can apply the same approach in real life.

Going all-in on an example can potentially work, but the risk is that you might not make it clear how you would specifically respond to the scenario being asked. Starting with your reasoning ensures you directly answer the question, and the example acts as evidence that you've done it before (and backs up your claims!).

I hope that helps - best of luck with the online assessment!

that's actually so helpful, I appreciate it so much : ) thank you so much for the help, I feel like that clarifies it for me a lot!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I know this is dependent on the individual but what would you put in an application answer like: "Please set out below any additional information which you feel is relevant to your application. Max 300 words" Especially when there is already a motivational question and an extracurriculars question? Thank you!

Hello!

With an “additional information” section, I would treat it as a space to add context the firm wouldn’t otherwise know if you haven’t had the chance to outline it anywhere else in your application.

A good way to approach it might be to ask yourself: Is there anything about my journey, strengths, or circumstances that would help the firm understand my application better? For example, this might include:

1. Explain gaps or unusual pathways

If you took a year out, switched degrees, worked part-time, or had mitigating circumstances, this is the perfect place to give brief, factual context.

2. Highlight something that doesn’t fit neatly elsewhere

Maybe you have a niche interest that is relevant to the firm (e.g. a specific research project, industry exposure, technical skills, etc.) that didn’t naturally belong in the other questions.

3. Show personality or perspective

Some people might use the space to mention values, experiences, or insights that shaped their approach to work. This can help your application feel more rounded and genuine.

Most importantly, don’t feel pressured to use all 300 words. Unless you genuinely have anything important to add that you feel strengthens your application, this is usually an optional question and I wouldn’t fill it out for the sake of it.

I hope that helps!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Any idea how long Davis Polk cover letter should be please?

 

[lawstudent2]

I definitely think you should still apply if you have an interest in the firm. While Jones Day is known to be a firm that is really serious about their rolling reviewing process by sending out many offers early, there is more than a month and a half till the application deadline, and it is well known that firms receive the vast majority of their applications in the last week before the deadline. As such, if JD were to fit up all their spots so quickly, they would be missing out on a lot of talented candidates, which the firm is unlikely to want. There has also certainly not been enough discussion on the forms about JD ACs to think that they have filled up all their spots already, particularly since the firm usually hosts ACs for quite an extended period of time.

Thank you!

 

[user55998384]

for the Simmons application - there are only 4 spaces for work experience - do you just put the rest in the other relevant experience box. Also, there is a section which asks about interests and activities, so do you include societal positions in the work experience box? if anyone could provide some guidance i would be really grateful!

 

[lolololol]

Is it too late to apply for Jones Day summer?

i applied last week and got an invite so you’re good i reckon!

 

[Starfish31]

For law firms that ask for a CV, is it best to divide experience by legal and non-legal? Also is 2 pages acceptable? I'm used to having my CV be one page but I won't be able to fit everything in just one page this time

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

has anyone received an ac invite for dla’s summer vs?

 

[_microwaved]

Has anyone received an invite for the Charles Russell open day on 02/12?

 

[an03]

Has anyone received an invite for the Charles Russell open day on 02/12?

Yes

 

[_microwaved]

Yes

Can I ask when did you receive it?

 

[an03]

Can I ask when did you receive it?

20th Nov

 

[Maddy]

Anyone received Reed Smith AC invite or post test rejection today?

 

[johnsmith]

for the Simmons application - there are only 4 spaces for work experience - do you just put the rest in the other relevant experience box. Also, there is a section which asks about interests and activities, so do you include societal positions in the work experience box? if anyone could provide some guidance i would be really grateful!

They advised at the OD that you choose your most recent and relevant, but where you may have had multiple jobs, say hospitality, you can group them and cover the skills you picked up that would apply to being a trainee. If you were, say, a career changer, though, you could go last 4 jobs over a longer period!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Weil test invite, was expecting a PFO as I submitted my application Oct 12.

 

[Suii]

SH Open Day invite yes finally some good news lets GO

 

[Amgrad]

Another Monday's blessing ✨
Stephenson Harwood Open Day Invite just now!

Waiting for Gibson Dunn, CRS, and WFW!

 

[J333]

Does anyone know if the Mischon de Reya chat interview is automatic? Any tips too would be incredibly helpful! <3