TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Hi all, for Reed Smith's VI what type of questions are to be expected i.e., situational, competency, motivational?

 

[yk1906]

Those who attended Skadden OD -- do you know how they want us to structure the Work section? Thanks!!

 

[mg42guy32]

DLA piper passed the wgt email

Congrats! How long did it take to get it

 

[Goodbyetc]

Congrats! How long did it take to get it

I got mine the next day

 

[jojo23]

I got mine the next day

Did the email also say it was rolling? This threw me off

 

[CharlesT47]

Hey!

Congratulations on being invited to the telephone interview stage!

Whilst I‘m not too sure on the specifics of Akin’s process, telephone interviews tend to focus on getting to know you and discussing your motivations for applying to the firm. If I was preparing for a telephone interview, I would focus on:

1. Motivational Questions

I would generally expect the classic three questions - why commercial law, why Akin, and why you. This can come in various forms, such as “why are you interested in our core practice areas” or “what makes you a good fit for Akin’s culture”. These approaches tend to blend a few of the motivational questions together, so I would just make sure that you address each aspect when answering the questions.

2. Competency Questions and Scenario Questions

I’d expect the common ones that are relevant to the role of a trainee solicitor - such as teamwork, resilience, handling pressure, solving problems, proactivity, etc. Using a clear structure such as STAR is ideal, as it ensures that you discuss each situation and competency in depth. I would always encourage you to read this guide by Andrei for competency questions

Scenario questions are quite similar to what would appear in an SJT, and could include things such as:

• ”What would you do if you had competing deadlines?”
• ”How would you handle a difficult colleague?”

They are not necessarily looking for a ‘right’ answer - they want to see your judgment, approach, and thought process. I’d make sure to talk them through each stage in your process, and outline what you’d take into consideration at each point.

3. Commercial Awareness

I would prepare for questions that follow the lines of “Tell us about a recent news story that interested you” or “Tell us about a recent news story that will impact the firm and our clients”. Make sure to research a few stories that you are able to understand well and that you are genuinely interested in, and explain:

1. The context of the story (i.e. what is actually happening)
2. The commercial implications
3. How it might affect Akin’s clients or practice groups.

As it is a telephone interview, it will be slightly different than a normal interview in a few ways. I would make sure to keep your answers structured and concise, and speak with energy and genuine interest - this will help you build a rapport with the interviewer! You might also find it useful to clearly signpost your answers so that the interviewers are able to clearly follow along.

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

Hi Abbie, thanks this is helpful. I do have a slight concern though-- the Akin form asked multiple short questions and so it forced me to really use many of my examples to explain why I was interested in X or Y. Is it concerning if I repeat some of the experiences in competency sections? I can try find some other examples, but they tend to be far weaker imo.

 

[user55998384]

Back to back rejections this morning, Pinsent Masons and Simmons.

so sorry to hear that - could i ask when you submitted simmons

 

[yasmars]

Those who attended Skadden OD -- do you know how they want us to structure the Work section? Thanks!!

They said it doesn’t really matter. It should be structured in a way that you feel presents your experience the best

 

[bh.sa]

Those who attended Skadden OD -- do you know how they want us to structure the Work section? Thanks!!

Grad Rec said they don't mind if you use prose or bullet points

 

[i-want-a-tc]

so sorry to hear that - could i ask when you submitted simmons

Both apps submitted 2 weeks ago, Simmons was on 16th

 

[yk1906]

They said it doesn’t really matter. It should be structured in a way that you feel presents your experience the best

Thank you so much! Also, if you don't mind my asking, were there any particular requirements about the open questions?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Sorry to hear that, was it Bristol or London office?

London for both

 

[i-want-a-tc]

so sorry to hear that - could i ask when you submitted simmons

Submitted amberjack on 16th

 

[futureharveyspecter]

How long did it take for anyone to get Bird & Bird wgt after submitting their app for the SVS? Do they view apps before sending it?

 

[CuriousTrainee]

I was wondering if someone might be able to help me on this. I'm not really sure how DLA screen the WG or applications or what the benchmark is to pass. It almost seems random at how people get through since some will do the WG then hear back days even weeks later yet others, the next day. Also another question I have is, do they look at both the application and the WG or is it predetermined only by the WG score?

Any insight would be much appreciated 🙏🙏

 

[user55998384]

Submitted amberjack on 16th

do you mind sharing how you did on the test

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Pinsents PFO- right before I started work😭
I applied 23rd Oct

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Pinsents PFO- right before I started work😭
I applied 23rd Oct

I got it midday when I was at work yesterday. You can't even have a quick cry😭😂

 

[seriouscandidate_]

I’ve been invited to two in-person open days on the same day and at the same time. What should I do? Any help would be appreciated. 🥺

 

[Chelsea101]

Those that applied to BCLP - is the test sent automatically? Thanks