TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Afuturetrainee]

“Do you require permission or a visa to work in the office location(s) you are applying to?”

When firms ask this question on the application form, is it in relation to the vac scheme or if offered a tc?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

If asked this in a video interview, what are we supposed to talk about? I'm unsure if it needs to be legal / commercial or general. If general, what are some things to mention?

Introduce a topic you know about and explain why it interests you

Thank you

Hello!

In most video interviews, this question is usually meant to be general rather than strictly legal or commercial (unless the instructions provided by the firm say otherwise). They're trying to see how you communicate, structure your thoughts, and talk confidently about something you understand.

You could pick any topic you know well or are genuinely interested in - for example, a hobby, a recent trend, an academic area, or something from your work experience. The key is to explain:

• What the topic is
• Why it interests you
• How you've learned about it
• Why it matters or what impact it has

For example, someone might talk about AI, travelling, sustainability, a favourite sport, or even something like baking - as long as you explain it clearly and passionately! In one of my previous applications, I discussed an interest in psychology which I developed through studying it at A-Level.

So don't worry too much about keeping it strictly legal unless the question specifies. Just choose something you can speak confidently about and that shows your ability to communicate well

 

[londonlawyer]

Gibson Dunn's application portal says that the cover letter "does not need to be addressed to any individual". Does this mean that we don't even need to start the letter with "Dear Graduate Recruitment Team" and no sign off at the end either?

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Gibson Dunn's application portal says that the cover letter "does not need to be addressed to any individual". Does this mean that we don't even need to start the letter with "Dear Graduate Recruitment Team" and no sign off at the end either?

Grad Rec said same too.

They said it’s to save word count. Like it’s 650 words, so use it wisely.

 

[Vasil2004]

Does anyone have an insight into Weil or Lathams VIs? Happy to provide info on Freshfields second stage, Milbanks tests, NRF vi

 

[stilltrying]

for the Goodwin question - Which other firms are you applying to and why? (200) would you advise naming other firms im applying to or should i just describe the attributes of the firms im applying to?

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

Let me just tell everyone now, the CMS VI is a nightmare. It’s only six questions, nothing else, very unassuming. Until you start doing it and you realise you’re given a minute, yes one singular minute, response time for a question that could only just be answered in double that.

Please tell me there’s unlimited prep time 😩

 

[londonlawyer]

for the Goodwin question - Which other firms are you applying to and why? (200) would you advise naming other firms im applying to or should i just describe the attributes of the firms im applying to?

I named two firms I was applying to and explained my reasoning and I was progressed to the VI stage last year

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Completed the FF stage 2 online test, what was that. I hope that they weigh the VIs less than the situational judgement and the written exercise because...🫣

 

[stilltrying]

does anyone know if Morgan Lewis is rolling or non rolling cant find any info on that

 

[hanahana]

Congratulations!! Is it okay to ask if this is for spring or summer?

It's for Spring

 

[Dogecoin GC]

does anyone know if Morgan Lewis is rolling or non rolling cant find any info on that

It was non rolling last year.

 

[Amgrad]

It was non rolling last year.

Yeah, so does this year. I went to their booth yesterday

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

hey guys, a few ppl have asked me for tips in regard to dla’s telephone interview, so i figured id js share them here asw!

basically, the qs are mosty motivational ones. there was one “competency”-based q that was smth like “how would you manage several deadlines”. that wasnt the exact q but it was smth of that nature.

and then there were 2qs that seemed more “meta” so like about how you researched the firm and yk i think they were trying to assess how you go about reseaeching/preparing for things that you care about? hope that makes sense.

and make sure you know exactly what the structure of the summer internship is + same for their tc.

GOOD LUCK GUYS !! u got this!!

 

[LawAspirer]

A law firm is asking me a question that I should argue (Pro / Con) in 300 words.
I have pretty relevant work experience that substantiates my view. Is linking it to my experience expected or shall I speak more theoretically?

 

[silonthesofa]

does anyone know if Morgan Lewis is rolling or non rolling cant find any info on that

non-rolling.

 

[ninarosee]

Does anyone know what Travers Smith’s grade requirements are?

 

[londonlawyer]

Has anyone received AC invites to RPC?

 

[p2bv]

Let me just tell everyone now, the CMS VI is a nightmare. It’s only six questions, nothing else, very unassuming. Until you start doing it and you realise you’re given a minute, yes one singular minute, response time for a question that could only just be answered in double that.

When did you apply if you don’t mind me asking

 

[2ndCycle74]

Does anyone have any Kirkland VI Tips? Unsure what to expect in terms of what kind of questions to prepare for and would be extremely grateful for any advice. Thank you. @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu