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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Does Baker McKenzie send out invites to the online test and VI after the online application deadline has closed?
They said they’ll review applications as they come but send tests in December
hey congrats on making it to this stage!! is this for winter, spring, or summer vs?Hi everyone ! Does anyone have insights into the BCLP AC. It would mean a lot (if you do please PM me). Also I have insights into DLA’s AC if anyone needs
Hi @Goodbyetc
No, it's not. Everyone is contacted at some point after video interview to let you know whether you were successful or not.
Thanks,
Kirsty
Hi @abc124
Our application form does ask for GCSE qualification, each topic, and each grade to be listed, so I suspect it could be an issue you're experiencing accessing the system.
Thanks!
Kirsty
I applied early October for spring and not heard a thing 😬 has anyone that’s applied for spring heard back yet?
Took 5 weeks to hear back from submitting my app. Their graduate recruitment team is quite small (only 2).
Hello!
You can definitely bring in your experience (in fact, it will often strengthen your answer) but the key is how you use it.
For a 300-word pro / con argument, the firm mainly wants to see that you can analyse an issue clearly, structure an argument, and show balanced reasoning. So the core of your answer should be theoretical, analytical points.
Your experience should come in only if it feels natural and when it supports a point you are making. Think of it as evidence, not the focus. A short, specific example (1-2 sentences max) can add credibility and show you understand how the issue plays out in practice, but it shouldn’t be the focus of your argument.
As long as the experience strengthens your argument rather than replaces it, I’d say it’s absolutely fine to include it!
Hi!
You can actually take either route, but the strongest answers will usually sit at the intersection of the two.
To ensure your answer is commercially focused, I would try to show that you understand how a wider market issue filters through to clients, and then ultimately shapes the work law firms do. So you don’t need to limit yourself to something that only affects law firms internally - in fact, a lot of the best topic start with clients first!
A good way to think about it might be:
1. Start with a commercial issue affecting clients (e.g. private credit expansion, AI regulation, restructuring trends, green financing, geopolitics, etc.)
2. Explain why it grabbed your attention - this could be because of something you have studied, worked on, or just found interesting outside of work / academics.
3. Then link it back to the impact on the legal sector - this is where you show commercial awareness and insight, particularly on how the issue: creates new types of transactions or disputes, increases demand in certain practice areas, changes risk profiles, requires new expertise from law firms, or shifts client expectations.
This way, you cover both sides without being stuck in a narrow lane. Therefore, I would choose a commercial issue that affects clients, and explain how law firms can equip themselves to help clients navigate these issues (i.e. changes in the legal market) - that’s exactly the kind of reasoning they want to see
Hey!Hi guys,
I'm currently filling in the Mishcon de Reya application form, and I've one got one quick query to ask. If anyone has any tips, I'd be hugely grateful!
On the "Work Experience" section, candidates are asked to specify how many hours they've worked in a typical week, but only if the experience in question is "ongoing rather than one-off". Am I correct in presuming that a two-week vacation scheme counts as one-off?
Yes, you’re absolutely right - a two-week vacation scheme would likely be classed as a one-off experience. The “hours per week” box is really aimed at ongoing roles such as part-time jobs, volunteering, tutoring, or long-term internships.
For a vacation scheme, I would just give the date of the scheme and outline your responsibilities / skills.
Good luck with the Mishcon de Reva application!
Hello!
Just to add to the previous answers (which I wholeheartedly agree with!), for a “why you” question, I think firms are mainly wanting to hear three things:
1. Key strengths that matter in a trainee - such as teamwork, communication, attention to detail, resilience. Additionally, I would also try to mention a trait about you that you feel is quite ’unique’ to yourself (although it will never be completely unique) - for example, perhaps you are able to simplify complex information from your time working in a street law project, or you are able to make clear decisions under pressure from a previous management role in a part-time job.
2. Evidence from your past experiences - this is what will make your answer unique! Anyone can say “I’m a good communicator”, but if you can back it up with a specific moment where you proved it, this will make your answer feel more personal and genuine. I’d make sure to keep examples brief, but use them effectively to back up any claims you make.
3. A clear link to what the firm values - show how your strengths outlined above will help you contribute to their firm. This could be their culture, practice areas, client work, innovation, etc. This is where you can show your research into the firm, and that you have an understanding of why you would be a good fit!
Therefore, the general formula I would use is: strength -> short example -> why it matters for that firm
If you do that, you’ll hit what they’re looking for and stand out at the same time
Hi Kirsty,
I submitted my application form recently and the GCSE section asked for the school name and the dates I attended. There was no space to include my GCSE subjects and/or results. Will this have an impact on my application?
I submitted my application form recently and the GCSE section asked for the school name and the dates I attended. There was no space to include my GCSE subjects and/or results. Will this have an impact on my application?
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