TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

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!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock for the Goodwin application question: ''Discuss a commercial issue that has particularly interested you. Why did it capture your attention, and what impact could it have on the legal sector?'' Should we talk about a commercial issue that will have an impact on specifically law firms, or an issue that will have an impact on law firms' clients, subsequently increasing/decreasing workflow for law firms? Your insights would be much appreciated!

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

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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?

Hey!

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!

 

[BillSikes]

Can anyone let me know what to anticipate in the Mishcon Video interview part of the chat interview?

How many questions and is it motivational/strength based?

about 1,000 questions

 

[Suii]

about 1,000 questions

You are joking right.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
In a video interview, what are we supposed to mention for this - Why me? Why should the firm take me as their trainee solicitor? I'm struggling to identify what points the firm expects us to make and how to differentiate answers to make them unique.

Thank you

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

 

[Harvey Specter]

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

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?​

 

[ACHat8r]

is there a point for applying to BCLP spring now or should I do summer?

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

is there a point for applying to BCLP spring now or should I do summer?

do summer. spring is already sending out AC invites

 

[c.t.tc]

You are joking right.

Haha 1000 is probably a bit extreme but it definitely feels quite hefty. The number of questions depends on how you answer them as you go along, so if you give longer answers you’ll get less questions. That being said, I gave quite long answers and was still answering questions for about 2 hours non-stop.

 

[user55998384]

Is a simmons 6,5,7 test score good?

i got the same - what did you get on the first 2 amberjack grids?

 

[Dannie]

do you need to do the links watson glaser before the deadline as well as the cappfinity or just the cap?

 

[gao8899]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu , I was wondering what you thought about this question

Q4 - What skills/qualities are most important for the next generation of lawyers and describe a time where you've demonstrated these. (Max 200 words)

Do you think it's one time for each skill? Or just one example for all the skills? Also, would you have any advice for the 'next generation' part of the q?

Thank you!

 

[Suii]

Haha 1000 is probably a bit extreme but it definitely feels quite hefty. The number of questions depends on how you answer them as you go along, so if you give longer answers you’ll get less questions. That being said, I gave quite long answers and was still answering questions for about 2 hours non-stop.

That still feels like 1000 questions.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi, does anyone have tips for Arctic Shores assessment, especially the Gowling one? I see there are some discussions but couldn't really see how to navigate it and get a good score. It's my first Arctic Shores assessment and any insights will be appreciated!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

For Mishcon's chat based assessment and the SJT, are they to be done after the 28/11 deadline (not together with the initial application)? I'm going to submit it on 27/11 or 28/11 so just wanted to make sure that I dont miss the deadline.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Has someone gotten past the app stage for Skadden in previous years? Please DM! Can give info about Weil/DLA.

 

[letsdothis]

Congrats! Is this for spring or summer?

Thanks! It’s for spring 😊

 

[DavidJC]

Hi, does anyone have tips for Arctic Shores assessment, especially the Gowling one? I see there are some discussions but couldn't really see how to navigate it and get a good score. It's my first Arctic Shores assessment and any insights will be appreciated!

Not done the Gowling one, just the NRF one and a couple other non-law ones in the past.

I would try and make sure you're in a really calm and relaxed environment (difficult with a test, I know!) and really get focussed, especially for the middle two games. These tests are geared towards directly testing your soft skills and the NRF one, from what I understood about the test, in order of games, tested your pattern recognition/problem-solving, attention to detail/focus/ability to perform under pressure (both games in the middle test this in similar but different ways), and emotional intelligence on the basis of recognition of facial cues (I honestly think this one is quite bs but you can find ways of "practising" by looking up facial expressions for different emotions).

Hope this helps, I've never used any practice tests for these so can't recommend any of those, I'm afraid.

 

[Amgrad]

Not done the Gowling one, just the NRF one and a couple other non-law ones in the past.

I would try and make sure you're in a really calm and relaxed environment (difficult with a test, I know!) and really get focussed, especially for the middle two games. These tests are geared towards directly testing your soft skills and the NRF one, from what I understood about the test, in order of games, tested your pattern recognition/problem-solving, attention to detail/focus/ability to perform under pressure (both games in the middle test this in similar but different ways), and emotional intelligence on the basis of recognition of facial cues (I honestly think this one is quite bs but you can find ways of "practising" by looking up facial expressions for different emotions).

Hope this helps, I've never used any practice tests for these so can't recommend any of those, I'm afraid.

Thank you, but it's a bit late, the deadline was 2 hours before you were writing your post :')