TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TortillaTC]

Hey!

Without seeing the specific wording of the question, I couldn't give a definitive answer either way. However, as a generally rule of thumb, I think it is a good idea to strengthen your answer by briefly connecting the development to how Skadden is positioned to help clients - as long as it feels natural and not forced.

Your structure, therefore, sounds solid, and would look like:

1. Paragraph 1: Explain the development clearly (showing research and commercial awareness)
2. Paragraph 2: Discuss the impact on clients, and this is usually where you can add a line or two about which practice areas at Skadden would get involved (e.g. regulatory, disputes, transactions, finance, etc.).

This doesn't need to be a deep dive, but I do think it is advantageous to make that link - even if they haven't explicitly asked for it in the question. It's a good way of adding context, and showing commercial awareness of how a law firm adds value to their clients.

I hope that assists!

Thank you so much!! The exact wording was: Please choose a recent (less than 12 months) development in UK/European news. How are such developments relevant for Skadden’s clients?

So you advice in spot on, thank you!

 

[Amgrad]

If they had wanted you to be aware they would state it in their website. It seems like you've been blaming someone else on the forum for not telling you about a written part, really not cool

There is no mention anywhere in the website or even brochure, but there were people mentioned months ago who surprised there were WE in the last 2 Qs, they were pretty much didn't expect it, but some still progressed to second test. 🤣

Milbank just a trial for most people that commonly if a firm don't ask general questions in the app form, they will ask it in later stage.

 

[yasmars]

Hi guys, I have a question Re application writing / specifically Reed Smith's application. I recently received a PFO post-app from RS and upon looking at the generic feedback sheet I think I've pin-pointed where I went wrong. For my 'Why RS' Q I covered three points: Innovation at the firm / training programmes available / interest specifically in Life Sciences at the firm and linking it back to my own experience in the industry.

In the generic feedback, RS said that honing in on one practice area / industry is a big no-no as it essentially comes across as narrow-minded (AKA what I did in my written app 😬). I always thought that to make an application personal and specific enough, honing in on a practice area can be a good way of doing this espesh when word counts can be tight.

Would love any input from people on how they are integrating their interests for specific practice areas while also coming across as not narrow-minded. Thank you

I remember attending a RS event and they said that their life sciences practice is only really in the US. Therefore, if you express an interest in this area, especially as your main one, you’re likely going to be rejected.

 

[Marble_Moth]

I remember attending a RS event and they said that their life sciences practice is only really in the US. Therefore, if you express an interest in this area, especially as your main one, you’re likely going to be rejected.

Thank you for clarifying

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys, I have a question Re application writing / specifically Reed Smith's application. I recently received a PFO post-app from RS and upon looking at the generic feedback sheet I think I've pin-pointed where I went wrong. For my 'Why RS' Q I covered three points: Innovation at the firm / training programmes available / interest specifically in Life Sciences at the firm and linking it back to my own experience in the industry.

In the generic feedback, RS said that honing in on one practice area / industry is a big no-no as it essentially comes across as narrow-minded (AKA what I did in my written app 😬). I always thought that to make an application personal and specific enough, honing in on a practice area can be a good way of doing this espesh when word counts can be tight.

Would love any input from people on how they are integrating their interests for specific practice areas while also coming across as not narrow-minded. Thank you

Hi!

Just thought I'd add my perspective to this as someone at Reed Smith - this is a really common issue, so don't feel bad! From the graduate recruitment perspective, as you aren't guaranteed to get a seat in a specific area, it's better to show an 'open minded' attitude towards practice areas you are interested in. You can still mention the areas you are interested in (and that is definitely encouraged!), but it's good to mention a few, even if you focus on one a little more. As a side note for future reference, the London office at Reed Smith doesn't work in the Life Sciences sector (as this is our US offices), so I'd keep that in mind if you reapply!

Firms do want to see genuine interest while still believing your open-minded enough to explore different seats during training. A helpful way to do this could be:

1. Anchor your "Why RS" in things that show you understand the firm's broader identity

For example, the firm's sector-driven approach, its collaborative culture, its international platform, the variety offered through seat rotations, or the type of clients it works with. These are wider characteristics that don't tie you to one area but still show firm-specific research.

2. Bring in your practice-area interest as one example of how RS aligns with you

This could look something like: "I was initially drawn to Reed Smith due to their Life Sciences work, given my background in X. However, what appeals to me most is the chance to explore a range of practices within a sector-focused firm, because...". This way, it feels like a point of connection and tailors it to your experiences, whilst also discussing other areas you are interested in.

3. Emphasise genuine openness

Even if you do like a specific area (which is completely fine!), firms still want to see curiosity and willingness to develop across multiple teams, as that is the reality of a training contract. It's definitely important to show an interest in their work, but try to find a few areas that you like and can link back to yourself.

You can still be personal and specific - just make sure it's frame as one part of your motivation, rather than the main focus of it.

I hope that helps!

 

[Marble_Moth]

Hi!

Just thought I'd add my perspective to this as someone at Reed Smith - this is a really common issue, so don't feel bad! From the graduate recruitment perspective, as you aren't guaranteed to get a seat in a specific area, it's better to show an 'open minded' attitude towards practice areas you are interested in. You can still mention the areas you are interested in (and that is definitely encouraged!), but it's good to mention a few, even if you focus on one a little more. As a side note for future reference, the London office at Reed Smith doesn't work in the Life Sciences sector (as this is our US offices), so I'd keep that in mind if you reapply!

Firms do want to see genuine interest while still believing your open-minded enough to explore different seats during training. A helpful way to do this could be:

1. Anchor your "Why RS" in things that show you understand the firm's broader identity

For example, the firm's sector-driven approach, its collaborative culture, its international platform, the variety offered through seat rotations, or the type of clients it works with. These are wider characteristics that don't tie you to one area but still show firm-specific research.

2. Bring in your practice-area interest as one example of how RS aligns with you

This could look something like: "I was initially drawn to Reed Smith due to their Life Sciences work, given my background in X. However, what appeals to me most is the chance to explore a range of practices within a sector-focused firm, because...". This way, it feels like a point of connection and tailors it to your experiences, whilst also discussing other areas you are interested in.

3. Emphasise genuine openness

Even if you do like a specific area (which is completely fine!), firms still want to see curiosity and willingness to develop across multiple teams, as that is the reality of a training contract. It's definitely important to show an interest in their work, but try to find a few areas that you like and can link back to yourself.

You can still be personal and specific - just make sure it's frame as one part of your motivation, rather than the main focus of it.

I hope that helps!

Thank you! I really appreciate the time you put into your responses! Very helpful 😊

 

[cb6056]

Has anyone been rejected post Macfarlanes VI?

 

[M_m]

Hi!

Just thought I'd add my perspective to this as someone at Reed Smith - this is a really common issue, so don't feel bad! From the graduate recruitment perspective, as you aren't guaranteed to get a seat in a specific area, it's better to show an 'open minded' attitude towards practice areas you are interested in. You can still mention the areas you are interested in (and that is definitely encouraged!), but it's good to mention a few, even if you focus on one a little more. As a side note for future reference, the London office at Reed Smith doesn't work in the Life Sciences sector (as this is our US offices), so I'd keep that in mind if you reapply!

Firms do want to see genuine interest while still believing your open-minded enough to explore different seats during training. A helpful way to do this could be:

1. Anchor your "Why RS" in things that show you understand the firm's broader identity

For example, the firm's sector-driven approach, its collaborative culture, its international platform, the variety offered through seat rotations, or the type of clients it works with. These are wider characteristics that don't tie you to one area but still show firm-specific research.

2. Bring in your practice-area interest as one example of how RS aligns with you

This could look something like: "I was initially drawn to Reed Smith due to their Life Sciences work, given my background in X. However, what appeals to me most is the chance to explore a range of practices within a sector-focused firm, because...". This way, it feels like a point of connection and tailors it to your experiences, whilst also discussing other areas you are interested in.

3. Emphasise genuine openness

Even if you do like a specific area (which is completely fine!), firms still want to see curiosity and willingness to develop across multiple teams, as that is the reality of a training contract. It's definitely important to show an interest in their work, but try to find a few areas that you like and can link back to yourself.

You can still be personal and specific - just make sure it's frame as one part of your motivation, rather than the main focus of it.

I hope that helps!

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, thanks for such a detailed response. Do you think it would be okay to mention two practice areas/ industry groups? And then perhaps align it with the firm’s sector focused approach?

 

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

Anyone that’s done Akin TI pm pls!

Congrats!! Just out of curiosity, how long did they take to get back to you and what were your strengths (if you're comfortable sharing)?

 

[sooae]

Has anyone heard from Willkie recently? Sent my app a month ago so kinda expecting a rejection now🥲

 

[gao8899]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock
I was wondering whether you'd have any advice on the Reed Smith VI and 'high potential assessment'? Maybe around what the firm's looking for skills/experience wise?
Thank you so much!

 

[wqueens8]

Is it bad for me to mention IP as one of 3 reasons "Why HSFK?"

It's something I've got a good deal of experience in (to evidence why im interested in it), and it is something they're very strong in. They even have an IP open day. I just don't wanna take any chances of them being like "Well you might not even get a seat in it so why is it one of your top 3 reasons"

 

[Amgrad]

Taylor Wessing Test invite just 15 mins ago! Applied on Friday, deadline day.

 

[yasmars]

Has anyone heard from Willkie recently? Sent my app a month ago so kinda expecting a rejection now🥲

They’ve just had a change of gradu

Is it bad for me to mention IP as one of 3 reasons "Why HSFK?"

It's something I've got a good deal of experience in (to evidence why im interested in it), and it is something they're very strong in. They even have an IP open day. I just don't wanna take any chances of them being like "Well you might not even get a seat in it so why is it one of your top 3 reasons"

yes! I’d defo mention it!

 

[msclm]

Is it bad for me to mention IP as one of 3 reasons "Why HSFK?"

It's something I've got a good deal of experience in (to evidence why im interested in it), and it is something they're very strong in. They even have an IP open day. I just don't wanna take any chances of them being like "Well you might not even get a seat in it so why is it one of your top 3 reasons"

What benefit would you have by not mentioning it? Even if you don’t get a seat in it (which is unlikely if you show interest in), IP feeds into a lot more sectors than just the realm of an IP seat. You have to sell yourself, and if you can do so best by talking about IP then you’d be doing disservice not mentioning it.

 

[sinirs]

Is it acceptable to shorten Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer to HSF Kramer?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

For those who applied to skadden, did you include positions of responsibilities/open days in your work experience section?

 

[pepsicola96]

Reed Smith AC!!! I could cry.

Really happy, as I applied for their first year scheme last year, and was rejected. It was very very similar this year, and I thought this year went so much worse so I thought I had no chance. Already crossed it off my tracker lol. I could've sworn my video interview was so so so so so so bad, and I felt my scores were just average for the SJT.

Just goes to show you never know I guess.

 

[Trophy]

If they had wanted you to be aware they would state it in their website. It seems like you've been blaming someone else on the forum for not telling you about a written part, really not cool

I’m not blaming anyone. 9 times out of 10 the firm would say. Also saying allow 50 minutes for the test with two 20 minute written pieces isn’t something I would assume is it? Your opinion on whether it’s cool or not does not affect me.

 

[Trophy]

10 days

A week

A couple of hours

Ahhh okay thank you all. @yk1906 a few hours wow!