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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Does anybody know if Taylor Wessing staggers Written exercise invites or do they send them all at once?
Hiya, I've had a direct TC AC invite from A&O Shearman. I've never been to an assessment centre before, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on preparing for it. The AC is end of next week. Also how much technical knowledge do I need? I'm a law grad but I've got literally no knowledge of commercial issues tbh. Sincerely, a very scared gal! @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock
Sorry I wanted to follow up and make a little edit. My grade profile had a 2:2 in it and it turned out to be a non-issue. I know A&O have recently made it the case that you need a 2:2 in every module. So this is motivation for anyone with a grade they are concerned about hehe. My video interview also got cut off before I finished the last words and I had to speed up my response because I realised I was out of time. My application was anything but perfect. I also promise I'm not gorgeous enough to sway any graduate recruitment members haha.
Sorry I wanted to follow up and make a little edit. My grade profile had a 2:2 in it and it turned out to be a non-issue. I know A&O have recently made it the case that you need a 2:2 in every module. So this is motivation for anyone with a grade they are concerned about hehe. My video interview also got cut off before I finished the last words and I had to speed up my response because I realised I was out of time. My application was anything but perfect. I also promise I'm not gorgeous enough to sway any graduate recruitment members haha.
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Hiya, can I ask when you received the invite? Also congratulations!!
I think it could possibly be two schemes of 15 for London, as the FAQs make it sounds like it's both one scheme and two: "1 scheme in London with approximately 15 places on each". It's probably a bit risky to only offer 15 vacation scheme places if you're offering 15 training contracts. Having said that, there is only one set of dates for summer listed on the website.
If anyone has any info directly from Simmons grad rec, it would be appreciated!
No problem!
Yes, I think this is a strong approach. It's natural to have an inclination towards a few specific practice areas, and being open about those interests helps convey authenticity. At the same time, demonstrating an understanding and interest in the firm's broader, sector-focused approach shows that you're thinking beyond individual departments and considering how that fits the training that you want
Hey!
Congratulations on receiving an assessment invite!
I don't have any particular knowledge of what the firm is looking for skills / experience wise, but I would base this on the competencies and qualities that they highlight as important on their website. I have quoted some posts below on some more general advice for approaching the SJT / VI - I would really recommend you take a look at the video in the Law Firm Directory on TCLA, as this was super helpful for me when I was approaching my assessment for Reed Smith!
Best of luck!
Hello!
Of course, I can share some general tips for VIs and SJTs that I always used in my last cycle. I can't share too much information on Reed Smith's in particular, just because the process has to be fair for all candidates!
Some SJT advice that I found really useful was actually shared by Zainab, and I'll copy it below. Just always remember that you are answering these situations as a trainee and so you should view each situation from that perspective.
- Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
- Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
- Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
- Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
- Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
- Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.
For VI's, I'd make sure that you are fully answering the question and that all of the examples you use actually link. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and try and fit it to the question, however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell and it'll look better to use an example that fits best. I would also practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror! Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful! There was actually a video on TCLA in the Law Firm Directory that I watched before my SJT and VI that I found was super helpful - I'll link it here. I'd definitely give that a watch, as Rik gives some great advice on what they are looking for and how to approach each aspect
I hope that helps! Best of luck with the SJT and VI to anyone completing it
Hey!
I'm really sorry to hear about the CMS rejection, but you should be super proud of being invited to the Reed Smith online assessment - congratulations!
Of course, I can share some general tips for the strengths-based interview!
In general, it's really important that you are fully answering the question and that any examples you use actually fit with the question. In the past, I used to have a tendency to try to fit my most substantial and 'best' example to each question - however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell that this is what you are trying to do. I would therefore focus on using the example that fits the strengths question the best (even if it is a less substantive experience) - think about what skills and traits the question is asking you to display, and go with an example that fits that.
I would also make sure to utilise the unlimited prep time, as this is really useful to have a clear idea of what you are going to say before you start recording. I wouldn't worry too much about the firm checking to see how long you have spent on prep time - Reed Smith actively encourage you to make the most of it, and I believe I spent around 30 minutes to an hour for each VI question! I would, however, avoid writing a script, as this can end up sounding robotic and could reflect badly on your overall performance. The method that helped me was to write my main bullet points that I wanted to cover on a post-it note, and use the unlimited prep time to practice over and over again. This meant that I could ensure that my answer was fully developed, but I didn't have to rely on notes to remember my answer.
There's a video on the TCLA Law Firm Directory that I always recommend, and I'd definitely encourage you to give it a watch if you haven't already - you can find it here.
Overall, particularly for strengths-based assessments, the important element is to answer truthfully and be yourself. With strengths-based assessments, they are looking to see how you would handle specific problems, your general working style, and the traits that you naturally possess that would make you a good fit for the firm. I would have a think about what your key strengths are, and how they align with the role of a trainee. If given a hypothetical situation, talk the interviewer (aka your computer!) through each step you would take to address the situation, and how you would use these strengths to aid you in handling any issues that arise.
These types of questions are often very reflective and might also ask you a specific question about your working style - for example, in an interview I did for a separate firm, I was asked "What type of person are you under pressure?". I'd just make sure you take a moment to actually think your answer through and reflect on your past experiences, and construct an answer that is rooted in previous examples.
I hope that assists - if you have any other questions, please do shout! Best of luck with the assessment
Huge congratulations - you should be super proud!!
I felt a similar way after my Reed Smith SJT and VI, so I'd definitely agree with the fact that you never know!
Best of luck with the AC - you've got this!! 💪 😊
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