TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lelezb1]

Hi!

You're not overthinking - that question can read both ways, so the safest and strongest approach is usually to combine the two angles!

When firms ask "Why do you want a career in commercial law?", the graduate recruitment team essentially want to understand:

1. Your genuine motivation - what exposure, experiences or observations made you interested in commercial law specifically (not just law in general)
2. Your suitability - the skills, strengths and working style you have that make this career path a good fit overall.

Most strong answers will weave both together. For example:

1. Start with what sparked your interest (this could be work experience, commercial curiosity, something you studied, a deal you followed, etc)
2. Then link this motivation to the aspects of the job you're drawn to (complex transactions, client-facing work, strategic problem-solving, international matters, etc.). This is also a way to demonstrate an understanding of what trainee solicitors actually do!
3. Finish by showing how your skills and characteristics mean you'd thrive in that environment. Have a think about what skills and traits are essential for trainees, and discuss how you have showcased them in the past.

So it's not necessarily an either / or - they're really asking you to show both your motivation and your fit. A balanced and concise answer should cover everything they want to see!

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!!

Thank you. This helps a lot.

 

[sinirs]

hello, for linklaters, the capfinnity/sjt has to be completed along with the online form before the deadline right? and then wgt can be done after deadline?

 

[WeGotThis!]

Milbank first assessment! Not sure if it's automatic, any tips will be helpful

 

[sjm251102]

anyone done the Eversheds test yet? i presume it's just a WG

 

[SemperParatus]

I done my DLA Piper WG yesterday, just got an email saying: ‘We’re writing to confirm that your application is now under consideration for the next stage of our recruitment process: the first stage interview. Our team will carefully review all candidates who have reached this point and shortlist those who will progress further.’
Does this mean I have passed the WG? Did people who progressed to the next stage also get an email like this?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Withers Vac Scheme Final Interview Invitation. Would be super super thankful for any recommendations on how to prepare - it is in a week for me. They don't give much info other than 'the interview consists of a 50-minute interview with HR and a partner'. @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu would be very grateful for your tips!

Hi!

Congratulations on getting the final interview - that's amazing news! 🎊

Whilst I haven't been through the Withers process myself, I can share some general tips on how I would prepare for an interview with HR and a partner!

1. Research the firm and Withers' focus

I'd refresh your memory and do a little more research on the firm - as they're known for their private client and HNW/UHNW work, it might be worth brushing up on:

• Their key practice areas (private clients, family, reputation management, real estate, etc.)
• What makes them different - have a think about what sets them apart in the market. This could be things such as their client base, international presence, and the relationship-driven nature of their work
• A couple of recent deals or insights that they have shared that genuinely interested you

2. Be prepared for the classic motivation questions

You can almost guarantee that at most law firm interviews you will be asked questions such as:

• "Why law?"
• "Why Withers?"
• "Why you?"

I'd also pay particular attention to the fact that they are well-known for their private client work, and prepare an answer for "Why private client work?" in case they ask you this. They likely want to see that you understand the people-focused nature of the work, and why that appeals to you / you are a good fit for it.

3. Prepare strong examples

I would also expect some competency-style questions as well. Have a few solid stories ready for traits such as teamwork, resilience, attention to detail, handling responsibility, managing competing deadlines, etc. I would always recommend this forum post by Andrei, as it is really comprehensive and super handy to go over before an interview!

4. Expect some commercial awareness

Even though it's private client focused, they still want to see you can think commercially (and I was asked commercial questions at a similar, private client focused firm). Pick one or two current issues affecting HNW clients (e.g. tax changes, cross-border estates, family office trends, economic shifts) and be ready to discuss them logically. Discuss how the firm can help their clients navigate these issues, and which departments in the wider firm would be involved.

5. Consider your tone

Whilst it is important to remain professional in an interview, it's also just as important to show genuine enthusiasm and be engaged in the conversation. They will want someone personable, thoughtful, and genuinely interest in their work, so remember to show your personality as well!

6. Prepare a few questions

As with most interviews, I would prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end if you have time. These should be things that you aren't able to find on the firm's website, such as:

• "How does Withers collaborate across practice areas for private client matters?"
• "What makes a trainee stand out here?"

You could potentially even ask the partner for their views on how recent developments might change the work that Withers completes, or how it creates new opportunities / challenges for their clients - particularly if it is a topic you are interested in!

I hope that helps, and best of luck! You've got a whole week, which should be plenty of time to prepare

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Would someone mind helping me here. I'm on the Mills & Reeve app for their VS, and came across this "Please use this space for additional information about your undergraduate degree.". I don't really know what to add considering they ask for a module breakdown. Any ideas?

Hi!

That section is usually just a space to add anything about your degree that isn't captured elsewhere in the application. A few things that you might include (and you don't necessarily need to include anything!):

• Any unusual aspects of your course (e.g. a year abroad, a dissertation, joint honours structure, or anything that makes your degree slightly different from the standard)
• Context around grades - if there is not a separate mitigating circumstances section, this could be a good place to briefly explain it
• Additional academic achievements (e.g. scholarships, awards, dean's list, prizes, or anything else related to your degree)
• Transfer of change of course - if you switched course or university at any point, this might be the best place to clarify

If you don't have anything you need to add, it's perfectly fine to keep it short / empty - they're just giving you an optional space in case something needs explaining.

Hope that helps, and best of luck with the Mills & Reeve application!

 

[CuriousTrainee]

Hi!

That section is usually just a space to add anything about your degree that isn't captured elsewhere in the application. A few things that you might include (and you don't necessarily need to include anything!):

• Any unusual aspects of your course (e.g. a year abroad, a dissertation, joint honours structure, or anything that makes your degree slightly different from the standard)
• Context around grades - if there is not a separate mitigating circumstances section, this could be a good place to briefly explain it
• Additional academic achievements (e.g. scholarships, awards, dean's list, prizes, or anything else related to your degree)
• Transfer of change of course - if you switched course or university at any point, this might be the best place to clarify

If you don't have anything you need to add, it's perfectly fine to keep it short / empty - they're just giving you an optional space in case something needs explaining.

Hope that helps, and best of luck with the Mills & Reeve application!

This helps clarify a lot, thank you!

 

[legallybrunette8]

Taylor Wessing PFO post test for summer. This one kinda stung as it was in my top 5 firms. Actually one of the worst critical thinking tests out there I would not wish it on anyone fr, but good luck to those who made it through to the next stage!

 

[asplawyer100]

I done my DLA Piper WG yesterday, just got an email saying: ‘We’re writing to confirm that your application is now under consideration for the next stage of our recruitment process: the first stage interview. Our team will carefully review all candidates who have reached this point and shortlist those who will progress further.’
Does this mean I have passed the WG? Did people who progressed to the next stage also get an email like this?

I received this a couple of weeks ago and have heard nothing since.

 

[hawkins19]

if you dont mind me asking, when did you receive the invitation, and was the only step before the SJT?

Hi, congratulations! Although, I thought that Withers wasn't rolling? I'm confused!

 

[Jaysen]

Hi everyone,

BCLP's Recruitment Manager @Isabel Elsey is live for the next hour to answer any questions you have about the firm, the application process, and what the team looks for in applications.

You can jump in to ask a question now.

 

[Trophy]

Milbank first assessment! Not sure if it's automatic, any tips will be helpful

There are two written questions 20 mins each it’s timed. Then some sjt questions

 

[CuriousTrainee]

I received this a couple of weeks ago and have heard nothing since.

I'm honestly a bit confused on how they screen candidates. Some people complete the WG and get an email the next day and others that also pass, it's normally two weeks or more. 🤔 😂

 

[jojo23]

Is anyone else still waiting to hear from simmons? I took the test Nov 4.

Im starting to find it unsettling that I haven't heard from firms ive applied to around a month a go

 

[lawyersum]

Taylor Wessing PFO post test for summer. This one kinda stung as it was in my top 5 firms. Actually one of the worst critical thinking tests out there I would not wish it on anyone fr, but good luck to those who made it through to the next stage!

hey so sorry to hear this🙁when did you complete the test if I may ask!

 

[LaDiva]

Any advice for Trowers & Hamlins online assessments? is it STJ, verbal and numerical?

 

[WeGotThis!]

There are two written questions 20 mins each it’s timed. Then some sjt questions

Thank you!!

The WG is the 2nd test?

 

[johnsmith]

Is anyone else still waiting to hear from simmons? I took the test Nov 4.

Im starting to find it unsettling that I haven't heard from firms ive applied to around a month a go

London or Bristol?

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Does anyone know if Dentons’ test is automatic?