Bakers VI - any insights would be much appreciated 🙏 🙏
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Congrats!!!! Although I thought Bakers was non-rolling?
I got an email from TCLA saying they’re opening applications for new moderators for christmas so maybe it’s them?
Had bakers AC last year too, honestly loved the firm and they encouraged me to reapply. Was annoyed thinking I messed it up with the test. Glad they take that approach, reaffirms why I think so highly of them
Was literally thinking the same thing??????? I know they're actively trying to hire new people on the TCLA team so maybe AI bots are taking over until then it seems!
This is for spring I believe it closed a few weeks ago
That makes sense! Although they all sound super lengthy as AI generated sigh
🤣🤣🤣 AI bots, tcla Christmas party comes first 💃
congrats!! Me too!! Looking for any insights
Ram is not on this forum anymore, he's off to greener pastures doing his TC now.
Hi,
Hope the application season is going well for you. In regards to your application, I can see a real desire to work at the firm but the way you have phrased certain motivations don't best display them.
1) Some of your language is sometimes emotive and casual, where it could be more succinct and formal. e.g calling Skadden a firm that wants to 'prove itself', 'proving yourself over and over again', 'showing myself I could do this was worth it'. You could condense some of this down into neater and more formal phrasing. They are an esteemed firm with offices worldwide working on massive deals, and you clearly resonate with this breadth and depth- you can hone in on that in a clearer and more formal way that best displays your own skills and research into the firm.
2) Wanting to work at a firm that is keen on expansion is a very good reason to write about, but you need to display how this growth makes them unique, as many firms share this mindset- some more research into the firm could help tailor this point e.g you could find a noteworthy deal, a longterm client or new firm initiative that interests you and include this.
3) Your second paragraph is stronger, but again has some casual language e.g 'I realised I would enjoy transactional work'- what was it specifically about your module? Many candidates may have studied these modules, what makes your interest note worthy?
4) Further, in any application or interview try not to mention things you don't like (e.g competition) as you will be a trainee at the firm (hopefully) and have to sit in a variety of seats, so you should appear open to everything!
Overall, your application could do with more signposting of your research into the firm which you can then link to your own skills in a better manner. Try to avoid casual language in the future too as lawyers need to be clear and concise.
I hope this helps, you can message me if you need more advice/need me to elaborate on any points.
Currently cooking up a Bakers app, is the VI automatic after the Amberjack the same way as it is for Simmons and RS?
That's an astute observation! There are multiple reasons why new TCLA accounts might appear to be providing generic AI responses. But this doesn't necessarily mean these accounts aren't genuine. The amount of time you've spent on this forum definitely could have made you more cynical towards others' submissions – this is a totally normal response!
I got to the WE so hopefully I'm qualified to give some advice haha
This is just my personal opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.
- Usually I would use up as much as the word count as possible - I see your draft is at around 320, so it's close enough, but I personally would always aim for at least 340 if it's a 350 maximum. But don't fill it with words for the sake of it, each line or word you write has to add value and substantiate your answer.
- Usually I would also try to stay away from any negative phrasing such as "despite..."
- The use of the em dash stood out. Grad Rec usually think em dashes equal AI so just try to stay away from using them nowadays.
- The question is on why SKADDEN, and not why you, so I personally wouldn't include your second paragraph here unless you can link it to a concrete Skadden USP (in which case it still may need to be made more concise).
- I usually give 3 concrete reasons for Why the Firm (3 distinguishing factors that the firm has that draws me to them) and then substantiate that with WHY it appeals to you (maybe by linking it to a personal characteristic or alignment), but the main focus of the answer must be on the firm specifically, and then why THAT particular aspect of the firm motivates you.
- You could also be slightly more concise. For example "the second reason is" isn't needed. You could use "secondly" or just go straight into the reason. But then again, that's just a personal writing preference of mine (it definitely helps with cutting word count to use for more reasons though)!
- Usually I would reference a deal in your practice area paragraph as that helps tailor the answer to the firm - as this means you can't apply this answer to any other firm.
- Also idk if the extra paragraph space was intentional or an accident, but if that was how it was on your application, I think grad rec may care about small details like that too.
I do like how personal your answer sounds though and your use of varied sentence lengths which help readability! Once again, take this lightly as I'm not grad rec!! Best of luck with your future apps - you're doing really good!
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Having used the TCLA forum consistently to help me secure a TC at one of the largest intentional law firms in the world, I wanted to give back and share how I was successful.
All the best TCLA forum with applications and have a wonderful winter break!
- Don’t give up too early
At times this really is a numbers game, and with each application you do improve, even if it’s incremental. Rejections don’t mean you’re standing still, they’re part of the refinement. - Understand what a commercial lawyer actually does
It’s easy to fall into the Suits trap, but the reality is very different. Commercial lawyers are trusted advisers who help clients navigate complex legal and commercial issues, whether transactional or contentious. Being clear on that role and showing you understand it matters more than people realise. - Have real confidence in yourself and your ability
I found that even when I was well prepared, self-doubt could undermine my performance, particularly at assessment centres. Once I trusted my preparation and calmed my nerves, I was able to perform at the level I was genuinely capable of. - Reframe rejection
Rejection isn’t just something to get past, it’s part of the process that sharpens you. Each “no” builds resilience, judgment, and perspective.
All the best TCLA forum with applications and have a wonderful winter break!
Not 100% on this, but i think each stage is selective - so SJT is selective post written, and VI is selective post SJT
Hey,
For your first point, I would recommend expanding upon what you mean by the firm has the mentality of determined newcomer. How has this been demonstrated in their work/ strategy? Have they explicitly stated that they are wishing to operate as a startup/newcomer or has this been shown in their involvement in new/evolving industries and geographical locations. Or is this something exemplified in how they value entrepreneurship among their lawyers. I think the firm's work of deals valued at $1tn is more of a product of this newcomer mentality, and you would benefit from explaining how/where this mentality comes from and how it is demonstrated in the day-to-day work at Skadden. I think your point of linking it back to yourself and your experience moving to the UK is great and definitely shows alignment, but this should be coupled with express comments on how Skadden's newcomer mentality is maintained.
For your second point, I think it's great to focus on a specific sector, it combines a unique strength of Skadden, its M&A practice, with a new and evolving sector. This also actually links well with your first point about being a newcomer. I think you would benefit from discussing a recent deal in this space that the firm has worked on, to showcase the depth of your research and interest. I also think you do not necessarily need to make comments about decades-old disputes, as many law firms also want their trainees to keep an open mind about other practices.
Overall, I think you have great experiences and interests and with a few changes this would definitely be an even stronger application! Wishing you all the best
I met Ram at an open day a few weeks ago. We had a great chat about how to approach changing careers after doing a PhD. He's a great inspiration, and by all accounts doing a fantastic job at Cooley!
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