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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

QuillandCounsel

Active Member
Dec 4, 2025
19
11
Addleshaw Goddard VI. My question is, they’re saying that they operate on a blind recruitment policy- in the email it says the video isn’t sent to them, only the audio, it is a voice interview but the camera is on but the recording isn’t sent to them. Does that mean I can cover my camera? My adhd is bad and I tend to look at myself instead of the camera.

Also anyone any insight about the questions? Thanks.

Have done VI and AC for Dentons, PM,and can offer insight about Bird&Bird and Dechert.
Hiya, Congratulations on getting the VI. Could I ask, which office is this for ?
 

elle woods

Legendary Member
Dec 4, 2025
736
1,662
Hi all. I'm super curious as to when we'll get ACs from Linklaters. I've seen some discussion on the forum but could anyone please catch me up? Should I be expecting a PFO if I've not heard anything by this point? Thank you.
they seem to be giving them out on a weekly (ish) basis - they will be running until the end of February, so there are still lots of chances! I'd say don't write them off for another couple of weeks at least.
 

starbar_3

New Member
Jan 17, 2026
1
1
Hey!

That is definitely part of the answer that they are looking for, but I'd try to expand slightly!

When interviewers ask this, they're mainly testing how you approach the story (rather than the story itself). They want to see that you keep up with commercial or legal news and understand why the story matters, and that you can then explain it clearly and concisely. Importantly, you should also be able to spot the implications for clients and, where relevant, the firm itself.

Linking it to the firm or its sectors definitely helps, but it doesn't need to be forced. A structure that I would usually follow is:
  1. Brief context: set out what happened in one or two sentences, focusing on the core facts rather than details. The aim is to show that you understand the story well enough to explain it clearly and concisely.
  2. Why it is interesting and important: explain why this caught your attention. This might be because it affects a particular industry, highlights a wider market trend, creates legal or regulatory uncertainty, or shows how businesses are responding to change
  3. Implications for businesses or clients: discuss the practical consequences. This could be who is affected, what risks or opportunities arise, and what commercial decisions companies may now need to think about in response.
  4. Relevance to the firm: if appropriate, link this back to the firm's practice areas, sectors, or client base. This doesn't need to be forced - it can be as simple as noting where the firm might advise clients navigating the issue, and what practice areas might be involved.
  5. Your view: you could end with a short comment that shows your own judgment on the situation (i.e. whether you think the development is positive, challenging, or uncertain - and why)

You don't need to go into lots of technical detail - simply having an awareness of how the news story will affect clients in that sector and how the firm might assist them should demonstrate good commercial awareness! I hope that helps :)
This is really helpful, thank you :)
 
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hmevey

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
63
34
On the shoosmiths app on the first page it asks- Please provide a brief explanation for why you have chosen to apply for a particular location (or locations). - do i need to write something? I just live in london so i'm applying for london
 

an03

Star Member
Oct 20, 2023
34
27
Hey!

That is definitely part of the answer that they are looking for, but I'd try to expand slightly!

When interviewers ask this, they're mainly testing how you approach the story (rather than the story itself). They want to see that you keep up with commercial or legal news and understand why the story matters, and that you can then explain it clearly and concisely. Importantly, you should also be able to spot the implications for clients and, where relevant, the firm itself.

Linking it to the firm or its sectors definitely helps, but it doesn't need to be forced. A structure that I would usually follow is:
  1. Brief context: set out what happened in one or two sentences, focusing on the core facts rather than details. The aim is to show that you understand the story well enough to explain it clearly and concisely.
  2. Why it is interesting and important: explain why this caught your attention. This might be because it affects a particular industry, highlights a wider market trend, creates legal or regulatory uncertainty, or shows how businesses are responding to change
  3. Implications for businesses or clients: discuss the practical consequences. This could be who is affected, what risks or opportunities arise, and what commercial decisions companies may now need to think about in response.
  4. Relevance to the firm: if appropriate, link this back to the firm's practice areas, sectors, or client base. This doesn't need to be forced - it can be as simple as noting where the firm might advise clients navigating the issue, and what practice areas might be involved.
  5. Your view: you could end with a short comment that shows your own judgment on the situation (i.e. whether you think the development is positive, challenging, or uncertain - and why)

You don't need to go into lots of technical detail - simply having an awareness of how the news story will affect clients in that sector and how the firm might assist them should demonstrate good commercial awareness! I hope that helps :)
Thank you!!
 
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Reactions: Abbie Whitlock
Hey Harvey, massive congrats on Willkie! Could I ask when you got the pfo from Dechert post WE, I did mine for spring 3 weeks ago (15/01) and nilch :/
It was like an hour ago so if you haven’t heard back from them it ought to be good news. Best of luck for the Dechert Spring VS champ! :)
 

SamiyaJ

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Apr 16, 2024
379
1,076
Also I love how everyone is chronically on LinkedIn so we all know who the K&E guy is lmao
As soon as I open LinkedIn it’s always the “I’m happy to share that I have accepted a..” posts! Happy for them but also think “damn when will it be my turn!”. Need that LinkedIn validation so bad 😂😂😂😂
 

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