• 📅 Vacation Scheme Applications 2025–26

    Planning to apply for winter, spring or summer vacation schemes? Join our dedicated threads for support, deadlines, and discussion:

    Let’s make this your strongest application season yet 💼

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  1. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @_shims_ I would not be too worried about that. When the firm selected this question, it was exactly because they wanted to see what other careers you would be motivated to pursue. I believe this is for three reasons (i) they want to see if there is any overlap between your fundamental...
  2. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @soldofa8 I would not worry about this too much. You will definitely not be rejected because of one typo - especially since the graduate recruitment team may be aware of occasional system errors. Recruiters have told me in the past that 98% of applications have at least one typo and even the...
  3. Andrei Radu

    Commercial Issue Application Question

    Hi @tosin4774! If the question is formulated as a broad 'discuss a commercial topic that interests you', you do not necessarily have to discuss an affected practice area. The only things that you must do are analyze the topic and provide an explanation as to why it interested you. However, if...
  4. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @Nathan_CareerChanger and first of all huge congratulations on getting to the AC stage, it is a huge achievement! It is definitely alright to tag us, this is what we are here for :) - so feel free to do so as often as you need our help! Now, for the DLA AC, I will first give you some DLA...
  5. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I have heard Clifford Chance does as well. Besides that, I think a general rule you can apply is that the less a firm emphasizes other major elements of the application process, the higher the likelihood that it places a lot of emphasis on the WG. As such, I would keep an eye out for firms that...
  6. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    You can definitely add virtual work experience from other firms - all firms know you will be applying to more than one place and that it is impossible to do Forage experiences with all of them. Moreover, recruiters recognize the value of Forage experiences, as they show a real commitment to...
  7. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Just before @Ram Sabaratnam comes back to you - for general VI preparation and advice, I have linked here a detailed guide I recently wrote on the topic - which led to me being progressed in 4/5 of my VIs. It includes a step by step preparation guide and section with my key VI tips. Besides...
  8. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @Tintin06 I understand the frustration you may be feeling right now, having gotten so close to your goal before. I also understand your anxieties as to the future impact to your career. However, I cannot emphasize enough that you cannot let your ideas about what you can achieve in the future...
  9. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    While I do not know of the precise weighing policies and application assessment procedures, it is generally believed that Linklaters is one of the firms that places the most emphasis on the WG. This would explain in part why the firm asks for no written answers for their open day applications...
  10. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I do not think there is a wrong or right way to approach it, as it highly depends on the content of your points. If you can merge the two points and talk both about why an experience motivates you to pursue working in a law firm and why it motivates you to apply at Fieldfisher at the same time...
  11. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    There is no objectively correct framework to use for all your work experiences - the level of detail you should go into highly depends on the experience itself and you will have to make some judgement calls as to what will add most value to your application. However, I think it will be useful to...
  12. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I have taken a look on their website and they do not explicitly state one or the other. However, based on the language used by the firm to describe the training programme in its Chambers Student Guide profile (which you can access here) I would infer that it is open for final year law students...
  13. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @B2025 I know this is really hard and I can sympathize with what you are likely feeling right now. But please try not to feel too disheartened - I am 100% convinced that the one trait which enabled me to succeed was my ability to use the frustration and anxiety caused by rejections as a...
  14. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hey @aspiringlawstudent123 - I think this is actually a great question. Part of the reason why I cannot give you a very simple answer is that I do not think firm's organizational structure can be broken down in a dichotomy practice area vs sector based grouping - rather, I think it is more of a...
  15. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    There's an interesting Law.com article (which you can access here) arguing that Latham is struggling with a lack of clear strategy. Essentially, over the last couple of years the firm has struggled in keeping up with the increased profit margins of rivals like Kirkland and Skadden. The firm's...
  16. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi @AS24! I think the starting point when answering this type of question is the same kind of structure and line of reasoning you would use for a general skills and experience answer. However, instead of merely linking the identified skill/attribute with what would make you a great commercial...
  17. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I recently made a list with some free practice WG tests: Clifford Chance Free Practice Test The Lawyer Portal Free Practice Test Pearson Free Practice Test Practice Aptitude Tests Free Practice Test Assessment Day Free Practice Test
  18. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Generally, I advise people to put all of their past vacation schemes in the work experience section. As you mention, it gives a clear indication to the recruitment team at any firm that you were among the very based candidates of a very high number. Recruiters are also quite aware that since the...
  19. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I would expect this not to be the case for most firms - the general rule is you cannot reapply for a VS/TC in the same cycle, but Open Days are considered independently. I actually know @Ram Sabaratnam got rejected for an Open Day and then got accepted for a VS by the same firm in the same...
  20. Andrei Radu

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    If possible, I think it is best to do both. When asked the same question in an interview, I specifically stated that this can be interpreted as both as (i) which firms cover the same segment of the market, in that they have the most similar 'types' of firms; or (ii) who is the firm's toughest...

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