TCLA Spring & Summer Vacation Scheme Thread 2026

[lawyersum]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock! Was just wondering how to best utilise your trainee buddy throughout a two week vac scheme. Each week is in a different department. We’ve been told that our buddy will remain the same for the weeks and may or may not be sitting in the same department/s that we’ve been placed in. So what sort of things should I be using them for, especially if they’re not sat in any of my departments? Am conscious of not using them ‘enough’ and not seeming that engaged with them. Thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone, international student here, Pleaae I’d like advice on how to answer the question, “ why you have decided to pursue a career as a solicitor?, and what other career you have explored and why you choose the solicitor role over it?

Ps: I’m CURRENTLY APPLYING TO K&L gates

I have decided to pursue a career as a solicitor because I am drawn to the role solicitors play in directly advising clients on international business strategies. I am also fascinated by how law intersects with commercial objectives to help clients protect their brand and expand globally.

I initially strongly considered becoming a barrister because of its focus on litigation, and I was intrigued by the intellectual rigor of presenting cases in court, however with research and commercial exposure at my internship at a stockbroking firm, I figured i prefer the role of a solicitor that allows me to build long term client relationships, and combine legal expertise with international client advisory.

I believe a career as a solicitor will be highly rewarding, as it allows me to work in collaborative environments, contribute to international projects and develop technical expertise while understanding clients commercial objectives. This aligns very closely with my personal areas of interest and background in international law, making the role not only professionally but personally fulfilling.

This is my current answer
Please I’m very open to corrections and suggestions!

Hey!

I think this is a solid draft, as your reasoning is clear and you have a nice structure!

Whilst I can't provide detailed advice on individual answers, the main way that I would strengthen this answer is to anchor your motivations in specific examples from your past work experience / academic experience. At the moment, you have stated you are drawn to things such as advising clients on international business strategies and building long-term relationships - these are great points to make, but it would be much more convincing if you can briefly show where you have actually seen or experienced this in practice (i.e. how you have confirmed that you are interested in these elements).

For example, in your first paragraph, you could reference something from your stockbroking internship (or similar), such as:

• Exposure to how legal or regulatory factors impact multi-jurisdictional businesses
• Any client-facing interaction or relationship management
• A situation where commercial objectives influenced decision-making

Even a short example can help strengthen your answer and show evidence that you have taken steps to confirm your interest.

I would also suggest making your tone a bit more decisive. Phrases such as "I figured I prefer the role of a solicitor" could sound slightly tentative, and I would try to tighten this to something more confident, such as "I realised that I am better suited to the solicitor role because...". Making small changes like this can make your motivation come across as much more intentional and well-considered.

Overall, I think your core ideas are strong - I would just try to make them feel more personal, evidenced, and definitive. Best of luck with your application!