TCLA Spring & Summer Vacation Scheme Thread 2026

[AGB2060]

Hey!

That sounds like a lot to manage - as someone who also juggled final year exams and vacation schemes last cycle, I admire your resilience!

For TC interview preparation, I would focus less on trying to predict every possible question and more on getting comfortable with a few core areas - that is:

• Your motivations
• Your experiences
• Your overall commercial awareness
• How you think through problems

If you are solid on these elements, you can usually handle curveball questions much more confidently, and I found it made me panic less in the moment.

In terms of unexpected questions, I'd say that they usually throw these sorts of questions in to see how you think on the spot rather than to catch you out. For example, I have previously been asked "What kind of person are you under pressure?" in a final TC interview, which definitely threw me off at the time - however, they were ultimately looking to see how self-aware I was, how I reflected on my own working style, and whether I could give a clear and honest answer that was supported by a practical example.

For example, something like the "sell me this pen" question is looking to see how you approach that situation. A simple structure could be to briefly identify the "client's" needs, highlight relevant features, and then explain the value. It is all about showing commercial awareness and analysis, as ultimately, law firms do very similar things when they pitch to clients.

More generally, a few last-minute tips on preparing for interviews:

• Have a clear structure for your answers (especially for the motivational and competency ones)
• Create a mini bank of your competency experiences, rather than trying to prepare for every type of competency question. It's more important to know your experiences inside out and know what skills you developed through them.
• Don't panic if you get something unexpected - it is absolutely fine (+ often encouraged) to take a second, structure your thoughts, and talk the interviewer through your thought process or reasoning
• Practise speaking out loud, particularly for the questions that are very likely to come up (e.g. "Why Law" and "Why this Firm")
• Draw on your experiences on the VS as much as you can - these will be really valuable examples, and you want to show that you have made the most of the scheme to learn more about the firm

I hope that helps a bit, and best of luck - I'm sure you'll smash it!!

Thank you very much !

 

[ridetolegal]

Hi All

@Abbie Whitlock I have an upcoming vacation scheme with a final interview at the end. apparently this interview is quite challenging and includes ethics based questions. people have said that having SQE1 knowledge is great for doing well in the interview. as someone who has not yet done the SQE, do you have any resources I can read through or advise that would help me for these types of questions?

thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi All

@Abbie Whitlock I have an upcoming vacation scheme with a final interview at the end. apparently this interview is quite challenging and includes ethics based questions. people have said that having SQE1 knowledge is great for doing well in the interview. as someone who has not yet done the SQE, do you have any resources I can read through or advise that would help me for these types of questions?

thank you!

Hey!

Congratulations on the VS!!

Of course - I'd say the best resource would be to have a look at the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors. This is the main resource that you are tested on in the SQE exams for ethics, and outlines the main ethical considerations that solicitors should take into account. You can find it here! It also might be worth taking a look at the SRA Principles too (which are slightly easier to remember), which you can find here.

I wouldn't say it is necessary to have the full SQE1 knowledge to do well in these types of interview questions, and what firms are really testing is your judgment, reasoning, and awareness of a solicitor's professional responsibilities.

The main themes that are covered by the Code of Conduct include:

• Acting with honesty and integrity
• Maintaining independence
• Acting in the best interests of each client
• Avoiding conflicts of interest (and recognising when they arise)
• Confidentiality and disclosure
• Duties to the court vs duties to the client
• Not misleading others
• Acting in a way that upholds public trust in the profession

In the interview, I'd perhaps structure your answer to these kind of ethical questions along the lines of:

1. Identify the ethical issue
2. Explain the competing duties (e.g. client vs court, client vs firm, etc.)
3. Talk through your reasoning
4. Reach a balanced and justified conclusion

As long as you show that you are thoughtful and aware of the key duties, I'd say you are in a strong position.

I hope that assists, and best of luck!!

 

[helloworld45]

Does anyone know when firms usually give TC offers after the spring vacation schemes?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone know when firms usually give TC offers after the spring vacation schemes?

Hey!

When I completed my spring vacation scheme last cycle, we all heard back within the next few weeks after the scheme (which I believe is the usual stance that firms take). However, it might differ from firm to firm - I'd always double-check with the graduate recruitment team if you are unsure, as I'm sure they'd be happy to confirm this!

 

[ridetolegal]

Hey!

Congratulations on the VS!!

Of course - I'd say the best resource would be to have a look at the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors. This is the main resource that you are tested on in the SQE exams for ethics, and outlines the main ethical considerations that solicitors should take into account. You can find it here! It also might be worth taking a look at the SRA Principles too (which are slightly easier to remember), which you can find here.

I wouldn't say it is necessary to have the full SQE1 knowledge to do well in these types of interview questions, and what firms are really testing is your judgment, reasoning, and awareness of a solicitor's professional responsibilities.

The main themes that are covered by the Code of Conduct include:

• Acting with honesty and integrity
• Maintaining independence
• Acting in the best interests of each client
• Avoiding conflicts of interest (and recognising when they arise)
• Confidentiality and disclosure
• Duties to the court vs duties to the client
• Not misleading others
• Acting in a way that upholds public trust in the profession

In the interview, I'd perhaps structure your answer to these kind of ethical questions along the lines of:

1. Identify the ethical issue
2. Explain the competing duties (e.g. client vs court, client vs firm, etc.)
3. Talk through your reasoning
4. Reach a balanced and justified conclusion

As long as you show that you are thoughtful and aware of the key duties, I'd say you are in a strong position.

I hope that assists, and best of luck!!

Thanks Abbie!

 

[Bernie Rivard]

Hi everyone,

I'm a PE associate at Travers Smith. Ahead of your summer vacation schemes, I have prepared a short note on what I wish I'd known before I started. Hope it helps! Thanks @Jaysen for the opportunity to share.

Bernie

***

Standing Out on a Vacation Scheme

Here's what I wish someone had told me:

• Know *when* to shine. They want you to be engaged. That means listening intently and preparing thoughtful questions — not dominating the conversation at someone else's expense, or asking questions easily answered with a Google search. This also applies to any coffees you organise with associates outside of the core scheme: by all means make the most of the opportunity to meet lawyers in the areas that interest you, but don't do so just for the sake of it.
• Collaborate — especially behind the scenes. For team tasks, are you a team player in the preparation phase as well as the presentation? Are you bringing people (and their ideas) together? You're being assessed on how you work with others as much as on your individual contributions.
• Think big-picture. Consider what each task is really looking for. Ask yourself: "Are we dedicating too much or too little attention to a particular issue?" "What's the purpose of the clause?" "What's the real intention or bargaining position of the parties?" "Have we addressed every element of the task, question or clause?"
• Keep a log. Write down everything — tasks you do, people you meet, things you learn and enjoy. A recruitment team can't observe every participant through every minute of the day. Having solid points for conversation — reminding people of how you're maximising your impact — will help your chances. This is selling yourself, in a natural way.
• Network and keep in touch with the other participants. They could be your future colleagues. Or clients.
• Be polite. It sounds obvious. It's not always obvious to everyone.

 

[Mr(future) Lawyer]

Has anyone been part of the summer Exeter scheme with Ashfords LLP?

It’s technically going to be my first vacation scheme, and of course I want to prepare for it the best way. There’s still plenty of time, but I wanted to ask for tips and whether the firm is worth it long term. I genuinely like the firm and I’m interested in it, but as law students we tend to apply for every opportunity. Especially coming from Manchester, I’m trying to think realistically about long term goals. Of course any TC is valuable, but still.

Also, what should I expect overall?

And one more thing, I’d ideally relocate to Exeter for the week. Any good hotel recommendations? Do they usually pay for attending the scheme? I know they cover accommodation. And just generally, how can I make the most of it?

 

[lawgraduate]

CMS Academy

Hi! I’ve recently received an offer to take part in CMS Academy for two weeks before I am supposed to commence my TC.

I was wondering If this was an additional assessment where they rescinded TC offers?

 

[elle.brokovitch]

Hi everyone! Just found out one of my schemes has a written assessment, I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to do well on these! <3

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone! Just found out one of my schemes has a written assessment, I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to do well on these! <3

Hey!

I have previously made a few posts on written exercises that outline how I would approach them and what worked best for me - I have quoted them below!

I hope that they are useful, and just shout if you have any further questions. Best of luck with your vacation scheme!!

Hello!

Congratulations on getting the invite! Whilst I haven't completed the Ashurst written exercise, they will usually test your ability to communicate clearly and structure your arguments logically - similar to what you'd do as a trainee when drafting emails or internal notes.

I've outlined some previous tips that I always used when preparing for written exercises below:

• Practice timed writing - pick a 30-45 minute slot, read a short business or news article, and summarise the key points in a structured 1-2 page memo with a clear conclusion summarising your findings.
• Work on prioritisation - pick an article with a lot of information, and practice picking out the 3-4 most important issues rather than trying to summarise and include everything.
• Use a clear structure - this was the main thing that I implemented that helped me score higher on written assessments! Follow a clear structure in your answer, and practice what this would be for each type of document.
• Check clarity - after writing (potentially one of the above), ask yourself if someone with no context to the facts could follow along with the information and your reasoning.
• Proofread under pressure - I would get used to quickly checking grammar and flow, as this is really important in a written exercise! I sometimes struggled with this, as the pressure made me skip parts of my writing, but I found that literally following along with a pen or your finger can make sure you don't miss anything.
• Review sample case studies - I would have a look online and see if there are any free resources that you can have a go at. A true lifesaver during my last cycle was this forum post by Jacob Miller, and I would definitely give it a read!

The main thing that assisted me in written exercises is following a clear structure! I would go through and read all of the materials first, and then go back to pick out the key details. You should be looking for key issues, areas that you will require more information, and anything that you think is important for the client to know.

I would then follow a clear structure in your answer. There are a a few different types of documents that they could test you on - e.g. an email, memo, report, note, etc. I would have a look beforehand at the formatting of each, and have a go at writing them! If you are writing a letter / email to a client, make sure that you aren't including technical terms and writing in way that is easy for them to understand.

I would also try and find ways to showcase that you have the skills that they are looking for in trainees. For example, in one of my previous ACs I was asked to write an email to a supervisor. In this email, I outlined my arguments and recommendation, but I ended it by offering to draft the email / document for the client (e.g. proactivity). This will be dependant on each exercise, but if you can incorporate this in some way, I think it's a great way of standing out!

I hope that assists - best of luck with the written exercise, I'm sure you'll smash it!

Of course, no problem at all!!

Since client emails are such a common format in written exercises, it's definitely worth getting comfortable with how to approach them! A few things that I kept in mind when preparing:

Understand the Purpose and Audience

Before you start writing, clarify who you are writing to (e.g. a client, supervisor, or a colleague) and what information they need from you. The tone, level of formality, and structure will vary depending on whether it's an internal email or an email to an external client.

For example, if you are emailing a client, you want to ensure that they are able to understand any legal principles that you are outlining in your email. As such, it's important to make sure you write it in layman's terms and don't just recite the information given in the materials. However, if you are emailing a supervisor, I would focus on highlighting the most important pieces of information as you are effectively trying to save them time in going through the materials themselves. I would always aim to write in a professional way, and frame it like you would an actual email - such as a subject line and a closing sentence.

Use a Clear and Logical Structure

The main thing that I changed when approaching written exercises was making sure that I had a clear and logical structure. A good client email should be easy to follow. A simple structure could look like:

1. Opening: A brief, polite greeting and context for why you're writing (and what you'll be discussing in the email). If you're emailing a supervisor, it might be useful to include a short summary of your findings at the top (i.e. an early conclusion), and then go into more detail below.
2. Main Body: Summarise the key points or advice clearly and concisely, using short paragraphs. It might be appropriate to use headings and subtitles, especially if there is a lot of information. The goal is to make sure that the client can follow along, and that it isn't just a massive wall of text that is difficult to read.
3. Closing: End with next steps, an offer of assistance, or a polite sign-off (e.g. "Please let me know if you'd like to discuss further"). These elements distinguish an email exercise from a general report or memo, and shows that you are following the brief exactly! If you are emailing a supervisor, I would try to show some proactivity in the closing parts - such as offering to write a first draft of a document or client email.

Keep your tone professional and approachable

I would aim for clear, confident language without being overly formal (but still professional). This can be tricky, but phrases such as "I'd recommend..." or "It may be helpful..." strike a nice balance. Avoid overly technical language or long-winded phrasing - simplicity often conveys professionalism! As stated above, I would definitely avoid legal jargon if you are writing to a client, unless you are certain that a client would understand it.

Also remember that tone can shift slightly depending on the client's relationship with the firm. If you are told this information, a longstanding client might suit a warmer tone, whilst a first-time contact may call for a more formal approach. However, if in doubt, I would always go for a more formal approach - especially in a professional context!

Be precise and client-focused

Remember the purpose for why you are actually writing to the client, and tailor your response to the client's actual issue. I would avoid copying large chunks of background information from the brief (as the client will already have this information!) - instead, demonstrate understanding of their issue by reframing the key points in your own words and applying them directly to the client's situation. Make sure to keep your advice practical - clients care more about what they should do next than about the legal theory behind it. You might find it useful to use signposting phrases such as "In summary..." or "Based on the information provided..." to make your reasoning easy to follow. If there are uncertainties, I would make sure to address them but be reassuring - e.g. "Further details would be needed to confirm this position, but at this stage...".

Check for clarity and tone at the end

Before your time runs out, take a moment to review your email. I always found it helpful to read it aloud (if possible) or follow along with my finger - this helps you catch sentences that are too long, unclear, or sound abrupt. Look for opportunities to simplify, and if a sentence takes more than one breath to read, it's probably too long! Make sure your sign-off fits the context (things such as "Kind regards" or "Best wishes" usually work best). The graduate recruitment team / assessors will be looking for professionalism in formatting and presentation - consistent spacing, clear paragraphing, and correct spelling and grammar will all make a strong impression.

As a practical tip to practice: You could start by taking short case studies and draft sample emails that summarise your advice in 200-300 words. This helps you get used to organising your thoughts quickly and writing in a professional, accessible way.

I hope that helps!

Hello!

A few resources below that I used / might be useful:

• Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies (whilst this is a case study, instead of a written exercise, I found it super useful last cycle!)
• TCLA Written Exercises (a good way to practice if you are able to pay to access resources)
• Some law firms upload example written exercises online - I believe DWF has one available!

Hopefully they help as a starting point - best of luck!

 

[A anon]

Hello! Has anyone completed the Bevan Brittan vacation scheme and willing to share some insights?

I'm also curious about how candidates can distinguish themselves, particularly given the lower conversion rate.

 

[elle.brokovitch]

Hey!

I have previously made a few posts on written exercises that outline how I would approach them and what worked best for me - I have quoted them below!

I hope that they are useful, and just shout if you have any further questions. Best of luck with your vacation scheme!!

Thanks so much Abbie!! <3

 

[adfs456]

Hey lovely people!

I have some (likely quite silly questions) about VS prep.

For context I have a biotech background and am pre-PGDL so when I say I don’t know much, I mean it .

How do you actually conduct legal research?

I feel like firm deal summaries are often quite vague, do I have to read entire judgments for more detail or is there something else I’m missing?

I constantly worry I’m missing the basics, but idk how to “find them” if that makes sense?

My VS is at a big commercial finance and M&A focused firm so I’m trying to focus on understanding key commercial concepts there (eg LBOs, capital markets etc) — are there better ways I should spend my time?

How do I get to know department specific language? And should I be trying to read common contracts? I haven’t had my allocation yet but am hoping for IP/TMT.

Also I have no connections in the legal industry . I try to reach out to people on LinkedIn, but often get blanked (understandably so, they probably have tons of people doing the same!) I just don’t know who to talk to or ask these questions to. So much of the advice online seems geared towards people that are way more advanced and know so much more than me already.

Apologies for the essay, any advice very much appreciated as I want to make the most of this opportunity

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey lovely people!

I have some (likely quite silly questions) about VS prep.

For context I have a biotech background and am pre-PGDL so when I say I don’t know much, I mean it .

How do you actually conduct legal research?

I feel like firm deal summaries are often quite vague, do I have to read entire judgments for more detail or is there something else I’m missing?

I constantly worry I’m missing the basics, but idk how to “find them” if that makes sense?

My VS is at a big commercial finance and M&A focused firm so I’m trying to focus on understanding key commercial concepts there (eg LBOs, capital markets etc) — are there better ways I should spend my time?

How do I get to know department specific language? And should I be trying to read common contracts? I haven’t had my allocation yet but am hoping for IP/TMT.

Also I have no connections in the legal industry . I try to reach out to people on LinkedIn, but often get blanked (understandably so, they probably have tons of people doing the same!) I just don’t know who to talk to or ask these questions to. So much of the advice online seems geared towards people that are way more advanced and know so much more than me already.

Apologies for the essay, any advice very much appreciated as I want to make the most of this opportunity

Hey!

None of these are silly questions at all! I think it is really important to approach VS prep in a clear and structured way, rather than trying to memorise loads of legal jargon without understanding why.

In relation to legal/commercial research for deals, I'd honestly focus less on trying to understand every legal detail and more on understanding the bigger commercial picture behind a deal. Firm deal summaries can definitely feel vague, and this is pretty normal, but usually your goal is not to know every clause or legal mechanism - it is more to understand:

• What happened
• Why the client did the deal
• What the business objective was
• Where the risks/opportunities are
• Why lawyers were needed

So if you see a firm advising on an acquisition or IPO, I would spend more time understanding the industry, the companies involved, and the commercial rationale rather than trying to read full judgments or highly technical legal materials. You don't necessarily need to know all the facts and specifics of the deal, but instead, I'd make sure you understand the commercial reasoning for it. The main resources that I used for researching this kind of information were things such as Practical Law, the FT, Investopedia (which I found super helpful for understanding concepts!), LittleLaw, and even YouTube videos.

For department-specific language, I'd say that this is likely to come with exposure over the scheme, and I don't think you'll be expected to have lots of background knowledge. Once you find out the area you'll be in, I'd definitely have a look at the sort of common phrases you might expected (i.e. if you are in commercial, you might look at things such as warranties, indemnities, etc.). However, one thing I found helpful was keeping a running notes document where I wrote down unfamiliar terms/acronyms that I came across (either in my research or on the scheme) and explained them to myself in very simple language. This ensures that you have it written down in a way that you understand, and you can refer back to it if you are ever unsure. As I mentioned above, I found Investopedia really helpful for learning core commercial concepts, and I spent some time reading through some of those pages (+ ensuring that I highlighted any terms that I read that I wasn't sure on, so I could go back and look them up too).

I would not stress too much about reading contracts before your VS unless you are genuinely interested. It can help to have a quick glance to see the common types of clauses that you might find in a contract, but you will learn far more from actually sitting in the department and seeing how lawyers use documents in practice. If you do want to prepare, reading very basic explainers on things like SPAs, NDAs, shareholder agreements, financing agreements, etc. should be more than enough.

Also, please do not feel behind because you do not have legal connections! I'm the first in my family to go to university and I didn't know anyone in the commercial/legal world, but this won't necessarily put you at a disadvantage. A lot of people in commercial law (especially on vacation schemes) look like they know everything already, but most people are figuring it out as they go along and might feel just as nervous as you. Career changers and STEM applicants are also increasingly common now, especially in IP/TMT practices, so your biotech background will be really valuable and will probably make you stand out positively.

On LinkedIn, I'd say that getting ignored is pretty normal (+ I've been blanked plenty of times) and it is usually not personal at all. I personally found that future trainees were often really helpful as they (usually!) had more free time than trainees and were in your position recently.

From everything you've written here, it already sounds like you are proactive and commercially curious! It is important to remember that when it comes to selecting trainees, firms are usually looking for these types of qualities rather than pre-existing legal knowledge - they can always teach you the legal stuff! Most firms are not expecting candidates to already understand really technical legal concepts in-depth, and they care more about whether you are curious, commercially aware, engaged, and willing to learn.

Wishing you the best of luck with the scheme, I'm sure you'll do great!

 

[GM1299]

Any info on White & Case VI? Please

 

[Bread]

Could someone pls point me in the direction of any guidance on final interviews post vac scheme, thanks!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Could someone pls point me in the direction of any guidance on final interviews post vac scheme, thanks!!

Hey!

I have written a few posts on final interviews post-VS, which I have quoted below - I hope they are useful! Let me know if you have any further questions

Hey!

Congratulations on the vacation scheme!!

Generally speaking, I'd say that the format is quite similar to a normal interview - you'll usually get a mix of motivational, competency, and some commercial questions. The main difference is that the bar is higher at this stage, particularly when it comes to your motivations.

You really want to show that you have used the scheme to properly get to know the firm and that you made the most of the opportunity. That means going beyond the more research-heavy reasons you may have given at application stage and instead grounding your answers in tangible experiences and insights from the scheme. For example, you can draw on specific pieces of work that you were involved in, conversations you had with trainees / associates / partners, talks or workshops that you attended, or even smaller conversations that gave you insights into the firm's culture and ways of working. Whilst you can still talk about aspects of the firm that you have researched and not necessarily experienced first-hand, I would always recommend referring to specific instances from the VS where you can - ultimately, the main difference between the pre-VS and post-VS interview is the experience of the scheme itself!

For motivational questions especially, it is important to clearly link these experiences back to why the firm appeals to you. Therefore, rather than just saying that you enjoyed the scheme, I'd try to articulate what you enjoyed, why it stood out to you, and how that aligns with what you are looking for in a training contract and your longer-term legal career. The more specific and reflective you can be, the better! This is why I'd recommend keeping a journal (of some sort!) during the scheme, so you can note down specific insights or information that you learn each day - it makes it a lot easier once it comes to preparing in the days before the post-VS interview!

For competency questions, you can still drawn on examples outside the scheme, but don't be afraid to use experiences from the vacation scheme where relevant - it can be a good way of showing how you operate in a legal environment. Again, this is something you could jot down in a journal so that you can quickly refer to skills and competencies that you have displayed during the scheme.

Overall, it is about demonstrating that the scheme has confirmed the firm is the right fit for you, while also reinforcing that you would be a good fit for them. Wishing you the best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!!

Hello!

On researching your practice area, I would say that whilst reading the firm's website is a good starting point (so I'd encourage you to start there), it helps to go a bit further and build a more rounded view of what the team actually does in practice. I would take a look at something such as this page from Chambers Student, which gives you various practice areas and outlines: (a) an overview of the area, (b) what lawyers in that team actually do in practice, and (c) the realities of the job. I found this was a really helpful overview, especially when I had been allocated an area I wasn't particularly familiar with.

A good next step could be to look at recent news, deals, or insights that the firm (or team specifically) has been involved in or published. You could look at things such as their Blog / Insights page, Legal Cheek, The Lawyer, or LittleLaw, as they can all be useful to found out more information about the type of work that the firm is actually doing. Even just picking a few recent matters and understanding what the issue was, who the client was, and why it mattered can give you something to talk about.

Another good way to prepare is to understand the commercial context of the practice area. For example:

• What are the key challenges clients in that area are facing right now?
• Are there any regulatory changes or market trends affecting the work?
• How does this practice area actually make money for the firm?

Even having a basic grasp of these points can show tailored commercial awareness, and allows you to discuss the areas in more depth with those in the team. If you have time, it is also worth getting comfortable with some of the basics of the law in that area (nothing too technical!) - just enough so you can follow discussions and ask sensible follow-up questions.

For the interview, I wouldn't assume that it'll be casual (though I wouldn't be able to say for certain) and I'd treat it like any professional interview. From my experience, the final interviews at the end of a vacation scheme are often a mix:

• Emphasis on motivational questions (e.g. why this firm, why law, reflections on the scheme). Definitely incorporate insights and knowledge that you have gained from the scheme, as your answers should be grounded in those experiences.
• Some commercial awareness (e.g. discussing a news story or something relevant to the firm's work)
• Some competency-style questions (e.g. "Tell me about a time when...")
• Some strengths-based or situational questions (e.g. "What would you do in X scenario")
• Occasionally some technical questions, but I've found that this is quite rare and not overly in-depth (for example, I've been asked to explain warranties and indemnities before)

The tone might feel more relaxed and conversational, and I'd definitely try to match the 'vibe' of the interview (whilst still remaining professional), but they will still be assessing you quite closely - especially on things like how you have engaged during the scheme, your interest in the firm, and whether you would be a good fit. Therefore, I would definitely reflect properly on your experiences during the scheme (e.g. what you did and what you learned), and it might help to keep a journal of your time on the scheme so it is easier to prepare for the interview. Additionally, I'd be ready to talk about the practice area that you sat in and what you enjoyed about it, and always make sure that you have a few questions to ask the interviewers at the end.

If you approach it as a conversation where you express genuine interest in the firm, and can show how the scheme has confirmed that for you, I'd say you'll be in a strong position. Best of luck with the scheme!!

Hello!

I have done a few final interviews at the end of a VS, and in my experience they tend to sit somewhere in between a reflective conversation and a more traditional interview, rather than being one or the other.

There is a definitely a strong reflective element, and I would always encourage you to discuss insights from the VS as much as you can. The interviewers will want to hear how you have engaged with the scheme, what you have taken from it, and whether it has genuinely reinforced your interest in them. You could potentially be asked about what you enjoyed on the scheme, what you found challenging, which tasks or sessions stood out, or how your understanding of the firm has developed over the course of the scheme. I have found it is less about giving a "perfect" answer and more about showing that you have been curious, engaged, and proactive in making the most out of the experience.

However, it also isn't just an informal chat and firms will still incorporate the usual competency-style questions. These might be framed more generally, or around the vacation scheme specifically - for example, you might be asked to reflect on a time during the VS when you worked in a team, responded to feedback, or managed competing deadlines. Therefore, you are still being assessed and I'd try to ensure that you are showing what you individually did and how you contributed to the overall outcome.

I have also always encountered at least one commercial awareness question in a post-VS interview which is usually along the lines of "Tell us about a recent news story that interested you", but I've also had some more firm-specific questions (i.e. "If we were to open an office in a new country, where would you recommend?"). I'd therefore make sure you have one or two well-thought through examples in mind, and that you are comfortable explaining not just the context, but why it matters from a commercial and client perspective. It is also helpful to link your answer back to the firm where possible, as that shows a deeper level of insight rather than just general awareness.

I would approach it as a structured but conversational discussion about the scheme (+ your motivations for the firm/law). The best preparation is to spend some time properly reflecting on your week (i.e. what you did, what you learned, what surprised you, who you spoke to, and how it has shaped your motivations) while also having a few clear examples in mind that demonstrate competencies and some general + firm-specified commercial awareness.

Best of luck with your VS!!

 

[adfs456]

Hey!

None of these are silly questions at all! I think it is really important to approach VS prep in a clear and structured way, rather than trying to memorise loads of legal jargon without understanding why.

In relation to legal/commercial research for deals, I'd honestly focus less on trying to understand every legal detail and more on understanding the bigger commercial picture behind a deal. Firm deal summaries can definitely feel vague, and this is pretty normal, but usually your goal is not to know every clause or legal mechanism - it is more to understand:

• What happened
• Why the client did the deal
• What the business objective was
• Where the risks/opportunities are
• Why lawyers were needed

So if you see a firm advising on an acquisition or IPO, I would spend more time understanding the industry, the companies involved, and the commercial rationale rather than trying to read full judgments or highly technical legal materials. You don't necessarily need to know all the facts and specifics of the deal, but instead, I'd make sure you understand the commercial reasoning for it. The main resources that I used for researching this kind of information were things such as Practical Law, the FT, Investopedia (which I found super helpful for understanding concepts!), LittleLaw, and even YouTube videos.

For department-specific language, I'd say that this is likely to come with exposure over the scheme, and I don't think you'll be expected to have lots of background knowledge. Once you find out the area you'll be in, I'd definitely have a look at the sort of common phrases you might expected (i.e. if you are in commercial, you might look at things such as warranties, indemnities, etc.). However, one thing I found helpful was keeping a running notes document where I wrote down unfamiliar terms/acronyms that I came across (either in my research or on the scheme) and explained them to myself in very simple language. This ensures that you have it written down in a way that you understand, and you can refer back to it if you are ever unsure. As I mentioned above, I found Investopedia really helpful for learning core commercial concepts, and I spent some time reading through some of those pages (+ ensuring that I highlighted any terms that I read that I wasn't sure on, so I could go back and look them up too).

I would not stress too much about reading contracts before your VS unless you are genuinely interested. It can help to have a quick glance to see the common types of clauses that you might find in a contract, but you will learn far more from actually sitting in the department and seeing how lawyers use documents in practice. If you do want to prepare, reading very basic explainers on things like SPAs, NDAs, shareholder agreements, financing agreements, etc. should be more than enough.

Also, please do not feel behind because you do not have legal connections! I'm the first in my family to go to university and I didn't know anyone in the commercial/legal world, but this won't necessarily put you at a disadvantage. A lot of people in commercial law (especially on vacation schemes) look like they know everything already, but most people are figuring it out as they go along and might feel just as nervous as you. Career changers and STEM applicants are also increasingly common now, especially in IP/TMT practices, so your biotech background will be really valuable and will probably make you stand out positively.

On LinkedIn, I'd say that getting ignored is pretty normal (+ I've been blanked plenty of times) and it is usually not personal at all. I personally found that future trainees were often really helpful as they (usually!) had more free time than trainees and were in your position recently.

From everything you've written here, it already sounds like you are proactive and commercially curious! It is important to remember that when it comes to selecting trainees, firms are usually looking for these types of qualities rather than pre-existing legal knowledge - they can always teach you the legal stuff! Most firms are not expecting candidates to already understand really technical legal concepts in-depth, and they care more about whether you are curious, commercially aware, engaged, and willing to learn.

Wishing you the best of luck with the scheme, I'm sure you'll do great!

You always know exactly what to say!! Thank you so much for all the advice Abbie, you’re genuinely making all the prep feel so much more manageable

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

You always know exactly what to say!! Thank you so much for all the advice Abbie, you’re genuinely making all the prep feel so much more manageable

Ahhhh that is so kind of you to say, I'm glad I can help!! It definitely feels like a monumental task when you are approaching the vacation scheme, but I'm sure you'll settle in right away and enjoy it!!