TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Hopeful applicant]

I'm a bit stuck on how to answer this question what 3 skills makes a good commercial trainee, how would this differ from what 3 skills makes a good trainee?

would not deep it - probably commercial awareness is just one of the skills you have to mention

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Pennington Manches Cooper AC (online) for Oxford office

 

[BelleOfTheLawBall]

The little floating hearts for Valentines Day are so cute!!

 

[Hopeful applicant]

With so many firms undergoing mergers rn, how will that affect trainees, future trainees, and in particular, NQ retention and salaries?

it depends but generally the salaries should move towards that of the bigger office (which in the UK is usually the UK firm's, lower salary). NQ retention can likely drop. To use A&O Sherman as an example: first retention post-merger: 66%, compared to the previous being between 77-92.5

Its important to note though that while the drop can be attributed to integration challenges/seat mismatches, another part of it can come from trainees, who fear uncertainty and/or feel like they did not get what they bargained for (usually those who trained at the smaller office)

https://www.thelawyer.com/live-trainee-retention-2026-ao-shearman-kicks-things-off/?failed-login=1

 

[Unknowncabbage]

With so many firms undergoing mergers rn, how will that affect trainees, future trainees, and in particular, NQ retention and salaries?

I don't see trainee intakes dropping to be honest. If anything, combining cash flows, profits etc means that firms will have more money. Obviously, with NQ positions, initially, it is likely to reduce as 1) there will be a lot of overlap + unnecessary amount in certain practice areas and 2) a lot of Associates and even Partners may simply choose to leave as they may not 1) like the merger in the first place 2) think they can get better opportunities elsewhere. In short, there are so many competing factors at play, and ultimately it is going to very firm specific and based on the market conditions at the time.

 

[AryanAgg]

Watson glaser invite for WS!

 

[uraijom]

has anyone heard anything from the freshfields london-asia programme?

 

[lucy_p]

Winston & Strawn WG
Any one know if it’s automatic?

 

[ADhillon01]

Winston & Strawn WG
Any one know if it’s automatic?

Think it was selective 😅
the Spring dates are a bit intense for me though. Do we know what the next stage after WG is?

 

[soph107048]

Has anyone heard back from TW post spring AC?

I think they're waiting for everyone to finish ACs

 

[lucy_p]

Think it was selective 😅
the Spring dates are a bit intense for me though. Do we know what the next stage after WG is?

From what I can tell from looking around, it might be partner interview but they don’t give much away!

 

[walterwhite]

winston and strawn WG - never heard of a date change POST the application deadline but i'm grateful nonetheless lmaooo

 

[33st_]

Winston & Strawn WG. Unable to attend the new scheme dates due to a different vac, anyone got the same issue?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I'm a bit stuck on how to answer this question what 3 skills makes a good commercial trainee, how would this differ from what 3 skills makes a good trainee?

Hey!

I would say that this isn't actually too different from a standard "3 skills of a good trainee" question, and the core foundations are generally the same.

The difference is likely in the framing - for a "commercial trainee", you would place more emphasis on commercial awareness, client focus and practical judgment / advice. It is about showing that you don't just complete tasks accurately, but that you understand the client's business objectives and think about the wider commercial impact of the work that you do.

Therefore, you don't need completely different skills - I would just write your answer with a slightly more commercially focused angle on the same core competencies

 

[ABC234]

Winston & Strawn WG. Unable to attend the new scheme dates due to a different vac, anyone got the same issue?

Yes

I emailed them but I’m assuming they’ll just say I have to withdraw my application

 

[corplawperson23]

Hey!

I would say that this isn't actually too different from a standard "3 skills of a good trainee" question, and the core foundations are generally the same.

The difference is likely in the framing - for a "commercial trainee", you would place more emphasis on commercial awareness, client focus and practical judgment / advice. It is about showing that you don't just complete tasks accurately, but that you understand the client's business objectives and think about the wider commercial impact of the work that you do.

Therefore, you don't need completely different skills - I would just write your answer with a slightly more commercially focused angle on the same core competencies

Thanks so much Abbie!

 

[beanss]

How long does it take for HL to get back post AC?

 

[33st_]

Yes

I emailed them but I’m assuming they’ll just say I have to withdraw my application

Seems the only possible outcome. Guess they must want to get TCs agreed pre-merger-completion in May. Frustrating nonetheless!
Good luck for your upcoming scheme.

 

[Lord Sumption]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that corporate lawyers generally work in four main areas:

• Advisory/Regulatory – would trainees mainly be updating clients on legal developments, doing legal research, and drafting advice?
• Contentious – would a trainee’s work involve assisting with litigation, preparing witness statements, supporting court preparation, and conducting legal research to develop arguments?
• Transactional – would trainees primarily draft and negotiate contracts? Also, in M&A deals, do trainees ever get involved in negotiating the deal price, or is that mainly handled by investment bankers?

I’d love to know if this is an accurate view of what trainees do in each area, or if there are other key responsibilities I should be aware of.

Thanks in advance!