TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[summersun]

Hi I was looking at the Sky placement with AS and their mention having done the SQE 1. Do you think that is their requirement for applying or for before the TC?
I sent an email to aS but never got a response...

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock Hey Abbie how would you approach the question why law for a telephone interview at a commercial law firm

Hello!

Congratulations on the TI invite! As it is likely that you will have less time in the telephone interview, I would follow a simple structure to ensure that you cover all of the points, such as:

1. What drew you to law: start by showing what initially drew you to law and why you enjoy it, e.g. enjoying problem-solving, analysing complex issues, or seeing how decisions affect businesses
2. Why commercial law: show you understand it is about advising businesses, managing risk, etc. Essentially, show that you have an understanding of what the role of a commercial lawyer involves
3. Evidence: importantly, make sure to mention work experience, previous modules, or other evidence to back up any points you make.

In terms of the length of your answer, I would aim for about 60 seconds which should cover your main points (+ the interviewers can ask follow-up questions if needed).

Best of luck with the interview!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Hello!

Congratulations on the TI invite! As it is likely that you will have less time in the telephone interview, I would follow a simple structure to ensure that you cover all of the points, such as:

1. What drew you to law: start by showing what initially drew you to law and why you enjoy it, e.g. enjoying problem-solving, analysing complex issues, or seeing how decisions affect businesses
2. Why commercial law: show you understand it is about advising businesses, managing risk, etc. Essentially, show that you have an understanding of what the role of a commercial lawyer involves
3. Evidence: importantly, make sure to mention work experience, previous modules, or other evidence to back up any points you make.

In terms of the length of your answer, I would aim for about 60 seconds which should cover your main points (+ the interviewers can ask follow-up questions if needed).

Best of luck with the interview!

Hi Abbie! I've DM'd you with a personal question for a response - please could you take a look at it as and when you have the time? Thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu !!
I have an upcoming AC, it’s also my first ever one and I was wondering if you might have any tips on preparing for commercial awareness questions. In particular, I’d really appreciate any pointers on following current affairs or good starting points for topics like geopolitical issues, the use of AI, and key considerations for public companies. Thank you so much !

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite!!

For commercial awareness, I would focus less on trying to know everything and more on building a structured way of thinking. Pick one or two reliable sources that you find particularly useful (e.g. FT, BBC Business, etc.) and read them consistently. When you are reading a commercial story, don't just memorise the facts - ask yourself what the consequences of the story are. For example, who is affected, why it matters commercially, how it might impact a company / client, and how a law firm might get involved. This is how commercial awareness is tested in ACs and interviews, rather than asking you to recite news stories.

As for current topics to follow, I definitely need to brush up on my commercial awareness (so I'm sure there's many other topics!) but I'd keep an eye on:

• Geopolitical instability: conflicts affecting energy prices and shipping routes, US + China trade tensions, shifting regulations, etc.
• AI and regulation: compliance risk, data protection, IP ownership (+ there are a few cases recently on this topic), liability issues, etc.
• Higher interest rates: companies managing debt maturities and restructuring risk, and the impact that has on deal activity
• Shareholder activism and ESG scrutiny: increased pressure in public companies around governance and sustainability

You aren't necessarily expected to have an in-depth understanding of technical commercial events and terms for an AC. More importantly, you need to show that you can logically think about current events and connect them to the wider business consequences.

Best of luck with the AC!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

What are the biggest commercial news topics I should absolutely know before an AC? Thanks so much!

@Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

I have just written a post that included the main topics I would prepare for in advance of an AC - I have quoted it below for reference. More generally, I would tailor your commercial awareness preparation to the type of sectors and clients that the firm works with!

Best of luck with the AC!

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite!!

For commercial awareness, I would focus less on trying to know everything and more on building a structured way of thinking. Pick one or two reliable sources that you find particularly useful (e.g. FT, BBC Business, etc.) and read them consistently. When you are reading a commercial story, don't just memorise the facts - ask yourself what the consequences of the story are. For example, who is affected, why it matters commercially, how it might impact a company / client, and how a law firm might get involved. This is how commercial awareness is tested in ACs and interviews, rather than asking you to recite news stories.

As for current topics to follow, I definitely need to brush up on my commercial awareness (so I'm sure there's many other topics!) but I'd keep an eye on:

• Geopolitical instability: conflicts affecting energy prices and shipping routes, US + China trade tensions, shifting regulations, etc.
• AI and regulation: compliance risk, data protection, IP ownership (+ there are a few cases recently on this topic), liability issues, etc.
• Higher interest rates: companies managing debt maturities and restructuring risk, and the impact that has on deal activity
• Shareholder activism and ESG scrutiny: increased pressure in public companies around governance and sustainability

You aren't necessarily expected to have an in-depth understanding of technical commercial events and terms for an AC. More importantly, you need to show that you can logically think about current events and connect them to the wider business consequences.

Best of luck with the AC!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Maybe an odd question but how do you guys react to news on a phone call?

Usually a call is good news, and if it's bad news, they will email, but I had an AC two weeks ago, and they said we'd hear back by phone this week whether it's good or bad news. Never been rejected on the phone before so now i'm overthinking what I would say say. "Oh, that's fine, didn't want you anyway" would probably be my natural response lol

Hey!

Not an odd question at all - I definitely worried about a similar thing, even if I'm receiving good news over the phone (at the risk I don't sound happy enough, haha!)

I did an AC at a firm in my second year which I was unsuccessful in, and they also let you know either way over the phone. I know it is incredibly frustrating and your gut instinct is to be defensive (I know I was too!), but I'd just remember that you only have to make it through the short phone call - then you can rant and rave to your friends afterwards!

I can't remember the exact words I said, but I think something along the lines of: "Although this is not the outcome I had hoped for, I'm grateful for the opportunity and for you taking the time to share feedback. I will reflect on this carefully in my future applications".

It is never a nice call to get, but it is just one step in the process - best of luck

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock,

I hope you're well!

In an application, if you're asked 'why this firm?' can you talk about departments/teams that the firm has even if they're not necessarily in London? Or would it be better to move this to another section that says 'please provide any additional info that you think is relevant?'

Thank you!

Hey!

I am well, thank you - hope you are too!

I would be cautious about mentioning them in your answer unless you can link them back to the office you are applying to. If a team sits elsewhere but it still reflects the firm's overall strengths, then that might be a way of incorporating it into your answer (e.g. you might frame it around the firm's market reputation in that area or the type of clients it attracts).

However, your answer should feel grounded in the London office. Firms ultimately want to know why you want to work at that specific office, so it is helpful to show awareness of what is actually there and how you'd fit into it.

I wouldn't move this to the "additional information" section, as the "why this firm" question is exactly where you would expect to see this information (+ the additional information is better suited for elements that haven't come up elsewhere in the application).

Best of luck with the application!

 

[lucy_p]

Hi I was looking at the Sky placement with AS and their mention having done the SQE 1. Do you think that is their requirement for applying or for before the TC?
I sent an email to aS but never got a response...

I took it as needing to have completed the SQE1 prior to the September start

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi Abbie (and anyone who is willing to offer advice here) - I have a final interview with W&C coming up and I've been struggling with answering 'why W&C' especially wrt their practice areas. They're not the strongest in M&A/PE but DCM/IA and my real interest lies in PE. I'm not too enthusiastic about being inauthentic but I'm very unsure of how to link my strengths/previous WE in PE to W&C(??) and was hoping I could get some advice - thanks so much!

 

[summersun]

I took it as needing to have completed the SQE1 prior to the September start

Okay thank you I'll shoot my shot then

 

[nicoledm]

do they send all interview invites at once or in batches?

Not sure, sorry!