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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Just had my Travers Smith interview - it was so hard and I definitely rambled A LOT.
pray for me y'all
oh no omg GIF by tagesschau
Rooting for you!
 
Hi guys,

I was just looking for some advice on interview questions.

How fundamentally different are the questions 'Why our firm' and 'Why do you want to train at our firm?' Do you think that an interviewer would ask both?

Thanks for your help!!
Hey!

They are very similar questions, but not quite identical!

"Why our firm?" is broader, and focuses on what attracts you to the firm as an organisation - for example, its practices areas, clients, strategy, culture, recent deals, etc. You are essentially showing that you have researched the firm and understand what makes it distinctive, and can then show why you are a good fit for the firm based on your motivations and skills.

"Why do you want to train at our firm" is more personal, and focused on fit - for example, why that specific training contract structure, seat system, support available, and environment suit you and your development. They will want to see how the firm aligns with your goals and how you see yourself there as a trainee.

In practice, there is a lot of overlap and many candidates will use similar core points for both (e.g. you might want to join a firm due to its training structure). However, I would slightly tweak the emphasis for each answer.

As for whether both would be asked, I imagine it is possible, but likely uncommon. More often, interviewers will ask one and then probe deeper with follow-up questions (e.g. "why is that important to you?") :)
 
I have a question. I applied for a summer VS at the same time as another one. I would like to change the date as they offer two periods of time. What is the best way to go about it and is this likely to affect the process/my chance of being accepted?
Hey!

This is a pretty common situation, so try not to worry too much! I had a similar thing last cycle with Stephenson Harwood where I originally applied for their summer scheme, but I was able to swap to their spring scheme during the application process (+ received a VS offer).

The best approach is to email the graduate recruitment team as soon as possible, and keep it polite and straightforward. You don't need to overexplain - I would just say that you have realised there is a conflict with another commitment and ask whether it would be possible to be considered for the alternative scheme dates.

In terms of impact, it is very unlikely to negatively affect your chances, particularly if you raise it early. Firms know that candidates apply to multiple schemes, and offering multiple dates is partly to accommodate that.

Overall, as long as you are professional and reasonable about it, I can't imagine it would harm your application at all! :)
 
@Abbie Whitlock and anyone who could offer some insight - i have been fortunate enough to receive offers from both morgan lewis and mofo but both the schemes clash. would be grateful for any advice / opinions on the 2 firms? thank you sm
Hello!

Huge congratulations on the two VS offers!!

I would focus on where you felt the best fit. Therefore, it might help to think about:
1. Which firm you connected with more during the process
2. Where you could see yourself working day-to-day
3. Which environment you'd perform best in (e.g. bigger vs smaller intake, more structured vs more close-knit)

I would also consider your genuine interests - if one firm naturally aligns more with the type of work that you are curious about, that is usually a good sign!

As others have mentioned, you could also ask to be moved to the DTC process for one of the firms, so I would enquire about that as well and see what the graduate recruitment team say!

Best of luck with your decision (+ congrats again!) :)
 
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