TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock thank you for your continued help!!

Would you say it would be a good idea to email my supervisors prior to the vacation scheme, introducing myself and asking whether there are any steps they'd like me to take to prepare for the week?

For reference, I have two associates as supervisors and one trainee buddy. If emailing is a good idea, do you recommend contacting all three individuals?

Thank you in advance for your insight.

Hey!

Of course, no problem at all!

I think there will be mixed opinions on this, and personally I think it is a nice idea in principle, but I'd be a bit measured about it.

In most cases, supervisors won't expect (or need) you to reach out in advance unless you have been explicitly told to contact them by graduate recruitment. They'll usually be busy, and the scheme is already structured with the assumption that you will be onboarded and introduced to supervisors on day one. If you do want to send something, I would keep it very simple and brief. A short introductory email to your trainee buddy is probably the safest option - they are much more likely to reply and give practical tips in advance, and they might appreciate the initiative!

For the associates, I would generally leave it unless you have a specific question that you would like to ask. If you do email them, I'd keep it brief and wouldn't necessarily ask about any preparation you can do in advance - something along the lines of a polite introduction and that you are looking forward to working with them should be fine.

I think the key part is striking the right balance between being proactive and not overdoing it - you'll have plenty of time to make a strong impression once the scheme actually starts, and there might not be much specific prep you can do for your supervisor anyway!

Best of luck with the vacation scheme, I hope it goes well!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock and everyone. I have a first round interview for a paralegal position at an international law firm. Do you or anyone have any advice on how to best prepare/ what to expect. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

For a first round interview, I'd say that the focus is likely to be less on technical legal knowledge and more on your motivation towards the firm/work and your ability to operate in a professional environment. However, I've found in past paralegal interviews that they can sometimes ask you some brief technical questions based on the area of law / practice area you are interviewing for - for example, I was asked about the difference between freehold and leasehold for a paralegal interview in a Real Estate team.

The key thing is to be very clear on your "why" for various questions - for example, why this firm specifically, why a paralegal role (rather than a training contract, at least at this moment in time), and what you are hoping to gain from the experience. I would try to reference things that have drawn you to the firm, such as its practice areas, clients, or anything distinctive about its work, and find a way to link this back to your skills and past experiences.

You will almost certainly get a few competency-style questions, so it is worth preparing a few strong examples that you can adapt to different questions. I always used to create a mini bank of my experiences, and I would make a note of the competencies and skills that I could discuss in each one - I found this was a useful reference point, and helped me ensure that I was talking about a wide range of experiences. In terms of what to prepare for, I'd think about times you've handled pressure, balanced multiple deadlines, worked in a team, or dealt with a challenging situation. It is important to keep your answers structured and focused, but not too rehearsed (which I appreciate is a tricky balance!).

It is also important to show that you understand what the role actually involves day-to-day, and why you are interested in it. It'll differ depending on what practice area you are interviewing for, but paralegal work will often include things such as document review, legal research, bundling, and general support for fee earners. I would therefore try to demonstrate that you are detailed-oriented, reliable, and organised, ideally with evidence from your past experiences.

In terms of commercial awareness, I don't think they'll expect anything too in-depth at this stage, but it is always helpful to have at least one recent legal or commercial story that you can talk about and, if possible, link it back to the firm's work or its clients.

Finally, I wouldn't underestimate how much they are assessing whether you would be pleasant and easy to work with. I conducted a few paralegal interviews during my placement year, and being personable and engaged can make such a big difference and leave a really strong impression!

Wishing you the best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!

 

[TCComingSoon]

Anyone not heard from SH post VI.

 

[Hanzeeb]

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

For a first round interview, I'd say that the focus is likely to be less on technical legal knowledge and more on your motivation towards the firm/work and your ability to operate in a professional environment. However, I've found in past paralegal interviews that they can sometimes ask you some brief technical questions based on the area of law / practice area you are interviewing for - for example, I was asked about the difference between freehold and leasehold for a paralegal interview in a Real Estate team.

The key thing is to be very clear on your "why" for various questions - for example, why this firm specifically, why a paralegal role (rather than a training contract, at least at this moment in time), and what you are hoping to gain from the experience. I would try to reference things that have drawn you to the firm, such as its practice areas, clients, or anything distinctive about its work, and find a way to link this back to your skills and past experiences.

You will almost certainly get a few competency-style questions, so it is worth preparing a few strong examples that you can adapt to different questions. I always used to create a mini bank of my experiences, and I would make a note of the competencies and skills that I could discuss in each one - I found this was a useful reference point, and helped me ensure that I was talking about a wide range of experiences. In terms of what to prepare for, I'd think about times you've handled pressure, balanced multiple deadlines, worked in a team, or dealt with a challenging situation. It is important to keep your answers structured and focused, but not too rehearsed (which I appreciate is a tricky balance!).

It is also important to show that you understand what the role actually involves day-to-day, and why you are interested in it. It'll differ depending on what practice area you are interviewing for, but paralegal work will often include things such as document review, legal research, bundling, and general support for fee earners. I would therefore try to demonstrate that you are detailed-oriented, reliable, and organised, ideally with evidence from your past experiences.

In terms of commercial awareness, I don't think they'll expect anything too in-depth at this stage, but it is always helpful to have at least one recent legal or commercial story that you can talk about and, if possible, link it back to the firm's work or its clients.

Finally, I wouldn't underestimate how much they are assessing whether you would be pleasant and easy to work with. I conducted a few paralegal interviews during my placement year, and being personable and engaged can make such a big difference and leave a really strong impression!

Wishing you the best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!

Thank you so much!!

 

[nicoledm]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hi Abbie! Hope you're doing well!

I have an upcoming AC where we have to do an intray exercise. I've never done one of these before, and I'm not 100% certain about how to prepare for it and how to approach it in the AC, I was wondering if you have any tips?

Thank you!

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Hey! Is the Video Interview element automatic for Perkins Coie Vacation scheme?

 

[MZJxLadha]

Hey! Is the Video Interview element automatic for Perkins Coie Vacation scheme?

Yes, it’s new for this year. One question