TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

is the Osborne Clarke test only verbal reasoning?

They detail in their email what the tests are and there’s a link to find practice ones - they use a provider that I’ve not seen before!

 

[safari3]

DLA rejection on a Sunday🫩 made it to the AC last year

Sorry to hear this Did you check if the firm has a policy to reject candidates that made it to AC or the Internship in a recent cycle? I wouldn't take it heart and wish you the best of luck in your other applications!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does anyone have any advice on how to answer Clifford Chance's new application questions:

A) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), what are your motivations for applying to Clifford Chance?

B) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), tell us how the skills and attributes you have developed to date will help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

C) In no more than 1440 characters (this is approx. 200 words), tell us about your extra-curricular activities and positions of responsibility which you are most proud of or, an achievement of importance which you are most proud of.

@Abbie Whitlock

Hey!

I can offer some general advice on the things I would / wouldn't include in the new application questions! They are designed to test your self-awareness, motivations, and fit with the firm's culture, so I would make sure that you are specific and reflective (and avoid being generic).

Question A

It's important to show that you've genuinely researched the firm, and why (based on this research) the firm is the right fit for you. I would avoid generic things such as "global firm" or "prestige", and try to show you actually understand what makes Clifford Chance stand out (such as their LIFT or ACCESS programmes). Then link this back to you specifically - how does working at Clifford Chance align with the kind of lawyer you want to be and your future career goals.

Question B

Have a think about what makes a good Clifford Chance trainee (e.g. teamwork, attention to detail, resilience, commercial thinking, etc.). There might be a list of traits and skills that they value on their website - it might be worth having a read of those as well. Pick 2-3 real examples from your past experiences (e.g. uni projects, part-time work, volunteering, internships) that prove that you have developed those skills. Don't just list them - show the situation, what you did, and the outcome. This is where you can show reflection and self-awareness - be concise in discussing the experience itself, and focus on what you did that helped you to develop those skills and attributes and how they would help you excel as a Clifford Chance lawyer.

Question C

I would choose a few extra-curriculars or achievements that you're genuinely proud of. It could be something such as running a society, volunteering work, a particularly high grade, or even something more centred in your personal life. When I was writing a similar question for Clifford Chance a few years ago, I discussed achieving a high grade in a public speaking module (as this was an area I wasn't confident in). As long as you can show why it was important to you and why you are proud of it, most examples can work here! The experience you choose should show some relevant transferable skills as well, such as initiative, leadership, or perseverance. Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it's shaped you.

In summary: specific examples + reflection + link back to CC. This will help make your answers personal and tailored, and avoid generic reasonings. I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application

 

[username10341034]

Hey all, I would be interested to know whether anyone could share tips on what Mischon looks for. The application form is really short - only 150 words for work experience. I wonder whether I should write in bullet points rather than prose. Also thinking there is not much space to draw out the skills I have built. I find the website not to be very prescriptive of the traits they look for either! If anyone has any thoughts, I would be grateful.

 

[Bread]

Hmm I'm not entirely sure I agree with you. I was under the impression that a common interview question is 'What other firms have you applied to? and why us over them' which would neccessitate an explanation as to specific qualities/ differentiating factors.
I feel if I say JD is attractive because of 'small trainee intakes' or 'high responsibility', this isn't entirely convincing as it can be applied to every other US law firm? But thanks for the repsonse.

It is a common interview question, but you aren’t expected to name the actual firms. They are looking for consistency, but since firms aren’t all exactly the same you don’t need to go into extensive detail of what similarities and differences there are, as long as you can name some common qualities.

When it comes to “why us over them,” it sounds like you already have your answer.

 

[GiveMeTC2026]

Did anyone attend DLA Grow event on Tuesday.

 

[baj5]

Hi all, I've been taking the CMS practice test for WG to prep for the real thing and I keep scoring at 55%. Any tips or resources specifically for Drawing Conclusions and Evaluating Assumptions?

 

[chiichii]

They detail in their email what the tests are and there’s a link to find practice ones - they use a provider that I’ve not seen before!

Interesting! Would you be able to share the link for the practice test?

 

[chiichii]

Hi all, I've been taking the CMS practice test for WG to prep for the real thing and I keep scoring at 55%. Any tips or resources specifically for Drawing Conclusions and Evaluating Assumptions?

Where did you find the CMS practice test for WG, if you don't mind me to ask?

 

[baj5]

Where did you find the CMS practice test for WG, if you don't mind me to ask?

it's in the CMS TC webpage showing the stages of an app.