TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

question for those that had ac's or could help

when you are asked why law? why this firm?

do you tend to find you repeat your application? or are you supplementing this with further detail?

i understand the need to be concise so how do you navigate this

Hello!

Great question - I think a bit of both! You will naturally touch on points from your application as those are your genuine reasons, and they’re unlikely to have changed! However, it is good to build on them rather than just repeating your application word for word.

At the AC, it is likely that your interviewer has read your application already, so it’s a great opportunity to expand (particularly since your application likely had a word limit) - for example, you could add a personal reflection, mention any insights you have learned since applying (e.g. from an open day), or link your reasons to something you have experienced at the AC.

Keeping it concise is still key, so I always used to focus on two or three core points for each question and make them clear (with examples!). You are then reinforcing your motivations but showing that your understanding and enthusiasm have developed since you wrote your application.

I hope that assists!

 

[safari3]

they said theyre rolling in the post wg email

That's so weird, they said they weren't at the Target Jobs and Legal Cheek law fairs as well as the GROW insight day. Maybe its a semi rolling process like CMS where they will review all apps submitted but progress people before the deadline. I'm not a fan of the inconsistency :/

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

I was hoping for clarification on this -
You will answer a competency-based question; a question on the role itself; and a commercially-focused question. 3 questions - VI (White & Case website)

Does this mean that questions like why law, why commercial law, why W&C, why London are unlikely to come up because it's not really about the role? I'm wondering how I should interpret what's given on their website.

Thank you

Hello!

From my understanding, you’re right that the video interview is likely to stick quite closely to those three categories - so instead of the classic ‘Why Law’ or ‘Why White & Case’ questions, you might get something that touches on similar themes but is framed around the role or commercial aspects.

For example, the “question on the role” could still invite you to discuss and show your motivation for being a trainee at White & Case (indirectly asking ‘Why this firm’), while the “commercially-focused” question may test your understanding of how trainees engage with clients or market developments.

I would still make sure to have your answers to ‘Why Law’ and ‘Why White & Case’ ready! These prompts underpin so many questions, and it’s useful for giving stronger, more personalised answers even if it’s not asked directly.

I hope that helps

 

[c.t.tc]

Yes I had one!

Thanks for letting me know! Can I ask if it was post-WG or post-VI if that's okay?

 

[johnsmith]

Thanks for letting me know! Can I ask if it was post-WG or post-VI if that's okay?

Neither unfortunately, WG test was selective and I wasn’t selected!

 

[JasmineM9]

Will the Latham VI will be competency/ motivational or commercial?

Based on the email it seems it may be competency based but I am not too sure. 🤔

 

[noahsmiit01]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu ,

On the “Why you” question, what would you say are the three to five most important qualities or personal skills to highlight that can be supported by my own experiences or extracurricular activities and then linked back to the firm?

Thank you

 

[msclm]

regarding accommodation for vac schemes, if the firm has not stated that they provide accommodation on their website, is it still ok to ask if this is something that can be discussed?

 

[abc124]

Is the deadline for Covington 24/10 23:59?

 

[c.t.tc]

Neither unfortunately, WG test was selective and I wasn’t selected!

Ah I’m sorry to hear that!

 

[Future Trainee - 2027 confirmed]

Applied to DLA a week ago for their summer internship and still haven't gotten the WG but I have a strong 2:1 from a top Russell group and I thought my answers were good.. is that PFO then

DLA is one of the few firms that stand by the statement, "It doesn't matter which university you attend. AG is going this way also, having told its internal applicants they really look at grades anymore as long as you pass and perform well in role and they are looking to roll this externally shortly. In terms of your answers were they personalised or where they a bit generic, don't mean to cause any offense its just that those that got the VS were a tad bit more personalised in previous years, having spoken to grade recruit and partners

 

[elizabethkate]

Yes I had one!

after what stage?