TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[legal18]

Struggling with the question "What is the role of a trainee solicitor?" any insight would be appreciated @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

It's quite a PE focused firm

 

[BobThebIlly]

For CC, do I need to have sent both my application and WG by the 19th or is it just my application???

 

[James Wakefield]

Do Taylor Wessing actually read every application, does anyone know?

I know they say they do, but I know from last year you can get a pretty fast PFO after doing their online tests…

 

[yasmars]

Do Taylor Wessing actually read every application, does anyone know?

I know they say they do, but I know from last year you can get a pretty fast PFO after doing their online tests…

I don't think they do.

 

[yk1906]

I don't think they do.

What are their online tests like?

 

[Amgrad]

Do Taylor Wessing actually read every application, does anyone know?

I know they say they do, but I know from last year you can get a pretty fast PFO after doing their online tests…

Attended their OD. They will do it if you pass the test benchmark

 

[yasmars]

What are their online tests like?

Test Partnership Critical thinking test. I found it much more challenging than the standard WG.

 

[c.t.tc]

Test Partnership Critical thinking test. I found it much more challenging than the standard WG.

Agreed

 

[c.t.tc]

Do Taylor Wessing actually read every application, does anyone know?

I know they say they do, but I know from last year you can get a pretty fast PFO after doing their online tests…

They say they do but probably not that thoroughly - they screen all apps for the test since not everyone gets sent it. I think they probably actually read it more thoroughly if you've met the benchmark.

 

[Future Trainee 1792]

Hi hi, anyone have any insights into the white & case online test ? is it cappfinity and how long does it take/what stages are there ? any watson glaser elements ? Thanks !

 

[elliece]

If I haven't had an invite to the WG test for B&B spring and I applied mid-October am I cooked? I would be really quite disappointed as I thought my answers were very well researched and tailored, and I really put time and care into my app, but I haven't heard anything :/

 

[dababy4005]

In relation to your last point, I can't imagine that would be a problem as it is unlikely that they would find out (unless you received a TC offer from the other firm) and there are data protection laws in place that would prevent that information being discussed.

as in it would be a problem if u had a tc offer at the time of interviews and did not disclose it or? thanks.

 

[yk1906]

Test Partnership Critical thinking test. I found it much more challenging than the standard WG.

Oh god, what would you recommend using for practice? If there's anything at all

 

[c.t.tc]

Oh god, what would you recommend using for practice? If there's anything at all

The preparation platform they give you access to before your two week window to take the test is the only thing I would say genuinely made a difference to how well I would have done. You could also do some WG tests since it is a similar vibe, but it isn't quite as useful as the platform.

 

[msclm]

as in it would be a problem if u had a tc offer at the time of interviews and did not disclose it or? thanks.

I believe you cannot do a vac scheme if you have already committed to another tc. I had to sign a declaration for my upcoming vac scheme that I haven’t signed a tc elsewhere. Could be very firm dependent tho, not sure if it’s a general rule or not

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi! does anyone have any tips on scenario based interviews and how to make sure you hit all key points and stand out in your answers - also on how to best prep for these! thank you so much !!!

Hello!

Scenario-based interviews can feel intimidating, but once you find a method that works for you, they actually become a great opportunity to show how you think and work! One thing that really helps is using a clear structure, such as the STAR method, as this helps keep your answer focused and makes sure that you hit all the important points without rambling.

I've also found it really useful in the past to build a "bank" of examples ahead of time. Have a look at some of the most common scenario-based questions involve, and think of key moments from your previous experiences where you have displayed these - things such as solving a problem, working through a conflict, supporting a team member, etc. If you take a few minutes to map these out in advance (and perhaps quickly note which skills each experience highlights), you can quickly adapt them to whatever scenario the interviewer throws at you.

When you are actually answering the question, try to walk the interviewer through your thought process. They won't necessarily just be looking for the final outcome - they will want to hear why you made the choices you did and how you approached the situation. At the end, it also helps to tie the experience back to the role that you are applying for and what it taught you overall.

A little preparation goes a long way, and once you have a structure and a handful of solid examples, you'll feel more confident going into the interview.

I hope that helps!

 

[TCLAUser1]

Hi everyone, what's the view on asking for an extension for an online assessment? I've been sent 4 first stage online tests to do by next Thurs as they weren't automatic and I have a uni exam coming up on Friday. Does it reflect badly on you as a candidate and should one generally just not ask, even if you therefore can't prepare for it as best as you would like?

 

[flower1]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
I know for video interviews it's recommended to write bullet points like 3-5, but when I do so - I really struggle to elaborate on them and finish answering within 30 seconds. I also feel like what I say is very vague. Any tips?

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Struggling with the question "What is the role of a trainee solicitor?" any insight would be appreciated @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

It's quite a PE focused firm

Hey!

When you're asked "What is the role of a trainee solicitor?", it can help to step back and split it into two elements: what trainees generally do and what trainees specifically do in the context of that firm.

A good way to approach your answer is to break it down into some key themes:

• Supporting fee-earners: How do trainees contribute to matters, keep deals moving, and take ownership of smaller tasks? What tasks might a trainee get involved in, particularly in the context of the type of work the firm does?
• Learning and Development: What does it mean to be in a training role? How do trainees grow their legal and commercial skills? What steps will a trainee take to make the most of their training contract and evolve?
• Firm-specific context: Since this firm is PE-focused, I'd have a think about what trainees would naturally get exposure to. This could be fast-paced deals, due diligence heavy work, client interactions, and contributing to the lifecycle of a transaction. It might help to think about this in the context of the above - what are the typical tasks that a trainee would do in a PE deal that would add value

If you frame your answer around your understanding of a trainee's purpose and then tailor it to what you know about the firm's practice, you'll show both self-awareness and genuine interest. You don't need to list every possible task - just demonstrate that you understand the trainee role as a blend of learning, responsibility, and supporting the wider team in a PE deal environment.

Best of luck with your application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

as in it would be a problem if u had a tc offer at the time of interviews and did not disclose it or? thanks.

Hey!

Not necessarily - especially if you haven't accepted the offer yet. As others have said, the situation changes a bit if you've accepted a TC and are still applying for or completing vacation schemes elsewhere. However, simply holding an offer doesn't prevent you from interviewing with other firms.

To clarify what I mentioned before, firms might only become aware of your other applications if you choose to tell them - for example, if you need to let them know you're holding another offer because you're hoping they can speed up their TC decision after your VS / interview. In that situation, the fact you had applied to that firm (and hadn't mentioned it initially) might come up - although, I don't think it would be a major point of concern either way