TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[svb risk management intern]

Hi, if I submit Mishcon's written application tonight, will I need to finish the bright apply thing by tomorrow, or would I have 7-days from the email? Thank you

 

[Lawlawland]

Anyone else pushing the Taylor Wessing application deadline today and regretting not doing it early 😭?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi I was wondering if anyone had any advice on the following question for HFW:
Please identify an issue currently in the mainstream media and explain how this is likely to impact the clients that HFW represents and the type of work that the firm undertakes. 350w

What type of issue should be considered? is it only something legal?
I have failed every application with that type of questions so woudl love any advice!

Hello!

You definitely don't need to pick a purely legal issue for that HFW question - in fact, many strong answers use a commercial, geopolitical, or industry-specific issue that has legal implications. The key is to choose something that clearly connects to HFW's core sectors (such as shipping or insurance).

Some examples of what you could discuss include the Red Sea shipping disruptions, new sanctions regimes, ESG / climate regulations, or volatility in global energy prices. These are all mainstream issues with obvious knock-on effects for shipowners, insurers, traders, and energy companies.

The key is to:

1. Briefly explain the issue
2. Show how it impacts HFW's clients (e.g. delays, disputes, war-risk premiums, compliance risks, contract frustrations, renegotiating contracts, etc.)
3. Link it to the work that HFW does (arbitration, insurance coverage advice, drafting / renegotiating contracts, etc.).

The question is really testing whether you understand HFW's sector focus and can connect a real-world event to the firm's work. I'd keep it simply and commercial, and this should be more than enough to write a strong answer.

I hope that helps!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

For Skadden's question on our interests outside work, should we tie it back to the firm somehow?

Hi!

You don't need to tie your outside interests back to Skadden. That question is usually about showing personality, balance, and what you'd be like to work with, rather than demonstrating firm knowledge.

Skadden will already get plenty of information on "why the firm" elsewhere in the application. For this question, they genuinely want to see what you do outside academics and work: this could be sports, music, volunteering, travel, creative projects, and anything that shows consistency and enthusiasm.

The main thing to keep in mind is to be authentic and specific. Instead of listing hobbies, give a short insight into what you do and why you enjoy it. If a skill naturally overlaps with qualities that are useful in law (such as teamwork or resilience), that can come through subtly, but I would try not to force the link.

So there's no need to connect it back to Skadden - just focus on giving them a sense of who you are as a person!