TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[yk1906]

yess a VS - sadly CC was my only DTC lol - and thank you!

Good luck, and never underestimate yourself!!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I have a presentation coming up at an AC where I have 30 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to present. I've never done this before, do you have tips on how to approach this, how I could start to engage them and how to structure it and just general tips to stand out. Thank you, p.s there's no slides. @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Hi!

Congratulations on the AC invite!! I'm happy to share a few general tips that might be useful!

With 30 minutes to prepare, I would aim to define one key message you want them to take from your presentation, and then build 2-3 clear points around it. You don't need loads of detail - clarity and structure will be much more powerful.

Whilst it'll depend on the exact task, a simple structure you could use:

1. Introduction: briefly introduce yourself and outline what you'll cover so they know what to expect. You could start by acknowledging the task or scenario they gave you and summarising it in your own words. This shows understanding straight away and makes the direction of your presentation clear. In terms of starting, I would say that a calm and confident start is a good way to engage the room - even things such as taking a moment, making eye contact, and speaking clearly helps draw attention.
2. Context and Problem Understanding: I would explain the situation in your own words as you understand it, and highlight why it matters or what the key challenge is within it. This is a good way to demonstrate your analytical thinking.
3. Your Approach and Solution: walk them through your thought process and the steps that you would take. I'd give a little reasoning behind each point, as they are often interested in how you think, rather than just the conclusion. If if fits, it might help to add a simple example or comparison to make it relatable
4. Recommendation and Next Steps: I'd be clear about what you would do and the impact that it should have in the long-term. Make sure to keep this realistic and actionable, as it will need to have practical workability.
5. Summary: end your presentation with a short recap of your main message and summarising the key points - a concise and confident conclusion will leave a stronger impression than trying to cram loads in!

In terms of engaging with them during the presentation, I can totally relate as I was never particularly confident in presentations and public speaking! A few tips that I started to adopt:

• Make eye contact with different people as you speak, as this helps hold their attention and shows that you are engaged
• Use your voice - I always used to speak too quickly and try and get it 'over and done with' (which isn't the best method!). You can use slight pauses, vary your pace, and place an emphasis on key lines to keep it dynamic.
• Ask a light rhetorical question or invite them to consider something (such as "we might ask ourselves..." or "one thing to think about is...") - this gets them mentally involved without actually needing a response
• Bring energy and interest - show some genuine enthusiasm for the topic you are presenting on!

Overall, I'd focus on being structured, clear, and human! You don't need to be flashy, and they aren't expecting an expert public speaker - just show how you think and communicate confidently in your presentation.

I hope that helps, and good luck!!

 

[AMullin]

It’s non rolling you wouldn’t hear back until at least 08/12 as that’s when the last WGT can be done by those who applied on the deadline.

Ah my bad, didn’t know if it was like the FF process with a stage 1 and a stage 2. Thanks for the info 👍

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
What is the general procedure if you've been accepted into a Summer VS, but still have a few applications being considered for other Summer VS. Could you ask them to reconsider you to Spring? Is it worth reaching out now, even before they've decided to progress my application?

Hi!

Congratulations on getting the Summer VS offer - that's an amazing achievement! I was in a similar position last year, so I can share what I did and overall what my advice would be.

Firms often have some flexibility, so you can absolutely ask about moving to the Spring scheme. This is what I ended up doing, and ended up securing the Spring scheme for the firm that I moved (so it won't disadvantage you!). It's reasonable to ask whether they'd consider switching you - it's not guaranteed, but it's definitely not an unusual question.

If you do reach out, keep it polite and positive - I would encourage you to reach out as soon as possible, even before they've decided to progress your application (as that is what I did). The key factor is communication and transparency, and there's no harm in politely inquiring - the worst thing they can say is no!

Good luck with the rest of your applications!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

For those who applied to NRF, how long was your cover letter?

 

[legallybrunette8]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi Abbie! How would you advise answering "Why should we offer you a place on the __ Vacation Scheme?" if there is also another question on the application form asking "tell us why you wish to pursue a legal career at ___"?

 

[ttyl]

Any tips for how to prepare for Latham's video interview? Is it competency based or motivation or something else? Also is there just 1 VI question? Asking for Latham vacation scheme

 

[User2640]

Does anyone know whether NRF places more weight on some components than others? Got 1/4 4/4 4/4 3/4, messed up the emotions game so bad... feel like it's a very important component, probably suggesting I'm not good team player and have low EQ (tho I really don't think that's true 😔

 

[anon78365222111]

Hi!

Congratulations on the AC invite!! I'm happy to share a few general tips that might be useful!

With 30 minutes to prepare, I would aim to define one key message you want them to take from your presentation, and then build 2-3 clear points around it. You don't need loads of detail - clarity and structure will be much more powerful.

Whilst it'll depend on the exact task, a simple structure you could use:

1. Introduction: briefly introduce yourself and outline what you'll cover so they know what to expect. You could start by acknowledging the task or scenario they gave you and summarising it in your own words. This shows understanding straight away and makes the direction of your presentation clear. In terms of starting, I would say that a calm and confident start is a good way to engage the room - even things such as taking a moment, making eye contact, and speaking clearly helps draw attention.
2. Context and Problem Understanding: I would explain the situation in your own words as you understand it, and highlight why it matters or what the key challenge is within it. This is a good way to demonstrate your analytical thinking.
3. Your Approach and Solution: walk them through your thought process and the steps that you would take. I'd give a little reasoning behind each point, as they are often interested in how you think, rather than just the conclusion. If if fits, it might help to add a simple example or comparison to make it relatable
4. Recommendation and Next Steps: I'd be clear about what you would do and the impact that it should have in the long-term. Make sure to keep this realistic and actionable, as it will need to have practical workability.
5. Summary: end your presentation with a short recap of your main message and summarising the key points - a concise and confident conclusion will leave a stronger impression than trying to cram loads in!

In terms of engaging with them during the presentation, I can totally relate as I was never particularly confident in presentations and public speaking! A few tips that I started to adopt:

• Make eye contact with different people as you speak, as this helps hold their attention and shows that you are engaged
• Use your voice - I always used to speak too quickly and try and get it 'over and done with' (which isn't the best method!). You can use slight pauses, vary your pace, and place an emphasis on key lines to keep it dynamic.
• Ask a light rhetorical question or invite them to consider something (such as "we might ask ourselves..." or "one thing to think about is...") - this gets them mentally involved without actually needing a response
• Bring energy and interest - show some genuine enthusiasm for the topic you are presenting on!

Overall, I'd focus on being structured, clear, and human! You don't need to be flashy, and they aren't expecting an expert public speaker - just show how you think and communicate confidently in your presentation.

I hope that helps, and good luck!!

Thank you so much!

 

[lawstudent2]

For those who applied to NRF, how long was your cover letter?

one page

 

[elle woods]

I'm trying to work out which other VS' are worth applying to in terms of date clashes - does anyone know when Debevoise and Kirkland's summer VS are held? I've tried searching but the information is scarce...lol