TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[rr1809]

I don't want to sound like a doomer, but I've recently come to the realisation that the content of our application answers doesn't matter. These answers often just act as a filter for the other parts of your candidate profile.

Obviously I can't share these but, I have an old friend's successful applications from his second year of university. Trust me when I tell you that he essentially copy/pasted the exact same application for every firm he applied to – even down to using the same adjective for each of these firm's cultures. They were absolutely indistinguishable. However, this guy was on track to getting a first, he held multiple executive (society) positions, and he had also secured a large number of first-year schemes. If anybody else had written those applications, they would have been binned. But, his candidate profile was genuinely so impressive that (in my opinion) firms were willing to look past the lack of substance in his application answers.

This is not true!! Don't let the doom and gloom get to you.

Firms take holistic approaches to applications, sure there may be some firms who put a stronger emphasis on grades but many firms do not. I secured a TC at a top US firm without ever even getting a first in any module and only one vac scheme before . One example doesn't exemplify the whole industry, I know the application cycle can feel rough but quality applications are worth it- at the firm I got my TC I spent ages researching them and was truly interested by the work they were doing, and it shone through and made a difference.

Quality applications and a genuine interest in the firm do actually make a difference, despite how hard that might be to believe because of how alienating the process feels.

 

[blipken]

Thank you @missfuturetraineemaybe, @elle woods and @rr1809 for your responses! Very helpful and lots to think about. Wishing you all the best with your applications!

 

[rr1809]

Does anybody have any tips on how to write about a different firm's vacation scheme that you have completed in the work experience section of job apps?

I usually keep it brief, focus on the main tasks I was given and describe what I did. If there were any achievements on the scheme I also try and include them. Make sure to mention the team you sat in as well!

 

[Hakbar_04]

Slowly freaking out over eversheds...

It's okay! Whatever the outcome, it'll be a good learning experience nonetheless. If you don't get it this time, there are always other opportunities (and other firms!) where you might have an equally good - perhaps better - time.

 

[rr1809]

People applying to Kirkland, could you please tell me if you're answering the open question at the end? "Is there anything else you would like to add in support of your application?"

I've just noticed this and not sure whether they are expecting an answer

Your application should cover enough about yourself that you can leave this blank. The only time I ever filled one in was for a firm that required a really brief written application, so I mentioned that I balanced my Uni studies alongside part time work and working on a uni committee.

 

[Hakbar_04]

weird question but does anyone know if grad rec watches the part of amberjack recording when you’re just doing the sjt and other non-vi questions? i just realised i looked like an actual homeless person while doing those questions with all my weird expressions coming out…also today was not a good hair day if my frizzy hair girlies can relate!!!

I don't believe Graduate Recruitment spend their time watching back entire recordings of candidates completing the SJT (there's simply too many candidates and not enough time to do so!) and it's more likely that the recording is passed through a piece of software to look for any indicators of cheating (e.g. whether or not you've got a phone out and started to take pictures of the questions to send to your friends). So don't worry about the hair!

 

[Hakbar_04]

I only have 4 firms left to do but I kinda saved the ones with the scary questions till last ((

Don't worry! The advantage of your approach is you've got all the experience from having applied to the other firms, so you're now wiser and more able to apply your skills to the tougher questions. You've got this!

 

[BobThebIlly]

Would anyone be kind enough to review my app answer for "Why Commercial law? via PM

Ive realised I have been using basically the same response for firms that ask this question, and I have been getting rejected at application stage, so I am starting to think the issue might be how I am answering it rather than my interest in commercial law itself.

I know it is a bit cheeky to ask, but I would really appreciate any feedback, especially from people who have progressed at firms that ask this question, on what firms are actually looking for here and what made your answer work

 

[Hakbar_04]

Also, does anybody know how firms that use vantage title emails with updates? Is it obvious from the subject what the result is? Im thinking HL and HSFK particularly!

I believe it's something along the lines of 'Application Update: ...' which can be quite annoying because the subject doesn't reveal anything about the outcome (sometimes it will - e.g. 'Application Update: Invitation to Interview', but if you're on mobile and you receive a notification the subject title is too long for you to see the later part of the title, so it isn't very helpful!)

 

[Hakbar_04]

Would anyone be kind enough to review my app answer for "Why Commercial law? via PM

Ive realised I have been using basically the same response for firms that ask this question, and I have been getting rejected at application stage, so I am starting to think the issue might be how I am answering it rather than my interest in commercial law itself.

I know it is a bit cheeky to ask, but I would really appreciate any feedback, especially from people who have progressed at firms that ask this question, on what firms are actually looking for here and what made your answer work

Of course, please feel free to send it my way

 

[annalise.joyn]

Hey - the first assessment is not a VI, it's an assessment with Watson Glaser style and CAPP style questions, with a Hogan Lovells skin on top. To prepare, I'd recommend doing some Watson Glaser preparation via practice tests you can find online.
The second stage after the initial assessment is essentially a VI with four questions.

Hey! Thank you so much! I've also passed to Freshfields second stage, and I know nothing about the timings of the VI's and the kind of questions they ask, and whether it is a SJT or WG within this second stage too. Do you have any insight/advice or tips?

 

[Trophy]

It’s like hunger games for this tcla job. I wonder who will get it. 🤺

 

[Hakbar_04]

White and Case, Baker, Sidley and I was gonna do RPC but I might switch to Gibson Dunn. I know a lot of these are rolling... but I sorta think a month in advance should be enough for my application to be considered (correct me if I am wrong though)! To be honest I'm just scared I haven't done enough as I was aiming for 10 but some people have said do less, some do more! I have done 11 so far and 15 felt right haha

I'd advise prioritising quality over quantity. The more research you do into a firm's unique selling points and into linking that to your own interests and experiences, the higher quality of an application you'll be able to write, and the more likely you'll be able to progress to the next stage. Don't worry so much about the number, but work at a pace that helps you to maintain a high quality of application so that the applications you produce aren't immediately getting rejected by Graduate Recruitement

 

[rr1809]

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

Hi,
When I attended an application workshop, I was told this question is often asked because applicants come in thinking that they're all hands on deck and massively involved in deals, when the reality is that trainees are required for more 'non glamorous' tasks such as support and due diligence, and this question is often asked to see if you understand this. The key word is trainee solicitor, not solicitor! I think mentioning some awareness that you'll be supporting a team and learning a lot on the job is crucial for this answer. You can then try and find an opportunity to link it to the firm's strengths (e.g PE) so you display that you are aware of and familiar with the fields you'll be working in.

Hope this helped!

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Have all CMS AC offers gone out (London)?

 

[yk1906]

It’s like hunger games for this tcla job. I wonder who will get it. 🤺

I know I can’t stand these messages 😂😂

 

[ssss]

Does anyone find it hard not to fixate on numbers when applying to a Vacation Scheme/Direct TC? Feeling quite hopeless when I am 1 of 3000 applicants competing for 20 odd spots.

 

[JoiBoy]

Hopefully. How did you find their AC and what does it include? I've heard it's a written task, an analytical/commercial interview and a motivational/competency interview?

To be honest, not too sure on how I felt about the AC. It included a written task, a group task and interview, the firm went through an overhaul of the process so there were limited resources online.

 

[Sharkfin]

Have all CMS AC offers gone out (London)?

Might be copium but going off last yr's forums I think it was a staggered release, with alot being released in Jan. So fingers crossed there's still hope!
Though saying that I am mentally preparing for a PFO ://// Sucks cause they were my favourite firm, but onwards and upwards ig 🫡 🫡 🫡

 

[Hakbar_04]

Hey! Thank you so much! I've also passed to Freshfields second stage, and I know nothing about the timings of the VI's and the kind of questions they ask, and whether it is a SJT or WG within this second stage too. Do you have any insight/advice or tips?

Congratulations on getting to the second stage! From my knowledge...

• Before receiving the VI questions, you'll be given access to a bunch of information that is relevant (and should be incorporated where possible) to your VI questions. This access is, at first, untimed, so be sure to read it thoroughly and make notes on what you think are the important bits
• There are four questions that you have two minutes each to answer
• You get somewhere from 30s-1min to answer each question
• Of course prepare the answers to commonly asked questions (e.g. Why Freshfields? Why Commercial Law? Can you describe the role of a trainee solicitor? What is your application strategy? Can you name one industry development that is likely to affect Freshfields in the next 12-18 months?), but recognise that you won't be able to prepare for every question that is asked, so don't be thrown off if that is the case in the real thing
• Accompanying each video interview question are 4/5 SJT-type questions, so be prepared for those

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions, and good luck!