TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[1stCycleApplicant]

when did you apply?

oct 1

 

[TCLAuser2002]

oct 1

and when did you complete the Watson glazer*

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

and when did you complete the Watson glazer*

Nov 13

 

[radssss]

Ooooof, finally it’s Monday tomorrow and we are all going for start hearing back from firms (i am very anxious and very relieved)

 

[zonnonomo]

new years benders have me doing nrf & goodwin vi hungover

 

[EfficientBag123]

Ooooof, finally it’s Monday tomorrow and we are all going for start hearing back from firms (i am very anxious and very relieved)

Relieved?? My head is going a mile a minute

 

[Lawlawland]

(disclaimer: I'm not asking for the questions)

Could someone who did the Goodwin VI temme what's the time alloted for preparation? And if the questions are competency based or motivation for the firm?

 

[Bread]

I'm a bit confused by the Forsters application process. Does your written app have to be submitted, reviewed, and your video interview completed all before the deadline (Monday)??

would also like info on this! The receipt email says apps will be reviewed after the deadline and the website says that apps are reviewed before VIs, but the website also places the VI stage before the application form deadline?? I really hope that it's just a mistake on their part (they also say "entry reqirements so clearly they dont have the strongest attention to detail), especially cause VI invite isnt automatic

 

[TheLegalEdit]

I know it's hard but try not to dwell.

I have done VIs before and truly absolutely bombed it (in my eyes), and still progressed. It is different for every firm, some are mainly looking at hoe you communicate, some have tick box lists for what you say in your answers, most are a little of everything. Also for firms like Reed Smith where the VI is done in conjunction with the SJT, then there's usually a mixed weighting there. So if you do well in the test, that may offset a poor VI too.

Thank you for your kind words! You’re right, hopefully something positive comes out of it!

 

[radssss]

Relieved?? My head is going a mile a minute

I rather hear back with a pfo than keep thinking about the damn applications everyday and getting stressed

 

[Bread]

Ok but why word it like that..

 

[Jennifer2003]

I have an AC coming up with bird and bird and was wondering if anybody has a recommendations for commercial awareness podcasts/podcasts that would help me keep on top of it? Currently battling my diss and don’t have the time to get really deep into reading articles but listening to a podcast would help, I’ve just no idea what to pick! I tried the FT news briefing but couldn’t understand what half of it meant or how it could apply to law! Any advice would be appreciated

 

[thepfocollector]

would also like info on this! The receipt email says apps will be reviewed after the deadline and the website says that apps are reviewed before VIs, but the website also places the VI stage before the application form deadline?? I really hope that it's just a mistake on their part (they also say "entry reqirements so clearly they dont have the strongest attention to detail), especially cause VI invite isnt automatic

during the open day grad recruitment said that they review applications after the deadline for about week and then invite around 1/3 to a video interview

 

[EfficientBag123]

I rather hear back with a pfo than keep thinking about the damn applications everyday and getting stressed

It’s when you start replaying your video interview in your head and you don’t know how it went so then you’re stressed.

 

[Legal12345]

I’ve received Milbank stage 1 but I’m not sure if it’s worth doing as ACs are already going out so spots will be filled quickly. Any advice?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Anyone applied to these firms, would love some insights:

Browne Jacobson
Boodle Hatfield
Glaisyers ETL
Capsticks
VWV
Joelson
Gide Loyrette Nouel
Howes Percival
Lockton?

Can't search more other than their websites, it's not on legal cheek firm's most list directory

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

I have an AC coming up with bird and bird and was wondering if anybody has a recommendations for commercial awareness podcasts/podcasts that would help me keep on top of it? Currently battling my diss and don’t have the time to get really deep into reading articles but listening to a podcast would help, I’ve just no idea what to pick! I tried the FT news briefing but couldn’t understand what half of it meant or how it could apply to law! Any advice would be appreciated

Ill try to explain (without directly spoonfeeding - as I guess this sort of thinking is necessary for the job). This is an example of what I would do (I'm new to this so probably there are better methods). It's also my personal understanding of commercial awareness, I'm not totally sure what firms look for yet.

Consider the impact of any news. It can be almost any news - it doesnt need to be direct financial news (e.g. a relevent example right now is Venezuela despite it not being finance/economics news).

Then consider the secondary impacts. Consider how these primary, secondary, tertiary impacts might effect certain industries (especially the industries your firm represents) and then how those industries impact others, and the general economy. How will the general economy then impact decisions companies will make r.e. investment etc.

In terms of FT news briefing - maybe there is a podcast discussing it to understand it better? I guess reading lots of briefings and learning to understand, and considering the impacts of the news will train your brain to recognise them in the long term.

Edit: if you have Spotify you can adjust the FT news briefing speed and make it slower to maybe understand better as well?