TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ZNadeem]

Guidance: How to Answer “Why X Firm”​

Hi everyone! I wanted to share some key tips on answering the common question “Why X firm?” and how to approach it step by step.

Step 1: Initial Research​

Start with a surface-level search of the firm to identify 3 USPs (unique selling points) they are known for that resonate with you personally. These could be culture, sector focus, pro bono initiatives, or international reach.

Step 2: In-Depth Research​

Dive deeper into your chosen USPs using:

• Chambers UK
• Chambers Student
• Legal 500
• Legal Cheek

Tip: Use the firm’s website mainly for research on practice area or sector-related USPs.

Step 3: Draft Your Answer​

Once you’ve done your research and identified your three USPs, start drafting using a PEA structure for each, emphasising your own experiences in the Evidence section.

a) PEA Structure​

• Point: Clearly state the USP of the firm you are highlighting.
  Example: “I am particularly drawn to X firm’s international focus…”
• Evidence (from your background): Instead of just describing the firm, use your own experiences to show why this USP resonates with you. This could include:
  • Academic projects, dissertations, or modules
  • Work experience, internships, or vacation schemes
  • Extracurricular activities or volunteering
  • Personal experiences or achievements that shaped your values or skills
  • Example: “…during my summer internship at Y firm, I worked on a cross-border corporate transaction, which sparked my interest in international law and showed me the value of global collaboration.”
• Analysis: Explain why this USP matters to you and how it connects to your career aspirations.
  Example: “This aligns with my goal of working in a firm with an international presence, where I can continue to develop expertise in cross-jurisdictional matters.”

b) Linking Back to Yourself​

• Every USP paragraph should answer: Why does this resonate with me personally?
• The firm’s accolade or initiative alone isn’t enough; your experiences should show a natural fit.

c) Drafting Tips​

• Lead with your strongest USP
• Maintain a clear balance between firm-focused content (to show research) and self-focused evidence (to show fit)
• Keep paragraphs concise and structured for clarity

By framing Evidence around your personal experiences, your answer becomes far more compelling and memorable to recruiters.

​

Final Checklist​

• Are you truly answering the question? (Sometimes it’s worded differently, e.g., “What makes us stand out to you?” – adapt accordingly)
• Check for SPAG errors
• Avoid being overly descriptive like a brochure – ensure there’s a clear link to yourself
• Remove the firm’s name and see if the answer still clearly reflects the specific firm – it should

 

[mg42guy32]

Is the NRF test automatic? I am under the impression it is a second stage, but I just wanted to verify.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is the NRF test automatic? I am under the impression it is a second stage, but I just wanted to verify.

Hello!

From what I can see on their website, the test is automatic and everyone who submits an application is invited to complete the bespoke gamified online test. After that, only applicants who meet the minimum benchmark have their application screened further. If successful, they then move on to the Teams interview and potentially the virtual assessment centre

 

[Moo&mak]

Good afternoon everyone,

Does any one have any advice for approaching and answering the following questions.

1. How might attending a Squire Patton Boggs Open Day benefit your knowledge/understanding of a career in commercial law? (250 words max)
2.What do you think are Squire Patton Boggs strengths within the legal sector? (250 words max)

Thank you.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Good afternoon everyone,

Does any one have any advice for approaching and answering the following questions.

1. How might attending a Squire Patton Boggs Open Day benefit your knowledge/understanding of a career in commercial law? (250 words max)
2.What do you think are Squire Patton Boggs strengths within the legal sector? (250 words max)

Thank you.

Good afternoon!!

Of course, I can share how I would approach each question

Benefits of the Open Day

• Start with what you want to learn: this should be the main focus of this question. Think about why you're attending the Open Day and what you hope to take away. For example, insight to day-to-day work, an understanding of specific practice areas, or developing professional confidence and networking skills
• Include personal development goals: you could highlight what skills or experience you want to gain, such as commercial awareness or understanding deal structures
• Mention networking and culture: attending is a chance to meet lawyers and trainees and understand the firm's environment first-hand
• Understanding the recruitment process and expectations: you could also highlight how you would use the Open Day to learn more about what the firm values in trainees and how to prepare effectively for future applications or interviews

Focus on how the experience will help you grow or confirm your interest in commercial law, rather than just listing your current skills or knowledge of the firm. You should still discuss why you are drawn to Squire Patton Boggs in particular, but frame it in terms of what you hope to learn and how attending the Open Day will help you understand whether a career there is the right fit for you.

For example, instead of saying "I am interest in SPB because of their international work", you could say: "I am drawn to SPB's international work and attending the Open Day will help me see how cross-border teams collaborate and provide practical advice to clients, confirming my interest in pursuing a career in commercial law".

Squire Patton Boggs' Strengths in the Legal Sector

• Research: check the firm's website, recent deals, rankings, and awards to find specific strengths. These could be practice areas or sector expertise!
• Focus on concrete examples: this could be international reach, innovation in legal services, client focus, or a collaborative culture. Resources such as Legal 500, TCLA, Chambers, and Legal Cheek will be helpful for figuring this out.
• Explain why it matters: you should connect it's strengths / expertise back to the firm's impact in the sector or your own interests / goals.

In this answer, you should aim to be specific and show an understanding of the factors affecting the legal market. This will show the graduate recruitment team that you have researched the firm AND that you are aware of how the firm's strengths help it remain competitive in the market in response to these factors.

For example (although make sure your answer is more tailored than this example!): "SPB's recognised strength in energy and infrastructure projects demonstrates how the firm remains competitive by combining technical expertise with innovative, commercially-focused solutions. Their ability to advise on complex, high-profile deals while delivering practical advice to clients shows both deep sector knowledge and a clear commitment to client service, which highlights the firm's reputation for consistently adding value".

As general advice, I would structure your answer clearly with 2-3 key points and make sure that it is concise and tailored to your own interests and experiences where possible.

I hope the above helps! Best of luck with your application

 

[Moo&mak]

Good afternoon!!

Of course, I can share how I would approach each question

Benefits of the Open Day

• Start with what you want to learn: this should be the main focus of this question. Think about why you're attending the Open Day and what you hope to take away. For example, insight to day-to-day work, an understanding of specific practice areas, or developing professional confidence and networking skills
• Include personal development goals: you could highlight what skills or experience you want to gain, such as commercial awareness or understanding deal structures
• Mention networking and culture: attending is a chance to meet lawyers and trainees and understand the firm's environment first-hand
• Understanding the recruitment process and expectations: you could also highlight how you would use the Open Day to learn more about what the firm values in trainees and how to prepare effectively for future applications or interviews

Focus on how the experience will help you grow or confirm your interest in commercial law, rather than just listing your current skills or knowledge of the firm. You should still discuss why you are drawn to Squire Patton Boggs in particular, but frame it in terms of what you hope to learn and how attending the Open Day will help you understand whether a career there is the right fit for you.

For example, instead of saying "I am interest in SPB because of their international work", you could say: "I am drawn to SPB's international work and attending the Open Day will help me see how cross-border teams collaborate and provide practical advice to clients, confirming my interest in pursuing a career in commercial law".

Squire Patton Boggs' Strengths in the Legal Sector

• Research: check the firm's website, recent deals, rankings, and awards to find specific strengths. These could be practice areas or sector expertise!
• Focus on concrete examples: this could be international reach, innovation in legal services, client focus, or a collaborative culture. Resources such as Legal 500, TCLA, Chambers, and Legal Cheek will be helpful for figuring this out.
• Explain why it matters: you should connect it's strengths / expertise back to the firm's impact in the sector or your own interests / goals.

In this answer, you should aim to be specific and show an understanding of the factors affecting the legal market. This will show the graduate recruitment team that you have researched the firm AND that you are aware of how the firm's strengths help it remain competitive in the market in response to these factors.

For example (although make sure your answer is more tailored than this example!): "SPB's recognised strength in energy and infrastructure projects demonstrates how the firm remains competitive by combining technical expertise with innovative, commercially-focused solutions. Their ability to advise on complex, high-profile deals while delivering practical advice to clients shows both deep sector knowledge and a clear commitment to client service, which highlights the firm's reputation for consistently adding value".

As general advice, I would structure your answer clearly with 2-3 key points and make sure that it is concise and tailored to your own interests and experiences where possible.

I hope the above helps! Best of luck with your application

Thank you so much

 

[TC seeker]

@ZNadeem Hi Znadeem! Can I ask a few questions about background check? Will law firms check for extracurricular activities if I put them in the work experience part? ( like university committee roles) or is it better not to put these activities in the work experience?

 

[ZNadeem]

Good afternoon everyone,

Does any one have any advice for approaching and answering the following questions.

1. How might attending a Squire Patton Boggs Open Day benefit your knowledge/understanding of a career in commercial law? (250 words max)
2.What do you think are Squire Patton Boggs strengths within the legal sector? (250 words max)

Thank you.

Hi!

For Q1, I’d suggest working backwards. Think about what aspects of commercial law as a career you’d like to learn more about (e.g. international work, client-facing responsibilities, the variety of practice areas, or how lawyers balance technical advice with commercial awareness). Then use those points as the basis of your answer. A good way to structure it is PEA:

• Point – identify the aspect of commercial law
• Evidence – explain how attending the Open Day (presentations, Q&A panels, networking with trainees/associates, skills workshops) will give you insight into that aspect
• Analysis – reflect on why this matters to you and how it will help you decide whether commercial law is right for you

This way, your answer goes beyond “I want to attend to learn more” and actually links the Open Day’s activities to your personal development.

For Q2, focus on 2–3 clear strengths of Squire Patton Boggs. These could include things like their reputation in public policy, their mid-market deal strength, their strong transatlantic platform, or their sector specialisms. Again, use PEA:

• Point – name the strength
• Evidence – back it up with rankings, recent deals, awards, or specific initiatives
• Analysis – explain why that strength is meaningful to you personally (e.g. aligns with your interest in cross-border work, policy involvement, or exposure to certain sectors)

The key is to strike a balance: avoid making it sound like a brochure by always looping back to why this matters to you. That personal connection is what makes the answer persuasive.

 

[ZNadeem]

@ZNadeem Hi Znadeem! Can I ask a few questions about background check? Will law firms check for extracurricular activities if I put them in the work experience part? ( like university committee roles) or is it better not to put these activities in the work experience?

Hi! Firms don’t carry out background checks on extracurricular activities such as university committee roles, so you don’t need to worry about formal verification in that sense. That said, it’s really important to always be honest, because you can be asked about anything you list on your application during interviews or assessment centres.

I’d definitely recommend including university roles in your application. Committee or society positions are excellent for showing transferable skills!

 

[Moo&mak]

Hi!

For Q1, I’d suggest working backwards. Think about what aspects of commercial law as a career you’d like to learn more about (e.g. international work, client-facing responsibilities, the variety of practice areas, or how lawyers balance technical advice with commercial awareness). Then use those points as the basis of your answer. A good way to structure it is PEA:

• Point – identify the aspect of commercial law
• Evidence – explain how attending the Open Day (presentations, Q&A panels, networking with trainees/associates, skills workshops) will give you insight into that aspect
• Analysis – reflect on why this matters to you and how it will help you decide whether commercial law is right for you

This way, your answer goes beyond “I want to attend to learn more” and actually links the Open Day’s activities to your personal development.

For Q2, focus on 2–3 clear strengths of Squire Patton Boggs. These could include things like their reputation in public policy, their mid-market deal strength, their strong transatlantic platform, or their sector specialisms. Again, use PEA:

• Point – name the strength
• Evidence – back it up with rankings, recent deals, awards, or specific initiatives
• Analysis – explain why that strength is meaningful to you personally (e.g. aligns with your interest in cross-border work, policy involvement, or exposure to certain sectors)

The key is to strike a balance: avoid making it sound like a brochure by always looping back to why this matters to you. That personal connection is what makes the answer persuasive.

Thank you so much

 

[Legal12345]

Has anyone heard back from any firms yet and been progressed to ac or interview?

 

[lawyersum]

Did everyone else get an Ashurst holding email?

 

[c.t.tc]

If anyone else couldn't find the email with the actual test link for Taylor Wessing, I just contacted the assessment platform directly and they said that the email hadn't actually gone through and forwarded me a new one - might be the case for anyone else who also didn't get the test when they were supposed to!

 

[SamiyaJ]

If anyone else couldn't find the email with the actual test link for Taylor Wessing, I just contacted the assessment platform directly and they said that the email hadn't actually gone through and forwarded me a new one - might be the case for anyone else who also didn't get the test when they were supposed to!

Thank you!!

 

[londonlawyer]

Does anyone know if we need to include addresses in the cover letter for NRF?

 

[Mara]

Has anyone had mitigating circumstances taken into account with decent law firms?

I have A*A*B, went to a good RG, and graduated with a 2:1 but my second year grades are all 56-58 averages because my dad passed suddenly, and it was during the Covid pandemic so I couldn't go home until like 2 years later, after I graduated, because of border closures (international student). There is no way I could have done well and my third year grades went up but nothing drastic, just good enough for me to get a 2:1. I have so many prestigious and impressive extracurriculars (won competitions, president of societies, did work with international organisations) but I'm still getting automatic rejections from everything I apply to ):

I did have an interview with a US law firm last year but that's it. I'm just not sure if its my grades holding me back (which I'm certain it must be but then again I did get that one interview) but if that's the case then that means that my mitigating circumstances aren't enough? Has anyone dealt with anything similar?

 

[Amma Usman]

Has anyone had mitigating circumstances taken into account with decent law firms?

I have A*A*B, went to a good RG, and graduated with a 2:1 but my second year grades are all 56-58 averages because my dad passed suddenly, and it was during the Covid pandemic so I couldn't go home until like 2 years later, after I graduated, because of border closures (international student). There is no way I could have done well and my third year grades went up but nothing drastic, just good enough for me to get a 2:1. I have so many prestigious and impressive extracurriculars (won competitions, president of societies, did work with international organisations) but I'm still getting automatic rejections from everything I apply to ):

I did have an interview with a US law firm last year but that's it. I'm just not sure if its my grades holding me back (which I'm certain it must be but then again I did get that one interview) but if that's the case then that means that my mitigating circumstances aren't enough? Has anyone dealt with anything similar?

Thanks for your question. I totally get the concerns around mitigating circumstances, and I’m so sorry about your loss. I also lost my dad just before the application season opened, so I can relate to the pressures of balancing personal life struggles with university.

The first thing is that overall, you still have a 2:1 in your degree, which is very good, and on a basic level, you directly meet the criteria most law firms look for anyway. Often, law firms will look at this overall grade and not specific module grades, though I have heard of a couple of firms that do look at individual grades. Regardless, this should not put you down because (1) I know of many people who have gotten some 50s in individual modules but still secured training contracts at very prestigious firms, and (2) the mitigating circumstances section allows you to disclose the bereavement.

Next, your other achievements and extracurriculars heavily tip the scale away from grades, and I’m sure you know by now that law firms care about more than just grades. You have to ensure that the other parts of your candidacy are strong, and this starts with even the basic concept of writing good applications. Are your motivations clear and backed up by specific examples? Have you accurately shown your journey? Are you directly answering the application questions? Are you using clear language, because overly convoluted wording can put recruiters off?

By incorporating all of this, you are in a very strong position to succeed, despite those individual module grades, as you still have a 2:1 overall.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Has anyone had mitigating circumstances taken into account with decent law firms?

I have A*A*B, went to a good RG, and graduated with a 2:1 but my second year grades are all 56-58 averages because my dad passed suddenly, and it was during the Covid pandemic so I couldn't go home until like 2 years later, after I graduated, because of border closures (international student). There is no way I could have done well and my third year grades went up but nothing drastic, just good enough for me to get a 2:1. I have so many prestigious and impressive extracurriculars (won competitions, president of societies, did work with international organisations) but I'm still getting automatic rejections from everything I apply to ):

I did have an interview with a US law firm last year but that's it. I'm just not sure if its my grades holding me back (which I'm certain it must be but then again I did get that one interview) but if that's the case then that means that my mitigating circumstances aren't enough? Has anyone dealt with anything similar?

Hello @Mara

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss - that must have been incredibly hard, especially being stuck abroad during Covid. It makes complete sense that your grades dipped at that time, and it sounds like you've shown incredible resilience by still achieving a solid 2:1 and excelling in so many extracurriculars.

From what I know, most firms will take your mitigating circumstances seriously. If you haven't already, it might be worth reaching out to graduate recruitment teams directly to explain the context before submitting an application. Most firms allow you to flag mitigating circumstances in the application form, but if they don't, sending a short email to graduate recruitment explaining your situation could help make sure your application isn't filtered out unfairly. I think that as long as you let graduate recruitment know in some way, they will absolutely take them into account when reviewing your application.

Also, don't underestimate how impressive your extracurriculars and leadership experience are, and the fact that you've already has a US firm interview shows you're definitely competitive. Don't lose hope - you've achieved a lot despite really tough circumstances!! Wishing you all the best, and feel free to reach out if we can help at all

 

[Amma Usman]

Does anyone know if we need to include addresses in the cover letter for NRF?

Unless asked, I would usually just start with...

Dear Graduate Recruitment Team (or individual you were asked to address),

RE: APPLICATION FOR SUMMER VACATION SCHEME (for example) 2026
​

Start your cover letter with an intro. What you will cover. 1-2 sentences max.

Why commercial law. Show your journey, backed up with key examples.

Why NRF - practice areas, trainee size, training style, conversations with people working at the firm, etc.

Why you. Skills, achievements, extracurriculars.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely, faithfully,
Name

This is, of course, a default cover letter template I use when specific instructions are not provided otherwise by the firm. Ensure to check this alongside the guidelines set by GR.

 

[Amma Usman]

Has anyone heard back from any firms yet and been progressed to ac or interview?

It's definitely possible to have heard back from some firms by now, especially those with rolling deadlines. However, I want to point out that it's still too early to get worried about this, as we're still in September. Even if other people have heard back, applications tend to be viewed in batches that do not always depend on when one submitted their application. I know how hard the wait can be, but some of the best things that helped me during this 'holding' phase was to (1) apply to other firms I was interested in, (2) perfect any next stages of the application process - commercial awareness, case study prep, interview prep, etc, (3) Work out/go on walks/ do things I genuinely enjoyed to keep my mind engaged with other things, (5) university/ extracurricular work to strengthen my candidacy.