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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Hi @Afraz Akhtar, do you have any tips on how I can tailor my ā€œwhy youā€ answer to specific law firms? For example, if I wanted to highlight my teamwork or collaboration skills, how can I tie this back to the firm?
Hey @M_m where you are being asked to explain "why you" as a separate question all together, I don't think you need to make your answer specific to the firm but rather the career. So, if you talk about your insane communication skills (and an experience that has qualified that skill) then try to end the point off with a link to how this will make you stronger as a commercial solicitor. The point here is to show the firm that you understand what it takes to be a solicitor today.

Where you can make this specific to the firm, is typically when your interest in the firm is a particular capability, that you've discussed in your motivational question. Then, I imagine you could talk about your skills/experiences and how this would fit well with that particular offering. For example, if you've spoken about how the firm's operational risk department interests you, when it comes to "why you" you could go into detail about your ethical integrity, knowledge of the regulatory landscape, or ability to build strong stakeholder relationships - and highlight why this would be useful for that particular practice area.
 
Has anyone heard from Baker McKenzie (spring) this week? I am starting to lose my mind 🄲

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Travers says candidates with a disability who 'meet the minimum criteria for the role' will be invited to interview. Do they mean grade requirements? Or are there other minimum requirements they may be referring to, e.g. work experience etc?
 
Travers says candidates with a disability who 'meet the minimum criteria for the role' will be invited to interview. Do they mean grade requirements? Or are there other minimum requirements they may be referring to, e.g. work experience etc?

I would be wary of this. IME it doesn't mean anything. Unless you need particular special arrangements I would be careful about disclosing.

It tends to translate into "if you meet the score you are guaranteed an interview". However, it's not clear how that is different from any other candidate. It's not a "we will interview all candidates who declare a disability".
 
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