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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

@Afraz Akhtar

I hope you are well!

I had a quick question regarding an AC. In a motivational/competency interview, when asked “Why you?”, what would you recommend as the most effective way to structure this answer? My current thinking is to select a personal trait that strongly aligns with the firm’s values, support it with relevant past experiences, and then clearly link it back to how I would add value to the firm. I would really appreciate your thoughts on whether this is the right approach or if there is a better way to frame it. Thank you :)
Hey @ScottieSuits I think this is an amazing approach. However, make sure you can answer it naturally. You don't want to come across scripted, and I think sometimes a rigid structure can do that. The interviewer wants to see the real you, your personality, your way of communicating etc. So, by all means hit those points but be able to do so naturally.

Additionally, you should also take this time to present a summary of your strongest skill-set, not just one. In the past, I've always gone for three and leveraged an experience of mine to actually substantiate the claim. I haven't specifically needed to link this back to the firm, but have made the effort to link it back to the career choice.
 
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Reactions: ScottieSuits
Well done all of you!

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Thanks! Couldn’t have done it without tcla. Although of course I’m now panicking because I found out via phone and haven’t received n email conf yet 🫠
 
How much do you think law firms care about grades? I understand they don’t want 2:2s but my university basically never gives out firsts and I just got a mid 2:1 on an essay I was really proud of so I’m just feeling super demotivated :(. I go to a top 10 Russell group that’s a top target for employers so I’m hoping individual grades don’t matter that much
 
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Reactions: trainingcontractpls
I never stated it as fact hun.

Critical thinking comes in handy in situations like these. Sort of makes total sense that they would invite the first batch of strong candidates who got their apps in early to ACs. But that’s just my reading of it.
 
They did NOT speak like this is a fact, but it is common sense that stronger applicants would be selected for Winter and those that didn’t make the cut might be moved to Spring… why so hostile?

Also for anyone still waiting to hear back from Reed Smith: I’m personally preparing myself for a PFO cause I know that my VIs weren’t that impressive, that’s all. Don’t let the forum dishearten you, you can assess your own performance best. We’ll all hear back at one point so no need to worry about it now.
 
How much do you think law firms care about grades? I understand they don’t want 2:2s but my university basically never gives out firsts and I just got a mid 2:1 on an essay I was really proud of so I’m just feeling super demotivated :(. I go to a top 10 Russell group that’s a top target for employers so I’m hoping individual grades don’t matter that much
Don’t stress! Usually as long as you graduate with a 2:1 overall, it’s no biggie. I know that some firms are stricter with their requirements but most of them are chill as long as you have a 2:1 overall. I have a few 2:2s in some of my modules and I have progressed to next stages with no issue
 
Also, hate to be that guy but does anyone know around when firms like Mishcon (spring) and HSF (summer) get back regarding assessment centre invites after someone does their tests? Really hoping I don't have to wait until mid February
 

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