TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TheSlapDotCom]

It’s an amberjack SJT with the math and verbal reasoning questions and one VI question at the end!

can u delete this cz ppl r gna start panicking and its inaccurate

 

[tedkiss]

When did you apply for ML?

14th Oct

 

[User2640]

Hello!

This is a great question - the way that I would split them up is:

1. A skill is something that you can actively do (e.g. legal analysis or drafting)
2. A trait or characteristics is more about how you tend to behave or think when using those skills (e.g. collaborative, analytical, or commercially minded)
3. Culture describes the shared values and expectations of the organisation as a whole (e.g. how people at this specific organisation typically work together and what the firm rewards in practice).

For the Ropes & Gray question, I would say it's best to strike a balance - you don't need to list very generic qualities alone (such as "good communication"), but you also shouldn't go so narrow that you sound overly technical. I'd aim to discuss some broader qualities that show you would be a strong trainee generally, while also highlighting a few more specific characteristics that Ropes & Gray particularly values.

Best of luck!

Hi Abbie!

I was wondering when firms ask about my strengths, do they mean my skills (like communication, teamwork, attention to detail etc), or are they asking my USP? I feel it's not just about skills, but im not too sure what they are actually looking for. I never seem to pass when firm ask this. Any insights on this would be very much appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

 

[Lawyertobe28]

Guys i did hfw ac on Wednesday abd havent received a response yet. Is this a bad sign?

Hope you hear back soon! Any advice or insight into the ac you wouldn’t mind sharing please? Would be much appreciated

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

14th Oct

Oh was Morgan Lewis rolling? I thought it was non-rolling?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Morgan Lewis Telephone Interview??? literally submitted my application 23:59 yesterday, did not expect to hear back already lol
Any insights would be much appreciated!

That's a quick turnaround! I can't lie - I'm very jealous.

 

[tedkiss]

Oh was Morgan Lewis rolling? I thought it was non-rolling?

I believe they closed their applications yesterday so non-rolling

 

[halogenz]

has anyone done an ac at bird & bird in the past? please pm me! i'd be happy to share insights into a number of vi/ac stages - just let me know !

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I believe they closed their applications yesterday so non-rolling

Ah it seems like they are going through applications quickly then.

 

[toughcookie]

Finally, PFO from Cooley spring post app.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Ah it seems like they are going through applications quickly then.

Either that or in a non-timelinear submission order.

 

[fbtrainee]

It’s an amberjack SJT with the math and verbal reasoning questions and one VI question at the end!

Did it for spring and there was no VI question at the end

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Either that or in a non-timelinear submission order.

Alphabetically?
Random number generator?
Who knows?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

It’s an amberjack SJT with the math and verbal reasoning questions and one VI question at the end!

This is wrong - I have marked it as such. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
-JP

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Does anyone know what the Morgan Lewis early careers email is by any chance?​

 

[loaf]

That's a quick turnaround! I can't lie - I'm very jealous.

If only every law firm was like that…

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Does anyone know what the Morgan Lewis early careers email is by any chance?​

[email protected] maybe?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

If only every law firm was like that…

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

If only every law firm was like that…

Freshfields, Bakers and Perkins grad rec teams need to take notes from Morgan Lewis…

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Afraz Akhtar @Abbie Whitlock!

I have a strengths-based interview with BCLP next week and am awfully nervous about it.

Do you guys have any tips on how to build rapport with the interviewers/answer strength-based questions?

Hey!

It's totally normal to feel nervous, but I'd try to remember that they've progressed you this far for a reason! From my experience with strengths-based interviews, I would try to build rapport with the interviewers by being warm, engaged and genuine - try to treat it as a discussion rather than a formal assessment (whilst still remaining professional, of course!). Interviewers are human too, and sometimes asking genuine questions about their roles and career journeys can go a long way to show your interest in the firm.

When answering strengths-based questions, I'd focus less on giving a "model answer" and more on explaining how you naturally think and work. They are likely trying to see what motivates you, what you enjoy doing, and how you respond in real situations. In a previous strengths-based interview I completed, I was asked questions such as "What kind of person are you under pressure?" - this definitely threw me off, but the important part is to just be honest! You don't need long STAR-style answers, as short and specific examples are usually more than enough to demonstrate your point.

It can also help to link your answers back to the kind of environment BCLP offers (e.g. collaboration, adaptability, etc.), while still remaining genuine. The goal is to show that your strengths would translate well into how trainees at BCLP actually work day to day, and that you are motivated to work in the kind of environment that BCLP has.

I hope that assists, and wishing you the best of luck with your interview - I'm sure you'll do great!