TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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!