TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[SamiyaJ]

Wishing everyone a positive week ahead, smash all these applications and next stage shenanigans! 🫶🏾✨📚

 

[i-want-a-tc]

is there only a WG/ SJT element or VI too?

VI will show up in second stage assessment, not in the first one

 

[berocca567]

Freshfields - is the 'second stage' automatic, or is that one you get progressed to? thr website doesnt mention multipel stages so how does everyone know there are 2?

 

[oliviabeijing]

Applying to Denton's vac scheme, any tips for answering this question: What do you understand to be the day-to-day responsibilities of a commercial lawyer? What attracts you to this reality and which aspects do you anticipate to be most challenging for you to navigate? I find I always struggle to make my answer to these questions unique/ stand out?

 

[johnsmith]

is there only a WG/ SJT element or VI too?

Just the former - no VI at initial stage.

@berocca567, their prep hub includes the VI section. The email with the initial assessment also says stage 1, so the logical conclusion is that there is another stage with further testing, which likely includes VI.

 

[abc124]

Hi, could i ask if the test was more like a situational judgment test or a watson glaser?

Hey, it was both - standard Cappfinity style

 

[abc124]

What does the HL second test consist of please?

SJTs, short written answer, and video interview questions

 

[Tattyasha]

Do people actually reapply to firms where they were rejected after completing a vacation scheme? I'm just curious 🤔

Well, I didn’t think I would but I did one last year that I didn’t convert due to number of places. They asked me to apply again. I said I’m guessing direct TC would be best so as not to take up a VS space again and they said they try and get everyone to do the VS anyway regardless of how they apply so it didn’t matter, but, in answer to your question, yes they do, but it’s probably subjective and depends on the firm and their reason for rejecting previously

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Applying to Denton's vac scheme, any tips for answering this question: What do you understand to be the day-to-day responsibilities of a commercial lawyer? What attracts you to this reality and which aspects do you anticipate to be most challenging for you to navigate? I find I always struggle to make my answer to these questions unique/ stand out?

Hey!

That's a really great question, and I can totally see how it can be tough to sound original when everyone's essentially describing the same job. What helps is going beyond just listing tasks and showing some personal reflection.

Essentially, I would say the main things that they are looking for in this question are that you have:

1. An understanding of what a commercial lawyer does
2. Clear motivations for pursuing this career
3. A self-awareness of your own skills and areas you'd like to improve on

For the first part, rather than just saying "commercial lawyers draft contracts and advise clients", try to describe what this would actually look like in practice - for example, "translating complex regulatory obligations into practical business advice". That kind of distinction shows that you've thought about what the work actually involves on a day-to-day level, and the value that commercial lawyers bring to clients.

To make your answer stand out, I would link the reality of the job to your own experiences and motivations. For instance, if you've worked in a business setting, you might say that gave you insight into how legal advice can influence and shape commercial decisions. Alternatively, if you enjoy teamwork or research, show how these strengths would help you in tasks such as due diligence or coordinating across practice areas. Connecting your skills and experiences to the realities of the role shows genuine self-awareness, and an understanding of how you are well-suited for the job.

When it comes to the "challenges" part, I would be honest but reflective - these challenges could include managing competing deadlines, getting comfortable with ambiguity, or perhaps even something like networking or presenting. I would then make sure that you show how you're preparing to develop in those areas (e.g. through time management, adaptability, or even seeking out those settings to gain more exposure!).

In summary, I would follow a structure along the lines of:

• Show how you understand the job in context (with realistic examples)
• Link that to your own skills and motivations (and why they make you suited for the role)
• Reflect on your challenges (and discuss how you intend to work on these areas)

This will help make your answer feel distinctive and authentic, rather than a generic description of what the job involves.

I hope that helps!

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Just applied to Weil. No work experience section / no additional questions section. Is it supposed to be that way? Their website states they’ll ask both a motivation and commercial question in the application form…

 

[londonlawyer]

Just applied to Weil. No work experience section / no additional questions section. Is it supposed to be that way? Their website states they’ll ask both a motivation and commercial question in the application form…

Yh, they haven't updated their website. But someone on the forum who attended the open day said the next stage is an online assessment with VI questions

 

[Jack Falahee]

Yh, they haven't updated their website. But someone on the forum who attended the open day said the next stage is an online assessment with VI questions

Yes, this is what you referred to: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2025-26.9717/post-219004

I also met them at the Legal Cheek Law Virtual Fair. They did this as a result of efficiency and technical issues with their system, the impact of delaying the application live.

 

[nbjani]

Anyone have any idea as to whether wfw is rolling or non rolling?

 

[Diana54]

Is it worth applying to Dechert WVS now (my application is ready) as they recruit on a rolling basis and the deadline is the 17/10 or should I just apply for spring/summer? - anyone have any idea of how seriously they their rolling recruitment?

 

[Jack Falahee]

Is it worth applying to Dechert WVS now (my application is ready) as they recruit on a rolling basis and the deadline is the 17/10 or should I just apply for spring/summer? - anyone have any idea of how seriously they their rolling recruitment?

I'd say if you're local and graduate without restrictions to work outside of study term, it'd be okay for WVS, especially if you've already worked and want to spend your PTOs for the rest of the year.

I've seen many ppl said WVS is more competitive, but it really depends as I see as all VS seasons are equally competitive. WVS might have more experienced applicants, whereas the spring and summer have more in numbers, especially local and international students.

 

[watson_glazer]

How do I get my WG score back from Linklaters? Been several weeks since submission, it’s not automatic is it?

 

[AMIAN18]

Does it matter if you go above the recommended prep time in a VI interview? And number of takes? Is it likely to count against you?

 

[floral.tcla]

hey happy monday!
beyond ai, uk budget announcements, what else is worth reading up on in-depth ahead of an interview? I have been revising my current affairs/commercial knowledge and suddenly realise how very very little I know 🥲

 

[msclm]

Is it worth applying to Dechert WVS now (my application is ready) as they recruit on a rolling basis and the deadline is the 17/10 or should I just apply for spring/summer? - anyone have any idea of how seriously they their rolling recruitment?

I can’t mention specifically about dechert (I did the written exercise for them last week though), but if you genuinely think your application is strong then just apply. I applied to Sidley (who also roll) like 30 mins before the deadline and I’m now through to the final partner interview- so yoh never know!

 

[lawyersum]

hey happy monday!
beyond ai, uk budget announcements, what else is worth reading up on in-depth ahead of an interview? I have been revising my current affairs/commercial knowledge and suddenly realise how very very little I know 🥲

not an expert at all, but i'd say that the controversy around london as an attractive venue for stock exchange listings is a good topic to have in the back of your head. recent cyber attacks on large UK companies like Jaguar Land Rover, M&S etc. recent high profile merger between anglo-american and teck and its impact on the energy sector. AI of course. ESG vs Trump, is ESG becoming less important? hope this helps.