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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Has anyone heard from Clyde and co post test? My friend heard back quickly for the paralegal academy, I did the test for the vac scheme on the 2nd of this month and im still waiting
What in the Video interview as well? I thought that was just for the SJT in the first assessment?
Can I ask how long it took to receive the first CAPP test? I applied yesterday just wondering when I can roughly expect it
Did you use personal examples in your video interview or did you make it more hypothetical (depending on the question)? I feel like some seem hard to make a personal link to.Hey!
Sure, happy to share how I approached the VI!
In general for video interviews, it's really important to make sure that you are fully answering the question and that any examples that you use actually fit with the question. I used to have a tendency to want to use my strongest example and try and fit it to the question, however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell and it'll look better to use an example that fits best (even if it is a less 'substantive' experience)
Another main thing I did was practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so it really helped me to have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror (even if it felt a little silly!). I had a tendency to ramble in my video interviews, so knowing roughly how long it would take me to cover my main topics was really helpful.
Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful to have a clear idea of what you are going to say before you start recording - Reed Smith actually recommend you use the prep time instead of jumping straight into the questions! I would avoid writing a script as this can sound robotic and could reflect badly on your overall performance, but I stuck a post-it note with all the key points I wanted to discuss and used that when practising (and in the recording).
There's a video in the TCLA Law Firm Directory that I watched before my VI that I found was super helpful - I'll link it here. I'd definitely give that a watch, as Rik gives some great advice on what they are looking for and how to approach each aspect of the assessment.
Overall, just answer truthfully and be yourself. I think there's a tendency to think you have to come across as super composed and scripted for a video interview, but this isn't necessarily how you would behave in an actual interview. Take a moment to relax before recording, and try and come across as approachable and friendly - show them your personality and what your strengths are!
I hope that assists
getting confused with dates but the Reed Smith and Hogan Lovells tests people are discussing, is that winter or summer/spring?
Hello!
Good question! I always aimed to use personal examples in my answers, as they provided concrete evidence of the skills or qualities I was discussing. For instance, if I was asked, "What would you do in XYZ situation?", I would explain how I would approach it while referencing a similar experience I've had (if possible). Likewise, for questions such as "Why X Firm?" or "Why Law?", I would always include personal examples to demonstrate genuine motivation and authenticity behind my answers.
That said, if you don't have a relevant personal example (particularly for more strengths-based or situational questions) it's absolutely fine to discuss how you would handle the situation in a hypothetical sense. You can still make your answer more personal by briefly linking it to past experiences that highlight the skills or traits that would help you respond effectively
Hello!
I would personally avoid naming specific competitor firms. It's better to discuss competitors more broadly - for example, referring to other leading firms in the same area or market segment. This still demonstrates commercial awareness without getting bogged down in direct comparisons
Thank you very much!Hey!
I think anywhere up to 1.5 pages is an acceptable length (although 1 page is generally best!). However, I would try and avoid using font size 10 as it can be slightly too small - font size 11 or 12 is generally preferred!
700 words seems like the right amount if you haven't been provided with a word limit!
Do you mind sharing your feedback - not so sure if I have done well or badly
(feel free to PM me)
Is anyone else just tired of the long waits between each stage of the process? Its just making me anxious.
By ‘referring to other leading firms’ do you mean naming them or simply saying ‘other leading firms’?Hello!
I would personally avoid naming specific competitor firms. It's better to discuss competitors more broadly - for example, referring to other leading firms in the same area or market segment. This still demonstrates commercial awareness without getting bogged down in direct comparisons
Hey, thanks for replying to this! It is really helpful.Hey!
For the 150-word work experience section, I'd recommend keeping it in short, clear prose rather than bullet points - however, if you are struggling, bullet points should be perfectly acceptable (unless they state otherwise). I'd focus on a few experiences that best show skills that they value - on their 'About Us' page, they list their core values which might be useful to refer to! You can demonstrate these skills through concise examples, rather than explicitly listing them.
I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!
Can I ask - would you use the word count to apply the experience to Mischon specifically? I am tied between just raising the skills that they value versus explicitly linking it to Mischon. I am not sure what is best.
Thank you!
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