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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Yes, I was finding it kind of fun until the video questions
Hello, in a video interview - if the question is challenges facing law firms, do we need to explain this but then also provide a solution that the firm can do to overcome this?
Thank you
Thank you
Hey, if u dont mind me asking, what were ur scores like? I just completed my test!
Im sorry to hear that. I feel like some of the SJT questions were really hard this year (especially at the start)I just completed mine too! It was horrible(((
Mine were okay but thought I woulda got higher. I got 7 Grit, 6 Applied Intellect, 4 creative force, and 9 digital mindset. And high/high for numerical and verbal.
What were ur scores like?
Hi, was wondering if the video responses have a limited preparation time? If so, how long is it?
Hi was wondering if the VI had limited preparation time, and if so, how long was it?
Hi!
I think this really depends on the qualities and skills that you can genuinely support with your own experiences. Rather than trying to fit a generic list, it’s best to look at the skills and values that the firm emphasises on its website and trainee profiles and then reflect on which of those are evident in your past experiences or extra-curriculars.
For example, if the firm highlights teamwork and commercial awareness, you could link this to a time you worked on a group project or taken part in a competition that required you to think commercially.
By approaching it this way, you’re ensuring that your answer is personal to you and tailored to what the firm is looking for.
I hope that assists
Hello!
Yes, I’d say it’s definitely acceptable to ask! I completed a vacation scheme last cycle that did not explicitly state they covered accommodation - however, when I emailed to ask for accommodation recommendations, they offered to contribute towards it.
Some firms will say no, but it is definitely worth asking
Hello!
Great question! You don’t have to go into a full solution, but it can be good to briefly mention at the end of your answer how firms might respond to or manage that challenge. It shows that you’re thinking proactively rather than just identifying the problems!
For example, if you talk about increasing competition in the legal market, you could finish by noting that firms are investing more in innovation or client relationships in order to stay ahead. It doesn’t need to be detailed - just a short point to show commercial awareness.
I hope that helps!
I got 3/6/3/4 and mid for numerical and verbal and I dont even know why it's genuinely disheartening. if it works out then so be it but if it doesn't I know exactly why hahahaha. oh well.
I completely missed your response, so sorry! Thank you so much for your insightful reply. This is very helpfulHey!
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:
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.
- An understanding of what a commercial lawyer does
- Clear motivations for pursuing this career
- A self-awareness of your own skills and areas you'd like to improve on
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:
This will help make your answer feel distinctive and authentic, rather than a generic description of what the job involves.
- 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)
I hope that helps!
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