It will most likely be after the deadline. They look at the applications on a rolling basis but they review all applications before making decisions.
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
There is a Video explaining this. They mention that Open days and Virtual Work Experiences are equally important to display your proactiveness and commitment to commercial law. Thus, I'm making a separate sub-heading for it.
Also can someone confirm if there is time in between the chat and VI answers? e.g can I do the chats in PJs and have enough time to wear a shirt for the vI section?
I think they record you throughout the whole time
Just got my Freshfields results and I don’t know what to make of them… My strengths were championing our clients, thriving as a team, and challenging ourselves. My weaknesses were thriving under pressure and delivering extraordinary outcomes. Am I done for?
I was wondering has anyone attended panel discussion and networking event organised by law firms that are targeted at people in a specific industry (rather than aspiring solicitors)? I'm a non-law student and have registered for one coming up. I'm hoping to gain more insights into the practice area I'm interested in. I assume there won't be any student attending, and I was wondering what conversation topics/questions I could ask when speaking with someone during the networking session? Since I'm just a student and the attendees will be much more senior than me, I don't think it's appropriate to ask anything related to applications. What type of questions could I ask to better understand the firm, its culture etc.? Any example questions or general tips in such events would be very much appreciated! Really worried about being awkward during the event @Abbie Whitlock
Hey!
I'd recommend structuring it in three clear sections so that it stays focused but fits within the 250-word limit.
1. Introduction (1-2 sentences)
I'd start by briefly stating that the legal industry is undergoing rapid innovation and that this is reshaping the role of commercial lawyers - particularly in a global, tech-forward firm such as Dentons
2. Main Body (three main points)
This should be the core of your answer, and I would pick 2-3 innovations that you can discuss meaningfully. For each one, it might help to further break it down into a mini-structure like:
(1) What the development is - I'd briefly outline what the development or software is (without going into too much detail), such as AI-driven contract review systems or knowledge platforms
(2) Evidence and research - this is where you can make reference to specific initiatives at Dentons, and any industry reports or news stories
(3) Impact on a Dentons commercial lawyer - discuss how this changes the role of a trainee / associate at the firm, such as a shift towards higher-value advisory work, need for tech fluency, more strategic client engagement, changes to billing systems, etc.
3. Conclusion (1-2 sentences)
Finish your answer with a forward-looking line that explains how these innovations will elevate the role of a lawyer, rather than replace them - making commercial lawyers at Dentons more strategic, efficient, and client-centred.
This structure can help keep your answer concise and well-referenced while directly addressing the question.
Best of luck with your application!
Hey!
I'd recommend emailing them now rather than waiting. Firms will usually prefer the transparency, and it's much easier for them to move you into a different pool of candidates rather than trying to reorganise when they've given out offers (as at that point, they may need to ask people to swap to the other scheme if there are set numbers for each).
If you politely explain that you have have another WVS and would like to be considered for the spring scheme instead, they're normally understanding - I did this last cycle and asked to be considered for the spring scheme instead, and still ended up receiving an offer.
I would just send a polite and appreciative email, as I'm sure it is unlikely to be a problem
Hey!
I totally understand how you feel - whilst I've never been to an industry-specific event, I felt a similar way (and often still do!) before most networking events at firms so I can share what has helped me! People don't expect you to know everything - they just appreciate genuine interest in the area.
The easiest way to handle conversations is to focus on their experience, not on applications. I would start with something simple such as "I'm a student interested in this field, and I was wondering if you'd be happy to share what the work actually looks like day to day". This way, you give them some context on your background but it allows them to tell you about their career as well.
One of the key things to remember about networking events (both generally and industry-specific) is that the majority of people at them will genuinely enjoy their career, and will be more than happy to chat to you about it! Some starting points for conversations could be:
1. Ask what's changing in the industry and how it affects their clients
2. Ask what parts of the work they find most interesting or surprising
3. Ask how different teams work together on matters in that sector
4. Ask what they wish they'd known earlier about the practice area
These questions feel natural, don't put anyone on the spot, and give you a really good sense of the firm's culture and the type of work they do. Above all, have a think about what genuinely interests you about the industry and what you'd like to know more about - frame your questions around those things!
I would also try not to stress about being awkward (easier said than done, I know!). At these events, people are used to explaining what they do and they go to these events to talk to people who are interested in the area too - a bit of curiosity can go a long way!
I hope that helps, and best of luck with the event - I'm sure it'll go great!
Highly shy to put this out, but I would highly appreciate if anyone who was successful with Slaughter and May's application stage could DM me and go through the CV and CL.
I would like to reciprocate the favour for firms I've been successful with.
I would like to reciprocate the favour for firms I've been successful with.
Not really - they said at the open day that they get notified if you switch screens
They said they would only get back to people a few weeks after the deadline in their confirmation email
Tbh I’ve completely forgotten about them though with how horrific that test was - genuinely the worst one ive ever had to do
yeah you pick how fast you go i wore PJs through chat then shirt for video
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