TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[a0]

When should we hear from Milbank post both tests?

January/February apparently

 

[Mara]

When answering motivation questions about commercial law, so "why commercial law" and "why do you want to be a commercial lawyer", how exactly can you demonstrate clear, genuine interest and motivation without sounding forced or cliche?

 

[Prudentia]

How many days do we get to complete the Clifford chance wg? They sent me the email without a date

I think the deadline is 23:59 on Sunday 23 November. But might be worth dropping the grad recruitment team a line to double check - you don’t want your application to be withdrawn for not completing it in time!

 

[LaDiva]

When answering motivation questions about commercial law, so "why commercial law" and "why do you want to be a commercial lawyer", how exactly can you demonstrate clear, genuine interest and motivation without sounding forced or cliche?

Not sure if it's best, but I try to identify a specific area of two within commercial law that I'm really interested in, relate it to my own experiences and try to make parallels focussing on transferable skills, and then link it to the firm.

 

[uhfwejdj]

If I got AAC at a-level (128 Ucas points) but eversheds requires ABB (also 128 Ucas points) is it still worth applying there or will it be an instant rejection

 

[msclm]

If I got AAC at a-level (128 Ucas points) but eversheds requires ABB (also 128 Ucas points) is it still worth applying there or will it be an instant rejection

I think you’ll be fine, you meet the requirements for points

 

[JBM]

Congrats! May I ask whether it was for spring or summer?

It’s the same thing

 

[User2640]

If I may ask, for those who have passed NRF’s application stage, what’s the expected word count for the cover letter? I read somewhere that the maximum used to be around 750 words, but to keep it to one page I can only fit roughly 500. Is it acceptable to reduce the font size a bit - would 10 be okay? Or is it fine if the letter goes slightly over one page? Many thanks!

 

[V2002]

Has anyone heard from Covington post-AC?

 

[James Wakefield]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

 

[Lawlawland]

For the Dentons question asking for source references, How can one refer without taking a huge word count?

 

[Prudentia]

anyone have any insight on the CC WG? Was it super hard..

It's about the same difficulty as the practice test. I just got ChatGPT to drill me on each section and make the questions harder than the actual test. GPT can also explain the technique and reasoning behind each section (which is where most people mess up). I would recommend reading each question very carefully and going with your instinct. When I was practicing I tended to get the answer wrong if I spent too much time thinking about it. You have plenty of time to complete all the questions (it's not actually 40 questions as some of the 'questions' are examples), so don't rush it.

 

[Jaysen]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

We miss her too!

Currently Kirsty is managing things over on the Willkie thread and the new graduate recruiter joins on Monday

 

[Jaysen]

For the Dentons question asking for source references, How can one refer without taking a huge word count?

I'd suggest either doing it organically ('Data from The Lawyer reports that...') or in brackets ('55% of people said...(The Lawyer)). My personal preference is the former!

 

[Goodbyetc]

We miss her too!

Currently Kirsty is managing things over on the Willkie thread and the new graduate recruiter joins on Monday

Not the most important thing rn but I’m guessing this might extend the time to hear back after VI?

 

[Jaysen]

Not the most important thing rn but I’m guessing this might extend the time to hear back after VI?

I suspect there is someone taking over in the meantime, but I'm not completely sure!

 

[yk1906]

wait, theres two tests? i only did one, when did they send you the second test?

I did the first one around 1,5 weeks ago in the morning, and they sent me test 2 invite in the evening the same day

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

We miss her too!

Currently Kirsty is managing things over on the Willkie thread and the new graduate recruiter joins on Monday

Will this have an impact on Willkie’s recruitment process and approach to hiring future trainees? I believe Gemma introduced the CV blind process to their graduate recruitment process. It’s sad to hear she has left Willkie. Looking forward to the future of Willkie with the new graduate recruiter though!​

 

[Dannie]

I did the first one around 1,5 weeks ago in the morning, and they sent me test 2 invite in the evening the same day

does that mean pfo if you didn't get the second test...

 

[Trophy]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

I have met Gemma and I can say she was one the most genuine graduate recruitment person I’ve ever met and I’ve been to lots of firms. Such a shame she championed inclusivity from the jump. No matter the university, disability or background you were not overlooked. One of the reasons I applied to Willkie was because of the culture and the trainees were a representation of that. Hopefully that stays the same she did a great job.

I’m sure she’ll crush her role at rare technology.