TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bbhu19]

TW test invite!! Was a bit stressed it wasn’t coming in

Is this automatic or do they read your application as I applied today and received the test invite aswell

 

[Harvey Specter]

bit of a random question but do any firms not have a final interview after the vacation scheme and just judge off your performance on the scheme ? or do most firms include a final interview afterwards

I think Willkie has their assessments before the VS (written app, video interview, written exercise and partner interview). Candidates are judged solely on their VS performance. Most firms have a range of assessments during the VS and/or a final interview afterwards.​

 

[Dannie]

Any tips on how to get over fear and dread around ACs especially after trauma from PFOs after a bunch of past ones?

 

[WeGotThis!]

For those who applied to Milbank, did you receive the first test immediately and how many days do you get to complete it? Thank you!

 

[johnsmith]

bit of a random question but do any firms not have a final interview after the vacation scheme and just judge off your performance on the scheme ? or do most firms include a final interview afterwards

Simmons is like this! They outlined this at a recent OD.

 

[yasmars]

Does anyone know much about the Proskauer Rose training contract?

 

[Someoneinlaw]

I have been to their AC before and can confirm it is heavily weighed.

I passed every component of their AC but did not finish the intray due to strict timings. I was told if I had finished that it would’ve been a different outcome.

Partner interview is pretty easy… why the firm, why London. It is a very rigid format everyone is asked the same exact questions across all offices. They will ask you a commercial question. I can’t remember it.it is one partner in the interview 1 partner in the commercial case study. They will mostly be looking down taking notes so don’t be too nervous. Friendly firm for sure. I know someone who got a TC offer from a VS AC as they were very good and passed all aspects of the AC.

Please don’t send me lots of messages asking for tips just giving my two pence above 🫡

Wow, thank you very much for this!

 

[elizabethkate]

rogue but anyone applying to capsticks?

 

[c.t.tc]

Simmons is like this! They outlined this at a recent OD.

Quite a few are tbh - often the ones that have a similar culture I have found (not that this is the rule just a pattern)

 

[msclm]

bit of a random question but do any firms not have a final interview after the vacation scheme and just judge off your performance on the scheme ? or do most firms include a final interview afterwards

You can presume most (if not all) US firms have additional assessments on the vac!

 

[user55998384]

Hey guys, whats the time limit to answer each video interview quesion in the Simmons & Simmons assessment. It doesn't tell you how long next to the first question. Thanks!

2 minutes

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any advice for Akin Telephone interviews?

Hey!

Congratulations on being invited to the telephone interview stage!

Whilst I‘m not too sure on the specifics of Akin’s process, telephone interviews tend to focus on getting to know you and discussing your motivations for applying to the firm. If I was preparing for a telephone interview, I would focus on:

1. Motivational Questions

I would generally expect the classic three questions - why commercial law, why Akin, and why you. This can come in various forms, such as “why are you interested in our core practice areas” or “what makes you a good fit for Akin’s culture”. These approaches tend to blend a few of the motivational questions together, so I would just make sure that you address each aspect when answering the questions.

2. Competency Questions and Scenario Questions

I’d expect the common ones that are relevant to the role of a trainee solicitor - such as teamwork, resilience, handling pressure, solving problems, proactivity, etc. Using a clear structure such as STAR is ideal, as it ensures that you discuss each situation and competency in depth. I would always encourage you to read this guide by Andrei for competency questions

Scenario questions are quite similar to what would appear in an SJT, and could include things such as:

• ”What would you do if you had competing deadlines?”
• ”How would you handle a difficult colleague?”

They are not necessarily looking for a ‘right’ answer - they want to see your judgment, approach, and thought process. I’d make sure to talk them through each stage in your process, and outline what you’d take into consideration at each point.

3. Commercial Awareness

I would prepare for questions that follow the lines of “Tell us about a recent news story that interested you” or “Tell us about a recent news story that will impact the firm and our clients”. Make sure to research a few stories that you are able to understand well and that you are genuinely interested in, and explain:

1. The context of the story (i.e. what is actually happening)
2. The commercial implications
3. How it might affect Akin’s clients or practice groups.

As it is a telephone interview, it will be slightly different than a normal interview in a few ways. I would make sure to keep your answers structured and concise, and speak with energy and genuine interest - this will help you build a rapport with the interviewer! You might also find it useful to clearly signpost your answers so that the interviewers are able to clearly follow along.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the interview!

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Does anyone have insight for the freshfields stage 2 assessment, specifically the email aspect?

 

[ahem]

Anyone know if the RPC online assessment includes video interview questions?

Hi jus wondering if you have done this, and whether it includes VI? thanks!!