TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Achievingdivinity333]

Hiya, I've had a direct TC AC invite from A&O Shearman. I've never been to an assessment centre before, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on preparing for it. The AC is end of next week. Also how much technical knowledge do I need? I'm a law grad but I've got literally no knowledge of commercial issues tbh. Sincerely, a very scared gal! @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

Sorry I wanted to follow up and make a little edit. My grade profile had a 2:2 in it and it turned out to be a non-issue. I know A&O have recently made it the case that you need a 2:2 in every module. So this is motivation for anyone with a grade they are concerned about hehe. My video interview also got cut off before I finished the last words and I had to speed up my response because I realised I was out of time. My application was anything but perfect. I also promise I'm not gorgeous enough to sway any graduate recruitment members haha.

Hiya, can I ask when you received the invite? Also congratulations!!

 

[maylawwww]

Taylor Wessing WE!

 

[safari3]

Taylor Wessing WE!

Congrats! When did you complete the test?

 

[maylawwww]

Congrats! When did you complete the test?

Thank you!! I did the test on 21/10

 

[safari3]

Does anybody know if Taylor Wessing staggers Written exercise invites or do they send them all at once?

based on last cycle, I think at once but not certain

 

[applicant3000]

It’s just that I thought they said 20 trainees in London and 6 in Bristol 😕 thank you though : )!!

I think it could possibly be two schemes of 15 for London, as the FAQs make it sounds like it's both one scheme and two: "1 scheme in London with approximately 15 places on each". It's probably a bit risky to only offer 15 vacation scheme places if you're offering 15 training contracts. Having said that, there is only one set of dates for summer listed on the website.

If anyone has any info directly from Simmons grad rec, it would be appreciated!

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Does anyone know if it's worth applying to HSFK with one 2.2 module? On the app form, it does mention they look for consistent 2.1s throughout all modules, but how strictly is this adhered to/enforced?

i think it’s fine if u have ec

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Reed Smith AC!!! I could cry.

Really happy, as I applied for their first year scheme last year, and was rejected. It was very very similar this year, and I thought this year went so much worse so I thought I had no chance. Already crossed it off my tracker lol. I could've sworn my video interview was so so so so so so bad, and I felt my scores were just average for the SJT.

Just goes to show you never know I guess.

well done that’s amazing!! hope it goes well for u xx

 

[tom-sawyer]

just one. then HR interview next.

Is the test for Gibson Dunn automatic?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, thanks for such a detailed response. Do you think it would be okay to mention two practice areas/ industry groups? And then perhaps align it with the firm’s sector focused approach?

No problem!

Yes, I think this is a strong approach. It's natural to have an inclination towards a few specific practice areas, and being open about those interests helps convey authenticity. At the same time, demonstrating an understanding and interest in the firm's broader, sector-focused approach shows that you're thinking beyond individual departments and considering how that fits the training that you want

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock
I was wondering whether you'd have any advice on the Reed Smith VI and 'high potential assessment'? Maybe around what the firm's looking for skills/experience wise?
Thank you so much!

Hey!

Congratulations on receiving an assessment invite!

I don't have any particular knowledge of what the firm is looking for skills / experience wise, but I would base this on the competencies and qualities that they highlight as important on their website. I have quoted some posts below on some more general advice for approaching the SJT / VI - I would really recommend you take a look at the video in the Law Firm Directory on TCLA, as this was super helpful for me when I was approaching my assessment for Reed Smith!

Best of luck!

Hello!

Of course, I can share some general tips for VIs and SJTs that I always used in my last cycle. I can't share too much information on Reed Smith's in particular, just because the process has to be fair for all candidates!

Some SJT advice that I found really useful was actually shared by Zainab, and I'll copy it below. Just always remember that you are answering these situations as a trainee and so you should view each situation from that perspective.

• Recognise Your Role as a Trainee: As a trainee, you are not yet qualified to provide legal advice independently. Your work will require input and oversight from qualified professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Value Collaboration: Law firms operate as collaborative environments. While it’s essential to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take on tasks, many projects will require teamwork and the support of others to succeed.
• Adopt a Risk-Averse Mindset: Law firms are naturally cautious about risks. Your decisions and actions should align with this approach to protect the firm and its clients.
• Prioritise Quality Over Speed: Delivering thorough, high-quality work is more important than rushing to complete tasks. Precision and attention to detail are critical.
• Optimise Your Time: As your time is billed to clients, it's important to work efficiently. If seeking guidance can help you complete a task faster and more effectively, don’t hesitate to do so—it benefits both you and the firm.
• Follow the Priority Hierarchy: Decisions should prioritise the client first, your colleagues second, and yourself last. While this may feel counterintuitive, it ensures that the firm maintains its commitment to service and teamwork.
• Balance Initiative with Responsibility: Taking on additional tasks can demonstrate your drive and determination, but ensure this doesn’t compromise the quality or timeliness of your existing commitments. Delegate, defer, or reorganise tasks as needed to maintain balance.

For VI's, I'd make sure that you are fully answering the question and that all of the examples you use actually link. 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. I would also practice - it can be very weird to talk to a computer screen, so have a go at answering the most common interview questions in the mirror! Make sure you also utilise your prep time, as this is really useful! There was actually a video on TCLA in the Law Firm Directory that I watched before my SJT and 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

I hope that helps! Best of luck with the SJT and VI to anyone completing it

Hey!

I'm really sorry to hear about the CMS rejection, but you should be super proud of being invited to the Reed Smith online assessment - congratulations!

Of course, I can share some general tips for the strengths-based interview!

In general, it's really important that you are fully answering the question and that any examples you use actually fit with the question. In the past, I used to have a tendency to try to fit my most substantial and 'best' example to each question - however, the graduate recruitment team can usually tell that this is what you are trying to do. I would therefore focus on using the example that fits the strengths question the best (even if it is a less substantive experience) - think about what skills and traits the question is asking you to display, and go with an example that fits that.

I would also make sure to utilise the unlimited prep time, as this is really useful to have a clear idea of what you are going to say before you start recording. I wouldn't worry too much about the firm checking to see how long you have spent on prep time - Reed Smith actively encourage you to make the most of it, and I believe I spent around 30 minutes to an hour for each VI question! I would, however, avoid writing a script, as this can end up sounding robotic and could reflect badly on your overall performance. The method that helped me was to write my main bullet points that I wanted to cover on a post-it note, and use the unlimited prep time to practice over and over again. This meant that I could ensure that my answer was fully developed, but I didn't have to rely on notes to remember my answer.

There's a video on the TCLA Law Firm Directory that I always recommend, and I'd definitely encourage you to give it a watch if you haven't already - you can find it here.

Overall, particularly for strengths-based assessments, the important element is to answer truthfully and be yourself. With strengths-based assessments, they are looking to see how you would handle specific problems, your general working style, and the traits that you naturally possess that would make you a good fit for the firm. I would have a think about what your key strengths are, and how they align with the role of a trainee. If given a hypothetical situation, talk the interviewer (aka your computer!) through each step you would take to address the situation, and how you would use these strengths to aid you in handling any issues that arise.

These types of questions are often very reflective and might also ask you a specific question about your working style - for example, in an interview I did for a separate firm, I was asked "What type of person are you under pressure?". I'd just make sure you take a moment to actually think your answer through and reflect on your past experiences, and construct an answer that is rooted in previous examples.

I hope that assists - if you have any other questions, please do shout! Best of luck with the assessment

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Reed Smith AC!!! I could cry.

Really happy, as I applied for their first year scheme last year, and was rejected. It was very very similar this year, and I thought this year went so much worse so I thought I had no chance. Already crossed it off my tracker lol. I could've sworn my video interview was so so so so so so bad, and I felt my scores were just average for the SJT.

Just goes to show you never know I guess.

Huge congratulations - you should be super proud!!

I felt a similar way after my Reed Smith SJT and VI, so I'd definitely agree with the fact that you never know!

Best of luck with the AC - you've got this!! 💪 😊

 

[Trophy]

They never said you thought the process was unfair, nor did they imply you’re unfamiliar with the firm. I think the issue might be that some of the comments are being read more negatively than they’re meant. Everyone’s just sharing their experiences with the test, not criticising you personally.

It’s called implying. But anywho.

 

[Jennifer2003]

Thank you!! I did the test on 21/10

Congrats! Is this for Spring or Summer?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Did anybody go to the IP workshop at Bristows? I have the STEM students one this week and was wondering if anybody would be able to give insight into what the day involves!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hiya, I've had a direct TC AC invite from A&O Shearman. I've never been to an assessment centre before, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on preparing for it. The AC is end of next week. Also how much technical knowledge do I need? I'm a law grad but I've got literally no knowledge of commercial issues tbh. Sincerely, a very scared gal! @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

Sorry I wanted to follow up and make a little edit. My grade profile had a 2:2 in it and it turned out to be a non-issue. I know A&O have recently made it the case that you need a 2:2 in every module. So this is motivation for anyone with a grade they are concerned about hehe. My video interview also got cut off before I finished the last words and I had to speed up my response because I realised I was out of time. My application was anything but perfect. I also promise I'm not gorgeous enough to sway any graduate recruitment members haha.

Hey!

Huge congratulations on the AC invite - what an amazing achievement!! Your first assessment centre can feel daunting, but try to approach it with confidence. Remember, you’ve been invited because they already believe you have the potential to succeed. Go in with a positive mindset, trust your abilities, and focus on doing your best!

Whilst I have not completed an assessment centre at A&O Shearman before, I have quoted a post below on some advice I have previously given based on the exercises involved in their assessment centre - hopefully it is a useful starting point!

In terms of the technical knowledge required, it's helpful to brush up on recent commercial news (particularly major developments such as the Budget) and think about how these events might affect law firms. Go a step further by considering how these commercial issues could impact A&O Shearman's core client base, and what A&O Shearman might do to support clients in navigating those challenges.

You're not necessarily expected to have economist-level expertise; rather, aim to show a clear and practical understanding of how broader economic and commercial trends influence businesses (and, by extension, law firms).

Best of luck - you've got this!!

Hello!

Congratulations on being invited to an assessment centre with A&O - that's a fantastic achievement! 🎊 Whilst I haven't participated in an assessment centre at A&O specifically, I can share some more general advice and tips for assessment centres. From what I've found online, I can see that it includes: a case study interview, a scenario-based interview, and a Q&A session with trainees.

Partner Case Study Interview

For the Partner case study interview, the key is to show structure and clarity in your answers and reasoning. As you have 40 minutes of prep time, I'd focus on:

• Understanding the client's objectives and challenges: the main thing that you want to consider is what is the client actually asking for? What is their main goal, and what are the main elements that are likely to impact their business that they will want you to take into account?
• Prioritise the key issues: linked to the above, make sure that you use your time well and focus on the main and most important issues. If you can't cover absolutely everything, make sure to focus on those main areas.
• Structuring your answers logically: if you can show your thought process for each decision or recommendation, this will help the Partner follow along. This could be along the lines of - background -> issues -> analysis -> recommendation.
• Considering commercial impact: remember that as a commercial lawyer, you will also have to factor in the wider commercial impact of any legal advice you give. Think about how you can give the best advice to the client, whilst also safeguarding their business.

When you discuss your answers with the Partner, be confident explaining your reasoning but be prepared for them to challenge. It's completely fine to stick to what you originally stated if you can expand on your reasons, but also be open to altering your viewpoint if they bring up a point that you hadn't considered. They're more interested in how you think, rather than whether you're necessarily "right" or "wrong".

I've also linked a previous post that I made on case study interviews - there are some really useful resources within it (particularly Jacob Miller's post!), so it's definitely worth checking that out

Scenario-Based Interview

This is designed to test how you think on your feet and respond to real-world situations that trainees might face. You don't necessarily need to know any black-letter law - it's more about your judgment, communication skills, and overall approach. A few things I would consider before the task:

• Pause and structure your thoughts: take a moment to think through the situation in your head and come up with a structure. This avoids you jumping straight into the answer and rambling (which I've definitely been guilty of in the past!) and allows you to clearly talk them through each step you would take.
• Clarify assumptions: if anything seems uncertain, make sure to show that you would clarify this. For example: if you're asked how you'd handle a client who's unhappy with advice, you could say something such as: "Before deciding how to respond, I'd want to understand whether the client is unhappy with the outcome itself, the way it was communicated, or the time it took to deliver. Can I assume the issue is about the advice itself?". This shows that you don't jump to conclusions, and demonstrates clear analytical and communication skills.
• Explain your reasoning step by step: the interviewer wants to understand how you reach decisions, not just what your decisions are. This is why a structure is particularly helpful - talk the interviewer through why you would approach each aspect that way.
• Balance professional and commercial considerations: this is something that most commercial firms (and A&O) will place a lot of emphasis on. As a commercial lawyer, you're not just there to give the "legally correct" answer, but also one that makes sense for the client's business objectives. The best responses show that you can think like a business advisor whilst maintaining professional integrity and protecting their legal interests.
• Use the STAR method: I would use the STAR method if you are describing past experiences. However, for hypothetical scenarios, I'd focus on: identifying the key issue(s), outlining possible approaches, and explaining why you'd choose one over another.

Q&A Session with Trainees

Whilst I haven't encountered an exercise in this format before (so I'm not too sure on what they'd be assessing - or if it is even assessed!), I can imagine this is likely to be more relaxed and conversational. It's your opportunity to get a real feel for what life is like at A&O. The trainees might not necessarily be assessing you, but you'll still make an impression through the quality of your questions and curiosity. I would:

• Prepare 2-3 genuine questions that show insight and interest, and make sure they are tailored to you. This could be by linking them to your previous experiences, or by asking questions to see that the firm is a good fit for your long-term career goals.
• Avoid overly generic or factual questions - if you can find the answer on the website, I definitely would not ask it at a firm event!
• Show enthusiasm and openness, and try to come across as friendly, approachable and engaged. If they have mentioned something that you find interesting or relatable, strike up a conversation (depending on the setting) and express your enthusiasm.
• Be yourself! It's very cliche advice, but this part of the assessment is also about fit and curiosity, not performance.

Most importantly - stay calm, be yourself, and treat the day as a genuine opportunity to learn more about the firm and see if it is a good fit for you! They already know that you're capable, and they're now assessing how you think and communicate to see that you're a good fit!

Wishing you the best of luck - you've got this! 💪