TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I have a presentation coming up at an AC where I have 30 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to present. I've never done this before, do you have tips on how to approach this, how I could start to engage them and how to structure it and just general tips to stand out. Thank you, p.s there's no slides. @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

Hi!

Congratulations on the AC invite!! I'm happy to share a few general tips that might be useful!

With 30 minutes to prepare, I would aim to define one key message you want them to take from your presentation, and then build 2-3 clear points around it. You don't need loads of detail - clarity and structure will be much more powerful.

Whilst it'll depend on the exact task, a simple structure you could use:

1. Introduction: briefly introduce yourself and outline what you'll cover so they know what to expect. You could start by acknowledging the task or scenario they gave you and summarising it in your own words. This shows understanding straight away and makes the direction of your presentation clear. In terms of starting, I would say that a calm and confident start is a good way to engage the room - even things such as taking a moment, making eye contact, and speaking clearly helps draw attention.
2. Context and Problem Understanding: I would explain the situation in your own words as you understand it, and highlight why it matters or what the key challenge is within it. This is a good way to demonstrate your analytical thinking.
3. Your Approach and Solution: walk them through your thought process and the steps that you would take. I'd give a little reasoning behind each point, as they are often interested in how you think, rather than just the conclusion. If if fits, it might help to add a simple example or comparison to make it relatable
4. Recommendation and Next Steps: I'd be clear about what you would do and the impact that it should have in the long-term. Make sure to keep this realistic and actionable, as it will need to have practical workability.
5. Summary: end your presentation with a short recap of your main message and summarising the key points - a concise and confident conclusion will leave a stronger impression than trying to cram loads in!

In terms of engaging with them during the presentation, I can totally relate as I was never particularly confident in presentations and public speaking! A few tips that I started to adopt:

• Make eye contact with different people as you speak, as this helps hold their attention and shows that you are engaged
• Use your voice - I always used to speak too quickly and try and get it 'over and done with' (which isn't the best method!). You can use slight pauses, vary your pace, and place an emphasis on key lines to keep it dynamic.
• Ask a light rhetorical question or invite them to consider something (such as "we might ask ourselves..." or "one thing to think about is...") - this gets them mentally involved without actually needing a response
• Bring energy and interest - show some genuine enthusiasm for the topic you are presenting on!

Overall, I'd focus on being structured, clear, and human! You don't need to be flashy, and they aren't expecting an expert public speaker - just show how you think and communicate confidently in your presentation.

I hope that helps, and good luck!!

 

[AMullin]

It’s non rolling you wouldn’t hear back until at least 08/12 as that’s when the last WGT can be done by those who applied on the deadline.

Ah my bad, didn’t know if it was like the FF process with a stage 1 and a stage 2. Thanks for the info 👍

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
What is the general procedure if you've been accepted into a Summer VS, but still have a few applications being considered for other Summer VS. Could you ask them to reconsider you to Spring? Is it worth reaching out now, even before they've decided to progress my application?

Hi!

Congratulations on getting the Summer VS offer - that's an amazing achievement! I was in a similar position last year, so I can share what I did and overall what my advice would be.

Firms often have some flexibility, so you can absolutely ask about moving to the Spring scheme. This is what I ended up doing, and ended up securing the Spring scheme for the firm that I moved (so it won't disadvantage you!). It's reasonable to ask whether they'd consider switching you - it's not guaranteed, but it's definitely not an unusual question.

If you do reach out, keep it polite and positive - I would encourage you to reach out as soon as possible, even before they've decided to progress your application (as that is what I did). The key factor is communication and transparency, and there's no harm in politely inquiring - the worst thing they can say is no!

Good luck with the rest of your applications!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

For those who applied to NRF, how long was your cover letter?

 

[legallybrunette8]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi Abbie! How would you advise answering "Why should we offer you a place on the __ Vacation Scheme?" if there is also another question on the application form asking "tell us why you wish to pursue a legal career at ___"?

 

[ttyl]

Any tips for how to prepare for Latham's video interview? Is it competency based or motivation or something else? Also is there just 1 VI question? Asking for Latham vacation scheme

 

[User2640]

Does anyone know whether NRF places more weight on some components than others? Got 1/4 4/4 4/4 3/4, messed up the emotions game so bad... feel like it's a very important component, probably suggesting I'm not good team player and have low EQ (tho I really don't think that's true 😔

 

[anon78365222111]

Hi!

Congratulations on the AC invite!! I'm happy to share a few general tips that might be useful!

With 30 minutes to prepare, I would aim to define one key message you want them to take from your presentation, and then build 2-3 clear points around it. You don't need loads of detail - clarity and structure will be much more powerful.

Whilst it'll depend on the exact task, a simple structure you could use:

1. Introduction: briefly introduce yourself and outline what you'll cover so they know what to expect. You could start by acknowledging the task or scenario they gave you and summarising it in your own words. This shows understanding straight away and makes the direction of your presentation clear. In terms of starting, I would say that a calm and confident start is a good way to engage the room - even things such as taking a moment, making eye contact, and speaking clearly helps draw attention.
2. Context and Problem Understanding: I would explain the situation in your own words as you understand it, and highlight why it matters or what the key challenge is within it. This is a good way to demonstrate your analytical thinking.
3. Your Approach and Solution: walk them through your thought process and the steps that you would take. I'd give a little reasoning behind each point, as they are often interested in how you think, rather than just the conclusion. If if fits, it might help to add a simple example or comparison to make it relatable
4. Recommendation and Next Steps: I'd be clear about what you would do and the impact that it should have in the long-term. Make sure to keep this realistic and actionable, as it will need to have practical workability.
5. Summary: end your presentation with a short recap of your main message and summarising the key points - a concise and confident conclusion will leave a stronger impression than trying to cram loads in!

In terms of engaging with them during the presentation, I can totally relate as I was never particularly confident in presentations and public speaking! A few tips that I started to adopt:

• Make eye contact with different people as you speak, as this helps hold their attention and shows that you are engaged
• Use your voice - I always used to speak too quickly and try and get it 'over and done with' (which isn't the best method!). You can use slight pauses, vary your pace, and place an emphasis on key lines to keep it dynamic.
• Ask a light rhetorical question or invite them to consider something (such as "we might ask ourselves..." or "one thing to think about is...") - this gets them mentally involved without actually needing a response
• Bring energy and interest - show some genuine enthusiasm for the topic you are presenting on!

Overall, I'd focus on being structured, clear, and human! You don't need to be flashy, and they aren't expecting an expert public speaker - just show how you think and communicate confidently in your presentation.

I hope that helps, and good luck!!

Thank you so much!

 

[lawstudent2]

For those who applied to NRF, how long was your cover letter?

one page

 

[elle woods]

I'm trying to work out which other VS' are worth applying to in terms of date clashes - does anyone know when Debevoise and Kirkland's summer VS are held? I've tried searching but the information is scarce...lol

 

[iklawapps]

This might be a silly question. I've just gotten my first AC ever coming up :' D but it's in a couple days, so I've only had like 3/4 days to prep, whereas some people got like weeks for the same date.

I know I can't just ask them to go easy on me haha, but is there something I can say or do to level my chances, cause I feel like there's so much to do, and I would've loved a few more days. Sorry about the question, I've never gotten to an AC before, so I have no idea if it's totally typical to just get a few days.

Thank you in advance; I really appreciate the help!! < 3

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi Abbie! How would you advise answering "Why should we offer you a place on the __ Vacation Scheme?" if there is also another question on the application form asking "tell us why you wish to pursue a legal career at ___"?

Hi!

Great question - these two prompts do overlap a bit, but you can use them to highlight different things!

For the "Why a legal career at ___?" question

I'd focus on the firm itself - what genuinely attracts you to them. This could include:

1. Practice areas, sector focus, or recent deals / cases you are interested in
2. The culture, training style, responsibility, international work
3. How their values or approach to clients align with your career goals

This is where you can show that you have done your research on the firm, and discuss how you picture yourself at the firm long-term.

For "Why should we offer you a place on the vacation scheme"?

Shift the focus onto you and what you'd bring to the scheme. This can be along the lines of:

1. Relevant skills (i.e. teamwork, communication, commercial awareness, and organisation)
2. Experiences that demonstrate those skills - it's important to back up the above by providing one or two examples
3. Your motivation to learn and contribute during the scheme (perhaps discussing any particular things you'd like to learn by the end of the scheme)
4. What you hope to gain from the experience, and how you will make the most of it

Essentially, the first question is "why them", and the second question is "why you + why this opportunity".

I'd try to make the two answers complement each other without repeating too much information - one is about your fit with the firm, and the other is about your strengths and potential contribution.

I hope that helps - best of luck with your application!

 

[JasmineM9]

Those are good results.

I think Resource and work management and leadership are two skills that develop the further you get into your career especially as firms hire people as young as 19 they won’t be expecting a leader but rather a team player.

I’ve attached their framework for you to look at.

I am following up from this thread: I got ad strengths working with others and excellence but also got Resource and Work Management as weakness. Not quite sure on their criteria and what counts as good or bad. Any advice? 😊

 

[elle woods]

Has anyone heard back from Freshfields regarding the summer vac scheme? I'm still doing the tests so I just want to know if they've started handing out AC invites yet

 

[Dannie]

Is chat gpt genuinely a good resource to use for watson glaser prep? I found job test prep too simple and not like the real test and ive done every free practice/TCLA/CLA test out there. I was thinking id put some tricky tes style questions into chat and ask if to make me practice tests but i find sometimes its answers don't seem fully right? like it will give 'false' as an answer for a question it made when basic logic would say its ID. Let me know what you think would love to hear x

 

[rosiebriginshaw]

Has anyone heard back from Freshfields regarding the summer vac scheme? I'm still doing the tests so I just want to know if they've started handing out AC invites yet

Yes, I have an AC for Freshfields on the 11th! Still waiting to hear back from A&O today 😬

 

[lawberri3]

has anyone heard back from macfarlanes post job sim ?? any ac invites ?

 

[RJ Ruban]

Anyone hear back from FF after Stage 2 for DTC

 

[elle woods]

Yes, I have an AC for Freshfields on the 11th! Still waiting to hear back from A&O today 😬

oh! congratulations!! damn uhm do you think I'm at a disadvantage haha I haven't even done Stage 2 OT yet aaa
best of luck with your AC! wait omg rosie is that you haha!! I won't doxx myself but I was that girl in the pink butterfly dress at the bday party in Oct )

 

[marisachr]

Anyone that’s had a dla TI can you remember when they said we’d hear about ACs I cannot for the life of me remember

the grad rec said December but i have not heard anything since I got the ''you passed the benchmark'' email after the TI