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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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You could leave it blank or put a rough estimated date as to when your contract will end. Suppose you could also put the current date (Dec 2025), so it signals you are still working there.
I emailed them about this. They said 'our requirements specify a 2:1 average grade. While we understand that some modules may have lower scores, we will consider your application if your overall average meets the 2:1 criteria. However, we do look for consistency in grades across your modules.'
Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that to people struggling with application answers, you should look at the Economical Writing Book by Deirdre McCloskey. The book is really clear in outlining how to argue for your point in economics, and writing in general. You get frameworks to follow when writing and it has been very helpful.
for the latham app for this q: Have you previously applied to Latham & Watkins for any position? - the OD isn't included right?
Hi everyone! I know this is a vacation scheme thread but I just thought maybe i could get some advice or guidance here. I recently applied for a paralegal job and I was invited to do an "NDA Assessment", which is basically a test that requires me to mark-up a mock NDA. Does anyone know how to approach or prepare for this kind of test? I would also be really grateful if @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu can share your advice as well!
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Hey!
They do seem similar at first glance, but you can separate them by focusing on motivation vs long-term aspirations.
1. "What motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor, and why do you see Akin as the right place to begin that journey?"
Here, you want to explain:
- Why commercial law? (e.g. interest in global markets, problem-solving, transactional work, client exposure, fast-paced environments, etc.)
- Your motivation (what sparked your interest and what keeps you driven)
- Why Akin specifically: link your interests to things that Akin is known for, such as: (1) standout practice areas, (2) lean team structure and responsibility early on, (3) international exposure, (4) culture / values you have researched, (5) training approach, (6) pro bono, and (7) recent deals that you have read about.
- Make sure to link the why Akin to your past experiences - essentially answering why you want to pursue commercial law, and why Akin is the space that you particularly want to pursue it.
2. "What are you looking for in your legal career, and how can Akin help you get there?"
This is more forward-looking. I'd focus on:
- What you want from your development as a lawyer during your training contract (e.g. early responsibility, strong training, international work, high-value transactions, supportive culture, client exposure, etc.)
- The kind of lawyer you hope to become (which could potentially link to your motivations to becoming a lawyer)
- How Akin enables that progression: tie specific firm features to your goals (e.g. pro bono opportunities, global platform, small intake, etc.)
I hope that helps!
Hi!
They're definitely very similar in nature! I've found that a good way to think about it is the executive summary tells the reader what they need to know upfront, while the conclusion reinforces what they should take away at the end.
Executive Summary
- Brief and high-level
- States the purpose of the memo / email
- Highlights your key recommendations immediately
- Gives the reader an overview without reading the whole document (i.e. the most important information)
- Think: "Here's the issue, here's what I recommend, here's why it matters"
Conclusion
- Wraps everything up logically
- Reaffirms the recommendation based on the analysis you have just presented
- May include next steps, actions, or considerations going forward
- Think: "Based on the discussion above, the best course of action is..."
An example of each could be:
Executive Summary: "X issue has arisen. After considering A, B and C, I recommend option Y because it provides the best balance of risk and commercial benefit"
Conclusion: "In summary, given the legal risks under A and the commercial advantages under B, option Y is the most suitable. If you're happy to proceed, I can prepare a draft..."
I hope that helps to illustrate the subtle differences!
Hello!
Congratulations on the Slaughter and May HK VS - that's a great achievement!!
In terms of whether to mention it in applications for VS in London, I think it depends on how you frame it. The VS itself is impressive and demonstrates capability, but firms will want to understand your trajectory and reasoning, especially if the experience doesn't directly align with the practice focus or region you are applying for.
If you decide to mention it, I personally don't think it would necessarily harm your application - it can show you are a strong candidate who has been competitive enough to secure a VS at a leading firm. The key is to connect the experience to what you're now pursuing. For example, there may be similarities in other aspects of the firms, such as international work, culture, pro bono, exposure to high-end work, etc. For example, I listed my upcoming VS at a private client focused firm during my Reed Smith DTC application - whilst they didn't have similarities between practice areas, I was able to draw similarities in other areas which helped show my reasons for applying.
However, if you feel you can't draw a meaningful link and it risks creating confusion around why you're now targeting US firms in London, then leaving it out is also perfectly reasonably. You're not obliged to list it if you haven't completed it yet - it's clear that you are able to be successful in applications, so you don't necessarily need to list it in order to be viewed as a desirable candidate!
Thank you.
High in verbal and numerical is impressive.
With these tests there’s always a benchmark the VI is more important. I’m certain your VI went well.
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