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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Novaa

Esteemed Member
Dec 2, 2022
97
379
WHEW MY THROAT HURTS! But I need to get this application done

Feeling: Resilient (Going to capitalise off of this, and mention it in a competency interview 😍)

Hospital Nene GIF
Update: Finished my three questions!

Skeleton GIF


Now to go redraft my work experience… 💔
 
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Rosie_Kitten

Star Member
Dec 26, 2025
46
80
what exactly do firms mean by 'cultural fit'? does it mean personality or just whether you are someone people can get on with? surely just the latter right, because law firms need and can benefit from both introverts and extroverts?
From my experience with work outside of law, It's often to do with the way you solve problems and your brain functions. It can also be independence vs supervision etc depending on the firm. Easygoing vs traditionally professional in presentation. How much you enjoy working in a team vs solo. Rate of work. The type of language you use vs the firm (both in writing and communicating). I imagine introvert vs extrovert is part of it, but only a small part of it.
 

Afraz Akhtar

Valued Member
Staff member
Premium Member
  • Dec 22, 2025
    124
    278
    Hi @Afraz Akhtar
    When answering strength-based questions such as "how would you react to a last-minute deadline" - should i add an example?
    Hi @FutureTraineeMaybe good question! I don't think you necessarily need examples for these sort of questions, as opposed to competency questions which will specify "Tell me about a time...". However, I do think if you can manage to squeeze an example in here and there, it could bring some qualification to your answer - but only if you can find a way to do this naturally, by referencing how you've been able to build that ability. It doesn't need to be the STAR method, it can be as simple as "Having worked in a fast-paced investment firm, I've had my fair share of last-minute deadlines *cue the fake laugh*. As stressful as it may have been, I would say I've developed a mindset to deal with these sort of situations. So, in this instance I would...."
     

    Afraz Akhtar

    Valued Member
    Staff member
    Premium Member
  • Dec 22, 2025
    124
    278
    what exactly do firms mean by 'cultural fit'? does it mean personality or just whether you are someone people can get on with? surely just the latter right, because law firms need and can benefit from both introverts and extroverts?
    Hey @floral.tcla although its a buzz-word that gets flown around a lot, if you're a good cultural fit, it simply means that you are someone that the hiring team can see as working at the firm and someone that would be easy to get along with - which I think is always being assessed regardless. This is particularly quite important for any company, as their environment could require a specific type of candidate e.g. fast-paced/time-dedicated - and having a candidate who seems a little less organised or wants a perfect work-life balance, probably won't be seen as a good fit.
     

    dannyp123

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Oct 20, 2024
    49
    31
    just submitted TLT phewww thought I wasnt gonna get it in before the deadline!
    Hey sorry but did you also not have a work experience section for the TLT application. Im just a bit surprised since this is the only stage before AC and they seem to be relying only on application questions and grades with no work experience
     
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    halogenz

    Standard Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 19, 2021
    8
    18
    I just wrote an entire application for TLT just to realise they are not recruiting for London this year. Meanwhile, I have to prep for CMS and Bird & Bird's ACs 😭. If anyone reading this takes pity on me and has experience with those ACs pls pm me!! I have insights on the VI and other stages of a lot of firms that I'd be happy to share (Mishcon, Mayer Brown, White & Case, HSFK, Osborne Clarke, Simmons, Reed Smith, Gowling & more)
     

    radssss

    Legendary Member
    Aug 16, 2024
    489
    692
    Hey sorry but did you also not have a work experience section for the TLT application. Im just a bit surprised since this is the only stage before AC and they seem to be relying only on application questions and grades with no work experience
    Hi, if you look at their application questions, it requires you to use all your work experience briefly as examples :)
     

    radssss

    Legendary Member
    Aug 16, 2024
    489
    692
    I just wrote an entire application for TLT just to realise they are not recruiting for London this year. Meanwhile, I have to prep for CMS and Bird & Bird's ACs 😭. If anyone reading this takes pity on me and has experience with those ACs pls pm me!! I have insights on the VI and other stages of a lot of firms that I'd be happy to share (Mishcon, Mayer Brown, White & Case, HSFK, Osborne Clarke, Simmons, Reed Smith, Gowling & more)
    Same buddy! I also wrote it so just submitted it anyways because it’s so hard to get a tc anyways🤣🤣🤣 sorry I cannot be of help as I’ve not done acs at these places but best of luck, I hope you make it :)
     

    James Wakefield

    Legendary Member
    Oct 7, 2024
    394
    1,032
    Welp thought I’d cracked amberjack with 36 for Mayer Brown, down to 20 for Reed Smith.

    I hope these law firms see this forum and see these tests are just rubbish!

    Slightly reassured that Reed Smith say they watch every VI, an important fact for those who didn’t know! I guess it’s because it isn’t automatic- so they’ve got less to watch than MB or Weil
     

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