TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[flamingocelot]

Hi guys! I'm currently filling in the Travers Smith application, and I'm a bit stuck figuring out how to deal with the cover letter. There's a couple of things I'm a bit confused about:

1. How long do you reckon the cover letter should be? The word limit on the application form is 1000 words, and there's a post a couple of years ago from @TCLA Community Assistant (who really knows her stuff!) saying that, generally speaking, successful Travers Smith cover letters are about 700-850 words long. However, Travers Smith's own website suggests that the cover letter should be "ideally no longer than one side of A4". Therefore, would it be wise instead to write a shorter cover letter, and if so, how short do you reckon it should be?

2. Ordinarily, when writing a cover letter, I write my address in the top right-hand corner of the letter. However, there's no way of doing this on the Travers Smith application form, as you just write your letter into a standard text box on Vantage (much the same way with any other application question on Vantage), instead of, say, writing your letter in Microsoft Word and uploading it to the application portal. Therefore, would I be right in assuming that candidates don't need to include their address (or the firm's address) in the cover letter?

If anyone has any feedback or advice (no matter how small), I'd be super grateful!

1. When I applied for TS, I stuck to the one side of A4 rule, as like you, it's what I'd heard looks the best/is the most succinct. 2. It is meant to be anonymous, so I don't think you should include your address or even name or anything like that. That's what I did at least, happy to be told I was wrong !!

 

[whywhy88]

A lot of it is just figuring out what surrounds the area. For me, I have a slightly niche interest in green bonds, having worked in ESG realms quite a bit. That then meant my research pertained to questions such as: What part of the bond issuance were they involved with? Who are the parties they interact with? What are the mechanics of an issuance? What are the main issues they are likely to face?

Essentially, almost build a set of questions for yourself of "Well, how does this actually work?" and then conduct your research from there to figure out how this applies to a legal team (and their advice in particular) - often this is helped by them naming who worked on a deal, or which teams were involved.

That makes sense, thanks so much!!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Not sure what exactly I'm looking for lol but has anyone absolutely done awful horrible at an AC but been successful at getting a VS? I feel like I messed up a major part (like one exercise out of three but I think they value this exercise the most) and idk if they'll offer a VS after that. Good luck to everyone else with ACs - you've got this!! : )

I never feel good coming out of an AC - but I guess that's the whole point of the design of an AC, it's meant to be difficult. I honestly think a lot of the times it comes down to luck. For my last AC I had the interviewer literally tell me that my answer to a certain question wasn't "good enough" and I wasn't able to redeem myself even after they said that to me...but then the feedback given after the AC was all positive lol so I was really confused. They also asked me a commercial awareness question and instead of just saying "idk" i ended up giving it a guess and guessed a completely stupid answer haha, we both laughed at me for that answer but somehow I ended up getting it, so don't be too discouraged!

It's not a no until you get a concrete answer! Good luck!

 

[iklawapps]

I never feel good coming out of an AC - but I guess that's the whole point of the design of an AC, it's meant to be difficult. I honestly think a lot of the times it comes down to luck. For my last AC I had the interviewer literally tell me that my answer to a certain question wasn't "good enough" and I wasn't able to redeem myself even after they said that to me...but then the feedback given after the AC was all positive lol so I was really confused. They also asked me a commercial awareness question and instead of just saying "idk" i ended up giving it a guess and guessed a completely stupid answer haha, we both laughed at me for that answer but somehow I ended up getting it, so don't be too discouraged!

It's not a no until you get a concrete answer! Good luck!

Thank you for that < 3 it's reassuring to know that it's not just me that feels bad. I really appreciate you sharing your experience and congratulations on ending up doing well on that AC : D

I guess I've got to just wait in the paranoia haha

 

[user397485]

Anyone done Slaughters VS interview?

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Thank you for that < 3 it's reassuring to know that it's not just me that feels bad. I really appreciate you sharing your experience and congratulations on ending up doing well on that AC : D

I guess I've got to just wait in the paranoia haha

ahah thank you! and yes, I know it's easier said than done, but do try to keep your mind off it!! after my first ever AC last year (which I didn't get lol) the stress took away basically my life from Wednesday to Monday...like I could do nothing else but constantly check my phone from 9-5 everyday (even on the weekends because I had gotten so jumpy). I speak from first-hand experience that you should do your best to forget about it for now hahah, don't let it consume you like it did me.

this year after this AC, I just decided to forget about it and went about the tasks I had to do. If the call comes, great! A wonderful surprise. If it doesn't? Well, at least you were able to get some things done anyways and you can treat this AC like a learning experience - there will be no doubt that you will be much stronger and better prepared for any further ACs you get! Once again, I know it's easier said than done, but truly don't stress yourself out and damage your health! Trust me, it's not worth it haha

And also! Well done on completing the AC - it's such a big accomplishment to get to that stage in the first place, and ACs are absolutely torturous to get through also. You deserve some reprieve and a big pat on the back either way <3

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

1. When I applied for TS, I stuck to the one side of A4 rule, as like you, it's what I'd heard looks the best/is the most succinct. 2. It is meant to be anonymous, so I don't think you should include your address or even name or anything like that. That's what I did at least, happy to be told I was wrong !!

@pfoapplicant agree with the above. I just wanted to add that there is no correct answer as to the word limit. For cover letters, your written ability is being taken into account (at least off face value) so if you manage to write a 1,000 words, and can realistically say the same thing with less words, I would trim it down and get to the point.

Personally, I ended on around 800 words. I don't think they're looking for those that meet the 800 mark, but more so, those that don't waffle about things. Equally, if you can't trim it down, then the limit is there for a reason and feel free to use it.

 

[WillKitchen]

Does anyone know where to find a database of firm application processes detailing the steps involved?

For example...

ABC LLP (Vacation Scheme, based on 2025 cycle): stage 1 written application, stage 2 Watson Glaser, stage 3 video interview, stage 4 assessment centre.
XYZ LLP (Direct Training Contract, 2026): stage 1 cover letter, stage 2 video interview, stage 3 assessment centre.
etc.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Not sure what exactly I'm looking for lol but has anyone absolutely done awful horrible at an AC but been successful at getting a VS? I feel like I messed up a major part (like one exercise out of three but I think they value this exercise the most) and idk if they'll offer a VS after that. Good luck to everyone else with ACs - you've got this!! : )

@iklawapps first of all congratulations on your AC. It is typical for everyone to reflect on things straight after, and most of us will actually focus on the negatives without seeing the positives. Sure, you may have messed up on one exercise, but what if you excelled at all the others, or what if others messed up on the same component? You shouldn't write yourself off at this stage. Personally, I felt like I messed up a case study in one of mine, and it turned out it was one of my strongest exercises. Just, push this to the back of your head now until you hear back. Good luck!

 

[bluebell123]

Does anyone know whether amberjack tests are taken in consideration holistically with the VIs? I just did the Reed Smith SJT + VI and I feel like I messed up! I got highest band for numerical and verbal but I got 21/36. I think the Vi went ok though.

 

[dannyp123]

Does anyone have any advice on this question for RPC: In what ways do you see yourself as ‘strikingly real’, and how does that connect with your motivation to apply here and your confidence in succeeding? (300 words max) *

I have to say, a rather unconventional question ...

 

[iklawapps]

@iklawapps first of all congratulations on your AC. It is typical for everyone to reflect on things straight after, and most of us will actually focus on the negatives without seeing the positives. Sure, you may have messed up on one exercise, but what if you excelled at all the others, or what if others messed up on the same component? You shouldn't write yourself off at this stage. Personally, I felt like I messed up a case study in one of mine, and it turned out it was one of my strongest exercises. Just, push this to the back of your head now until you hear back. Good luck!

I think one thing which helped me relax for ACs is remembering a lot of firms aren’t expecting you to have the right answer but want to see your thought process.

So I remember coming out of an AC thinking I botched it, because the partner went “Right okay…”

Then I got the phone call that same day, so honestly it can be okay!! You got this

thank you both so much < 3 that's very kind of you and really cool to hear. I guess ill just have to keep waiting and try and stay positive :' ) congratulations to you both for clearly doing so amazing : D I guess I'll just try and stay positive

good luck with everything else you two might be up to < 3

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Ok so I’m panicking before my DLA AC now. How does one prepare for the interview? Drill down on why law, why firm, why me?

@nbjani when preparing for interviews, the first thing I tell myself is that I have full-control (at this stage). There is no set answer, and the correct answer comes from you (not them). So, you don’t need to study or learn deep concepts that you don’t already know. In fact, the correct answers come from you and most of the knowledge you need, if not all of it, is already in your head.

The preparation is just about understanding how to bring that knowledge out for certain questions. In this case, I’ve found that it is best to think about the sort of questions you’ll be asked e.g. why law, why the firm, tell us about a time… etc. And, make bullet points for each one from your own knowledge. Then have a go at saying your answer out loud. It is important to not attempt reading from a script, so that you don’t tell yourself that you need to work off memory (which can actually take away from the natural feel of an interview, and can hinder your performance). Instead, leverage that list you prepared for guidance only.

In doing this, you’ll become more comfortable with yourself, and you’ll actually be able to bring in some of your personality, which I’m sure they would want to see.

As for commercial awareness/recent deals, this is where research will most definitely be required. However, after considering your study of why the firm, it should be easier to select a development/case that interests you or has some impact on the firm – as you’ll be able to cross-reference and analyse during your fact finding. I would recommend having a few of these, across different sectors or different talking points, just in case your interviewer focuses in on a particular aspect.

Good luck, and feel free to ask about anything that you’re struggling on during your prep!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hi everyone! I am struggling to figure out how to structure the following question:
'If you were asked to write an article for one of our sectors or practice areas, what topic would you choose and why?' (200 words)

Is this asking us to explain why a topic within a particular area captures our interest while showing commercial awareness? Do we have to explain 'why' in terms of the topic being something the firm's clients are interested in, or something we are interested in writing?

@avantika_s one of the great things about this question is that your reasoning can be purely interest based or firm-knowledge based. In legal practice, many solicitors choose to write articles for a variety of reasons, whether that be business development, client attraction & retention, personal branding, or pure interest. There is no correct answer, only yours - which will be the strongest.

If you decide to go down the interest route, you should focus on why it interests you, what experience has qualified that interest, and what you'd hope to gain from having written it. However, if you decide to go down the route of it benefitting the firm, then focus on how that would happen, and why it was needed in the first place. Both reasons can be correct, provided you make them strong enough.

 

[WillKitchen]

Does anyone have any advice on this question for RPC: In what ways do you see yourself as ‘strikingly real’, and how does that connect with your motivation to apply here and your confidence in succeeding? (300 words max) *

I have to say, a rather unconventional question ...

Its a strange one!

I interpreted that question to mean "tell us about a time when you acted authentically", i.e., acted according to values that mattered to you, such as ambition, collaboration, originality, etc. If you can tell a story that illustrates these things in practice, then link that to firm values, that would probably be what they're looking for.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

The Birketts test was incredibly complicated (not necessarily hard, but spent long time completing each Maths question and didn't complete the test either) ... I graduated from high school so long ago pretty sure I'd have completed the maths question much quicker back then lol

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

did anybody else not manage to finish the birketts test?? it was ridiculously hard , and they said that not completing the test means a score deduction wth

I didn't either

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

@Afraz Akhtar @Andrei Radu

I had a question regarding employment screenings for a TC offer I recently got. In my application the firm required exact dates of employment. I’ve noticed for two of my listed jobs I was off by a week in terms of my listed dates. I was wondering if this would be an issue which would be cause for having my offer rescinded?

One of them was a part time internship I said I started on 20/10/2025 when in reality I started on 27/10/2025.

The other was a job I finished two weeks later than the dates I started on my application.

These were honest mistakes and honestly just sloppy errors on my part.

@TCLA Community Assistant

@HauntingPiccolo personally, I don't think being off by a few weeks is a big enough deal to rescind any job offer, let alone a TC. I think I'm always off for mine, because truthfully, I don't know when I stopped flipping pancakes at selfridges, I just know it was before Christmas 2020.

So don't worry. As long as you get the company and job role correct, being off by a few weeks isn't really a concern. You are good. Congrats on the TC!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

I keep seeing people receive further test invites for firms that I've applied for but I've never received any direct rejections either. is this because I've only applied for summer schemes, or because I've applied quite close to the deadline? Or am I getting screened out lol

@ggbj it could be that they're screening for the spring schemes first (as a priority) or that they haven't looked at your application yet as its recently come in. However, it's hard to tell. Nevertheless, its not a PFO until its a PFO - so I don't think its worth framing negatively at this stage. The ball is in their court, right now you have everything to play for.

 

[abcdefg12]

@nbjani when preparing for interviews, the first thing I tell myself is that I have full-control (at this stage). There is no set answer, and the correct answer comes from you (not them). So, you don’t need to study or learn deep concepts that you don’t already know. In fact, the correct answers come from you and most of the knowledge you need, if not all of it, is already in your head.

The preparation is just about understanding how to bring that knowledge out for certain questions. In this case, I’ve found that it is best to think about the sort of questions you’ll be asked e.g. why law, why the firm, tell us about a time… etc. And, make bullet points for each one from your own knowledge. Then have a go at saying your answer out loud. It is important to not attempt reading from a script, so that you don’t tell yourself that you need to work off memory (which can actually take away from the natural feel of an interview, and can hinder your performance). Instead, leverage that list you prepared for guidance only.

In doing this, you’ll become more comfortable with yourself, and you’ll actually be able to bring in some of your personality, which I’m sure they would want to see.

As for commercial awareness/recent deals, this is where research will most definitely be required. However, after considering your study of why the firm, it should be easier to select a development/case that interests you or has some impact on the firm – as you’ll be able to cross-reference and analyse during your fact finding. I would recommend having a few of these, across different sectors or different talking points, just in case your interviewer focuses in on a particular aspect.

Good luck, and feel free to ask about anything that you’re struggling on during your prep!

Where would you recommend finding deals that firms are currently working on? Whenever I try to research deals on the firm's website or via LinkedIn, they're not always recent and/or have been completed. I then struggle to explain how I'm 'following' a deal that has already been completed. Any tips?