what were the questions like - ive applied for the Bristol direct Tc so would be super thankful for any insight
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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how did it go - im doing mine tomorrow for the Bristol direct TC and desperate for insight
what were the questions like, ive got mine due tomorrow for the direct tc in bris and bricking it
what were the questions like - ive applied for the Bristol direct Tc so would be super thankful for any insight
😂 If only @Rosie_Kitten had posted the perfect answer to this yesterday...
Can't wait for Clyde & Co's VIs to be over so my DMs can have a break!
It's funny, I kind of thought thinking on your feet was the whole point of the VI structure. Apparently not when people spend hours trying to get questions to formulate answers perfectly.
Honestly, I don't blame them. But firms should consider restructuring them... like random question allocation from a pool of questions? And slightly varied documents / topics.
Still, I made it clear that I said what I was going to say and still am getting messages 🤣😅
In short:
- Submitted the day of the deadline after originally not wanting to do it because I thought I wouldn’t get it
- Did the test still thinking I wouldn’t get it, passed the benchmark
- Got an email inviting me to the AC
- Went to the AC, thought I fumbled the case study because the partner went “right okay…”
- Was sat in my uni living room later that afternoon, overthinking the day… phone rang and it was a VS offer
Moral of the story: imposter syndrome is a scam! YOU GOT THAT
hey hey,
i know, its so weird. Abbie's done a few posts on this:
Hi!
Happy New Year to you too!!
Based on what you have outlined, I'd resist trying to force the full traditional "why law / why firm / why me" structure into the cover letter, given that Orrick has explicitly separated out "why commercial law" into a separate 300 word question. In my view, this is a sign that they don't want you to duplicate that content in the cover letter itself.
It might be sensible to approach it as:
This way, you avoid repetition and ensure you answer exactly what each question is asking. You can also go deeper and be more specific in both responses, rather than trying to cram everything into the cover letter!
- Cover Letter: focus mainly on why Orrick and why you. As you know that the graduate recruitment team will also read your "why commercial law" answer, you don't need to necessarily re-justify the career choice in the cover letter. You could potentially make a brief mention of your commercial interest if it links to your motivations towards Orricks work, but I wouldn't use much of the word count on explaining "why law".
- Why Commercial Lawyer: this is where you can discuss your "why law" narrative, which you would normally address in the cover letter. Just make sure to mention the factors and influences that affected your decision to pursue this career path, using examples from past work experiences or university.
I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!
Hello!
You're absolutely right that there's some overlap between the cover letter and the two subsequent questions - it can feel a bit repetitive at first glance! The trick is to think of the cover letter as the big picture narrative that ties everything together, while the other two questions let you to into depth on specific points.
One way to approach it could be:
I would think of the cover letter as the overview that shows your entire profile as a candidate, and the two follow-up questions as supporting sections that provide more evidence and reasoning behind the themes you have introduced. Some overlap is fine (and you will want to look consistent across your application), but I would avoid copy-pasting sentences between sections.
- Cover Letter: Treat this as your overall introduction and pitch. I would summarise who you are, your motivation for law in broad terms, and why Orrick stands out to you - but keep it concise and integrated between each section. You don't need to unpack every detail here, just enough to create a coherent, personal story and show enthusiasm!
- "Why commercial law?" question: Use this to explore your motivations in more detail - you could refer to specific experiences, influences, or reflections that made you decide to pursue a career in commercial law. This is a chance to go deeper into the why, not just the what.
- "Why Orrick" question: This is an opportunity to show real research and insight into the firm. Focus on showing your interest in the firm, and what genuinely differentiates Orrick - it's clients, international reach, innovation, culture, training structure, etc. Tie in your previous experiences and skill set to why this makes you a good fit for the firm, and how it's unique features make it the right place for you to train.
I hope that helps!
I have my first ever AC coming up and slightly lost and would really appreciate some guidance if someone who has done an AC before can dm id be eternally grateful!!
Hey what do you do if your AC clashes with a 1-1 academic meeting and you’ve already asked the same professor for dates to be rescheduled and they have really limited availability…. Do I miss/cancel the AC or academic meeting?🫣
I would explain the situation to your professor and ask if there are any other alternatives. Just apologise profusely. Or ask if they'd be happy with a virtual meeting instead if that helps with either of your availabilities.
Keeping it vague because it contextualises me but main point is I can’t really reschedule it… and also I’m not feeling too great about this AC anyways/doubt I’d get it/worth taking time off from uni :/
Reschedule it. If you’re studying law surely they’d understand the gravity of an assessment centre. Tbf any professor would understand that this is an opportunity at a job post education. I had something similar happen when I did my dissertation and they were extremely supportive and we worked around it.
Don’t doubt your ability in doing well! You made it this far don’t give up now.
I did the Hogan Lovells Job simulation assessment in early December and still havent heard back. Likewise ive seen people getting WFW AC invites and I havent heard back post VI. Anyone else heard back from WFW or Hogan Lovells?
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