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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Partcore22

Standard Member
Aug 2, 2025
5
1
Has anyone heard back from these firms - Fieldfisher (post telephone interview), Travers Smith and Browne Jacobson? I am a little concerned as I thought my telephone interview with Fieldfisher went well and would hear back regarding AC start of this month but got no reply yet. The other 2 firms I have not heard back since I submitted my application lol
did u apply for the pathway to practice or direct tc for fieldfisher
 

Novaa

Legendary Member
Dec 2, 2022
239
988
Hey, this is quite interesting actually. Can you share the link to the video and did you take any notes you could share please?
Very interesting, I do love a creative approach to commercial awareness!! I haven’t made notes yet, but the video is three minutes long, and she breaks it down really well!!

Here is the link:
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRBVco1M/

Happy Tonight Show GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
 

elle woods

Legendary Member
  • Dec 4, 2025
    643
    1,420
    Can anyone who has done an AC at Reed Smith give some last minute tips on what helped them the most in their preparation? Or tbh any general advice would be appreciated. Is it normal to not feel prepared despite everything 😭
    whilst I can't speak on the RS AC, I can say that it is normal to not feel prepared! Because ACs come with an element of uncertainty, you can never feel truly prepared.

    if it's tomorrow (aka today), my best advice would be to get enough sleep and calm yourself down before going in tmr! Best of luck, you've got this!
     

    Gottagetthroughthis101

    Legendary Member
  • May 28, 2025
    188
    391
    whilst I can't speak on the RS AC, I can say that it is normal to not feel prepared! Because ACs come with an element of uncertainty, you can never feel truly prepared.

    if it's tomorrow (aka today), my best advice would be to get enough sleep and calm yourself down before going in tmr! Best of luck, you've got this!
    Thank you 🫶 Just having a major imposter syndrome moment rn lol
     

    Novaa

    Legendary Member
    Dec 2, 2022
    239
    988
    Do you guys write out your interview answers to questions? Or do you end to just bullet point some general ideas
    I mind map general ideas for competency interviews just so I can see what examples my brain has in there, and that’s the only prep I will do.

    I then remember to use the STAR when guiding my thought process while discussing.
     

    Gottagetthroughthis101

    Legendary Member
  • May 28, 2025
    188
    391
    I mind map general ideas for competency interviews just so I can see what examples my brain has in there, and that’s the only prep I will do.

    I then remember to use the STAR when guiding my thought process while discussing.
    What about for motivational questions? I know it sound silly but apart from why commercial law and why this firm, what else counts as motivational?
     
    I mind map general ideas for competency interviews just so I can see what examples my brain has in there, and that’s the only prep I will do.

    I then remember to use the STAR when guiding my thought process while discussing.
    The annoying thing though is we’ll do the prep but as soon as we go into the interview it’s like:

    Let Me Think Thinking GIF by AbsoluteRadio

    gone christmas GIF
     
    What about for motivational questions? I know it sound silly but apart from why commercial law and why this firm, what else counts as motivational?
    These are 10 examples that come to mind but idk if I’m deeping it way too much lmao:

    1. Why a US/MC/SC firm?
    2. Why this location (e.g., regional office)?
    3. What practice areas interest you?
    4. Where else have you applied?
    5. Why our firm over our competitors?
    6. Why do you want to be a solicitor?
    7. Why a city law firm?
    8. What do you hope to gain from a legal career?
    9. Why law? Why not finance, consulting, IB?
    10. Why an international vs national law firm?​
     

    Gottagetthroughthis101

    Legendary Member
  • May 28, 2025
    188
    391
    These are 10 examples that come to mind but idk if I’m deeping it way too much lmao:

    1. Why a US/MC/SC firm?
    2. Why this location (e.g., regional office)?
    3. What practice areas interest you?
    4. Where else have you applied?
    5. Why our firm over our competitors?
    6. Why do you want to be a solicitor?
    7. Why a city law firm?
    8. What do you hope to gain from a legal career?
    9. Why law? Why not X Y or Z profession?
    10. Why an international vs national law firm?​
    Thank you!!
     

    Novaa

    Legendary Member
    Dec 2, 2022
    239
    988
    What about for motivational questions? I know it sound silly but apart from why commercial law and why this firm, what else counts as motivational?
    For those I will usually bullet point, so I have a structure.

    I usually prepare for the following:

    Why Law / Why Commercial Law? (Sorry they’re getting both in one, THIS IS MY INTERVIEW!)

    Why this firm?

    Rare:

    Why the city and not regional?

    Why not our competitor?

    Where else have you applied?

    Ultra Rare:

    Why not go into Human Rights / IB / Politics (I was not prepared for this one 💔 BUT it’s only been asked once)
     

    Gottagetthroughthis101

    Legendary Member
  • May 28, 2025
    188
    391
    For those I will usually bullet point, so I have a structure.

    I usually prepare for the following:

    Why Law / Why Commercial Law? (Sorry they’re getting both in one, THIS IS MY INTERVIEW!)

    Why this firm?

    Rare:

    Why the city and not regional?

    Why not our competitor?

    Where else have you applied?

    Ultra Rare:

    Why not go into Human Rights / IB / Politics (I was not prepared for this one 💔 BUT it’s only been asked once)
    Thank you so much
    🤗
     
    Partner: “Didn’t you already say that point?”

    Me: *Mind went blank because I noticed a window cleaner in the background*

    Wait What Wtf GIF by Justin
    Partner: “Okay let’s move on to the next question: can you explain the lifecycle of a PE fund?”

    Me: *realises I’m cooked and grad rec are ready to launch the automated PFO email in 3 2 1…*

    Oh No Omg GIF by STRAPPED!
     
    Last edited:
    • Haha
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