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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

If only every law firm was like that…
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Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
713
717
Hi @Afraz Akhtar @Abbie Whitlock!

I have a strengths-based interview with BCLP next week and am awfully nervous about it.

Do you guys have any tips on how to build rapport with the interviewers/answer strength-based questions?
Hey!

It's totally normal to feel nervous, but I'd try to remember that they've progressed you this far for a reason! From my experience with strengths-based interviews, I would try to build rapport with the interviewers by being warm, engaged and genuine - try to treat it as a discussion rather than a formal assessment (whilst still remaining professional, of course!). Interviewers are human too, and sometimes asking genuine questions about their roles and career journeys can go a long way to show your interest in the firm.

When answering strengths-based questions, I'd focus less on giving a "model answer" and more on explaining how you naturally think and work. They are likely trying to see what motivates you, what you enjoy doing, and how you respond in real situations. In a previous strengths-based interview I completed, I was asked questions such as "What kind of person are you under pressure?" - this definitely threw me off, but the important part is to just be honest! You don't need long STAR-style answers, as short and specific examples are usually more than enough to demonstrate your point.

It can also help to link your answers back to the kind of environment BCLP offers (e.g. collaboration, adaptability, etc.), while still remaining genuine. The goal is to show that your strengths would translate well into how trainees at BCLP actually work day to day, and that you are motivated to work in the kind of environment that BCLP has.

I hope that assists, and wishing you the best of luck with your interview - I'm sure you'll do great! :)
 

TortillaTC

Legendary Member
May 10, 2025
244
251
Been asked by Reed Smith to have a TI because my video interview has no sound. Could anybody provide any advice for a TI as I've never experienced this before. Also if anybody remembers the questions they asked that would be really helpful as I cannot remember!
Ahh gosh this is crazy, so we are still in the game?😭 at least you surely are, congrats!
 

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