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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

TCGrad1642

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  • Aug 13, 2024
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    Can I use my last cycle's answer (verbatim) for the same question this year? It is about my interests outside of work/education/law. I made it to the next stage previously.
    Any insights on this would be helpful. @Abbie Whitlock
    I have done so for a few firms this year and have been progressed to the next stages so I would say it is okay.
     
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    Abbie Whitlock

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    Sep 11, 2025
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    general question, but how would someone structure tell us about yourself for a VI or AC
    Hey!

    Great question - this is definitely an interview question that used to throw me off, as it can feel very open ended!

    I would say that a good way to structure this is to keep it concise, professional and forward-looking, rather than trying to cram your full life story into a few minutes. A structure that I used to follow is:
    • Present: what you are currently doing (e.g. degree, role, or stage you are at) - for example, "I am current a final year Law student studying at X university..."
    • Past: one or two experiences that are relevant and show key skills or interests - for example, "I completed a placement year in my third year that reaffirmed my interest in X area of law, and I am now..."
    • Future: what you are looking to do next and why this firm fits - for example, "I am particularly interested in X type of law, and therefore I have applied to X firm as it aligns with..."

    You could think of it as a 60-90 second overview that answers: who are you academically and professionally, what has shaped your interests and motivations, and what are your future goals. I would also try to link it subtly to skills that the firm you are applying to values (e.g. teamwork, collaboration, entrepreneurialism) and end your answer on a point that leads into "why law" or "why this firm".

    Overall, you can use this question as a way of giving the interviewer a snapshot into your legal journey so far :)
     

    hanz123

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    Premium Member
    Sep 16, 2022
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    Hey!

    Great question - this is definitely an interview question that used to throw me off, as it can feel very open ended!

    I would say that a good way to structure this is to keep it concise, professional and forward-looking, rather than trying to cram your full life story into a few minutes. A structure that I used to follow is:
    • Present: what you are currently doing (e.g. degree, role, or stage you are at) - for example, "I am current a final year Law student studying at X university..."
    • Past: one or two experiences that are relevant and show key skills or interests - for example, "I completed a placement year in my third year that reaffirmed my interest in X area of law, and I am now..."
    • Future: what you are looking to do next and why this firm fits - for example, "I am particularly interested in X type of law, and therefore I have applied to X firm as it aligns with..."

    You could think of it as a 60-90 second overview that answers: who are you academically and professionally, what has shaped your interests and motivations, and what are your future goals. I would also try to link it subtly to skills that the firm you are applying to values (e.g. teamwork, collaboration, entrepreneurialism) and end your answer on a point that leads into "why law" or "why this firm".

    Overall, you can use this question as a way of giving the interviewer a snapshot into your legal journey so far :)
    Thank you so much :)
     
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