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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi @Abbie Whitlock
I hope you’re doing good and thanks for answering all the questions I’ve had for the past two weeks preparing for my VIs and AC.
I have one more question! When asked “ what’s your biggest achievement” is it okay to give a personal experience example that’s related to you and not work/ career. This is for an international firm
For example, my biggest achievement is moving from Poland to the UK at the age of 15 and having to learn English etc etc, go to school and succeed academically - and example how I’ve done that- it was a challenge I found tough but I overcame it by X Y Z and turned it into an achievement as I learned English, completed my a levels etc did a LLB and LLM
Or is this too generic? I feel like this relates to the international firm because they have a very diverse culture of people that might have moved from X to Y. And started a new life.
Thank you so much
I hope you’re doing good and thanks for answering all the questions I’ve had for the past two weeks preparing for my VIs and AC.
I have one more question! When asked “ what’s your biggest achievement” is it okay to give a personal experience example that’s related to you and not work/ career. This is for an international firm
For example, my biggest achievement is moving from Poland to the UK at the age of 15 and having to learn English etc etc, go to school and succeed academically - and example how I’ve done that- it was a challenge I found tough but I overcame it by X Y Z and turned it into an achievement as I learned English, completed my a levels etc did a LLB and LLM
Or is this too generic? I feel like this relates to the international firm because they have a very diverse culture of people that might have moved from X to Y. And started a new life.
Thank you so much
How does the process of seeking out work on a VS look like? Is it quite informal as in you get assigned some work and other times you can go around asking if anyone has any work they need done? Also, on the topic of staying late at the office during the VS, I personally hate London rush hour and would rather avoid it. If during my VS I was to stay until 7pm how would the process of seeking out work after hours look like?
WFW VS thank you all for your support on this forum wishing all of you here the best.
It is going to vary depending on the firm but, in general, you will be assigned work by your supervisor and you can volunteer to help with extra work. The problem with staying late is it gives the impression that you have bad time-management skills. They expect you to get your work done within the core vacation scheme hours.
I did my WE 2.5 weeks ago and never heard back- I think it’s because they’re writing the rejection feedback 🫣
I did my undergrad at a prestigious university, and was practically crapping it the whole of my first year; i came from a state college and had little to no experience of my subject outside of my passion for it. meanwhile everyone else came from huge international or private schools, had years of internship and work experience in the field as seemed to be complete experts in the field. to say i had many wobbles would be an understatement; i had serious impostor syndrome! but everytime i had it, i would keep going back to what they told us on the first day; "we had hundreds and thousands of applicants, great applicants. out of all of the applicants, we hand picked you, and we did so for a reason. so everytime you feel out of place, or as if you don't belong, remember that out of the thousands, you were who we wanted, you were always meant to be here."
and in your case-it's true. imagine how many applicants have applied for the vacation scheme, you were handpicked for it-you were the best person for the job. sometimes it is not at all about your background, how many experiences you have or haven't had, but despite that, you were chosen, for who you are. so carry that with confidence! you didn't need a fancy uni to succeed, simply being who you are, and bringing what you bring, was enough to secure you a vac scheme-and that is fantastic!
wishing you the best of luck superstar!
Oh, okay, thank you! Any information is good information imo, hope it works out well
Have W&C AC's already gone out for Spring and Summer? Did my VI back in December, didn't get a written exercise
Hi!
Not a silly question at all - and no problem!
I would be slightly wary of framing it in that way. It is absolutely important to show that you understand the reality of working in commercial law, including unpredictability and long hours, and that you are motivated by the pace and intensity. I've even had questions in interviews that address this and ask how I would feel about working late nights. However, it might come across slightly strangely to a Partner if you state that you love working until 1-2am (even if that is how you genuinely feel!).
It might help to reframe it in another way. For example, instead of emphasising the late nights, you could say something along the lines of:
"After speaking to a trainee, I was struck by how involved they were in fast-paced and high-value transactions. During my vacation scheme at X, I experienced that intensity first-hand and I found that environment energising. I am motivated by being part of something significant and working as a team to get a deal over the line, even when it requires extra commitment"
You are still signalling that you understand the demands and genuinely enjoy high-pressure, transactional work, but you are highlighting the substance of the work rather than the hours.
Therefore, I don't think you should hide your enthusiasm for the pace and intensity if that is what draws you to commercial law! I would just make sure you anchor it in the quality of the work and the teamwork involved, rather than the late nights themselves.
I hope that assists!
Hey!
No problem - thank you for the kind words!
I would avoid stating that you chose law as your parents wanted you to, even if that is how it actually started! The interviewers are more interested in why you are still interested in pursuing a career as a lawyer, rather than what influenced you at the beginning (unless it is the core reason!).
You don't necessarily need to overcomplicate it or force commercial law into every answer (although I would add a commercial law element if that is the type of firm you are applying to).
I would start by briefly explaining what attracted you to law (e.g. its analytical nature or problem-solving element), and then focus on what made you stay. This could be that you enjoyed dissecting complex issues and building structured arguments, you liked applying theory to real-world scenarios, or you became interested in how law shapes business decisions. It always helps to link the points that you make to examples from your past experiences - for example, a particular module at uni, work experience, an extra-curricular activity, etc.
Then, I would link those reasons to the actual role of a solicitor. This could be by showing that you are motivated by working with clients to solve legal and commercial problems they face, or that you enjoy intellectually demanding work with tangible impact. Make sure that your reasoning is genuine, and again, that you back it up where you can!
The key is to show growth - lots of people know that they want to pursue commercial law from a young age, but plenty of people don't (including myself!). Even if law wasn't originally your goal, you discovered that you genuinely enjoy it and have excelled in it. Showing this self-awareness and reflection will make a far more compelling story than a disingenuous "I always knew" one!
Best of luck!
Hello!
I'm doing well, thank you - hope you are too! No problem at all
This is a great question, and that is a huge achievement! Yes, I'd say it is absolutely fine to use a personal example, especially one like this. "Biggest achievement" doesn't have to be related to your work or career goals, and assessors are generally looking for traits such as resilience, initiative, self-motivation, ability to overcome challenge, and personal growth. When I answered a similar question in the past, my example was achieving a First in a particular module at uni - whilst this wasn't a stereotypical 'achievement' or 'award', it was a personal achievement to me as it involved a lot of public speaking, which I always struggled with.
Your example of moving from Poland, learning English, adapting to a new education system and then going on to complete an LLB and LLM doesn't seem generic at all! I'd say it shows lots of traits that the graduate recruitment team will be looking for, including adaptability, courage, and a sustained effort and commitment over several years.
The key is how you frame it, and I'd try to avoid just listing what happened. Instead, structure it clearly as:
- The challenge (e.g. relocating, language barrier, cultural adjustment)
- The actions you took (e.g. actively improving your English, seeking support, pushing yourself academically)
- The outcome (e.g. your academic success, increased confidence, and independence)
- The skills that you developed as a result (e.g. resilience, adaptability, discipline, etc.)
Best of luck!
Thank youuuHey!
No problem - thank you for the kind words!
I would avoid stating that you chose law as your parents wanted you to, even if that is how it actually started! The interviewers are more interested in why you are still interested in pursuing a career as a lawyer, rather than what influenced you at the beginning (unless it is the core reason!).
You don't necessarily need to overcomplicate it or force commercial law into every answer (although I would add a commercial law element if that is the type of firm you are applying to).
I would start by briefly explaining what attracted you to law (e.g. its analytical nature or problem-solving element), and then focus on what made you stay. This could be that you enjoyed dissecting complex issues and building structured arguments, you liked applying theory to real-world scenarios, or you became interested in how law shapes business decisions. It always helps to link the points that you make to examples from your past experiences - for example, a particular module at uni, work experience, an extra-curricular activity, etc.
Then, I would link those reasons to the actual role of a solicitor. This could be by showing that you are motivated by working with clients to solve legal and commercial problems they face, or that you enjoy intellectually demanding work with tangible impact. Make sure that your reasoning is genuine, and again, that you back it up where you can!
The key is to show growth - lots of people know that they want to pursue commercial law from a young age, but plenty of people don't (including myself!). Even if law wasn't originally your goal, you discovered that you genuinely enjoy it and have excelled in it. Showing this self-awareness and reflection will make a far more compelling story than a disingenuous "I always knew" one!
Best of luck!
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