TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[aliiiisonxooox]

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

 

[maxro]

For those who got invited to W&C final interview, how long did it take to hear back post WE?

About two weeks for me

 

[adf43256]

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?

 

[Zimpakos]

WFW VS thank you all for your support on this forum wishing all of you here the best.

 

[nonlawstudent98]

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?

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.

 

[ddalki]

For those who got invited to W&C final interview, how long did it take to hear back post WE?

Around 10 days, but I think it varies!

 

[BellaC12345]

Anyone not heard from W&C post-WE?

 

[BellaC12345]

I did my WE 2.5 weeks ago and never heard back- I think it’s because they’re writing the rejection feedback 🫣

 

[sqe4676]

Travers Smith PFO

 

[elle.brokovitch]

Hi everyone,


I have a vacation scheme with a US firm and am eager to convert it to a training contract—I don't want to go through another application cycle, as I'm sure you can all understand!


I was wondering if anyone has tips for dealing with imposter syndrome? I'm not from a Russell Group or Oxbridge university and will likely be the only one there without that background. How can I stay confident, let myself shine, and not feel intimidated by the other vacation schemers?

Thanks!

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!

 

[km20]

Yeah I couldn't find any practice tests either unfortunately. I looked at the test provider's website and I think ai calculates your overall 'alignment score' so they'll probably use that to quickly filter out a lot of applications. Then maybe they'll be able to afford spending a few days skimming cvs and cover letters before interviews. There's lowkey no info online :')

Oh, okay, thank you! Any information is good information imo, hope it works out well

 

[Florencejones]

Has anyone completed the test for Browne Jacobson and revealed the written questions?

 

[M85672]

Have W&C AC's already gone out for Spring and Summer? Did my VI back in December, didn't get a written exercise

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

I hope you are well! Thank you for answering my question last week by the way.

Another silly question, but it's been on my mind a lot and haven't found an answer to it online but I genuinely love the idea of working late to close deals and thrive on the long hours of commercial law - it’s actually something I find exciting rather than draining. I know many people don’t feel this way.

If asked in an interview, “Why this firm?”, would it be appropriate to say something like: after speaking to a trainee at [Firm X], I learned they often work late on M&A transactions, and for me personally, that’s exactly the kind of work I enjoy. I’m happy to put in the extra hours and work hard because I find it engaging and fulfilling.

I know this might sound a bit unusual, but I’ve genuinely experienced this during a vacation scheme, often working until 1–2am, and I loved it. Would sharing that experience come across positively in an interview, or could it seem strange to a Partner?

Thank you so much in advance and I hope I make sense in this question!

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!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock thanks so much for all you do on here.

I just wanted to ask what is a good way to answer “why did you choose to study law” or “why law” or “why do you want to become a lawyer”.

I often get confused as I also do not know if they want me to talk about commercial law too. And in all honesty, I chose to study law because my parents wanted me to🫠🫠🫠🫠😭😭 (But I ended up loving it though and I’m on track to graduate with a first).

Do I say that in my application or interview?
Any tips please?

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!

 

[tk09162]

When did you complete it?

did mine 8 Feb!

 

[username10341034]

Has anyone heard from Fladgate post VI?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

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

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.)

You could also potentially briefly link it back to why that matters in a legal career, and this can show why you are a good fit for this career path. Overall, I don't think it is generic at all - it is a genuine answer that is personal, reflective, and impressive!

Best of luck!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

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!

Thank youuu

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Thank you so much Abbie for taking your time to write such a detailed answer to my question!

Also just a question for people who have done AC’s. Is it good or bad to encourage shy people to speak during a group exercise? Does it come across as “ dominating”? I would say that since we’re a group, and we’re working within a team to reach a shared objective ( presentation to partners) everyone has to contribute meaningfully. But idk if encouraging people to speak is right..

And how can you make sure you don’t speak last in a group AC?

Everyone has been super helpful on here with any questions I’ve had for my AC. Hope everyone gets their dream vac scheme and TC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks everyone