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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

M85672

Distinguished Member
Aug 5, 2025
68
143
Hi, just a question regarding answering Baker Mckenzie's questions (I've written a ton of apps this cycle and I think Baker's questions are some of the most difficult I've faced personally).

The question "Discuss how the role of a commercial lawyer is evolving in today’s business environment. Identify the key skills required and how you have demonstrated these", what would people recommend the best skills to talk about here? Was thinking one could be increasing need for commercial lawyers to be AI/tech-literate perhaps.

Usually with these "skills required to be a commercial lawyer" questions I always go with commercial awareness, attention to detail/ability to present large amounts of information intelligibly etc. However, the wording of this question implicitly asks for something that perhaps is a skill NOW required, as opposed to one that has always been required (like the former skills). So it has me slightly stumped.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks
 

TCLAuser2002

Legendary Member
Dec 23, 2025
134
256
Hi, just a question regarding answering Baker Mckenzie's questions (I've written a ton of apps this cycle and I think Baker's questions are some of the most difficult I've faced personally).

The question "Discuss how the role of a commercial lawyer is evolving in today’s business environment. Identify the key skills required and how you have demonstrated these", what would people recommend the best skills to talk about here? Was thinking one could be increasing need for commercial lawyers to be AI/tech-literate perhaps.

Usually with these "skills required to be a commercial lawyer" questions I always go with commercial awareness, attention to detail/ability to present large amounts of information intelligibly etc. However, the wording of this question implicitly asks for something that perhaps is a skill NOW required, as opposed to one that has always been required (like the former skills). So it has me slightly stumped.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks
I mentioned AI literacy and progressed to next stage so go ahead!
 
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Ernesto

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Jan 9, 2026
72
133
Because my supervisor was too and the rest of the team haha - so I couldn't just say okay guys, I'm off now lol
Plus the time of the VS, we were actually closing a deal which I got to be part of and oh my gosh the client dinner we got the day after was just beautiful. The bill came up to like £3,500 just for food and drinks 😂
what firm
 

aliiiisonxooox

Star Member
Premium Member
Oct 31, 2025
27
70
Hi!

For the AC, if anyone could’ve told you one useful tip before, what would you want to know?

The tips I’ve acquired are: + bring a digital watch
Group: Don’t speak over people, don’t dominate, be respectful and smiley, don’t speak just for the sake of it ( have meaningful contributions); the teamwork has a shared objective, call people by names and make eye contact.

Case study: structure is key ( exec summary, intro, body, conclusion); body language; clear simple language, jargon- free; smile and eye contact. Read from the back to the front.

Interview: mine is a strength based and motivational. Research well the USP of the firm. Don’t use STAR as it’s not competency but stil use a smaller version of STAR? Smile, body language, strong eye contact. Ask meaningful questions at the end to engage with interviewers.

Is there anything else I should know?

Thank youuu ☺️🎉
 

Novaa

Legendary Member
Dec 2, 2022
417
1,518
can the tariff situation please pause until ACs are done
This reminds me of when I had an AC a couple days after the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 came into effect.

And I couldn’t tell if the company’s turnover would trigger a CMA review now or wouldn’t. Then I wrote the new threshold wrong. Then I realised when I was on lunch. So the first thing I did was apologise in my case study discussion.

WHEW WHAT A DAY 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Stan Twitter Crying GIF
 

floral.tcla

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Aug 15, 2024
272
427
For the AC, if anyone could’ve told you one useful tip before, what would you want to know?
The tips I’ve acquired are: + bring a digital watch
Group: Don’t speak over people, don’t dominate, be respectful and smiley, don’t speak just for the sake of it ( have meaningful contributions); the teamwork has a shared objective, call people by names and make eye contact.

Case study: structure is key ( exec summary, intro, body, conclusion); body language; clear simple language, jargon- free; smile and eye contact. Read from the back to the front.

Interview: mine is a strength based and motivational. Research well the USP of the firm. Don’t use STAR as it’s not competency but stil use a smaller version of STAR? Smile, body language, strong eye contact. Ask meaningful questions at the end to engage with interviewers.

Is there anything else I should know?

Thank youuu ☺️🎉
this and just practice as much as you can but also as helpful as it is to know this, don’t underestimate the importance of getting into the right mentality - take a break a day before the interview, spend time with friends etc, and try to calm down so that ur personality shines through + so that you can think clearly
 
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