TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AryanAgg]

can the tariff situation please pause until ACs are done

Trump does what Trump does if i do say so myself.

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

has anyone not heard from Morgan Lewis post TI?

 

[M85672]

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]

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!

 

[Ernesto]

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

 

[CharlesT47]

Anyone have access to the newest zip law article for the impact on trumps tariffs being revoked?

Also very surprised but K&E are actually offering feedback post AC

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

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]

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 🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[A worried paralegal]

Anyone have access to the newest zip law article for the impact on trumps tariffs being revoked?

Also very surprised but K&E are actually offering feedback post AC

Why is post ac feedback so rare?

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Anyone have access to the newest zip law article for the impact on trumps tariffs being revoked?

Also very surprised but K&E are actually offering feedback post AC

I reckon they took so long to wait for other acs to finish to not give away candidates to competitors, genuinely wouldn't put it past them

 

[floral.tcla]

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

 

[studysquirrel]

Hi, I have a direct TC at CMS lined up, but I got offered an assessment centre for a vacation scheme at Taylor Wessing. Any input on the cultures at the firms, and generally, if you'd recommend still doing the AC?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Hi, I have a direct TC at CMS lined up, but I got offered an assessment centre for a vacation scheme at Taylor Wessing. Any input on the cultures at the firms, and generally, if you'd recommend still doing the AC?

I can't tell you about Taylor Wessing but my friend is at CMS and loves it. Taylor Wessing has a stronger reputation but is more uncertain, I guess it all comes down to how much you love each firm respectively in terms of work (sorry, I know thats not super helpful)

 

[CharlieandLola]

Has anyone done the written task at Greenberg for the interview stage? Any insights would be really appreciated. I can trade for Reed Smith AC, Hugh James, Walker Morris and Kennedys! And for interviews CRS, V&E, Bird & Bird and Howdens

 

[lawstudent2]

Hi, I have a direct TC at CMS lined up, but I got offered an assessment centre for a vacation scheme at Taylor Wessing. Any input on the cultures at the firms, and generally, if you'd recommend still doing the AC?

Only thing that came to mind is that taylor wessing is merging and firm culture post merger can change a lot, so might be smth to take into consideration if you are only going to taylor wessing over CMS for the culture

 

[bbbb]

Hi everyone, I was invited to Hill Dickinson’s AC for the insight day/TC on Thursday for health and business services, despite only showing interest in the business practice area. Is anyone else in a similar situation? I plan on researching both sectors extensively for my prep, would this be the correct approach? Ty