TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[user123987]

Any advice for Brabners SJT?

 

[TCchaser]

Will Faegre Drinker be sending out more VI invites?

 

[TCchaser]

CMS WG for graduate apprenticeship.

Congratulations! That was really quick considering applications only closed on Sunday, when did you apply? Trying to figure out if they're getting back to people in order of application date 😅

 

[PFO_God]

Harbottle & Lewis interview invite!

Any insights would be greatly appreciated - happy to trade AG AC (useful for next year), Barclays in-house interview (Think Talent Programme) or various assessments...

 

[HAHAHA]

Hi does anyone have any thoughts on how recent a recent development have to be for interview? I’m trying to find developments around AI regulation and most of the major news stories (stability vs Getty), digital omnibus seem to be from a good few months ago do you think that’s too far back?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

On the back of this, Grads + Career Changers, how are you making time for engaging with Law outside of applications?

@Jaysen @Abbie Whitlock - I wasn’t sure if you either had any suggestions or things you’ve heard?

Hey!

I think it can look different for everyone depending on their schedule, but I think the main thing is to consistently engage with materials over time, rather than trying to do lots and lots at a time. For example, regularly reading legal or business news (even just a few articles a week!), listening to legal or commercial podcasts during commutes, and attending webinars or open days when they come up. When I was working full-time during my placement year, I made it a habit to listen to the FT Daily News Briefing podcast on my commute, and I attended a few open days for areas of law or firms I was interested in.

Some people also find it helpful to follow a couple of sectors that they are interested in and keep an eye on major deals, disputes, or regulatory changes in that sector. This is a good way to build commercial awareness organically over time without it feeling like another "application task".

It is definitely important to remember that it doesn't have to be anything huge or time-intensive, and often regular engagement will be the most beneficial in the long-run

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it okay to just prepare one commercial news story for an AC? Feels so time consuming to do more given the deep dive it requires!

Hey!

I totally get that! For ACs, I often prepared one commercial news story in a bit more depth and made sure I could comfortably explain what happened, why it matters, and any implications for businesses or clients.

I would usually also have one or two back-ups just in case (for whatever reason) the conversation moved in a different direction or my main story wasn't particularly relevant. However, I didn't tend to go into as much depth on the back-ups - in practice, I almost always ended up discussing the main story I'd prepared, so the lighter preparation was usually enough.

I think interviewers are generally more interested in how you analyse a story, so if you can remember the facts and talk through it thoughtfully, this can go a long way!

 

[tclauser77898]

Hey!

I totally get that! For ACs, I often prepared one commercial news story in a bit more depth and made sure I could comfortably explain what happened, why it matters, and any implications for businesses or clients.

I would usually also have one or two back-ups just in case (for whatever reason) the conversation moved in a different direction or my main story wasn't particularly relevant. However, I didn't tend to go into as much depth on the back-ups - in practice, I almost always ended up discussing the main story I'd prepared, so the lighter preparation was usually enough.

I think interviewers are generally more interested in how you analyse a story, so if you can remember the facts and talk through it thoughtfully, this can go a long way!

Hi @Abbie Whitlock hope you're well!

I was wondering about this - if the interviewer goes like ‘what’s something you’ve found interesting’ , is this when u do the commercial story? I feel like I’ve never actually been asked directly for a commercial story.

Also how would you reccomend structuring one?

Thank you so so much!

 

[flamingocelot]

sorry to hear this was this pre or post interview? i feel like i've been hanging on for a pfo for ages from BH

Pre!! This was post-application - first I've heard from them

 

[brtz]

does anyone have any insight to how difficutl the CMS WG is for the insight scheme?

Hi, it’s very similar to the practice test they offer (also gives you an overall % which is helpful) . WG is difficult if you don’t understand what each section requires but thru practice it gets easier. Best of luck

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi does anyone have any thoughts on how recent a recent development have to be for interview? I’m trying to find developments around AI regulation and most of the major news stories (stability vs Getty), digital omnibus seem to be from a good few months ago do you think that’s too far back?

Hey!

I personally wouldn't worry too much about it being a few months old. Firms are usually more interested in how well you understand and analyse the development rather than whether it happened in the last couple of weeks. Something like Getty Images v Stability AI is going to have a real impact in the IP sector, so I'd say it is perfectly fine to discuss it in relation to ongoing questions about how copyright law applies to generative AI.

As a rough guide, I'd say that anything from the last 6-12 months is usually acceptable for interviews, especially if the issue is still evolving (which AI regulation definitely is). Of course, the more recent the better it is, but I'd pick an idea that you can discuss in detail over one that is the most recent

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock hope you're well!

I was wondering about this - if the interviewer goes like ‘what’s something you’ve found interesting’ , is this when u do the commercial story? I feel like I’ve never actually been asked directly for a commercial story.

Also how would you reccomend structuring one?

Thank you so so much!

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!!

Yes, I'd say that sounds like a scenario where they might be asking about the commercial story. I would usually expect them to frame it along the lines of "Tell us about a recent news story that interested you" or "Tell us about a recent commercial development that will impact our clients".

In terms of structure, I personally found it helpful to keep it quite simple:

1. Brief overview of the commercial story - what happened and who the main parties involved are
2. Why it matters - this is the legal / commercial implications on clients, businesses, regulation, markets, etc.
3. Link it back to the firm - discuss how it might be relevant to the firm's practice areas or the types of clients they involve (e.g. what practice areas would be involved in advising clients on the impact of the story?)

It doesn't need to be an overly long answer, and it is more important to show that you understand the development and can think about its wider implications, rather than just remembering the facts.

I hope that assists!

 

[tclauser77898]

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!!

Yes, I'd say that sounds like a scenario where they might be asking about the commercial story. I would usually expect them to frame it along the lines of "Tell us about a recent news story that interested you" or "Tell us about a recent commercial development that will impact our clients".

In terms of structure, I personally found it helpful to keep it quite simple:

1. Brief overview of the commercial story - what happened and who the main parties involved are
2. Why it matters - this is the legal / commercial implications on clients, businesses, regulation, markets, etc.
3. Link it back to the firm - discuss how it might be relevant to the firm's practice areas or the types of clients they involve (e.g. what practice areas would be involved in advising clients on the impact of the story?)

It doesn't need to be an overly long answer, and it is more important to show that you understand the development and can think about its wider implications, rather than just remembering the facts.

I hope that assists!

So helpful thank you
I had one more q if that’s ok
What are your thoughts for a 3 partner panel interview? Mainly around when it’s time to ask them q’s? Sorry I know that’s a bit vague but not sure how to approach it
Thank you again!!