TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[floral.tcla]

Has anyone done Shakespeare Martineau’s internship VI?

 

[CharlieandLola]

Hello!

I would try not to panic about a few spelling mistakes (easier said than done, I know!). Of course, firms expect a reasonable level of attention to detail, but assessment centres are usually assessing a much broader range of things rather than whether each word is perfectly spelled under pressure.

One or two spelling mistakes will probably be absolutely fine, especially in timed conditions, as long as it is not something consistent throughout the work or to the point where it affects readability. There is a big difference between a couple of minor types and work that comes across as generally careless!

I would try not to overanalyse after the fact - I've definitely spotted typos or ran out of time in written exercises before and thought that I had no chance, but still progressed and got offers!

Thank you so much!! I was completely panicking

 

[StudentWP]

does anyone know when we will hear back from Perkins

 

[ekhorsand]

does anyone know when we will hear back from Perkins

I know of two people who were rejected last week, however since then it has been radio silence. I haven't heard back from them and neither others I have been in touch with. Chances are we will start receiving responses within the next week as, if I am not mistaken, final stage interviews are held from "1 June - 19 June" - so I suppose it is just a waiting game.

 

[StudentWP]

I know of two people who were rejected last week, however since then it has been radio silence. I haven't heard back from them and neither others I have been in touch with. Chances are we will start receiving responses within the next week as, if I am not mistaken, final stage interviews are held from "1 June - 19 June" - so I suppose it is just a waiting game.

yes their final interview start next week, hence why just confused lol

 

[StudentWP]

has anyone been in contact with Perkins I have emailed them but not heard anything

 

[Bbhu19]

Heyyy, would any application veterans mind having a look at a couple of my motivational VS interview answer drafts ?

I’ll look over it if you still need it

 

[user55998384]

i boosted my cv a lot this year: did insight days, a week in IB, have a couple of legal palcements for the summer and have a admin role at a regional firm but this meant my second year grades arent that good - think i will probs end up w a 64 overall - does anyone have success in progressing w us/MC firms w similar grades?

 

[tosin4774]

Heyyy, would any application veterans mind having a look at a couple of my motivational VS interview answer drafts ?

There is a TikTok user named Lawwith Rachel who offers a free review on your first request. If you would like to receive additional reviews from her, there is a fee involved, but it's reasonably priced.

This is the link "https://lawwithrachael.com/buy"

 

[Garak]

Hi everyone - just want to ask a couple of questions:

In the TCLA interview question video on 'How does the firm compare to its competitors, and why do clients keep coming back to the firm?', it advises to research why in-house counsel keep going back to the law firm.

1) How do I find out why in-house consel keep going back to a law firm?
2) Where would I find such information in general about why clients keep coming back to the firm?

Many thanks

 

[M85672]

On the deadline, 24th

 

[AlarmedBookkeeper448]

Hi everyone - just want to ask a couple of questions:

In the TCLA interview question video on 'How does the firm compare to its competitors, and why do clients keep coming back to the firm?', it advises to research why in-house counsel keep going back to the law firm.

1) How do I find out why in-house consel keep going back to a law firm?
2) Where would I find such information in general about why clients keep coming back to the firm?

Many thanks

Hello

I’m not a solicitor, but I work as an in‑house corporate advisor for a bank in my jurisdiction. We typically brief external law firms depending on the nature of the matter, and each firm tends to have its own strengths. For example, some are excellent with employment matters, so we consistently use them for that work.

Beyond technical expertise, our decision-making usually comes down to service style, how frequently they update us, how well they manage meetings, whether they are readily available, and how easy they are to work with. Cost is also a major factor for in-house counsel.

Speaking only from my experience, we also pay close attention to the key practitioners in a specific field (IP, M&A, Lending). If certain well‑recognised individuals move firms, we monitor whether they’re moving with the team that previously supported us. It’s not that we terminate engagements immediately, but it does influence our assessment to determine whether we renew or not.

Another consideration is the quality of training law firms provide to in‑house counsel. Many firms offer extensive training programmes, and we do evaluate the standard and usefulness of those sessions.

In-house counsel for most institutions will conduct performance-based assessments and all of this will be recorded there.

I hope this helps

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone - just want to ask a couple of questions:

In the TCLA interview question video on 'How does the firm compare to its competitors, and why do clients keep coming back to the firm?', it advises to research why in-house counsel keep going back to the law firm.

1) How do I find out why in-house consel keep going back to a law firm?
2) Where would I find such information in general about why clients keep coming back to the firm?

Many thanks

Hey!

This is a really good question, and I think the key thing to remember is that you're usually not expected to know the exact reasons why a firm's clients keep returning unless you have spoken to those clients directly (which is unlikely). Instead, you are trying to make a reasoned inference based on the information available.

The main places that I would look for this type of information include:

• Legal Directories (e.g. Chambers or Legal 500): It helps to check the client testimonials section, as clients will often explain what they value about the firm, whether that's responsiveness, commerciality, sector expertise, value for money, international reach, or technical excellence.
• Recent Matters and Clients: If you notice the same clients appearing repeatedly across multiple deals or cases, that is often a good indication that the firm has developed a strong relationship with them.
• Firm Publications or Webinars: If a firm consistently produces insights in a particular sector that relates to their client base, that can help explain why clients continue to instruct them.

For interviews, I would usually avoid saying something definitive like "clients keep returning because of X". Instead, I'd frame it as a wider observation, for example: "Based on the firm's client testimonials and repeat instructions from major clients, it appears that clients value the firm's combination of strong technical expertise and commercial advice. This is reflected in Chambers feedback, where clients consistently highlight...".

I think it is also worth remembering that clients rarely choose a law firm for just one reason. It is often a combination of factors such as sector expertise, longstanding relationships, international capabilities, quality of service, and the firm's ability to understand the client's commercial objectives.

I hope that helps! I personally found that Chambers and Legal 500 were the most useful sources as it gives you direct insights into what clients themselves are saying about the firm

 

[addy2004]

Random question if anyone can help please - when do winter vac scheme/open day apps typically open? Basically, one of the times for me to take annual leave this year would awkwardly be the start of September for two so I'm weighing up having a break v being around to apply!

 

[NLegal]

Hi All,

I'm starting the SQE in September and, hearing all the horror stories, I really want to get a head start with revising the academic legal knowledge (i.e. what the SQE doesn't teach you/ expects you to already know).

I was wondering if anyone had a clear syllabus/ criteria which covers every topic we're expected to already know in detail within:

The Legal System
Contract
Tort
Land
Equity and Trusts
Criminal
Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law

and/or if they would be willing to share their notes/ hints/ tips/ sources on revising these areas.

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[Jaysen]

Hi All,

I'm starting the SQE in September and, hearing all the horror stories, I really want to get a head start with revising the academic legal knowledge (i.e. what the SQE doesn't teach you/ expects you to already know).

I was wondering if anyone had a clear syllabus/ criteria which covers every topic we're expected to already know in detail within:

The Legal System
Contract
Tort
Land
Equity and Trusts
Criminal
Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law

and/or if they would be willing to share their notes/ hints/ tips/ sources on revising these areas.

Thank you so much in advance!

Just responded to your post in the thread but will share here too:

Here's what you need to know for each module.

I haven't used these myself, but you might find these notes helpful (found on Reddit).

 

[174Tess9y3]

Does anyone know what the Fried Frank assessment day or the Travers Smith online interview involves?