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Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
Applications Discussion
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
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<blockquote data-quote="Abbie Whitlock" data-source="post: 217330" data-attributes="member: 42112"><p>Hi [USER=38921]@BuddyingLawyer744[/USER] !</p><p></p><p>I totally understand how you’re feeling, as preparing for an interview can feel very overwhelming at first. Here are a few tips that worked for me when preparing for vacation scheme / training contract interviews:</p><p></p><p><strong>Understand the Firm</strong></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Research the firm thoroughly - recent deals, main practice areas / sector focus, clients, USPs. You’ll have done a lot of this for the application stage, but it’s always useful to go over it briefly before the interview.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Be ready to explain why this firm specifically - what sets it apart from its competitors, how its values aligns with your interests, and how the firm structure suits you.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Check the firm’s website / social media for unique insights - a lot of firms will have trainee blogs and testimonials, so I’d have a look and see why current trainees like the firm.</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Prepare for Common Interview Questions</strong></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Competency questions - use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and have some strong examples to mind. These could be in areas that they’ll look for in trainees, such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Commercial awareness - I would keep up to date with recent news and pick one that you are really interested in. Think of ways that you can link it to how law firms and clients might be affected by it.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Motivation questions - most interviews will ask ‘Why Law’ and ‘Why this Firm’, and it’s important to be specific and genuine in explaining your motivations.</li> </ol><p></p><p><strong>Practice!</strong></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Do a few mock interviews with friends, family, or even in front of a mirror. The main thing I did to prepare for interviews was make a note of the topics I wanted to discuss for the most common questions, and then rehearse until I could remember it from memory. I wouldn’t recommend writing a script - it’s impossible to plan for every question, and you may struggle if the question is slightly different than what you had planned.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Read your application and CV again - some interviews follow the structure of your original application, so it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with what you submitted.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">If there’s a case study or written task, I would look up practice ones online so that you have an idea of what to expect on the day.</li> </ol><p>I also always try to match my tone and behaviour to how my interviewer presents themselves, as some are quite chatty / conversational whilst others will remain more professional. If in doubt, I would always err on the side of professionalism - but some of my best interviews have been ones that felt like a genuine conversation.</p><p></p><p>Don’t worry if you feel ‘blank’ now - it’s completely normal! Once you start prepping, things will start to click into place. Good luck - you’ve got this!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Abbie Whitlock, post: 217330, member: 42112"] Hi [USER=38921]@BuddyingLawyer744[/USER] ! I totally understand how you’re feeling, as preparing for an interview can feel very overwhelming at first. Here are a few tips that worked for me when preparing for vacation scheme / training contract interviews: [B]Understand the Firm[/B] [LIST=1] [*]Research the firm thoroughly - recent deals, main practice areas / sector focus, clients, USPs. You’ll have done a lot of this for the application stage, but it’s always useful to go over it briefly before the interview. [*]Be ready to explain why this firm specifically - what sets it apart from its competitors, how its values aligns with your interests, and how the firm structure suits you. [*]Check the firm’s website / social media for unique insights - a lot of firms will have trainee blogs and testimonials, so I’d have a look and see why current trainees like the firm. [/LIST] [B]Prepare for Common Interview Questions[/B] [LIST=1] [*]Competency questions - use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and have some strong examples to mind. These could be in areas that they’ll look for in trainees, such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience. [*]Commercial awareness - I would keep up to date with recent news and pick one that you are really interested in. Think of ways that you can link it to how law firms and clients might be affected by it. [*]Motivation questions - most interviews will ask ‘Why Law’ and ‘Why this Firm’, and it’s important to be specific and genuine in explaining your motivations. [/LIST] [B]Practice![/B] [LIST=1] [*]Do a few mock interviews with friends, family, or even in front of a mirror. The main thing I did to prepare for interviews was make a note of the topics I wanted to discuss for the most common questions, and then rehearse until I could remember it from memory. I wouldn’t recommend writing a script - it’s impossible to plan for every question, and you may struggle if the question is slightly different than what you had planned. [*]Read your application and CV again - some interviews follow the structure of your original application, so it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with what you submitted. [*]If there’s a case study or written task, I would look up practice ones online so that you have an idea of what to expect on the day. [/LIST] I also always try to match my tone and behaviour to how my interviewer presents themselves, as some are quite chatty / conversational whilst others will remain more professional. If in doubt, I would always err on the side of professionalism - but some of my best interviews have been ones that felt like a genuine conversation. Don’t worry if you feel ‘blank’ now - it’s completely normal! Once you start prepping, things will start to click into place. Good luck - you’ve got this! [/QUOTE]
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Applications Discussion
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
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