TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[phoenix11_]

Does anyone know what to expect from A&O's motivational questions in the end of the online test? Any tips how to prepare for these?

 

[cs3008]

If you’re a qualified lawyer, you should probably apply to NQ roles instead of TCs (because you are already qualified). I’d assume probably every firm has this policy

If I’m not qualified in the E&W, then why not trainee roles? A lot of firms don’t entertain applications for NQ roles if you’re not qualified in England.

 

[Z48]

Does anyone know what to expect from A&O's motivational questions in the end of the online test? Any tips how to prepare for these?

In past years it’s been one motivational, one competency, and unless it’s changed this year you have unlimited prep time

 

[Jaysen]

Hey everyone!

I'm running an event with graduate recruitment tomorrow at 6pm: How to Secure a Training Contract with Simpson Thacher.

These events are very good: Paul will tell you exactly what he looks for in an application and what to expect at interview.

If you're interested, and haven't already signed up, you can do so here.

 

[sagekensuke]

Hey everyone!

I'm running an event with graduate recruitment tomorrow at 6pm: How to Secure a Training Contract with Simpson Thacher.

These events are very good: Paul will tell you exactly what he looks for in an application and what to expect at interview.

If you're interested, and haven't already signed up, you can do so here.

Will the event be recorded?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hey everyone! going into another cycle yet again and i would love for it to be my last (dont we all). Does any one have tips on what changed the apps for them- what i can do over summer to help? Also, how to develop my commercial awareness- i tried FT news briefing and reading watsons daily but i feel like its just a lot of info and i cant actually discuss anything, not sure how to go about it and any advice would be super appreciated x

Hey!

In terms of applications, what made the biggest difference for me was being much more reflective about my experiences rather than trying to add loads more to my CV. Instead of just listing what I had done, I spent more time thinking about what I had actually learnt, how those experiences had developed skills relevant to commercial law, and using specific examples to evidence that. I also made sure that every application was actually tailored to the firm, even if that meant submitting fewer applications overall. It really helps to try and link one of your experiences and skills to any motivational points you make - for example, if you are stating you are applying to a firm based on one of their practice areas, I'd always back it up with something like a university module I studied or previous work experience.

For commercial awareness, I found that trying to follow everything was overwhelming too (+ it made me feel a bit helpless before I'd event started!). What worked much better for me was picking a few stories a week and really digging into them (i.e. their impact and wider consequences), rather than just memorising the headline facts. I would ask myself questions like: Why does this matter? Who benefits and who loses? How might it affect this firm's clients or the legal work they do? What practice areas might get involved in this type of work? What legal or commercial help might clients need following this?

I also found it really helpful to discuss stories with other applicants or friends, as explaining it out loud made it much easier to memorise and analyse them. This was also why BIUCAC was a really instrumental part of my commercial awareness journey, as it gave me real-life circumstances to test and challenge myself.

One thing I would also add is not to underestimate podcasts or newsletters that explain the why behind a story rather than just reporting the facts - I used the FT News Briefing podcast and LittleLaw loads during my application cycles. It is much easier to build commercial thinking that way than by trying to memorise headlines, as that doesn't showcase your way of thinking.

Wishing you the best of luck this cycle - you've got this!!