TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[174Tess9y3]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I was wondering how to structure the answer to "What do you understand to be the key features of the firm's approach to legal practice? Why does Skadden's model appeal to you? (300 words)"?

Do I:

1. Choose 2/3 features, write a paragraph on each, then add an experience and explain why it appeals to me; or
2. Explain their approach in the first paragraph, then explain why it appeals to me in the second paragraph.

 

[174Tess9y3]

Hey!

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

I would approach this by identifying 1-2 challenges that are realistic and specific to being a trainee at that firm, rather than generic things like "the workload would be challenging". This is a question where your firm research is super important - think about the nature of the work, the trainee role, the firm's expectations, etc.

Then, I would explain how you would approach these challenges, and walk the graduate recruitment team through it step-by-step. I don't think you necessarily need a specific example for each one, but if you have a relevant experience that demonstrates that you have dealt with something similar (e.g. managing competing deadlines, working under pressure, adapting quickly, etc.), I would definitely bring that in briefly. The key thing is showing that you have thought realistically about the challenge and have a practical strategy for dealing with it

Thank you so much!

 

[sarg1234]

Hey!

My understanding is that the "Other Experience" section could be used for any additional work experience that doesn't fit into the four main entries, rather than just for open days/insight events. However, I don't think Ashurst has explicitly confirmed what they expect applicants to put in this section, so I wouldn't be able to give a definitive answer - apologies!

If you do have additional work experience, I think it would be sensible to use the space to briefly explain the role, what you did and anything you achieved or learnt from it. For open days or insight events, I would prioritise mentioning the ones that are the most relevant to your application

Thanks!

 

[ilovelawplshireme]

Hey, does anyone have any insight into the timeline of the Freshfields summer VS re when they send out tests. I am away from the middle sept to 9th October so wouldn't be able to complete any tests with the preparation I would preferably like between these dates. The scheme is rolling and closes on the 30th October but specifies that it might shut sooner, would it be best to apply on the 9th October or apply now and hope they send the first test before I go away and, if I reached the benchmark, the second when I'm home? Any advice or insight would be appreciated!

 

[jamsparkle]

Hey, does anyone have any insight into the timeline of the Freshfields summer VS re when they send out tests. I am away from the middle sept to 9th October so wouldn't be able to complete any tests with the preparation I would preferably like between these dates. The scheme is rolling and closes on the 30th October but specifies that it might shut sooner, would it be best to apply on the 9th October or apply now and hope they send the first test before I go away and, if I reached the benchmark, the second when I'm home? Any advice or insight would be appreciated!

i think you should just apply ASAP - it's easier to ask them to extend a test deadline because you have an unavoidable commitment than it is to ask them to reopen the applications after they're closed...

 

[Euphrosynos]

Does anyone know where we can sign up to Ashurst Perkins Coie's mini virtual series?

If you're asking about ‘Behind the scenes with Ashurst Perkins Coie’ it’s on their career page. When you filter the location to London, you should be able to find it easier.

 

[TJ360]

Right, summary of the last week (not that anyone asked) !

- Applied to Ashurst’s Winter Vac
- Did Macfarlanes Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessments (that was so long wow)
- Read 4 chapters in of ‘All you need to know about the city’
- Listened to the FT podcast everyday

This Week:
- Apply to Hogan Lovells’ Winter Vac
- Read another 5 Chapers of ‘All you need to know about the city’
- Prepare more generally for the AS commercial awareness competition (if anyone has some tips PLEASE DO DM)
- Look at NRF’s Q’s and start researching.

It looks like it’s going to be a long week…

Hey, what sort of video questions are in macfarlanes second assessment? I mean are they motivation? competency? or how you would respond in this situation etc?

 

[TJ360]

Right, summary of the last week (not that anyone asked) !

- Applied to Ashurst’s Winter Vac
- Did Macfarlanes Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessments (that was so long wow)
- Read 4 chapters in of ‘All you need to know about the city’
- Listened to the FT podcast everyday

This Week:
- Apply to Hogan Lovells’ Winter Vac
- Read another 5 Chapers of ‘All you need to know about the city’
- Prepare more generally for the AS commercial awareness competition (if anyone has some tips PLEASE DO DM)
- Look at NRF’s Q’s and start researching.

It looks like it’s going to be a long week…

Hey, what sort of video questions are in macfarlanes second stage assessment? I mean are they motivational? how you would sort of respond in the given situation or competency based? And is any research and prior knowledge required? Also, they said in the email it should take 90 mins but when I open the link, it says it should take 45 mins. Which one would you say is more accurate?

 

[user55998384]

Hey, what sort of video questions are in macfarlanes second stage assessment? I mean are they motivational? how you would sort of respond in the given situation or competency based? And is any research and prior knowledge required? Also, they said in the email it should take 90 mins but when I open the link, it says it should take 45 mins. Which one would you say is more accurate?

hey when did u get the stage 2 invite

 

[e.jy336]

Is the Ashurst webinar that just finished available to watch anywhere?

 

[TJ360]

hey when did u get the stage 2 invite

the next day after completing stage 1

 

[user55998384]

the next day after completing stage 1

sorry to be annoying but when did u complete stage 1? i did stage 1 on the 24th and havent heard since hence why im askiing

 

[TortillaTC]

Does anyone who attended Jones Day’s open evening remember the name of the trainee who was on the panel?

Alistair was his first name but I couldn’t catch his full name

 

[174Tess9y3]

Hi @Jaysen and @Abbie Whitlock!

When a firm talks about its approach to legal practice, am I to interpret that as their strengths in certain practice areas, or something along the lines of multidisciplinary integration/lean deal teams/focuses on high-stakes matters etc?

I'm not sure which way to take that.

Thanks!

 

[TJ360]

sorry to be annoying but when did u complete stage 1? i did stage 1 on the 24th and havent heard since hence why im askiing

just 2 days ago so got the invite yesterday (winter vac scheme)

 

[IshantheG]

just 2 days ago so got the invite yesterday (winter vac scheme)

sorry to be annoying but when did u complete stage 1? i did stage 1 on the 24th and havent heard since hence why im askiing

I applied at the very start. I am going to assume a PFO lol; you will get it in a few days, hopefully.

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

Do people think a disruptive parents’ divorce is sufficient extenuating circumstances for A level results ( got abb but they want aab)? Ty ty. Xx

 

[TheHamlet4]

Are you adding forage to your experiences? Is it accepted?

 

[174Tess9y3]

Are you adding forage to your experiences? Is it accepted?

I am, I think it shows that you've actively sought ways to experience law in practice

 

[TheHamlet4]

I am, I think it shows that you've actively sought ways to experience law in practice

Thanks, I should add it as well then.

As an aside, Linklaters will not open a winter vacation scheme this cycle fyi