TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[silonthesofa]

I can for Bird and Bird - PM me

Sent a PM

 

[tarastar]

Hi! Unfortunately, Antoni is no longer working on the forum (he is focusing on his Product Lead role). I will do my best to fill his shoes I did a post on the JD AC here!

This is super informative, thank you!

 

[JosefK]

hi, does anyone have insight into the Mayer Brown VI? would be willing to trade freshfields or dechert VI

 

[Minhee]

How to answer ‘why do you want to become a solicitor’? I like the processes behind things you see in the everyday world and solving complex issues to minimise them to simple solutions but I don’t think that’s enough. Do I have to link back to the firm? Link back to my work experience? Thanks!

Hi! Novaa and Prudentia both give fabulous advice

Structure

I like to structure this as:

I want to become a solicitor for 2 - 3 main reasons: 1...2..., and 3.

[Summary of reason 1]. I realised this was important to me when [insert personal experience - can be law / non-law, as long as it fits!]. [How does this connect to being a lawyer / how would you use this skill as a lawyer?]

[Repeat for reasons 2 and 3]

Your reasons

I think that saying you enjoy breaking down complex issues and dealing with real-world problems / processes is fine (that seems to be a lot of what being a lawyer is about!) But, as Prudentia pointed out, you want to make sure your reasons are law-specific. Perhaps you could use a law-specific example (re breaking down complex issues - maybe you prefer approaching this from a more verbal angle by analysing and condensing complex statute, case law, contract clauses, etc., as opposed to in finance, where you would also be breaking down complex issues, but from a more numerical side).
Linking back to the firm?

If the question is 'why comm law?', I would focus more on fully answering that, instead of tying back to the firm, especially on an app form, where you are restricted by word count. In an interview, I think it could be appropriate to give a 1-2 sentence link following each reason (and if they want to hear more, they will probably ask you).

With that said, you should make sure your reasons make sense for the firm you're applying to. E.g. If you're applying to a firm that focuses on PE, you probably don't want to be going on about antitrust and litigation in your 'why comm law?' answer,

That's a good starting point!! I'd link it to specific experiences, and pick them carefully, because the first thing an assessor might ask is "So why not consultancy?"

I got caught out by this myself... I mentioned mentoring and advocating for people, and was immediately asked "Why not human rights?”

So I now use my non law work experience to close down those follow-ups. I draw on my project management background, then explain what made me realise I wanted to move “back” into law specifically. The key is showing what being a solicitor gives you that those other paths don't, like advising clients on legal problems or working with the law itself.

I'd also save firm-specific reasons for "why this firm".

The way I approach this question is: if my answer could explain why I want to go into any other profession, it’s not explicit enough. For example, solving complex issues could apply to many careers. Funeral directors also solve complex issues (sorry to be crude, but hopefully you get the point!). You need to understand what solicitors actually do specifically and link your motivations to that. There are things that solicitors do that aren’t done by any other profession. You also want to draw upon experiences that made you realise that you’re drawn to being a solicitor specifically. Sorry if this response is a bit garbled, but I hope that helps a bit.

 

[Minhee]

Freshfields Stage 1 just came through. I sent my application at 2am and they applied my reasonable adjustments without me chasing.

Feeling: Scared

That's lovely to hear best of luck!!

 

[Minhee]

Hi, is it worth waiting until after an open day to apply to a firm if they screen on a rolling basis? The OD is just a few days away, deadline is 30 Nov. Thanks

I would love to have some insight on this as well - the firm’s application deadline is 7 January and the open day is on 2 December, but they review vacation scheme applications on a rolling basis. Should I wait until after attending the open day to apply, or submit early?

Hi! Unfortunately, I do think it really depends on the firm.

Some firms openly say that, while they screen on a rolling basis, final AC shortlists are not made until after x date. In this case, it may be worth waiting. Not every firm operates like this though.

I remember last year, some Grad Rec said that, as long as you submit your app before Christmas, you should have a safe shot at being considered. I have friends who applied to a rolling firm in Jan, and still received VS offers. But do note that this was in 2025 / 2026, and the apps only seem to move faster each cycle. There have been rumours of some firms maybe closing deadlines early, since spots are filling up fast. Also, applying later may mean that you lose priority for which scheme you want (e.g. you may not be able to get a spot for Winter or even Spring). It really depends on where you applied, how many applications they have received, whether you think you have a high chance at the OD, and whether you think this would significantly help your VS prospects (it is very possible to get a VS without an OD too!)

I would recommend just being transparent and asking Grad Rec what they would advise Sorry I can't be of more help here.

 

[Minhee]

Hi, can someone give tips/general advice about Linklaters Online Assessment for the vac scheme? Mainly, I wonder if there are video interviews or written tasks within there? Or is it just watson glaser and situational judgement sections? Thank you in advance!

Hi! It was the same for me last year as it was for Novaa Just an SJT and WG.

SJT

I second using their Agile Mindset Framework! I have also attached a general comment I did on SJTs, in case it is helpful.

Watson Glaser

I recommend Idin's YouTube video! He breaks down the format + question types very well (in my opinion).

TCLA also has a WG course!

You can find free practice questions by literally just Googling them! I only used free practice questions, and still managed to get through WG rounds. You can buy books / paid question packs too, but some of my friends who did this said they were at times easier / harder than the actual ones.

Unless they have changed it, it will be a SJT and WG.

For your SJT have their agile mindset framework in mind. That’s what they’re testing for.

If you need anything else, feel free to PM me.

Hi! That’s such a fair question - I found SJTs so odd when I first started taking them.

I know this can be frustrating to hear, but I do think your instincts matter more than any method. I gave the same responses on every SJT I took, and I passed some firms and failed others. It’s a question of natural fit and (in my opinion) impossible to game. It’s easy to overthink then end up selecting an option that does not reflect who you are, and still does not align with what the firm wanted - so, while I know it’s easier said than done, do try to follow your genuine choice!

With that said, sometimes, I didn’t know which option was genuinely right for me, because (as you mentioned) they all sounded similar. In these instances, I would take the following steps.

1. Read the scenario / question. Make a list of all the firm’s values that you think might be relevant. So, if the scenario is: 'A partner has asked you and two colleagues to complete a complex project within the next week. It involves reviewing a large volume of detailed legal documents. How would you tackle this?' I would think: ‘you and two colleagues’ - COLLABORATION; ‘complex project’ - maybe RESILIENCE or CRITICAL THINKING; ‘within the next week’ - TIME MANAGEMENT; ‘reviewing a large volume’ - ORGANISATION ; ‘detailed’ - ATTENTION TO DETAIL.
2. Rank each value based on how much it matters to you. This can feel tricky - don’t overthink it. If I was someone who really enjoyed working with people, I might go 1. COLLABORATION. If I’m someone who values submitting perfect work, I might go 1. ATTENTION TO DETAIL. If I’m someone who prefers to get things ticked off my to-do list quickly and punctually, I might go 1. TIME MANAGEMENT.
3. Read each option, and see whether they support or go against each value. So if option A is ‘Suggest working closely as a team, so you can support each other throughout', - that's definitely very collaborative. If I have ranked collaboration as my first value, I would at least shortlist that as my ‘most likely to’. If I have ranked collaboration as my last value, I would probably not consider it for my 'most likely to'.
4. Pay close attention to wording. Say B. is 'Talk with your colleagues about how you work together to meet the deadline and ensure a high quality product'. That is also collaborative, but a bit different. B is more outcome and time management focused (high quality product and meet the deadline). A puts more emphasis on the process and actual action of collaborating (so you can support each other throughout). Which is more important to you? Collaborating towards a common defined goal or just collaborating in itself? I know this is a bit abstract-y - this is the tricky part! When you're faced with options that appear to support the same competencies / are very similar, I found looking at the specific wording to be helpful in differentiating them. Again, if you’re in doubt, just answer with what you feel is right

I hope that is helpful and good luck!!

 

[Minhee]

Hi guys. I recieved an AC last year for a DTC and unfortunately did not get the TC. Should I re-apply? I am not sure of the firms policy as there is nothing I've seen online about this. Should i email grad-rec? Any advice appreciated

Hi! I would email Grad Rec about it Some firms do have policies on re-applying post AC / VS, some of which are public, and some of which are not. They would know best!

There are lots of firms that do welcome re-applications though, so as a general rule, I think it's worth checking! I hope this is one of them and best of luck!

 

[dylanfaden]

Does anyone have any insight into Baker Mackenzie VI? Can exchange for Macs, HLC, FF!

 

[Minhee]

Hi @Minhee two long questions sorry !
For a 200-word “Why Me?” section in a cover letter/application, would you recommend using three distinct experiences, each demonstrating a different skill, or is it equally effective to discuss two key skills developed through one experience and then show how those same skills were further developed through a second experience, before using a third experience to demonstrate a different skill? I am leaning towards the second approach because my Commercial Awareness Society experience and corporate consulting experience developed similar skills and, together, I think they provide stronger evidence of the commercial qualities law firms look for. If I used three completely separate experiences, I would probably need to replace the consulting example with a volunteering experience, which I feel is less commercially relevant. Which approach would you recommend?

For cover letters, is it acceptable to adjust the font and font size slightly to fit more content on the page? For example, instead of using Times New Roman 12, could I use a different professional font that appears smaller, or would you recommend sticking to a more standard font and size even if that means including fewer words?

Hi! No need to be sorry always happy to help!

1. Structuring 'Why Me?'

Personally, I do like to break this down into 3 separate paragraphs, each focusing on 1 skill, experience(s), and link to comm law. I just find this easier to write and for readers to understand! For me, I felt that when I used overlapping examples, my reasons got blended together.

I completely understand your concerns - your CAS and consulting work both sound like wonderful points to include in your app! But do you think there could be another solution? I don't see why you couldn't discuss CAS for 1 paragraph, your consulting for another, and something else for your third. Perhaps CAS and consulting overlap somewhat in skills - that's okay! I had this a lot too, but would just choose to speak about one particular moment / action I took that demonstrated the skill I decided on. If you truly can't find any way to get rid of the overlap, that's fine! In some of my paragraphs, I spoke about 2 experiences (I demonstrated this skill while doing x... I developed this further / I improved on this while doing y). As long as you are concise, you should still have enough word count for your other 2 paras.

Also, you don't have to use commercial evidence! In my 'why me?' sections, I mentioned retail / part-time jobs, volunteering, non-law work experience, personal life, etc. I thought this showed that I was a rounded person and made my app more interesting to read! If you can integrate commercial examples, I would definitely recommend that, but don't discount your non commercial ones! Those can be just as valuable

It really is up to you! If you still feel like the latter approach is the best, follow your instincts - it is your app and no one can write it as well as you can.

2. Cover letters

I think going down to 11 pts is fine! You don't have to use Times New Roman, but I would recommend still picking something professional and standard (Calibri, Arial). If you're worried about fitting everything, you can use a data secure AI to try reduce word count ('please reword to be as concise and easy to read as possible').

Hope that helps and best of luck!

 

[Minhee]

On the B&B application, it asks about legal events attended - I got their open day, but it's not until the end of October, and I know B&B is very much a rolling firm, so I was wondering if I could put the event down before I've been to it? you dont have to describe the event just the name and date.

Sorry, I'm not too sure on B&B as I don't have experience with them!

Maybe try adding it on their form and see if it allows you to enter dates in advance? Also, definitely write a note bringing it to their attention (in brackets, add (event has not yet occurred, but I received an offer to attend on x date) or something like that) or you can enter this in any further information boxes.

If the form doesn't let you do that or if you are unsure, I would recommend asking their Grad Rec

 

[anon78365222111]

Does anyone have any insight into Baker Mackenzie VI? Can exchange for Macs, HLC, FF!

Is this for spring ?

 

[Minhee]

Hey guys, just looking for a bit of advice. I got accepted onto Grow’s mentoring scheme and received the email on Saturday. I replied the same day accepting it. I haven’t heard anything since, so I was wondering whether it’s better to sit and wait until they reach out or if I should send a follow-up email.

I would normally wait, but I’ve been paired with a firm that is one of my top choices, so the sooner I can get started, the better really.

Hi! Huge congratulations that's lovely to hear!

I agree with your instincts. Usually, I think it's appropriate to wait, but if the situation is urgent, I don't think there is any harm in letting Grow know 1) the firm that you're hoping to apply to, 2) their deadline / if there are any other factors that make your situation more time-pressed, so Grow is aware of your timeline, and 3) if there is anything you can do to help accelerate the process / when you can expect to get started.

Hope it goes well!!

 

[Minhee]

Jones Day interview! I don't know if its for Winter or Summer though because I applied for Winter but put Summer as my backup. Surely it is too late for Winter as my interview is in late October?

Huge congratulations well done!!!

Last year, I had my interview in mid Nov ish. The next day, they wrote back informing me I had a spot for their AC, but that this would be for Spring as Winter AC was already full.

Perhaps they will do the same for you (or, since it's still Oct, they may have Winter AC spaces!) Either way, best of luck and I hope it goes well!

 

[Minhee]

Does anyone know if for Latham open day, it's SJT, critical thinking, and VI all as 1 step or is 2 stages?

Last year, it was SJT for 1 step, then critical thinking and VI for the 2nd!

 

[avgcower]

Huge congratulations well done!!!

Last year, I had my interview in mid Nov ish. The next day, they wrote back informing me I had a spot for their AC, but that this would be for Spring as Winter AC was already full.

Perhaps they will do the same for you (or, since it's still Oct, they may have Winter AC spaces!) Either way, best of luck and I hope it goes well!

Thank you so much!