TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[MZJxLadha]

Is 6766 with medium numerical and high verbal good for Reed Smith?

We got exact same haha

 

[user55998384]

bclp OD invite

 

[Topdog0073]

Are the Cleary interviews given so far for WVS?

 

[Connie2410]

Are the Cleary interviews given so far for WVS?

Mine is yes

 

[rose06]

Got the Linklaters feedback report, where they described my WGT score as 'above average'. I'm wondering - are the only two options above average and below? Cause genuinely it's so unhelpful, one could be in the 99th percentile or 51st and be 'above average'...

 

[itsfearless15]

I'm a campus ambassador! It's mainly an SJT, along with a written exercise.

Thank you!!

 

[Cooooooooompany]

Did anyone else get the Dechert phone interview - if so what date and how are you preparing?

Hey, congrats is this for wvs ?

 

[Minhee]

I’m a little confused as to the scope of this question:

‘Drawing on your experience outside of the legal profession, what inspired your interest in commercial law? (Max 250 words)’

When it refers to ‘outside of the legal profession’, does this mean outside of law-related experiences in general (including open days, virtual sector-focus talks etc)? Or just actual work roles in the legal profession (eg vac schemes)?

I would definitely recommend asking their Grad Rec, as they would know best!

I interpret this to be the prior (outside any law-related experiences in general, including open days, virtual sector-focused talks, etc.)

I think it should definitely be safe to discuss:

- Non-law jobs, internships, volunteering
- Extracurriculars (sport, music, society roles)
- Studies or interests (non law related)
- Personal experiences (living abroad, family business)

 

[Minhee]

Hi @Minhee, hope you're having a lovely weekend.

I'm in the middle of planning a commercial awareness answer for a VS application. I'm thinking about including information I heard from a podcast made by a completely different firm.

Do you think I should include this information and mention the source (i.e., the firm) or include the information and refrain from mentioning the other firm's podcast in my answer.

Thanks in advance

Hi! Thank you so much, I hope you had a great weekend too

I think it is definitely valid to include the information!

Personally, I would refrain from naming the other firm. If the question asks you for a source, I would try trace this back to a more neutral article / podcast, and cite that instead.

The reason for this is that:

1. Naming another firm can lead to the incorrect presumption that you copy pasted that answer from their application.
2. In general, when answering commercial awareness questions, I did not include sources unless requested. It is usually more important that you show you are able to understand + summarise the issue and form a view + analyse it. Citing sources can just lead to lower word count for your analysis.

I hope that is helpful and best of luck!!

 

[Minhee]

My cycle so far:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP - PFO
Slaughter & May - PFO
Sidley Austin - Test 14/9
Dechert - submitted 1/9
Mayer Brown - auto test
Milbank - submitted
Hogan lovells Cadwalader - VI 21/9
Jones Day - PFO
Ashurst - auto test
Dentons - submitted
Eversheds sutherland - submitted
Paul weiss - submitted
Gibson Dunn - auto test
Allen & Overy Shearman - auto test
Reed Smith - auto test
DLA Piper -auto test
White & Case - auto test

we are approaching burn out lol

Completely agree with Prudentia! It's early days, so you really don't know which one will turn out to be successful you only need one match. Every stage is just more practice under your belt! I actually found this part of the cycle the most difficult, since my offers only came out later - the first months were a lot of waiting and rejections. But keep going! Rooting for you and good luck!

It is still really early on in the cycle. You’ve done a lot of applications already, so you should be really proud.

 

[Maria56]

Got the Linklaters feedback report, where they described my WGT score as 'above average'. I'm wondering - are the only two options above average and below? Cause genuinely it's so unhelpful, one could be in the 99th percentile or 51st and be 'above average'...

Hi, you can email grad recruitment to ask for your report. Takes some time, but you see how much you scored and how is it compared to others

 

[Minhee]

In my why commercial law answers, I'm using an internship I only just did 2 weeks ago as the thing that made me interested in a law career. Is it okay for my motivation to be this recent?

I don't think there is anything wrong in mentioning it! The focus should be on how strong and well-informed your motivations are, not in how long you have had them. Many successful applications discover law late, and an honest answer is much more meaningful than a manufactured childhood ambition.

With that said, there is the risk that a two-week-old motivation could appear sudden or shallow. For this reason, I do think it would be ideal if you referenced another earlier experience, then explained how this recent internship re-affirmed your ambitions / how you used it to test yourself (follow-up conversations / reading, how it compared to other non-law experiences).

If this is not possible, don't stress! I would focus on what you did and learned during the internship, and avoid drawing attention to the date (unless specifically requested). I might also prep answers to 'why law, and why now? what led you to go on that internship in the first place? what have you done to test your motivations since? how are you sure based on this one experience?' for interview.

 

[Minhee]

anyone have a list of firms that take a good portion of direct training contract apps?

Hi! I found this list from the 2024 / 2025 cycle: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....eme-vs-direct-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/. Unfortunately, it is quite outdated. Will keep you posted if I find anything more recent! It might also be helpful to ask Grad Rec, as they will know best!

 

[Minhee]

anyone know how to approach a question like ‘what has been your proudest achievement to date’?

searched tcla but could only find one previous thread - time to do some digging!

Hi!

Achievement: For some of these questions, I wrote about community service projects, musical accomplishments, personal challenges, etc. I wouldn't restrict myself to legal achievements! These can be incorporated into other sections of your application (if there is a work experience part / a more law-related question). I thought of this as a great opportunity to bring in something you wouldn’t ordinarily get to include. Sometimes, non-law answers can also help in making your application more unique and personable! But it is completely your choice

I would approach this as follows:

- Context (1 - 2 sentences): What was your particular role?
- Challenge (2 - 3 sentences): What made this difficult? E.g. Tight timeline, gap in knowledge / skills, unprecedented circumstances, new environment / task?
- Actions (3 - 4 sentences): Specific actions you took that demonstrate the firm's key competencies. Try to be specific and detailed! E.g. How did you tackle the challenge / solve the problem? How did you take on additional responsibility / demonstrate proactivity? How did you stay organised? How did you respond to problems?
- Outcome (1 - 2 sentences): Try to be specific and quantify where possible.
- Why are you proud of this (3 - 4 sentences): What did you learn? Did you develop particular skills? Have you applied these skills / learning in other aspects of your life?

Example:

- I discussed working part-time as an assistant English teacher.
- I struggled to connect with a selectively mute student.
- I had a one-on-one conversation about her needs and how she felt nervous speaking in groups → I then incorporated non-verbal games like Scrabble and Pictionary into lessons, so she could take part without feeling pressured into doing something that made her uncomfortable
- As a result, she was able to participate more in class and saw an increase in grades
- I used to feel self-conscious when public speaking, so it was rewarding to see that I had made a positive impact on a student who also struggled with this → I learned to be considerate and empathetic of others’ needs, which were skills I then applied as leader of an orchestra, where I again had to tailor my communication style around different musicians with unique backgrounds and abilities.

I hope that is helpful and best of luck!

 

[Minhee]

What are some current commercial issues that would be good to talk about in an application?

@Minhee @AvocadoAtLaw @Antoni Trochimowicz @Abbie Whitlock

Hi! I found it easiest to discuss issues that genuinely interested me, so it is completely up to you - I would trust your judgement above all else

I would also cater this around the firm and think about SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats). E.g. For a firm that focuses on Disputes, it might not make sense to talk about interest rates and how that affects borrowing or deal flow from a non-litigious point of view.

I have listed some ideas and resources below, just as a starting point, in no particular order! You will need to go deeper + do more firm-specific research yourself, and this is not an exclusive list!

Resources
- The firm's own insights and news pages
- FT Daily News Briefing + FT articles
- The Economist
- TCLA Newsletter
- Little Law Newsletter
- Non-Billable (news section)
- AllAboutLaw Commercial Awareness Compass

Stories
- New Autumn budget to be released 28 October. Consider possible proposals + how this could affect various sectors (e.g. banks).
- FCA opened a formal application gateway for crypto companies to get full financial licenses.
- CMA implemented revised merger assessment guidelines.
- The government intervened in BT's acquisition of TalkTalk. Regulators flagged competition concerns over broadband merger between nexfibre and Netomnia.
- The government introduced the Commercial Payments Bill. May impact B2B supplier contracts and subscription agreements.
- UK companies are required to verify 'right to work' status for contractors, agency workers, and gig-economy staff in addition to direct employees.
- Under the EU Cyber Resilience Act, manufacturers selling connected smart devices / software in Europe must report serious security bugs to authorities within 24 hrs.
- High global oil prices put financial pressure on UK energy-heavy factories and supply chain businesses.
- The government temporarily dropped VAT on household electricity to combat winter cost-of-living challenges.
- ASOS hack.
- Thames Water restructuring.

 

[Minhee]

Hi everyone! I'm currently completing my DLA Piper summer internship application and noticed that the initial application form doesn't appear to ask for a breakdown of individual GCSEs, A-levels or university module grades.

For those who have already applied, did you include all your individual grades and modules on your CV, or just your overall qualifications and classifications? I'm also wondering whether there's a separate stage where this information is requested.

I'd also be interested to know if anyone received any specific CV guidance from graduate recruitment, particularly regarding the level of detail expected.

Thanks in advance!

I didn’t personally apply to DLA Piper, but a Corporate Associate at DLA posted this on LinkedIn: ‘Do not list out grades for every individual module taken unless requested. Average mark per year / final grade is usually sufficient’ (https://lnkd.in/p/eafc6a6J)

This is dated (4 years ago) so I would recommend dropping an email to DLA Grad Rec to check if they have any preferences! But if you’re in a rush, this seems sound. If they want individual module results, I would assume they would ask you for that later when they’re verifying grades or through a separate app form.

Sorry I can't say anything more specific here, but I hope that helps and good luck!!

 

[Minhee]

Hi all! I have my first assessment day coming up next week with A&O and was wondering if anyone had any specific tips for preparing for the case study, particularly in that you get 15 minutes to present your ideas at the start of the case study and I’m unsure on how to structure that to make sure I’m covering all the right points. I’ve found the advice from the firm online to be a bit vague so any guidance would be greatly appreciated !!

Huge congratulations! That is a wonderful accomplishment, and something to be very excited and proud about!

I do not have experience with the A&O AC myself, but in general for case studies:

1. Summarise: Answer the question directly! If the Q is to 'identify key issues', I like to say something along the lines of: In answer to your question, we should... I have identified 3 [or however many] key issues. In order of importance, this is 1...2...and 3...I will now explain each in more detail, why it is significant or less significant, and what we can do to address this.

2. Categorise by type of issue / practice group: It can be difficult to identify every issue in time! Sometimes, you won't be expected to do this (if you can discuss the key ones, that is enough). So don't worry if you're feeling pressured or rushed. Just try to find the big ones. It can be helpful to go by practice group. Common ones to look out for:

- M&A: Potential merger / acquisition opportunity? Any fatal 'deal-breakers'? Share vs asset sale? Drag along + tag along rights? SHA? Squeeze-out? Do sellers have title to sell? Cultural + operational hurdles in merging 2 businesses?
- Corporate: Supplier + customer contracts? Change-of-control + notification + assignment clauses?
- Financing: IPO? Or use debt? May need to read basic balance sheets + financial statements. Recommended to research recent interest rate decisions + predictions, exchange rates, inflation rates, etc. beforehand.
- Antitrust: Merger control thresholds. Recommended to research UK, EU, and US thresholds beforehand + recent CMA reforms.
- Sanctions: Cross-border supply chain blocks? Trade bans? Asset freezes? Export restrictions? Recommended to stay up-to-date on politics + news stories in this area.
- IP: Data protection issues (GDPR / privacy)? Does seller have title to assets?
- Employment: Retaining executives / founders post-transaction? Non-compete clauses? Past employment disputes? Employee misconduct / culture issues? Underfunded pension schemes? TUPE?
- Litigation: Ongoing class actions / regulatory investigations / general litigation?
- Real estate: Review leases, break clauses, planning permissions?
- ESG: Any past issues? Risk of climate change litigation?

3. Next steps: Always think about what the firm can do to help!

- Which departments?
- Which offices?
- Do we need any further information from the client, local counsel, etc.?
- On the extreme end - does this justify walking away?
- Indemnities / warranties? W&I insurance? Escrows?
- Earn-outs?
- Lock-up agreements?
- Break fees?
- CPs?
- Transition Services Agreements?
- Pursue litigation? Settle?
- Further DD?
- Are there alternative solutions? If so, which one do you think is best and why?
- Is there a cost associated with this?
- Could this impact timelines?

Hope that helps and best of luck

 

[Minhee]

Hi Minhee,

thanks so much for your reply I would honestly say video interviews are a significant hurdle for me along with written apps. I’ve attempted to make it personalized as possible and follow the rule of “can you replace the name of the firm with another firm” and if you can it’s not specific enough. I think i struggle with how to structure the responses and i’m not sure what your thoughts are on AI use for applications but I have tried to use that for supporting structure not copying and pasting but how to make things flow better and such. If you had any recommendations in this regard I know you have also written responses regarding work experience sections as well and i’m keeping that in mind as a continue through this cycle. Thank you for your kind words.

Hi! It's great to hear from you again - no worries at all

I always found VIs very strange and uncomfortable, so you're definitely not alone here! I did a short comment on them with some generic practice + structuring tips, in case that is helpful: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....used-law-students-tc-journey.6515/post-263151.

Re written apps - it sounds like you're on the right track! I agree with the swapping out the firm name test. In terms of AI use, I like to prompt AI to 'reword to be as concise and easy to read as possible' and check for SPaG errors. Structure can really depend on what the question is! Generally, I think it's good to start off with a summary (2 - 3 main reasons / points), then 1 para per point (each with some firm-specific information, a personal experience, and a link on how they connect). Though this will depend heavily on what the app form is asking!

Sorry I can't be more specific here, but best of luck with everything!!

 

[Minhee]

Hi everyone, any advice on whether I should use a different email to reapply to a firm I flunked the first auto-assessment on? Just don't want my application answers to go to waste.

I completely agree with Connie! I understand the temptation, but please don't do this! There is a high risk that you could end up: 1) not being progressed, and 2) potentially blacklisted from applying in the future.

I think we all have experience flunking an auto-assessment! That's okay - it's just more practice for next time You can always adapt your answer / research for a future application / interview.

I would definitely not do that. I know it's frustrating, but if you progress with the firm and they realise that this is your second application in the same recruitment cycle, they will take you out of the process anyway. I think all firms have a one-application-per-cycle rule, so it's best not to go against this. Instead, you should focus on all the other firms that you are still in the running for!

 

[Minhee]

Looking for advice......

I reached VI for a DTC application in July and am looking to apply for their VS. My question is all 4 of their application questions are the same and I was thinking of changing my answer to 2 of the questions and leaving my answer the same to the other 2 questions with just small changes like 1 or 2 sentence changes to those other 2 questions. For context I have gained more legal experience since my VI and also completed a non legal course. Don't know how much of my answers I should change as don't know if they still have my application from last cycle. They are a US law firm btw.

Hi!

I think that re-using a previous answer can make sense in some contexts (where you were progressed, where you don't have any further updates, and where a relatively short period of time has elapsed).

I would bear in mind:

- Additional legal experience + non legal course: Are these worth adding? I would especially consider the additional legal experience!
- Changes to recruitment process / Grad Rec: It is wonderful that this application led to a VI last cycle! However, be aware that standards can vary. Competition tends to increase year-on-year. Firms might change Grad Rec, recruitment process, or key competencies. You might want to check to see that you are up-to-date on all of this, even if it has only been a few months.
- Give it another read-through, just to see if there is anything you can improve / add! I would especially recommend reviewing any commercial answers, as these tend to become outdated faster.