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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

amy2602

Active Member
  • Dec 15, 2023
    14
    61
    Hi guys, I was wanting some advice.... I did a SVS at an international law firm this summer and I didn't manage to convert it to a TC. My feedback seemed pretty optimistic and it was kinda the generic 'we don't think you are ready just yet' and 'you need to be a bit more confident' type of stuff. Considering it was my first vacation scheme, I think I did surprisingly well but I have learnt a lot more and developed as a person since this experience. I have attended more open days, and I have gotten a promotion in my current job, showing a change in my application.

    Grad recruitment said to remain in contact with them during my feedback session, and i've been in contact with trainees/associates that were in my department.

    They don't seem to have a direct TC route open anymore, but I was hoping to email grad recruitment and see if they would accept another application from me. I had such a lovely time on the SVS and everyone in my team was convinced I would be offered the TC....

    Does anyone have any ideas on how I should go about this, and whether it is even a good idea or not??

    Thanks in advance :)
     
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    Amgrad

    Valued Member
    Oct 2, 2025
    108
    140
    So standard amberjack uses 4 pillars i cant remember them all but it's something like grit, digital mindset and 2 others
    Simmons one uses 3- commercial acumen, people skills and self management
    Interesting, I didn't apply Simmons as I am ineligible. Did you take Weil VI? Could you tell me which one is harder for you, Reed Smith or Weil? As I thought both have the quite similar type.
     

    apap

    Distinguished Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Feb 3, 2025
    63
    58
    Thx anyway, I saw your concern about em-dashes on Chat GPT. However, you can stop it by going to setting.. You can find a comprehensive tutorial here: https://ruben.substack.com/p/emdash

    You can always change the writing style of your GenAI, I worked with LLM consultant before and it's work the same for other tools like Perplexity, Claude, Mistral, DeepSeek, and Gemini.

    So, if someone thought em-dashes are always AI, they are crap. Even semicolon can be generated by LLM too 🤣

    For example: "Systematically replace em-dashes (“—”) with a dot (”.”) to start a new sentence, or a comma (”,”) to continue the sentence. Use semicolon (";") for a long sentence to replace em-dashes effectively".

    You just need to write the prompt properly to always choose your preferences including word choices too, the most effective method is through the settings and it's completely free. What I see here em-dashes is a default setting, but not everyone knows this hack.
    I just tried this as per the person's instructions on the substack and it does not work.

    *reloaded multiple times - closed and reopened, checked settings, checked the customisation is enabled and base style set to robot.
     
    Last edited:

    Afuturetrainee

    Distinguished Member
    Mar 11, 2025
    66
    64
    Radio silence from Weil, honestly, I should have known it was not a good idea when there was no opportunity to add my work experience. I don't have good grades, so it's very valid of them 🥲 I will focus on applying to firms that let me put in my work experience aha
    Hey. Please don't beat yourself up. I applied on the first day and got my invite on Monday. It's rolling, and different people in the team look at different applications. Wishing you all the best
     

    p2bv

    Star Member
    Feb 6, 2022
    37
    43
    Hi guys I just had a first stage interview with a recruiter (not a member of the early careers team) and was told if i have any questions to direct it the early careers email instead of asking during the interview. I was wondering if i should email the early careers team general questions that you would typically ask at the end of an interview about what the role is like etc or if they just mean if i have any specific questions about the recruitment process to email. I don’t know if it’s expected to ask questions or if it would look weird if I asked the early careers team about trainee life etc
     
    Reactions: Andrei Radu

    silonthesofa

    Distinguished Member
    Feb 7, 2025
    50
    37
    Anyone else received the Taylor Wessing PFO? If we haven't are we through to the next round? (for spring)
    It honestly doesn't mean anything. Last year, I completed the online assessment December 12th and received the PFO January 14th. Maybe *maybe* if you didn't get PFO'd right away, it means you at least met their benchmark, but I don't even know if they have a set benchmark because they look at your application holistically. The email I received after submitting the test this year said I'd hear more by the end of November, so I take it to mean exactly that.
     
    • Like
    Reactions: apap

    Amgrad

    Valued Member
    Oct 2, 2025
    108
    140
    I just tried this as per the person's instructions on the substack and it does not work.

    *reloaded multiple times - closed and reopened, checked settings, checked the customisation is enabled and base style set to robot.
    Mine worked quickly and don't need to reload some, maybe you missed a step. There is a quick video tutorial as well https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rube...d&rcm=ACoAADQuMxsBhvxEabyPREepFxCLZKCUF9IP484

    If the problem still persist you can ask help at Open AI. There are plenty of free courses at Open AI Academy too where you can learn some tips for using LLM effectively and wisely.
     

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