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  • How to Secure a Vacation Scheme (Ropes & Gray)
    1 Dec 2025 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Hiya, I've had a direct TC AC invite from A&O Shearman. I've never been to an assessment centre before, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on preparing for it. The AC is end of next week. Also how much technical knowledge do I need? I'm a law grad but I've got literally no knowledge of commercial issues tbh. Sincerely, a very scared gal! @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

Sorry I wanted to follow up and make a little edit. My grade profile had a 2:2 in it and it turned out to be a non-issue. I know A&O have recently made it the case that you need a 2:2 in every module. So this is motivation for anyone with a grade they are concerned about hehe. My video interview also got cut off before I finished the last words and I had to speed up my response because I realised I was out of time. My application was anything but perfect. I also promise I'm not gorgeous enough to sway any graduate recruitment members haha.
Hiya, can I ask when you received the invite? Also congratulations!!
 

applicant3000

Star Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Feb 28, 2025
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51
It’s just that I thought they said 20 trainees in London and 6 in Bristol 😕 thank you though : )!!
I think it could possibly be two schemes of 15 for London, as the FAQs make it sounds like it's both one scheme and two: "1 scheme in London with approximately 15 places on each". It's probably a bit risky to only offer 15 vacation scheme places if you're offering 15 training contracts. Having said that, there is only one set of dates for summer listed on the website.

If anyone has any info directly from Simmons grad rec, it would be appreciated!
 

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The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

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