TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Deleted member 43292]

Hi!

If anyone particularly the future trainees in the thread could answer i’d be really grateful! I’ve got an AC coming up, and wondering that, if something came up in an interview where I didn’t know the answer, what would be an appropriate response?

Sorry, not a future trainee (yet), but my advice would just be to be honest: "I'm not too sure on that point, but based on XY information, my best guess would be Z."
Usually, the interviewer will try their best to guide you in the right direction - they don't expect you to know everything, instead, what they want to see is how you think and react to such situations.

Best of luck with your upcoming AC!

 

[zonnonomo]

It really depends on what kind of games. I supposed men tend to do better because they play kind of games that requires memorisation, pattern, etc. women usually play games like the sims, city simulator, etc. I knew this is just stereotype, but I've seen women e-sport players too, but quite rare compared to men. Personally I like 5vs5 or MOBA games which measures teamwork and strategy, irrelevant skills for Arctic shores

who said sims doesn't require pattern recognition ! u have to check out the conspiracy theories my dog-man has come up w

also i see what ur saying but simultaneously think any interactive, online platform that requires some quick decision making has AS advantages even if the rapid Pew Pew required in pvp/shooter games just aggravates these benefits

also big up women; the esports community can be super toxic towards them in general or straight up treat them like shiny pokemon, so i dont find the rarity of women playing competitively any surprise

especially cause women are also on average just better than men at some of the things you mentioned (like memorisation; demonstrable by school tests results etcetc)

 

[zonnonomo]

Im mentally preparing to be ragebaited by the facial expressions task (they all look the same)...

choosing sadness for every face to show grad rec my inner, dark, twisted sigma mind

 

[AngelB]

A&OS rejection post AC

 

[lelezb1]

Idk if this applies to the VS/TC for sure but I only got an ABB-BBB in my A-levels and they offered me a place on their in person open day. I asked if I could apply to their VS/TC and they said that it would be perfectly fine to apply. I would point to the fact I flag as contextual and I had mitigating circumstances for my A-levels but at least they aren’t super strict with the cut off I guess.​

Thank you!!

 

[e.jy336]

Can i ask how long after completing stage 1 did you get stage 2? Im a bit worried because I haven't even received my report from stage 1 yet?

Edit: 1 second after posting this question my report came in... lol - my question still stands though!

I haven't actually gotten my report yet but I got stage 2 pretty much 5 mins after I finished stage 1

 

[yk1906]

I could understand A-level requirements, but GCSEs? God, I was 14 when I sat an equivalent of GCSEs, I passed alright, but still, I was 14, come on

 

[e.jy336]

oh... it's been a good few days since I finished stage 1... should I be worried that's crazy fast

To be honest I have no idea how they do it (like whether someone looks at it or if its automated if you pass a benchmark or whatever) - but I also did think it was really fast too.

 

[wooliewoo]

Hello! If you do not mind sharing, did you apply on the 6th or 7th?

I applied on the 7th.

 

[crt1s]

Hi!

If anyone particularly the future trainees in the thread could answer i’d be really grateful! I’ve got an AC coming up, and wondering that, if something came up in an interview where I didn’t know the answer, what would be an appropriate response?

While I don’t recall being asked this exact question, I was asked a situational question along the lines of “if a partner asks you a question and you don’t have the answer, what would you do?”

To me, the same sentiment applies. Explain that if you were faced with this situation in the real world, you would acknowledge that you don’t have the answer, however you would assure the partner/client that you would immediately go find out the answer and follow up in a timely manner.

It’s not an issue if you don’t have all the answers. It’s more important that you handle it calmly.

Remember, lawyers are typically risk averse. Be considerate of this when answering questions, especially if you were to answer “if I were to guess…” It’s great if you’re right, but if you’re way off, it doesn’t reflect well in my view.

 

[CupOfTea17]

Hi guys! Just wondering if anyone applied to the Harbottle and Lewis Open Day?

Also - I don't think they tend to run open days (I may be incorrect on this), do you think that this is a good inclination that they may be accepting more trainees this cycle / opening up trainees who don't have paralegal experience (as I know they love paralegal experience!)

 

[TortillaTC]

Also any tips for Milbank’s first stage test (post-application)? Can offer insights on HL, RS

 

[Saul_specter]

should i expect a PFO from Fieldfisher if i haven't heard back post assessment? think i've seen an invite somewhere but i completed assessment in october and put on hold but also the firm is non-rolling so honestly idek

How long did it take u to get online assessment after online form

 

[manifestingthetc]

How long did it take u to get online assessment after online form

15 mins actually, it was really quick considering it was non rolling

 

[SemperParatus]

Does anyone have any tips for fieldfisher assessment

 

[johnsmith]

Hi!

If anyone particularly the future trainees in the thread could answer i’d be really grateful! I’ve got an AC coming up, and wondering that, if something came up in an interview where I didn’t know the answer, what would be an appropriate response?

Not a future trainee, but the advice I've received is it's ok to say I don't know, however, this is how I think you could approach it or this is what i think the answer might be - you're a potential trainee so you can't have experienced or know everything in life good luck with your AC!

 

[Scottishlion]

Is there any news on Latham yet post SJT?

 

[johnsmith]

omg that's not a lot of time at all

It's all good, the job of a lawyer will have plenty of situations where you don't have long to do something or to prepare, so it just feels like good exposure. Just go for it!

 

[zonnonomo]

very true! from the stance of someone who wants to do well in the application process, the lack of time is daunting. But I love your perspective of seeing it as a learning opportunity and skill practice! I'll bring that mentality forward with me

May I ask when you applied also and when you finished the first test? I'm trying to get a feel for the overall timeline haha

ur the nicest person ever and i hope u get a million tcs at a billion firms

 

[Deleted member 43292]

ur the nicest person ever and i hope u get a million tcs at a billion firms

Oh my days your comment has literally made my whole eveninggg, you're so sweet thank youuuuuu - I am smiling so big rn hahah
And likewise! I hope you get a billion TCs at the firms you love too

You've warmed my heart so much that this winter cold no longer bothers me