TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[elle woods]

@Lawyergyal123! @T. Rainee @user123987 @gmmd1012

Here's a thread on TCLA with helpful resources/practice: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....firm-case-studies-monday-article-series.3232/

I can't attach anything, but if you've been to any firm events, usually they do practice case studies - those would be great to practice or take a look at too!
If you want to make your own, using AI can be a very helpful way to practice as well! Take the sample one and ask AI to make you a detailed, accurate case study that matches how firms usually present them, testing attention to detail, commercial awareness, and ability to consolidate information under time pressure. You can create many different ones based on different topics and issues (e.g. sale or purchase of a certain type of companies in different sectors etc.)

Someone told me they did that at an AC and they said that one of the ones they did with AI matched the actual case study we got on the day haha so they were in a very good position. I understand what it's like to have no resources and to feel like you need to pay for everything to do well, but I promise you there are other ways! I personally never really end up having time to do practice case studies before my ACs so I only go in with my commercial awareness and knowledge and usually it's fine too!

Another alternative is to use news articles. So take a FT article that has to do with the commercial world and break it down. Think about what issues would the company or CEO be considering, what they would want to know, how would this news event affect different parts of the business etc. and how can lawyers help.

Hope this helps! Best of luck, you'll all be fine!

 

[applicant457]

Not an answer but if it helps I went way over on most of them, like 15 mins 😂 It said the time was "recommended" so I took that as a guideline rather than a rule but we shall see...

My answers took 11 minutes and I re-did the second question three times hopefully they will not count it.

 

[lalalailovelife]

anyone heard back from slaughters summer work experience scheme and linklaters summer vac scheme?

 

[T. Rainee]

@Lawyergyal123! @T. Rainee @user123987 @gmmd1012

Here's a thread on TCLA with helpful resources/practice: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....firm-case-studies-monday-article-series.3232/

I can't attach anything, but if you've been to any firm events, usually they do practice case studies - those would be great to practice or take a look at too!
If you want to make your own, using AI can be a very helpful way to practice as well! Take the sample one and ask AI to make you a detailed, accurate case study that matches how firms usually present them, testing attention to detail, commercial awareness, and ability to consolidate information under time pressure. You can create many different ones based on different topics and issues (e.g. sale or purchase of a certain type of companies in different sectors etc.)

Someone told me they did that at an AC and they said that one of the ones they did with AI matched the actual case study we got on the day haha so they were in a very good position. I understand what it's like to have no resources and to feel like you need to pay for everything to do well, but I promise you there are other ways! I personally never really end up having time to do practice case studies before my ACs so I only go in with my commercial awareness and knowledge and usually it's fine too!

Another alternative is to use news articles. So take a FT article that has to do with the commercial world and break it down. Think about what issues would the company or CEO be considering, what they would want to know, how would this news event affect different parts of the business etc. and how can lawyers help.

Hope this helps! Best of luck, you'll all be fine!

This is fantastic, thank you so much for taking the time to write this!

 

[shays]

anyone has any foolproof insights into amberjack?

for context, i did a million times and it's a disaster, what is hilarious given that the firm i did it for once i got into AC but then they changed the recruitment the next year so it's not like i don't know the firm? i also work as a paralegal so like i should know how this whole thing works why do i fail amberjack??? desperate over here thanks

 

[Misha4002]

Has anyone heard from Baker McKenzie?

I'm really confused about Bakers, after doing the VI they said they'd get back in 2 weeks and that their first ACs are the 9th and 14th of Jan ... those dates have been and gone and I still haven't heard anything??

 

[yasmars]

What on earth was that OC test?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Any advice on how to handle not being offered a TC following a VS with your dream firm? I genuinely feel heartbroken right now and am struggling to lock back into prepping for upcoming interviews and ACs..

 

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

I'm really confused about Bakers, after doing the VI they said they'd get back in 2 weeks and that their first ACs are the 9th and 14th of Jan ... those dates have been and gone and I still haven't heard anything??

They changed the AC dates. 1 Ac has been held the next is next week. I don’t know if there are more dates to be released but people have been invited. If you’re still waiting maybe you’ll be selected if those at the 2 ACs being held do not meet the benchmark. As of now you’ve not be rejected but you’ve also not been progressed.

I’m sure someone will post on here if they hear back with a VS offer or a rejection.

 

[e_turbo2]

Any advice on how to handle not being offered a TC following a VS with your dream firm? I genuinely feel heartbroken right now and am struggling to lock back into prepping for upcoming interviews and ACs..

This is genuinely the time to literally LOCK in and run it up turbo!

You're so, so close to the finish line, fresh out of a VS, commercial awareness in top shape and more competitive in terms of a/another VS under your belt.

Use the VS as a learning curve and key points of discussions in your interviews and ACs. I mean, congrats on even having more interview and ACs coming up!

Onwards and upwards. ROOTING FOR YOU!!!!!!!!

 

[Harvey Specter]

... i shouldnt have said anything LMAO

Everyone rushing to bombard you with messages after seeing your case study post:

 

[axelrod901]

Has anyone heard back from Fieldfisher yet after their telephone interview?

 

[elle woods]

Any advice on how to handle not being offered a TC following a VS with your dream firm? I genuinely feel heartbroken right now and am struggling to lock back into prepping for upcoming interviews and ACs..

Firstly, I am so sorry 😢 I understand the feeling of being abandoned by your dream firm...it's quite the disappointment and betrayal. Let yourself feel what you need to, cry, shout, scream, do whatever you need to overcome the emotions. Treat yourself to a well-deserved break or pamper day. I tend to snack and watch my favourite comfort cartoons haha.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to rebound immediately. Pushing through without acknowledging your feelings can lead to burnout in the long run. I just want to say that the firm really lost out on a star! Getting to the vac scheme is an AMAZING accomplishment, and I have no doubt you really deserved that TC. It's just such a pity it's so competitive these days. But this experience will make you stronger, more resilient, and offer you an advantage going forward!

The fact you have ACs coming up is testimony in itself to how amazing you are, so don't you go doubting yourself! I am a big believer that if we've tried our best, and things still don't work out, then that means life has something better in store for us. You never know, you may end up loving it at another place after these ACs! I understand feeling demotivated, but to put it in dating terminology lol: don't let one bad fish (moment or result) stop you or ruin your chances with other fish out there 🎣!

I am your biggest fangirl ever (iykyk) and I really wish success for you! I know it's really difficult right now, but I trust you will be able to push through and come out the other side an absolute legend. I cannot wait for the day you become a trainee at a firm you like (the same or if not more), you better save me a coffee chat!!! ( lol haha jk)

🫂🫂🫂 offering you lots of hugs and comfort! take care of yourself and power forward with confidence 💗

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Real footage of me during my Clyde and Co VI:

 

[Novaa]

Any advice on how to handle not being offered a TC following a VS with your dream firm? I genuinely feel heartbroken right now and am struggling to lock back into prepping for upcoming interviews and ACs..

Hey!! As someone who’s been in this situation, I know it can feel like the world is ending (I cried so much we had to have a family meeting LOL).

But I just want you to know that you are amazing, and the fact that you made it through such a competitive process is a testament in itself. So many decisions go into these things, and without being part of grad recruitment, we’ll never know how close it really was.

What you do know is that you’re just one step away from that TC. If you’ve had (or will have) a feedback call, really leverage that opportunity, understand where you performed well and where there may be areas for development. Reach out to your trainee buddy too and see what advice they have.

Take a break if you need to, reflect on the feedback, and then go into your next applications using this VS as supporting evidence of your existing skills and show how you’ve taken steps to grow even further.

You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to see you announcing that you’ve got a TC!!

 

[maylawwww]

I just tried to do a WG for a firm, but instead of 25% extra time (so 125% total), they just gave me 25% of the regular time LOL

 

[wrpark]

Hey guys, does Michelmores not run vac schemes for their London office? I can see ones for Bristol and Exeter but not London.

 

[radssss]

Hey guys, does Michelmores not run vac schemes for their London office? I can see ones for Bristol and Exeter but not London.

No they don’t. They offer secondments in London if someone is interested.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Hey guys, does Michelmores not run vac schemes for their London office? I can see ones for Bristol and Exeter but not London.

Michelmores exclusively has trainees in Bristol or Exeter

 

[Novaa]

I just tried to do a WG for a firm, but instead of 25% extra time (so 125% total), they just gave me 25% of the regular time LOL

I sound like a broken record LOL, but the way firms have approached accessibility this cycle is very disappointing…

EDIT: LOL just to confirm, they gave you 7.5 minutes as opposed to 37.5 minutes??!