TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Afraz Akhtar]

A related question, but I really struggle with “tell us a bit more about yourself questions. Namely because I do not know what they’re trying to assess (a specific skill) so in the past I’ve attempted to say “I am a person that excels in X skill and Y skill” but I’m wondering how best to approach those kinda questions?

@llblawstudent for me, and I guess in every interview, these questions aren't really assessing anything. They simply serve as a in introduction, and any competencies/skills will be assessed more directly either through tailored questions that begin with "Why law?" or "Tell me about a time" etc.

This question is usually your first impression - so be prepared to sum yourself up in under a few minutes. I tend to start from the degree, explaining why I studied it and how I wasn't initially sold on becoming a solicitor until a certain module. I then link this to experiences that I've pursued that relate to the industry or are transferable in some way and try to build a little bit of a journey for the listener and end on what I'm looking to do now.

It's not typically a selling point, but at the very least I make sure it's clear that I know what it is I'm hoping for now.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

And that’s on TCLA LLP #Community

Me thinks this thread should get the TCLA lifetime achievement award for being the most entertaining thread since TCLAs launch! @Jaysen

 

[zonnonomo]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

It's always a risk to stand out imo, but consider if a firm were to reject you for that, would it be somebody you'd feel comfortable working for long term?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Me thinks this thread should get the TCLA lifetime achievement award for being the most entertaining thread since TCLAs launch! @Jaysen

Petition for TCLA user awards xx

 

[zonnonomo]

Hi guys, have an odd questions. Where do you guys usually place your hands in an interview? Google says on the table but I feel like that would make me look like a d***head

crying at this but fr follow the partners lead, if their hands are on the table make sure urs are too

but also dont put ur feet on the table even if they feel comfortable enough adopting the boss pose

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Anyone have any advice on how to prepare for a scenario discussion and a written exercise at an AC? @Afraz Akhtar or anyone with any idea please help hahah

Hi @calebnash I've written a post on this previously here : https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2025-26.9717/post-235123

The last two paragraphs cover the written exercise and group exercise.

I would say, with regards to any group activities, of course you have to perform your best but don't get too distracted in trying to be the best that you forget to be a team-player. Although the quality of your input is being assessed, your ability to work well in a team is what carries most of the marks here. So, provide your input - but act in accordance to what you think makes a great team player. It is somebody who supports, doesn't overshadow/intimidate, involves others, keeps the group focused on an aim, shares their opinion but is open to challenges and can amend accordingly.

Good luck!

 

[zonnonomo]

It's always a risk to stand out imo, but consider if a firm were to reject you for that, would it be somebody you'd feel comfortable working for long term?

thats a good perspective thank u im bout to be on fleek

 

[Donna Paulsen]

thats a good perspective thank u im bout to be on fleek

A bit of concealer and eyeliner never hurt anyone… wear it with confidence! As long as it’s not crazy to the point it’s distracting (like a huge, thick wing that extends to your hairline), who cares it’s nice to show a bit of individuality.

When in doubt, just mog x

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

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..

@nonlawstudent98 I trust that our core TCLA motivators @elle woods and @Novaa have already pumped you up a little here, so there is not much more to add.

However, I will say, hold onto that dream. You did not fail, you're simply being redirected. Sure, you may not get a TC there - that doesn't mean you'll never get to that place if that's really where you want to be OR perhaps you'll realise that another firm is actually a lot better for you.

A lot of people get rejected from their top choices, if its your top choice, chances are it's pretty competitive, and with good reason. Yet, whose to say you won't get there as an NQ or whose to say they won't see the amazing work you've done and try poaching you? This is not the end of anything, it is simply the beginning - hold onto that.

 

[Novaa]

Me thinks this thread should get the TCLA lifetime achievement award for being the most entertaining thread since TCLAs launch! @Jaysen

Petition for TCLA user awards xx

Wait this sounds like a plan, because I need to leave this cycle with something!

 

[Novaa]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

Ohhh go and be great with your beat face!! (Waiiit this half rhyme )

Sorry I’m strict with these firms. I don’t want to hear “forward-thinking”, “socially mobile”, and I definitely don’t want to see a diversity and inclusion page if a bit of makeup has you shaking!!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

I think concealer and a small wing is fine haha I do that when I'm breaking out (which is most of the time because cortisol is never low in this girl's life xx)

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

The grad rec/HR team when they see you walking in to the AC looking so damn fly:

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

Honestly i'd love to do that but not bcs I am that typical gay man, but my skin is just too sensitive to break up (I've tried couple of times). I'd rather to use basic skincare only like moisturizer, serum, facial wash, mask, toner etc

Make up it's not for me especially many are formulated for women

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Does anybody know if TopScore automatically submits your work when time is up, I clicked save at the end but not submit and am now scared my submission didn't go through.

 

[Carrington Lane]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

How about you start with K-beauty concealer with low coverage and high in moisturiser for a natural look. Traditional concealer can be quite cakey and easy to spot.

For eyeliner, I suggest you try brown instead of black to soften the look. Not that strong makeup looks are bad, but just in case.

 

[zonnonomo]

Honestly i'd love to do that but not bcs I am that typical gay man, but my skin is just too sensitive to break up (I've tried couple of times). I'd rather to use basic skincare only like moisturizer, serum, facial wash, mask, toner etc

Make up it's not for me especially many are formulated for women

literally i stopped using foundation cos it was making my face a landmine of pimples

that maybelline age rewind concealer tho

 

[Deleted member 43292]

literally i stopped using foundation cos it was making my face a landmine of pimples

that maybelline age rewind concealer tho

it's so counterproductive tho cos i need both concealer and foundation to cover my spots but the more i cover them the more worse they become... but I refuse to show up to an interview looking like I'm dying...it's a perpetual cycle haha

 

[zonnonomo]

How about you start with K-beauty concealer with low coverage and high in moisturiser for a natural look. Traditional concealer can be quite cakey and easy to spot.

For eyeliner, I suggest you should try brown instead of black to soften the look. Not that strong makeup looks are bad, but just in case.

let me get my notepad for this generational grwm tut