TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[pomegranate]

Do you know how much time you have to contemplate the TC offer? Some firms allow you until the end of summer afaik - so if that's the case I would defo do the VS (as long as you haven't signed a TC I believe you're still able to do the VS - but since there's nothing against it in the contracts... I mean better safe than sorry maybe?) and then you can sign the TC offer once the VS is over for example.

On a side note: so happy for you! that is a great position to be in, and I'm sure you'll be an amazing trainee!!

If the TC firm doesn't give you a lot of time to decide, maybe see if they're open to being a bit flexible? If not then, if you're definitely going to sign, it might just be wise to sign and clarify with the VS firm (I personally wouldn't want to risk it by doing a VS while holding a TC, especially given how strict firms seem to be!)

Thank you so much!

Could I just clarify what you mean by the last line with how strict firms seem to be - what issue could arise with doing the VS whilst having a TC offer?

I will almost certainly be doing my TC at the firm that has offered me a TC, but ultimately would love also to gain experience in my second choice firm which I would be interested in exploring post qualification.


*Just to add onto this also for the forum in general - I'm very happy to help with info about a range of private client firm application processes! I know full well how difficult this process is

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

What was really the point of this response? It sometimes feels like you’re being contrarian for the sake of it.

When someone says they’re feeling anxious about an AC, the response becomes “think about people who don’t have ACs” or who’ve been PFO’d. When someone makes a genuine mistake or misreads something, the response shifts to comments like “reading is important” or asking why they didn’t see your point or someone else's.

You might see these comments as genuine advice, but there’s often an underlying negativity in how they’re framed.

It just feels like there’s always something critical to add with you, even when people aren’t saying anything ill-intentioned. At some point that pattern becomes exhausting.

this was not the point. the point was to be sensitive to what other people are going through and to read the room. it’s like if i were to walk into a room of people in full body casts and then start complaining about how my broken hand hurts. no one’s denying that a broken hand probably hurts but it also doesn’t seem quite appropriate or ”sensitive” to say that in a room full of people who happen to be worse off.

let’s js be emotionally mature about this guys !!🫶

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Agreed.
Does anyone know when Direct TCs tend to open up? I'm still waiting on like 6 applications but trying to assume PFOs so I can only get pleasantly surprised.

I'm worried about doing DTCs as I have never had a VS and I don't have much work experience

 

[radssss]

Gang just did the assessment for mishcon, is the below (28/36) + high numerical and verbal good for the mishcon amberjack? I usually love amberjacks hahaha. Hopefully they back to us soon for summer vs!

 

[hawkins19]

Just practice issue spotting quickly and follow a good structure when writing and you’ve got this! Hoping for a simple M&A case study for your AC!

Oh and yes, If there has been law, they’ve provided explainers.

fantastic thank you so much!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Does anyone have a zip law subscription?? And if you do, is it useful? I only want to get it to prep for my ac but I don’t know if its worth it 🥲

I do, just be weary that they don't have AC info for every firm, their commercial awareness stories are quite good but there's not a lot imo when you narrow them down by sectors/practice areas. You can message me if you want if you would like me to see if they have the info you're looking for!

 

[elle woods]

Thank you so much!

Could I just clarify what you mean by the last line with how strict firms seem to be - what issue could arise with doing the VS whilst having a TC offer?

I will almost certainly be doing my TC at the firm that has offered me a TC, but ultimately would love also to gain experience in my second choice firm which I would be interested in exploring post qualification.


*Just to add onto this also for the forum in general - I'm very happy to help with info about a range of private client firm application processes! I know full well how difficult this process is

Oh, I'm not too sure with regards to private client firms, but from my experience with commercial firms, it seems like they want to avoid people who have already accepted graduate roles elsewhere, especially on schemes which are meant for recruitment purposes. I hope that makes sense? But ultimately, I think clarifying with the firm is better, as because I don't know your exact situation, I cannot say for certain what the best way forward is! All the best!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

soz to interrupt the beef. Just wondering if people with AC experience can tell me the likelihood of receiving a case study that isn't M&A related? That is all I have really prepared and I'm worried

I got one where they were looking to expanding to a new country and the recommendations you would give
But mostly it's been somewhat related to M&A
Good luck!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Guys. I really don't think the back and forth is conducive to a productive environment. I really enjoy coming here and (personally) as someone who hasn't progressed very much, I don't mind seeing others talk about their success. Because I don't talk with anyone about how stressed I am all the time and how much anxiety I am getting with all the waiting and PFOs but you guys, I hope when I have a success you will all celebrate with me. I know you will! This is a stressful time and the last thing we need is to turn on each other. Sorry for rambling ❤️

 

[Novaa]

soz to interrupt the beef. Just wondering if people with AC experience can tell me the likelihood of receiving a case study that isn't M&A related? That is all I have really prepared and I'm worried

I’ve been going through my archives to see if I have anything on the case study I did with Freshfields.

I found some rough notes, and mine was an ESG case study about a listed company trying to transition to being more sustainable, by investing in green projects and dealing with the impact that had on its share price.

Disclaimer: Please, when I say archives, I mean ARCHIVES… I don’t remember that AC.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

I do, just be weary that they don't have AC info for every firm, their commercial awareness stories are quite good but there's not a lot imo when you narrow them down by sectors/practice areas. You can message me if you want if you would like me to see if they have the info you're looking for!

Hey Donna, how can I PM you? I think your profile is limited.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Hey Donna, how can I PM you? I think your profile is limited.

I've unlimited it now

 

[TortillaTC]

Does anyone have any good tips for Amberjack to ace the “applied intellect” pillar? I keep getting very low scores between 1-3 and I don’t understand, because I practised for all the other pillars and now get high scores, just not applied intellect for some reason

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I've unlimited it now

People are gna rush to send you PMs now that you’re account is unlimited like this now:

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Does anyone have any good tips for Amberjack to ace the “applied intellect” pillar? I keep getting very low scores between 1-3 and I don’t understand, because I practised for all the other pillars and now get high scores, just not applied intellect for some reason

https://www.weareamberjack.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AmberjacksModelforIdentifyingPotential.pdf

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

People are gna rush to send you PMs now that you’re account is unlimited like this now:

No it's only for me

 

[TortillaTC]

https://www.weareamberjack.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AmberjacksModelforIdentifyingPotential.pdf

Thank you!

 

[Novaa]

Gang just did the assessment for mishcon, is the below (28/36) + high numerical and verbal good for the mishcon amberjack? I usually love amberjacks hahaha. Hopefully they back to us soon for summer vs!
View attachment 7824

Radssss I have an e-book offer for you… “Acing a Mishcon SJT by Radssss”

 

[Donna Paulsen]

People are gna rush to send you PMs now that you’re account is unlimited like this now:

Guys feel free I actually love chatting xx #socialite #networking

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Radssss I have an e-book offer for you… “Acing a Mishcon SJT by Radssss”

Use the code harveyspecter for 25% off your first e-book purchase (including student discount):