Another day, another radio silence. Thank you, law.
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Might be counter-intuitive, but what helped me process all the rejs last year (and probably this year) was to actually just give urself the time to feel like s***.
What I used to do, and still inadvertantly do sometimes, is just try to charge it and move on. But i've realised that's not fair to the version of myself that really put alot of effort into all the different stages: the written apps, sjts, VIs, 1st and second stage interviews - all while becoming more and more attached to the firm. Again, this may not work for everyone, but personally I'd give urself some time to actually let urself feel like s*** as a way to burn / exhaust all the negative stuff outta ur mind - so you can then focus on the more positive & detached stuff like "whatever will be, will be".
FYI for anyone waiting on a response for Reed smith post ac, they said today that they will respond in the next week 
Hey!
I assisted at my university's legal clinic during my final year and had similar doubts about whether to refer to it in interviews, as it didn't directly involve commercial law. What may be happening is that firms are stress-testing your motivation, rather than directly judging your prior experience. If they can't immediately see the link to commercial law, they may try to get this out of you through questions such as "why not public law?".
What helped me was framing the experience around the elements that are directly relevant to commercial practice, and I then explained why those elements motivated me to pursue commercial law overall. For example, things such as working closely with clients and using problem-solving skills to provide clear and practical advice. If you position it in a similar way, the experience will support a genuine interest in commercial law rather than detract from it, provided you are clear and convincing about why commercial law is the path you want to pursue
A bit out there, but is anyone else not able to access the Aspiring Solicitors website ? It is just not loading for me.
Hey guys, so I have an AC coming up but I have another one as well from another firm soon after and their dates overlap, would it be advisable to ask for a faster decision from firm A so I wouldn’t need to do my AC at firm B if I get the offer (in any case, I prefer firm A). My question is would it worsen my chances than if I just let them respond in their own time?
Hey!
For this type of statement, the key is to show that you understand what that expertise looks like in practice. Good evidence would usually fall into one (or more) of the following:
- A recent deal or case the firm worked on: e.g. what they did, why it was complex and interesting, and why that appeals to you
- A market position or client base: perhaps they work for clients that you are eager to work with (e.g. sponsors, FTSE companies, PE funds, etc.)
- Something distinctive about the team itself: they might conduct lots of cross-border work, have a strength in a niche area, or a reputation for complex matters. As long as you can show why that interests you, this would be a good way to back up your point
- First hand insight (often the strongest, if possible): this could be online programmes like Forage, academic modules, a talk or open day, or work experience. You can discuss what you enjoyed about the experience, and why you are now motivated to work in that area.
The general formula that I tried to follow is: claim -> evidence -> personal link
Cheers! I hope your AC went wellFYI for anyone waiting on a response for Reed smith post ac, they said today that they will respond in the next week
I think the ratio is worse with smaller intakes. Bristows probably got around 1500 and Magic Circle around 4000 - 5000? Not sure, but they are approximate figures I've heard.
This is me tomorrow, one in the AM and one in the PM and I’ll need a 5am start to make the AM one 😆 a nice problem to have though 🙏
Hey!
Yes - that is the way that I would approach it! The graduate recruitment team will be looking for signs that law is a deliberate choice that you have made, rather than simply falling into it. A strong approach could be to briefly explain what attracted you to current career, what you have enjoyed and done well in, and then draw out the transferable skills that apply to law.
You could then lightly contrast that with law - acknowledge that while you have enjoyed your current career path, commercial law ultimately appeals more because of the nature of the work, the pace, or the type of impact (or whatever it may be for you!). I'd aim to keep it concise and positive overall, as your answer should reinforce your motivation for law (rather than necessarily talk negatively about your current career).
I hope that helps!
Imposter syndrome is crazy because why do I have 1 vac scheme offer and I feel like that’s nothing and not good enough
(Probs the fear of being left with nothing if I don’t successfully convert it)
(Probs the fear of being left with nothing if I don’t successfully convert it)
Thank you so much Abbie! You're genuinely the best community assistant ive seen 🥹Hey!
For this type of statement, the key is to show that you understand what that expertise looks like in practice. Good evidence would usually fall into one (or more) of the following:
- A recent deal or case the firm worked on: e.g. what they did, why it was complex and interesting, and why that appeals to you
- A market position or client base: perhaps they work for clients that you are eager to work with (e.g. sponsors, FTSE companies, PE funds, etc.)
- Something distinctive about the team itself: they might conduct lots of cross-border work, have a strength in a niche area, or a reputation for complex matters. As long as you can show why that interests you, this would be a good way to back up your point
- First hand insight (often the strongest, if possible): this could be online programmes like Forage, academic modules, a talk or open day, or work experience. You can discuss what you enjoyed about the experience, and why you are now motivated to work in that area.
The general formula that I tried to follow is: claim -> evidence -> personal link
Hey!
I'm sorry to hear that you feel this way after the AC - it is completely normal, and I think very few people leave an AC feeling genuinely happy with how they performed.
Most people walk out focusing on what they thing went wrong, rather than what they did well. Try to reflect on the other exercises too, and be proud of yourself for getting through the AC in the first place - that alone is an achievement!
If it helps, I felt completely demotivated after my Reed Smith AC because I ran out of time on one of the written exercises and didn't get to finish my answer, yet I still went on to receive an offer. You've likely done better than you think, and it can be hard to judge your performance accurately when you're coming down from the adrenaline of the day.
I would try to be kind to yourself and let it sit - the post-AC spiral is very real (and I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't acknowledge that!), but it is rarely an accurate reflection of how you came across. Fingers crossed for you!!
I completed it on Monday!
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