I went to Latham AC last year when I only had 2 years worth of mitigating circumstances grades (hadn’t received my stronger year 3 grades yet), which were not very good, if this helps
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Anyone know what kind of articles and stuff I should be reading prior to an AC to build commercial awareness? I have FT but alot of the articles on there hardly seem relevant to something I could mention in a group task (e.g. not going to talk about prince Andrew)
I went to Latham AC last year when I only had 2 years worth of mitigating circumstances grades (hadn’t received my stronger year 3 grades yet), which were not very good, if this helps
Thank you so much!Hello (I am briefly back lmao).
Just wanted to add that some firms will say that they consider mitigating circumstances if you ask but don't seem to in practice as they value it highly (just imagine two equal applications but one with higher academics).
On the other hand, I have a not-so-good 2:1 and modules across the spectrum of results BUT I have a Distinction in my PGDL if that is worth anything - I tie this into my mitigating section.
I have had post app PFOs from SullCrom, Jones Day, Morgan Lewis, Akin and Milbank, Gibson Dunn have progressed me to various stages. These are just the ones that @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner mentioned and I have, again, varying levels of success with firms that seem to have progressed me for one reason or the other.
All of this is to say that if you have the time, go for it and apply because it is hard to say exactly what a firm is looking for in that moment (and also what a particular person may be struck by in an application).
Hope this helps!
Highly recommend podcasts like FT’s Tech Tonic and the AllAboutLaw Commercial Awareness Compass!! Both provide multiple perspectives into commercial issues which makes for great discussion points.
Hey!
I completely understand this, and it is something that I found super confusing when I was trying to build my commercial awareness. I think it is one of those things that is slightly down to personal preference - however, I definitely didn't find the FT a useful resource for the more current commercial events that are relevant to law firms.
The main resource that I used (and still use now!) is LittleLaw, as I found that it takes the time to explain how law firms and clients would be affected by the trends or challenges discussed in the articles. For example, their most recent post is about rising gold prices, which explains the situation but also why law firms care.
I'm sure there are plenty of other suggestions that people can share, and I would definitely encourage you to try out a few until you find one that works for you!
Hey!
I completely understand this, and it is something that I found super confusing when I was trying to build my commercial awareness. I think it is one of those things that is slightly down to personal preference - however, I definitely didn't find the FT a useful resource for the more current commercial events that are relevant to law firms.
The main resource that I used (and still use now!) is LittleLaw, as I found that it takes the time to explain how law firms and clients would be affected by the trends or challenges discussed in the articles. For example, their most recent post is about rising gold prices, which explains the situation but also why law firms care.
I'm sure there are plenty of other suggestions that people can share, and I would definitely encourage you to try out a few until you find one that works for you!
Thank youu Ill definitely check both out!!
honestly , practice , make a doc of situational questions you can find on internet and write down your answers for it based on if you were in the role of a trainee there isn't really a structure for it but you do find once you practice quite a few they have the same underlying themes that you can answer in the same way for example - what would you do if you have a new piece of work come in , I would start this off by saying, firstly i would assess my workload, see the impact etc and then move on from there
Hello!
This is a great question, as situational questions are slightly different to competency questions. I wouldn't say that there is a fixed framework like STAR, but the structure that I would follow is:
- Clarify the goal / objective - what you are trying to achieve overall. This could be meeting a deadline, managing multiple tasks, supporting a client, etc.
- Key considerations - show your judgment by flagging the factors that would be most important based on the situation: e.g. the parties involved, urgency, the level of risk, firm / client priorities, and any ethical or confidentiality issues. This will be adapted to whatever situation you are given.
- Outline your actions - walk the interview through what you would actually do, step-by-step, in a logical order. This should be the core of your answer, and you should give a brief explanation as to why you are taking each step.
- Communication - in relation to the above, make sure to explain who you would speak to and how (e.g. team members, supervisors, clients) - communication is a really important skill in a firm, and showing that you appreciate this is key!
- Outcome and reflection - I would end your answer with the intended outcome and, if relevant, you could explain how you would learn from the situation and what you would do to prevent it happening again, etc.
I hope that assists!
Congratulations on passing two interviews, that is amazing!! You should be super proud as all of your hard work is paying off 🥳 🥳
I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying being a part of the forum - we are glad to have you here! 😁
It says
Q: Is there an assessment centre for the placement?
No, the recruitment process has two stages: application form, and online strengths-based assessment.
Also
We are supportive of all candidates who apply to work for us. If you feel there is something that may impact a fair assessment of your strengths and skills in your assessment (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) then please let us know. We may then have a conversation with you to better understand what adjustments we could provide to ensure a fair assessment. Please be assured that no candidate will be treated unfairly because of disclosing anything, but it will enable us to better support a fair assessment process for you.
So I suspect "some" means "all except for those with adjustments"
Question: my friend has received a TC from a good firm (silver circle) but has 2 vac schemes for firms he prefers (one US, one MC). obviously it's risky but does anyone have advice on how to navigate this? Would he be able to temporarily accept the TC but still do the vac schemes? Any advice appreciated!
I know they mark candidates based on grades however they do accept mitigating circumstances. I have been told they care more about the grades than the university by a personal connection.
your turn is coming nova, any minute now and you'll hear good news too!! ☺️☺️I love the influx of good news I’m seeing!!
Oh TCLA LLP! 😍
I’d suggest going back to some previous messages about it, including 2024-25 threads. Essentially, if the terms of the tc offer and the terms of the vac scheme offers don’t preclude you from doing a vac scheme under these circumstances, you’ll be fine. Plus, practically speaking your friend only has one TC now and he might not get a TC offer from any of the two firms so he should accept it now anyway
I'd say definitely, as far as I know no one's heard anything back.
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