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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

When you do a commercial case study I've read a lot of stuff about SWOT/PESTLE. Are they expecting you to be able to suggest stories from the news eg knowledge of something political going on, a particular industry trend, etc. which might affect the business in question, or do they want you to just mention that there may be external political factors which could be relevant (and basically give no detail), or alternatively would they give specific details of these in the case study and then just want you to comment on the impacts? This is for a first year scheme if that makes a difference...
 
I might have got this wrong but I think they said start of the week for London - and told us today - and end of the week for other offices. So maybe the end of week has been pushed later like our start of the week was!
 
Breaking my fast to no email 😍

Countdown to next Friday!

Selena Gomez Idk GIF
 
Great to see some of these VS/WE offers come through today - best of luck to all who are waiting!

I've had a fairly quiet week. One rejection (from a top 3 firm on my list, which was a shame) and a number of applications still pending.

But I did visit the Paul Hastings London office for a competitive open day (pictured). It was the only open day I've seen which required a VI, so that is something!

Screenshot 2026-02-20 at 17.59.59.png
 
Great to see some of these VS/WE offers come through today - best of luck to all who are waiting!

I've had a fairly quiet week. One rejection (from a top 3 firm on my list, which was a shame) and a number of applications still pending.

But I did visit the Paul Hastings London office for a competitive open day (pictured). It was the only open day I've seen which required a VI, so that is something!

View attachment 8029
That is a very beautiful and classy looking office😍😍

Congratulations on attending the open day and I hope you really enjoyed it! :)

Sorry about the rejection, hoping you get an offer from your other top 2!
 
That is a very beautiful and classy looking office😍😍

Congratulations on attending the open day and I hope you really enjoyed it! :)

Sorry about the rejection, hoping you get an offer from your other top 2!
Thank you!

Yes, I love Bishopsgate offices. Cooley, Skadden, PH, etc... gorgeous places to work!
 
Great to see some of these VS/WE offers come through today - best of luck to all who are waiting!

I've had a fairly quiet week. One rejection (from a top 3 firm on my list, which was a shame) and a number of applications still pending.

But I did visit the Paul Hastings London office for a competitive open day (pictured). It was the only open day I've seen which required a VI, so that is something!

View attachment 8029
That’s a banging office ngl. I’m gna apply for the direct tc now just so I can possibly have a chance at seeing this in person cos wow. 🤩

*starts panic researching Paul Hastings and their work in London in preparation for the dtc app*

Work Typing GIF by MOODMAN
 
I am not sure tbh, I am trying to figure out whether all applicants have to do the online tests as a part of the initial stage or whether the online test is the next stage of the application process.
Yeah the emails are quite confusing, they did refer to it as 'the next stage' but why no congrats etc. if it's truly selective? Idk my guess is that they send it to everyone who meets the basic minimum criteria. Also the assessment seems a bit weird, only 9mins for the verbal reasoning test? it must be super short otherwise wth lol
 
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Reactions: i_need_a_holiday
Hi everyone,


I have a vacation scheme with a US firm and am eager to convert it to a training contract—I don't want to go through another application cycle, as I'm sure you can all understand!


I was wondering if anyone has tips for dealing with imposter syndrome? I'm not from a Russell Group or Oxbridge university and will likely be the only one there without that background. How can I stay confident, let myself shine, and not feel intimidated by the other vacation schemers?

Thanks!
 

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