TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock hi abbie!! whats the difference in the format of a memo and a report? how long in length should each be?

Hello!

This is a great question!

A memo is usually a shorter and more focused internal document, usually written to answer a specific question for a partner or supervisor. Therefore, you should usually get straight to the point and use a tight structure - for example, identify the issue, outline the relevant law or principles, apply them to the facts, and finish with a clear conclusion or recommendation. It is more practical and concise, and usually around a page or two (though this can differ).

On the other hand, a report is generally more formal and broader in scope. It may be created for the client (rather than internally) and is often used to explore several issues in a structured format. For a report, you are more likely to include headings, background context, and more in-depth explanations of risks and consequences. Therefore, they tend to be longer than memos (although for an assessment, they'll probably still be fairly concise!).

I hope that helps distinguish them!

 

[mrebeccafr]

Shoosmiths PFO for Birmingham

 

[trainee4u]

Shoosmiths reserve!!

Honestly I feel like they should notify how many they've got on these lists and where you are on the list. I see 4 reserves in the space of a few seconds just in this forum.

Seems like a bit of a scam tbh if they're putting 20 people on a list and you're number 20 but you have to wait till April to see if 19 people in front of you pull out and you get the sloppy seconds.

 

[summersun]

Sorry posting again but I haven't gotten the holding email for CRS London Spring pref..Is that smth to worry about? I did get an email after my VI saying they'd receive it and would be reviewing over the next couple weeks so I'm expecting to hear this week but not sure what the significance of that holding email is..

I might be wrong but I think the holding email was for people who had not received a VI?
Please people let me know if I am wrong.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

marked safe from Shoosmiths PFO
(Didn’t apply x)

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

what would you guys take an ac ‘panel interview’ to entail? other tasks stated to be group exercise and WG resit

Hi!

From my understanding, a 'panel interview' is usually an interview where there are two or more interviewers at the same time (so it is usually a mix of partners, senior associates, HR, etc.). It is different from a normal interview in that they may take turns asking questions or build on each other's follow-ups, or one might lead and the other(s) observes and takes notes.

In terms of content, I would say it is likely to be similar to other AC interviews - it is usually a mix of motivational, commercial, and competency questions. There may also be situational or strengths-based questions as well!

My main advice would be to maintain eye contact with whoever is asking the question initially, but when you answer, involve the whole panel and speak to them all. Best of luck with the AC!

 

[Eriberrie]

I applied to Manchester thinking this too and I did everything they asked for in the PFO email.

Right… it’s like what more could they want from us

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Can anyone attach the rejection email from shoosmiths please? Just want to see what they said they’re looking for!

 

[mrebeccafr]

Is this a generic message in the rejection email from shoosmiths: we would be very pleased to receive a future application from you, when the cycle re-opens in Autumn 2026. From what I have read on here, last year there was a range of different e-mails

 

[aria_d]

Morgan Lewis & Macfarlanes allow you to reapply in the same cycle if you are rejected before AC stage.

The rest is unlikely to offer you a place after being rejected in the same cycle. BCLP and White & Case would still consider if you ever had an AC in previous cycle but failed, but others three are difficult and certainly least possible.

Thank you!

 

[BobThebIlly]

I didn’t even apply to shoo smiths but I feel like I’ve been pfo’d with the amount of pfos recently

I hope you guys are pulling through with this. Hopefully you all receive great news soon

 

[mrebeccafr]

Can anyone attach the rejection email from shoosmiths please? Just want to see what they said they’re looking for!

 

[Legal12345]

Shoosmiths reserve list London, is everyone else on reserve list for London or regional?

 

[Eriberrie]

I think it’s quite generic as I received the same

 

[R2D2]

Can cleary pls give me a response did my WG in december, have seen people go to AC get VC, get PFOs.

 

[lawcool]

Honestly I feel like they should notify how many they've got on these lists and where you are on the list. I see 4 reserves in the space of a few seconds just in this forum.

Seems like a bit of a scam tbh if they're putting 20 people on a list and you're number 20 but you have to wait till April to see if 19 people in front of you pull out and you get the sloppy seconds.

I'm on 3 lists atm. Don't even know what to think

 

[theconfusedlawyer]

Shoosmiths and Russell-Cooke pfo

 

[TCLAuser2002]

I got the Willkie Vacation Scheme.....after all these rejections, finally

you got the offer today?

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Russell-Cooke PFO!! i'm honestly surprised

 

[a1024]

Has anyone heard back from Dechert summer AC??

when did you complete the Written Exercise?