You could just write “offered a full time role” don’t mention you turned it down.
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25
- Thread starter Jessica Booker
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Didn’t convert my SVS feeling very demoralised rn
I joined in the end, so I don’t have any notes to share.
However, I remember that grad rec suggested putting your preferred practice area at the top of the list to increase your chances of getting it in your first seat.
They also mentioned that a one-page cover letter is enough (1000 words), and it’s worthwhile to spend some time on the other sections, like your CV/work experience, since they consider everything.
The rest was pretty much the same, be sure to review your writing, do some research on the firm, and explain why you, why law, why W&C, and why the guaranteed international secondment matters to you.
Hope this helps a bit!
I just got a missed call from Mishcons grad rec saying they'd like to speak with me for 5 mins for 'feedback' after my AC for the summer VS. Did anyone else get a call today and if so what was the news? Would like to think they wouldn't bother calling to reject but 'feedback' sounds ominous. Tried calling back but obviously it's too late now and I hate that I'll have to wait until Tuesday 😭
oh gosh thats making me feel a bit nervous, i havent received anything and i applied on the 19th march so maybe theyre working backwards lol who knows.
I don’t know if it’s any consolation because it was a different firm, but when I got offered my spring VS at stephenson harwood they started the call by saying it was ‘to discuss feedback’ and they then gave an offer.
Maybe don’t write it off as a rejection just yet!
I got a call back from Mishcons, summer VS offer!!!!
- Sep 7, 2024
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Congratulations on getting the interview. A 30-minute initial discussion can seem like a lot of time, but it actually goes by really quickly, so I don’t think they’ll go too deep into anything too technical. That said, it’s still worth preparing for a few key areas. You’ll likely be asked about your motivations for the role and for working at a high street firm, so be ready to explain why this opportunity appeals to you and how your background fits. They may also ask situational or competency-based questions like how you handle pressure, multitask, stay organised, or communicate effectively, so it helps to have a few real-life examples ready. It’s also good to show an awareness of the types of legal services the firm provides and how your skills could support that work. A bit of general commercial awareness could be useful too, especially if you can relate it to the work they do and the clients they serve. Most of all, be professional, confident, and friendly, and show that you’d be easy to work with. Best of luck, you’ve got this.
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I am unsure about MdR, but I know the standard is a call for positive news and email for the opposite (at least at AC stage).
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I completely understand the curiosity, and it's great that you're thinking critically about questions to ask. Personally, I’d approach this kind of thing with caution, especially in formal settings like interviews or ACs. It's important to remember that platforms like Glassdoor can be useful, but it’s best to cross-check across many reliable sources before forming a conclusion about a firm’s culture or employee treatment.
Rather than directly referencing negative reviews, I’d suggest asking more open-ended questions that give you insight into those areas, like how the firm supports employee wellbeing, manages workloads, or encourages work-life balance. That way, you still get the answers you’re looking for, but in a way that feels thoughtful and professional.
Hope that helps!
- Sep 7, 2024
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That’s a tough feeling, but try not to let the Browne Jacobson rejection get to you too much… the fact that Kingsley Napley came through just 10 minutes later is a clear reminder that timing isn’t always about luck, it’s about alignment. You’re still in the game, and every step (even the setbacks) is shaping you into a stronger candidate. Shake it off, regroup, and give this next one your all… you've got everything it takes. Keep going!Got rejected by Browne Jacobson post telephone interview, then an online test invite from Kingsley Napley 10 minutes laterMANNN!!!
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Mixed views on this.
If you write that you turned it down, the recruiter may ask why in their head, which means you’ll need a compelling and well-thought-out reason that doesn’t suggest indecisiveness. But if you only mention you were offered the role, they may assume you’re now in the role, which leads to concern around your availability, especially for graduate or fixed-term roles. A solid second reason not mentioning it can be tricky is that it could raise questions about your long-term commitment. For example, if a firm offered you a full-time role and you declined, a recruiter might wonder whether you’re likely to do the same again. They might read that as a concern around loyalty or long-term fit, especially in competitive industries where firms want to invest in people who are genuinely committed.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any more questions.
- Sep 7, 2024
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I totally get how your mind’s probably racing right now, especially with that word “feedback” hanging in the air, but try not to worry too much. Easier said than done, I know, but nothing’s changed yet, and for all you know, it could be good news. In the meantime, do something to take your mind off it - go out with friends, binge something light, or treat yourself to something small. You’ve done your part, and you deserve to rest without overthinking. Tuesday will come soon enough, and whatever happens, you’ve done amazingly just getting to that stage.
Rooting for you always ❤️
Has anyone heard back from Stephenson Harwood in regards to the summer vac scheme? I have received no word since my application - am I to assume that I got rejected?
- Sep 9, 2024
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Hi @ashwright and huge congratulations, I'm so happy to hear the news 🥳🥳 ! First off, my advice is to take a moment to celebrate this before jumping into preparations; I remember the first time I got an AC invite, it was one of the most exciting moments in my life - probably even more than when I got a VS or TC offer! After dealing with a lot of insecurity because of my past rejections, this was the first time I remember think 'I can actually do this' and also fully believing it, so looking back I wish I had cherished the moment a bit more rather than jumping straight away to chase the next thing.Heya, Andrei! I have some good news - I got invited to the AC!!!!!!!!!!! (My first ever one!)
I owe this entirely to your advice. To be honest, my head was spinning when I got told about it, but the only thought that was crystal clear in my mind was 'I need to thank Andrei'. Thank you so, so, so much. You are genuinely incredible.
I'd appreciate any advice (from you & anyone else) on approaching the AC. I'm going to keep on top of commercial awareness, but things like identifying potential legal issues from a business proposal are what I'm a bit nervous about. I'm guessing it would entail identifying general legal issues/risks/considerations (e.g., data protection concerns, competition law stuff) but I'm not sure how to 1.) learn the potential issues; 2.) articulate them beyond a sweeping statement like 'competition law stuff'.
I'm also a bit unsure about what a group exercise might entail but I'm going to have a scavange of the most frequently referred to TCLA overview posts on it.
Thank you again. I really appreciate your incredible support
As for advice around identifying and articulating legal issues arising from a business proposal, I think you should essentially analyze the proposed dealing by constantly asking yourself questions such as:
- What exactly is each party promising here? How do I make sure this is enforceable?
- What could go wrong with the transaction? What commercial risks does accepting this proposal imply? Is there any way such risks can be mitigated via legal instruments?
- Are there any potential legal liabilities resulting from this? Is there any way that the proposed transaction, or elements it entails, are contrary to law/regulations?
Now, what exactly those risks are will greatly depend on the specifics of the business proposal. However, I think you can improve your chances of spotting by learning about the following:
- General business risks and costs: by familiarizing yourself with the kind of things businesses need to be aware about in general, you increase your odds of identifying their particular instantiations in the exercise. I have linked here an introductory Investopedia article on the topic.
- Risks involved in contracts: since any business proposal, if accepted, is likely to take the form of a contract, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the risks involved in transactions and how contractual provisions can address them. In particular, have a look for how to address liability exposure in case of breach, management of disputes, termination rights, force majeure clauses, reputational risks, and interpretation of ambiguous terms.
- M&A risks: M&A transactions are the most common type of business proposal encountered in ACs, so I think it is definitely useful to understand the basic terms that go into this type of deal and the types of harms they protect parties from. I would have a look in particular at NDAs, warranties, indemnities, disclosure schedules, change of control clauses, employee retention, IP ownership, and conditions precedent (which is where we would require, for instance, clearance from the competition law authorities) .
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