TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[ashwright]

Hi @ashwright I am so happy to hear about your experience - moments like this are why I love doing this job 🥲 thank you so much for the kind words and keep us updated on the response!

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

 

[SamiyaJ]

Hi @SamiyaJ I am sorry to hear about your situation and I definitely understand how much of a toll rejections can have on mental health, particularly when happening at the same time as other difficult things in life.

As for your question, I do not think getting another non-legal position will have a negative impact on recruiters' view of your commitment to law. They know how competitive the job market is and that for various reasons people may not be able to enter the profession as early as they would like. At the same time, non-legal work experiences build many valuable transferable skills. In my vacation schemes I have met many candidates who had been working in other industries, some for periods extending over several years. As such, if the non-legal job you are considering is one that would be a much better fit for you at the moment, I would not worry about this being seen negatively when you are applying.

Hi Andrei,

Thank you so much for your reassurance!!

 

[tarty23]

When writing about a past internship (not vac scheme), is it worth mentioning if you received a full-time role but turned it down?

 

[User5678]

When writing about a past internship (not vac scheme), is it worth mentioning if you received a full-time role but turned it down?

You could just write “offered a full time role” don’t mention you turned it down.

 

[wantatc]

Didn’t convert my SVS feeling very demoralised rn

 

[andrecsaa]

Long shot but did anyone make notes from white and case legal cheek event yesterday they would be happy to share with me - was hoping to attend but personal matter prevented last minute

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!

 

[Justin]

Has anyone heard back after uploading the CV to Sky?

 

[aphelion]

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 😭

 

[tianna09]

KN seem to have sent out test invites at 17:40 and PFOs at 17:50 yesterday.
I applied about 11:45pm on the last day and got a PFO.

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.

 

[abbiewhitlock03]

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 😭

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!

 

[sxw517]

Do Mishcon call with both negative and positive news after an AC?

 

[aphelion]

I got a call back from Mishcons, summer VS offer!!!!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi @Jessica Booker and anyone else that could please help. I have a 30 minute interview with a law firm for a legal assistant role which they termed as an initial discussion. It is for a high street law firm. What should i be preparing for this and what should i expect from this as they did not provide any other details? thank you

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.

 

[Amma Usman]

Do Mishcon call with both negative and positive news after an AC?

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).

 

[Amma Usman]

I got a call back from Mishcons, summer VS offer!!!!

 

[Amma Usman]

Hi everyone, what's the consensus on asking slightly controversial questions in interviews/at insight days/ACs? If the firm has some consistent issues being pointed out in reviews on glassdoor etc., is it really bad to ask? I.e. reviews say they don't care about employees enough, pay is below market rate for the amount of workload, etc. Should I keep quiet because I'd be grateful for any opportunity or should I be brave and question it? Haha

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!

 

[Amma Usman]

Got rejected by Browne Jacobson post telephone interview, then an online test invite from Kingsley Napley 10 minutes later MANNN!!!

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!

 

[Amma Usman]

When writing about a past internship (not vac scheme), is it worth mentioning if you received a full-time role but turned it down?

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.

 

[Amma Usman]

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 😭

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 ❤️

 

[Hope2025]

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?