TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

dannyp123

Star Member
Premium Member
Oct 20, 2024
28
10
Hey everyone, I went to a networking event recently and spoke with a trainee from a firm I’m interested in applying to. I only realised afterwards that I’d forgotten their name, and I’ve had no luck finding them on LinkedIn or the firm’s website. Do you think there’s still any point in referencing the conversation in my application (e.g. ‘when speaking to a trainee at X event I realised…’), or would that come across as uncredible?
 

yasmars

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2021
369
588
Hey everyone, I went to a networking event recently and spoke with a trainee from a firm I’m interested in applying to. I only realised afterwards that I’d forgotten their name, and I’ve had no luck finding them on LinkedIn or the firm’s website. Do you think there’s still any point in referencing the conversation in my application (e.g. ‘when speaking to a trainee at X event I realised…’), or would that come across as uncredible?
the insight you gained from the conversation is much more important that “name dropping”
 
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dannyp123

Star Member
Premium Member
Oct 20, 2024
28
10
the insight you gained from the conversation is much more important that “name dropping”
That makes sense — thank you! The only reason I was wondering is because one of their application questions is about tech, and the insight I gained was specifically from the trainee describing their experience using tech at the firm. So I felt like it might make more sense to reference that I heard it directly from them.
 

yasmars

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Jan 1, 2021
369
588
That makes sense — thank you! The only reason I was wondering is because one of their application questions is about tech, and the insight I gained was specifically from the trainee describing their experience using tech at the firm. So I felt like it might make more sense to reference that I heard it directly from them.
Maybe you could provide some context?
 

dannyp123

Star Member
Premium Member
Oct 20, 2024
28
10
Maybe you could provide some context?
The application question is: ‘Is technology and AI an opportunity or a threat for the firm and why?’ The trainee I spoke with mentioned that they use the firm’s AI tools every day and that it really improves their efficiency. That’s why I thought it would be useful to mention this conversation in my answer.
 

whywhy88

Star Member
Jul 6, 2023
34
60
For the HL 'tell us about any experiences' question, would it be okay to only talk about one experience, or do we have to mention a few? I've only done one volunteering thing which was linked to my main hobby so not sure what else I could mention! I did do some solo travel on my year abroad which built my resilience, adaptability etc, but I am unsure as to whether that is too informal of an experience in include here? Can anyone advise? Thanks!!
 

abbietc03

Distinguished Member
Dec 13, 2022
69
183
Does anyone know if Stepenson Harwood's online assessment contains a video interview at the end like the other firms using Amberjack? Their website only mentioned the SJT, numerical and verbal reasoning sections but I cannot find more information.
Hey! I applied to Stephenson Harwood last year for their spring VS, and the SJT did have a VI attached to it to be completed alongside it! I'm not sure if they would have changed it this year, but that was the situation last cycle :)
 

ZNadeem

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Premium Member
Forum Team
Mar 16, 2025
127
126
Does anyone know if Stepenson Harwood's online assessment contains a video interview at the end like the other firms using Amberjack? Their website only mentioned the SJT, numerical and verbal reasoning sections but I cannot find more information.

Probably not — from what’s online, the Future Potential Assessment involves numerical and verbal questions plus scenario-based reasoning. It’s designed to test intellect and creativity in typical trainee scenarios, not legal knowledge, since applicants can come from any background.
 

ZNadeem

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Mar 16, 2025
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Hey @vera.mekhonoshina, do you have any advice on how to approach this question. Like can it be completely unlaw realted, what do you think there looking for here
If you could witness any event, past, present, or future firsthand, what would it be and why?

Just to offer some insight — yes, it can be completely unrelated to law I would say. The point is to give insight into your personality and interests. It’s an interesting question, so I’d suggest brainstorming a few ideas and picking one that genuinely excites you. They’ll also be looking at how you communicate clearly — good structure, direct language, and avoiding tangents will make your answer stand out.
 
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ZNadeem

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Premium Member
Forum Team
Mar 16, 2025
127
126
Hey everyone, I went to a networking event recently and spoke with a trainee from a firm I’m interested in applying to. I only realised afterwards that I’d forgotten their name, and I’ve had no luck finding them on LinkedIn or the firm’s website. Do you think there’s still any point in referencing the conversation in my application (e.g. ‘when speaking to a trainee at X event I realised…’), or would that come across as uncredible?

Yes, definitely! It’s still valuable to reference the conversation — the insight itself matters more than the name. In fact, sometimes mentioning names just wastes words.
 

zara elles

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Dec 24, 2020
130
74
I should be ready to submit my Jones Day application in the next day or two. Given that people have already been getting interview invites, would it be better if I applied for the Spring Vac scheme or would I still have a good chance at the Winter scheme?
 

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