If there's any consolation LegallyBald, you are a GOAT in my opinion for reaching the 99th percentile for Links WG!
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
15 + ACs and only one vac scheme? Stop using AI and start prepping interview technique!
Hello!
I would structure a strong 300-word answer to Ashurst's question by following a clear framework that shows: (1) you understand the firm, (2) you understand the sector, and (3) you can analyse future opportunities. A good structure could follow something along the lines of:
1. Opening (40-50 words)
Start by briefly stating the sector you've chosen (e.g. energy transition, digital economy, real estate, etc.). Show that you understand Ashurst's strategic focus and global position in the sector - this can involve discussing deals, published insights, or public statements from the firm.
2. Context of the sector (80-100 words)
Move on to explain what key facts or market trends are creating opportunities in that sector. For example:
- Regulatory reform
- Technological disruption
- The global push toward net zero
- Increased private capital deployment
- Geopolitical risk and supply chain restructuring
3. The biggest opportunity (100-120 words)
Identify one major opportunity and go into more detail on it - for example, digital assets regulation or demand for sustainable infrastructure funding.
Whichever opportunity you choose, explain why this is a priority, who the clients are, what problems they need solving, and how the opportunity is likely to evolve over time commercially and legally.
4. How Ashurst is positioned (40-60 words)
Finish your answer by linking the opportunity to Ashurst's specific strengths - for example:
- Cross-border capabilities
- Strong regulatory advisory practice
- Financing and project development experience
I hope that helps, and best of luck with the application!
Forgive me if I'm reading too much into what you're saying, but the tone of your comment proves to be quite a lazy take... You seem to overlook that I said I got 15 ACs, but that doesn't entail that I attended them all; I got a vac scheme offer in early February so I didn't really feel the need to run around attending every AC just for the sake of it; the firm that offered me a vac scheme was higher on the list of priorities for me...
I attended about 4 ACs, and reached the final round interview for a few, including King and Spalding, but the firms had tiny intakes so forgive me for not securing a TC with them 😂 It's hard enough to get an AC so im pretty happy with myself
Idk why you seem more invested, at least from the tone, in tearing others down; hope you're not confusing cynicism for insight and condescension for "tough love"... Again, I hope I'm reading too much into it, but I have seen since last year (especially the whole incident with people attacking TinTin [who ended up deleting his account]) a lot of people who have that same energy... Again, that energy seems to work for some people, because they surprisingly do end up with TCs, but what a nasty environment to work with.
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Numbers game for sure but definitely take your time you can apply to 20 firms and progress with 7 rather than for example 75 and progress with 1😭 75 is diabolical pls don’t aim for that 😂
To be fair, I do find law absolutely insane. Writing 1000+ words for an application, doing hours of in-depth research about the firm, and then getting rejected after you screw up a test lol. That annoys me more than it should - please reject me for the content of my application, not because I screwed up a test lol. Rejection either way but it's the principle of it.
I applied for spring weeks and summer internships at Investment Banking firms where all I did was write generic cover letters, write a paragraph about a deal that the firm had worked on and why I liked it, and it got me several interviews.
Do you know how hard it is to get a vac scheme? You can be great but Someone is greater don’t me your not worthy of a vac scheme it’s just there isn’t enough space. Don’t put others down because the last time I checked you’re on here as you don’t have a tc.
I think, as many people on this forum (including Jaysen) have said, the number of firms you apply to really depends on your strategy. I believe it should not be a one size fits all approach. We all have different backgrounds and academic records. For example, a bad grade in one module, limited experience or other factors may mean that some of us need to submit more applications just to reach the AC stage.
Also, the application process is always changing. This cycle has even more online testing elements. Cappfinity only gives you traits to work on, and you do not get any actual scores. The same applies to Watson Glaser, Sova and other assessments, and there is very little transparency in how we are scored. Because of that uncertainty, it is understandable that some people feel the need to apply more widely.
At the end of the day, this community exists so we can exchange experiences and support each other. There is no need to criticise someone else’s approach. As an international student myself, with my clock ticking, sending out more applications genuinely helps me feel more in control and reduces the stress. 😇
Also, the application process is always changing. This cycle has even more online testing elements. Cappfinity only gives you traits to work on, and you do not get any actual scores. The same applies to Watson Glaser, Sova and other assessments, and there is very little transparency in how we are scored. Because of that uncertainty, it is understandable that some people feel the need to apply more widely.
At the end of the day, this community exists so we can exchange experiences and support each other. There is no need to criticise someone else’s approach. As an international student myself, with my clock ticking, sending out more applications genuinely helps me feel more in control and reduces the stress. 😇
Hi, has anyone who took TW test in the past week received a PFO?
I'm really sorry. If you do not mind me asking, was your portal showing 70% post app?
Yeah cause I read that freshfield only sends AC invite after the deadline closes
I think it's very subjective and different from anyone I have had conversations with trainees working at Latham and securing a tc at Latham after 3 app cycles so it's different for everyone. It is so much about luck and strategy and also the timing like I know last year I applied way too late with firms with super tiny intake. I am not focused on US firms because I know for myself at least that I don't have a real chance there.
Hey! I took the test on 13/11 and I've not heard anything back yet, no news is good news I suppose...
They said we would find out by mid-december. Idk if this helps but last year people started getting WE invites way before rejections.
Yeah I think those will go out next week or early the week after - last year they went out on the last day of nov but this year they went test window is twice as long so maybe not as quickly who knows
I was wondering what the turnaround is to inform people they haven’t passed the test. I agree WE invites won’t come out until early Dec!
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