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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

ninarosee

Star Member
Dec 18, 2023
30
27
Never said it was an unfair process. And I’m very familiar with the firm…
They never said you thought the process was unfair, nor did they imply you’re unfamiliar with the firm. I think the issue might be that some of the comments are being read more negatively than they’re meant. Everyone’s just sharing their experiences with the test, not criticising you personally.
 

Freshcutgrass

Active Member
Premium Member
May 8, 2023
11
20
Hiya, I've had a direct TC AC invite from A&O Shearman. I've never been to an assessment centre before, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on preparing for it. The AC is end of next week. Also how much technical knowledge do I need? I'm a law grad but I've got literally no knowledge of commercial issues tbh. Sincerely, a very scared gal! @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

Sorry I wanted to follow up and make a little edit. My grade profile had a 2:2 in it and it turned out to be a non-issue. I know A&O have recently made it the case that you need a 2:2 in every module. So this is motivation for anyone with a grade they are concerned about hehe. My video interview also got cut off before I finished the last words and I had to speed up my response because I realised I was out of time. My application was anything but perfect. I also promise I'm not gorgeous enough to sway any graduate recruitment members haha.
 
Last edited:

Achievingdivinity333

New Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 24, 2025
    1
    1
    Hiya, I've had a direct TC AC invite from A&O Shearman. I've never been to an assessment centre before, and I was wondering if anyone has any advice on preparing for it. The AC is end of next week. Also how much technical knowledge do I need? I'm a law grad but I've got literally no knowledge of commercial issues tbh. Sincerely, a very scared gal! @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock

    Sorry I wanted to follow up and make a little edit. My grade profile had a 2:2 in it and it turned out to be a non-issue. I know A&O have recently made it the case that you need a 2:2 in every module. So this is motivation for anyone with a grade they are concerned about hehe. My video interview also got cut off before I finished the last words and I had to speed up my response because I realised I was out of time. My application was anything but perfect. I also promise I'm not gorgeous enough to sway any graduate recruitment members haha.
    Hiya, can I ask when you received the invite? Also congratulations!!
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Freshcutgrass

    applicant3000

    Star Member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Feb 28, 2025
    37
    69
    It’s just that I thought they said 20 trainees in London and 6 in Bristol 😕 thank you though : )!!
    I think it could possibly be two schemes of 15 for London, as the FAQs make it sounds like it's both one scheme and two: "1 scheme in London with approximately 15 places on each". It's probably a bit risky to only offer 15 vacation scheme places if you're offering 15 training contracts. Having said that, there is only one set of dates for summer listed on the website.

    If anyone has any info directly from Simmons grad rec, it would be appreciated!
     

    TheSlapDotCom

    Star Member
    Aug 2, 2025
    30
    20
    Reed Smith AC!!! I could cry.

    Really happy, as I applied for their first year scheme last year, and was rejected. It was very very similar this year, and I thought this year went so much worse so I thought I had no chance. Already crossed it off my tracker lol. I could've sworn my video interview was so so so so so so bad, and I felt my scores were just average for the SJT.

    Just goes to show you never know I guess.
    well done that’s amazing!! hope it goes well for u xx
     

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