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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
649
600
Guys, quick question, what would count outside work and study? I am so confused
Hey!

"Outside work and study" just means anything you do in your personal life that isn't part of your job, degree, or formal education. This can include:
  • Societies and volunteering (if not connected to your job / studies)
  • Hobbies - sports, music, reading, gaming, fitness, art, languages. Anything that you genuinely enjoy in your spare time!
  • Personal projects - blogs, small businesses, mentoring, or fundraising
  • Part-time interests - these may be things you don't get to do as often, such as travel or cultural activities.
Essentially, anything that shows who you are beyond academics and work. It doesn't need to be impressive - just genuine and reflective of your interests. I always used to discuss my interest in reading and the London Underground, so it doesn't have to be linked to law in some way at all!

I hope that helps :)
 

Trophy

Legendary Member
Oct 29, 2025
199
297
Thanks, have you gotten yours yet? If not, then hoping you'll get it soon.

It's so frustrating, I haven't received any interview/AC yet, and I was holding onto that stage 2 invite for my dear life as proof that one of my target firms thinks I'm worth it.

Literal wording: Congratulations! Your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the process, as you’ve demonstrated the potential we’re looking for.
When did you apply? Maybe they decided to switch it up half way through 😭

Nope not heard back. Despite the written element which was okay, the Sjt was fairly easy. Although I didn’t answer one of them as I had a parcel delivered and I didn’t know it was timed 😬 thank you!

I didn’t even get a feedback report or anything is this standard?
 

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
649
600
does anyone know for chambers rankings - what does spotlight mean? sorry probs super stupid
Hi!

Not a stupid question at all - I actually wasn't too sure either!

Chambers describes it as: "A 'Spotlight' ranking is given to firms or individuals where the table does not have numerical rankings. All 'Spotlight' rankings are equal and the ranking serves to highlight a select group of firms or individuals."

Essentially, it seems like it is used when a team or individual isn't placed in a numbered Band, but Chambers still wants to highlight them for doing strong or specialised work in a particular niche area.

I hope that helps! :)
 
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Reactions: Amgrad

DavidJC

Legendary Member
Dec 29, 2019
186
397
I think I've now accepted that Latham is a PFO for me seeing as I've still not heard past the Stage 1 SJT after 3 days, not really sure what went wrong there as I normally do well in SJTs and I've never failed any SJT before Latham's Stage 1 (with the exception of my first time doing one for a Barclays scheme last year but I did not do a practice test either then). God I hate Cappfinity...
 

yk1906

Legendary Member
Aug 26, 2024
493
536
When did you apply? Maybe they decided to switch it up half way through 😭

Nope not heard back. Despite the written element which was okay, the Sjt was fairly easy. Although I didn’t answer one of them as I had a parcel delivered and I didn’t know it was timed 😬 thank you!

I didn’t even get a feedback report or anything is this standard?
I applied on November 4th. I don't remember getting any feedback and can't find any in my inbox!
 

elle woods

Legendary Member
Dec 4, 2025
334
545
Thanks, have you gotten yours yet? If not, then hoping you'll get it soon.

It's so frustrating, I haven't received any interview/AC yet, and I was holding onto that stage 2 invite for my dear life as proof that one of my target firms thinks I'm worth it.

Literal wording: Congratulations! Your application has been shortlisted for the next stage of the process, as you’ve demonstrated the potential we’re looking for.
if it helps, I think your worth it 😁 also don't be disheartened! Your AC will come in time, I'm sure of it!
 
  • 🤝
Reactions: yk1906

elle woods

Legendary Member
Dec 4, 2025
334
545
I think I've now accepted that Latham is a PFO for me seeing as I've still not heard past the Stage 1 SJT after 3 days, not really sure what went wrong there as I normally do well in SJTs and I've never failed any SJT before Latham's Stage 1 (with the exception of my first time doing one for a Barclays scheme last year but I did not do a practice test either then). God I hate Cappfinity...
haha... if I were you I'd still hold some hope! 3 days isn't that long imo (i haven't heard back in over 2 weeks lol... ) I hope you get an invite soon tho!
 

legallybrunnette

Active Member
Premium Member
Aug 8, 2025
17
12
For White & Case’s question, “Please use the space below to provide details of any careers events you have attended (e.g. insight days, workshops, presentations etc.). These do not need to be White & Case specific. (Max. 350 words)”:

(a) What structure should I follow?
(b) Can I refer to virtual events such as those run by TCLA? I am an international student so, apart from one Open Day, I do not have much in-person experience. Virtual events have therefore been particularly valuable for me.

I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has applied, and also from @Abbie Whitlock and @Andrei Radu , who are known for their structure and strategies here in TCLA :)

Thank you in advance!
 
Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

elle woods

Legendary Member
Dec 4, 2025
334
545
Random and a little silly, but for a monitored SJT with numerical aspects, can I split-screen my iPad between the notes app and calculator? Idk if that’s seen as cheating lol, I don’t think I’ve got a physical calculator
😂 HAHA lowkey with my AOS monitored SJT with numerical questions, I whipped out my clacky (ASMR type keys) calculator and made a whole show and performance for them hahah... but honestly I don't think it's an issue, don't think they'll be able to tell unless you wear glasses and they can see it in the reflection...
 

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