TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ReedSmithBecca]

Anyone still waiting to hear back from Reed Smith post-app? Radio silence since the deadline…

Hi! Just to update you that we do read all applications so are working our way through them and hope to respond to all applicants within the next few weeks. It has only been 9 working days since the deadline and, as you can imagine, we received hundreds on deadline day alone so your patience is appreciated!

 

[Prudentia]

Hi! Just to update you that we do read all applications so are working our way through them so hope to respond to all applicants within the next few weeks. It has only been 9 working days since the deadline and, as you can imagine, we received hundreds on deadline day alone so your patience is appreciated!

Thinking of you and all the other grad recruiters right now. Sifting hundreds of applications within a few weeks is no easy feat!

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

hey guys for jones day video interview would you suggest avoiding trump-related news stories or topics? just bc in the US the firm is doing quite some work for the trump admin...

My understanding from my WE (at US firm) is that political talk is pretty much banned among staff at US firms - for me personally I wouldn't bring it up in an interview

 

[zonnonomo]

i love u tcla

one second i'm watching a gif of person going crazy and the next the grad rec of billion dollar firm provides insider tea

 

[radssss]

Guys is it just me or there was absolutely no time to answer the last question for the Goodwin vi??? Like you can’t answer that in 1 min 30 secs - got fully cut off and it’s gonna be a pfo now :/

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

So I have a DLA AC next Tuesday, but FLK1 on Wednesday, so I’m heavily focussing in revising. This is my first AC and I want to be targeted with my prep so I can focus on the SQE. Any advice on the best way to focus the AC prep maybe an hour a day max? I’m thinking of focussing on prepping for motivational and commercial questions in the interview, as I’ve heard it’s not really possible to prepare for the other assessment types? I’m a career changer and don’t really have an issue with working in a group environment, so can’t see how to prep for the group activity.

Hey @nbjani congratulations on your AC. I think Avani has made a great post on how to prepare here. https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ssment-centres-how-to-prepare.4534/post-93642

Just to add in my two cents, I think it is possible to prepare for the others - not content wise, but mentally. The truth is, each aspect of the AC assesses different skills and capabilities, such as the group exercise which is looking at how well you work within a team, your ability to navigate multiple personalities and engage with other opinions, notwithstanding being able to advocate for yours (flexibly).

The best piece of advice I can give you for the other components, is to understand what the assessors are looking for here and making yourself comfortable with being able to display those skills.

 

[tc2026]

Hi can anyone provide advice for the Bank of England test? their email doesnt say much lol. tysm.!

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Hi can anyone provide advice for the Bank of England test? their email doesnt say much lol. tysm.!

It’s just a very straightforward SJT, picking a most and least likely scenario

 

[Harvey Specter]

Does anyone know what a strengths-based style of interview would entail? I have one for Freshfields tomorrow and ngl I’ve got no idea what to expect or how to prepare for this at all lmao.​

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Does anyone know what a strengths-based style of interview would entail? I have one for Freshfields tomorrow and ngl I’ve got no idea what to expect or how to prepare for this at all lmao.​

Good luck!!

 

[jamsparkle]

This limbo is the worst, like if its a PFO, just rip the band-aid off

lol i was really over it when i did the assessment so i rushed through my links wg and got 59th percentile. last year i got 88th and was rejected from the first year scheme so i kind of counted that one out as soon as i got my score sent over from grad rec and i'll be really surprised if i get an AC. but because I still haven't heard anything there's still an element of anticipation

 

[abc124]

Does anyone know what a strengths-based style of interview would entail? I have one for Freshfields tomorrow and ngl I’ve got no idea what to expect or how to prepare for this at all lmao.​

If it's anything like the stage 2 test, it's just scenario-based questions

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Hi can anyone provide advice for the Bank of England test? their email doesnt say much lol. tysm.!

Hi, yeah as someone else said, it’s pretty straightforward. Probably the easiest sjt I’ve done so far

 

[jamsparkle]

Anyone hear back from Osborne Clarke AC yet(through 10 K)?

I asked and they said end of this week or middle of next week. Should expect to hear through email and they'll provide feedback on the full application

 

[rulebritannia]

Just got the Eversheds email for AC

 

[radssss]

Just got the Eversheds email for AC

Hi, congratulations!! Which office?

 

[martianmcfly]

Hey guys, I have an AC coming up later this month with Bird & Bird. This is my first recruitment cycle and I have never sat an AC. I am a non-law student from a non RG university therefore I haven't had much exposure to the legal field or city law firms. I am unsure how to prepare for the AC and was wondering if anyone here has any guidance and insight they can share with me.

 

[BealMcAlly]

How is everyone approaching scenario based questions in VIs? I used to use a lived example but then realised I was probably not answering the question. I have changed my strategy this year and just giving an analysis of what I am being asked and what my actions would be in steps. I have no idea if this is successful yet but I'm curious to hear from some of you.

 

[tc2026]

still waiting on DLA ac 🥹

 

[elle woods]