TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Donna Paulsen]

Does anyone have a zip law subscription?? And if you do, is it useful? I only want to get it to prep for my ac but I don’t know if its worth it 🥲

I do, just be weary that they don't have AC info for every firm, their commercial awareness stories are quite good but there's not a lot imo when you narrow them down by sectors/practice areas. You can message me if you want if you would like me to see if they have the info you're looking for!

 

[elle woods]

Thank you so much!

Could I just clarify what you mean by the last line with how strict firms seem to be - what issue could arise with doing the VS whilst having a TC offer?

I will almost certainly be doing my TC at the firm that has offered me a TC, but ultimately would love also to gain experience in my second choice firm which I would be interested in exploring post qualification.


*Just to add onto this also for the forum in general - I'm very happy to help with info about a range of private client firm application processes! I know full well how difficult this process is

Oh, I'm not too sure with regards to private client firms, but from my experience with commercial firms, it seems like they want to avoid people who have already accepted graduate roles elsewhere, especially on schemes which are meant for recruitment purposes. I hope that makes sense? But ultimately, I think clarifying with the firm is better, as because I don't know your exact situation, I cannot say for certain what the best way forward is! All the best!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

soz to interrupt the beef. Just wondering if people with AC experience can tell me the likelihood of receiving a case study that isn't M&A related? That is all I have really prepared and I'm worried

I got one where they were looking to expanding to a new country and the recommendations you would give
But mostly it's been somewhat related to M&A
Good luck!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Guys. I really don't think the back and forth is conducive to a productive environment. I really enjoy coming here and (personally) as someone who hasn't progressed very much, I don't mind seeing others talk about their success. Because I don't talk with anyone about how stressed I am all the time and how much anxiety I am getting with all the waiting and PFOs but you guys, I hope when I have a success you will all celebrate with me. I know you will! This is a stressful time and the last thing we need is to turn on each other. Sorry for rambling ❤️

 

[Novaa]

soz to interrupt the beef. Just wondering if people with AC experience can tell me the likelihood of receiving a case study that isn't M&A related? That is all I have really prepared and I'm worried

I’ve been going through my archives to see if I have anything on the case study I did with Freshfields.

I found some rough notes, and mine was an ESG case study about a listed company trying to transition to being more sustainable, by investing in green projects and dealing with the impact that had on its share price.

Disclaimer: Please, when I say archives, I mean ARCHIVES… I don’t remember that AC.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

I do, just be weary that they don't have AC info for every firm, their commercial awareness stories are quite good but there's not a lot imo when you narrow them down by sectors/practice areas. You can message me if you want if you would like me to see if they have the info you're looking for!

Hey Donna, how can I PM you? I think your profile is limited.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Hey Donna, how can I PM you? I think your profile is limited.

I've unlimited it now

 

[TortillaTC]

Does anyone have any good tips for Amberjack to ace the “applied intellect” pillar? I keep getting very low scores between 1-3 and I don’t understand, because I practised for all the other pillars and now get high scores, just not applied intellect for some reason

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I've unlimited it now

People are gna rush to send you PMs now that you’re account is unlimited like this now:

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Does anyone have any good tips for Amberjack to ace the “applied intellect” pillar? I keep getting very low scores between 1-3 and I don’t understand, because I practised for all the other pillars and now get high scores, just not applied intellect for some reason

https://www.weareamberjack.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AmberjacksModelforIdentifyingPotential.pdf

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

People are gna rush to send you PMs now that you’re account is unlimited like this now:

No it's only for me

 

[TortillaTC]

https://www.weareamberjack.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AmberjacksModelforIdentifyingPotential.pdf

Thank you!

 

[Novaa]

Gang just did the assessment for mishcon, is the below (28/36) + high numerical and verbal good for the mishcon amberjack? I usually love amberjacks hahaha. Hopefully they back to us soon for summer vs!
View attachment 7824

Radssss I have an e-book offer for you… “Acing a Mishcon SJT by Radssss”

 

[Donna Paulsen]

People are gna rush to send you PMs now that you’re account is unlimited like this now:

Guys feel free I actually love chatting xx #socialite #networking

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Radssss I have an e-book offer for you… “Acing a Mishcon SJT by Radssss”

Use the code harveyspecter for 25% off your first e-book purchase (including student discount):

 

[radssss]

Does anyone have any good tips for Amberjack to ace the “applied intellect” pillar? I keep getting very low scores between 1-3 and I don’t understand, because I practised for all the other pillars and now get high scores, just not applied intellect for some reason

I try to be very friendly (as this pillar also measures social skills) and don’t pick any option whose tone I don’t like considering The option I pick is also rational😭. It sounds weird but it’s worked for me!

For example - someone is not providing you with info you need this week -
A. Check their dairy, Set a meeting when they have time this week and obtain the info.
B. Set a meeting with them this week and figure out their working style preference and get to know them.

I would pick B!
A sounds like the better option considering they have asked how would you approach this situation to get info but it shows that the person is only considering getting the info important/ getting to know their colleagues working style to obtain info like this in the future not as important!

In amberjacks you can also kind of figure out what ques is relating to what pillar so I’d be mindful of that when picking the option with this approach. I’m sure you’ll ace it with some practice as it takes some tests to get a hang of it!

 

[radssss]

Radssss I have an e-book offer for you… “Acing a Mishcon SJT by Radssss”

This made me smile sm😭❤️

I’ve done so badly on the first few in my first cycle that I can’t even tell you😭

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

 

[hanz123]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

4th, got to one AC in my second cycle but was unsuccessful praying that this is my last cycle because I am drained 🥲

 

[flamingocelot]

Has anyone else still not heard from FieldFisher? They said my application was on hold while they assess the first batch of applicants, but I haven't heard back since and I can see people getting offers.
Should I just assume PFO, although I'm slightly confused as they said they were non rolling...
(This is for Pathways to Practice)

Same with me!!!! I was really happy w my application too, so I will be super disappointed if I am PFO'd