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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
816
866
hi guys, would appreciate any insights on this:
ive been fortunate to get an AC with one of top choice firms, which was initially scheduled for mid February, but that I had to reschedule as I had my final exams during that exact date. They've kindly rescheduled for an AC in march, but they've been holding ACs in the meantime and have already sent out many offers for the VS. I can't help but feel super discouraged seeing as I'm not sure how many places there will be by the time I get to do my AC, and that my chances are lower just because its one of the later ones (my assumption being that they will be more picky as they've given out a handful of offers already and spots are filling up). has anyone else been on one of the later ACs and ended up getting the VS? is it usually an even spread between recruiting from ACs? seeing as quite a lot of offers went out im lowkey a bit disappointed to have gotten this far in the process to then have my chances be significantly lower because the firm doesnt wait til everyone's completed ACs to give decisions :/ now debating if theres even a point of me relying on the AC to score a place if my chances by then will be basically nonexistent: theres about 15 vac scheme places per scheme (ACs for both spring and summer), and I've seen at least 5 be given out just from this forum...
@Abbie Whitlock / @Jaysen would love to know as well, I am in the same position, thankful for any insights 🙏
Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite! I totally understand your perspective, and I remember feeling the same way when people would post about offers when I was still waiting to hear back post-AC.

When I completed my DTC AC for Reed Smith, I believe I was one of the later (if not the latest!) ACs, as I had to reschedule due to a clash with a VS. Firms wouldn't continue running ACs or invite candidates if there were no realistic places left, and offers going out early doesn't mean that later ACs are judged more harshly.

It's also worth bearing in mind that online posts can be misleading, as they only show a small snapshot of what is actually happening. Firms expect some candidates to decline offers, so they may plan their recruitment accordingly. If you have been invited to the AC, it is because the firm sees potential, and that doesn't change just because your AC is later in the cycle. Graduate recruitment teams know that there will be strong candidates at the later ACs too, so there is definitely still a chance!

Best of luck with the AC! :)
 

Legallywhatever

Valued Member
Jan 29, 2025
108
154
Take what pays more because A. in some firms Paralegal is just a fancier title to a Legal Assistant.. not everywhere, but I certainly currently feel more like I'm being a Legal Assistant/Secretary than a Paralegal, while at my old job I was definitely a full fee-earner Paralegal and I frequently gave my tasks away to Trainees... Guess which pay(s) more! lol B. If they do have Paralegals in that firm, you can always progress and get paid even more!
Thank you, this is a very insightful point!!
 

FutureTrainee100

Star Member
Premium Member
Sep 12, 2022
47
62
Template for asking for feedback from Willkie:

“Good afternoon,


Many thanks for communicating that outcome with me.

However, I am keen for further feedback at a more granular level and pursuant to this, I am making a Subject Access Request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Thank you.


Kind regards
Maxim J. Parr-Reid”
can I use this to request feedback from any firm???? Also can ask this if rejected at the app stage or only for WE ...etc.?
 

Ernesto

Star Member
Premium Member
Jan 9, 2026
39
80
I also wanted to vent that during the online insight session which was just a few days before the deadline they still hadn’t finalised what the test would be about but said they’re improving and stuff. That meant no one could ask questions about the test or make decisions on whether to apply or even to attend insight events based on the test! I think this is somewhat important given some people decide whether to apply depending on whether the firm has an intermediate pre-recorded video interview or some type of online tests.
Tbf the application was literally just grades and work exp so applying was no effort.
 

soph107048

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Aug 22, 2025
65
72
Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite! I totally understand your perspective, and I remember feeling the same way when people would post about offers when I was still waiting to hear back post-AC.

When I completed my DTC AC for Reed Smith, I believe I was one of the later (if not the latest!) ACs, as I had to reschedule due to a clash with a VS. Firms wouldn't continue running ACs or invite candidates if there were no realistic places left, and offers going out early doesn't mean that later ACs are judged more harshly.

It's also worth bearing in mind that online posts can be misleading, as they only show a small snapshot of what is actually happening. Firms expect some candidates to decline offers, so they may plan their recruitment accordingly. If you have been invited to the AC, it is because the firm sees potential, and that doesn't change just because your AC is later in the cycle. Graduate recruitment teams know that there will be strong candidates at the later ACs too, so there is definitely still a chance!

Best of luck with the AC! :)
thanks so much :)
 
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a114

Standard Member
Jan 25, 2026
8
9
Anyone done the Fladgate online assessment? Just to want know about the format (not questions and answers), happy to trade insights/conversation, please let me know!
It's a pretty standard, nothing surprising or exciting. Had a numerical section, critical thinking (conclusions/assumptions etc.), situational judgements, and then a couple of personality questions with sliders.
 
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User2640

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Jul 19, 2024
56
43
Hi @Abbie Whitlock !

I hope you are doing well.

I was wondering how best to approach the question of "why commercial law rather than social justice-focused work" when it comes in interviews. I've also been asked directly if it's because of money. I honestly wasn't sure how to answer it and got rejected as expected.

Any advice would be very appreciated and thank you so much in advance!
 
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The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

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