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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

what would you guys take an ac ‘panel interview’ to entail? other tasks stated to be group exercise and WG resit
Hi!

From my understanding, a 'panel interview' is usually an interview where there are two or more interviewers at the same time (so it is usually a mix of partners, senior associates, HR, etc.). It is different from a normal interview in that they may take turns asking questions or build on each other's follow-ups, or one might lead and the other(s) observes and takes notes.

In terms of content, I would say it is likely to be similar to other AC interviews - it is usually a mix of motivational, commercial, and competency questions. There may also be situational or strengths-based questions as well!

My main advice would be to maintain eye contact with whoever is asking the question initially, but when you answer, involve the whole panel and speak to them all. Best of luck with the AC! :)
 
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Reactions: toughluck
Honestly I feel like they should notify how many they've got on these lists and where you are on the list. I see 4 reserves in the space of a few seconds just in this forum.

Seems like a bit of a scam tbh if they're putting 20 people on a list and you're number 20 but you have to wait till April to see if 19 people in front of you pull out and you get the sloppy seconds.
I'm on 3 lists atm. Don't even know what to think
 
hey everyone,

For a case study that would want you to present like you to present in a professional meeting without any formal itnroduction

Would you recommend having an executive summary? Or just skipping that and doing intro, body, conclusion!

Thanks so much
Hey!

If they have said to present it without a formal introduction, I wouldn't include a separate structured executive summary. In a live presentation, you could include a brief summary in the introduction section - the structure could look like:

1. Opening: briefly frame the issue and your overall recommendation upfront
2. Body: work your way through the key issues in a logical way
3. Conclusion: reiterate your recommendation and any next steps

Therefore, I wouldn't give a formal executive summary as part of your presentation, but you can briefly outline the overall themes in the introduction. I hope that assists! :)
 
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Reactions: aliiiisonxooox
Is this a generic message in the rejection email from shoosmiths: we would be very pleased to receive a future application from you, when the cycle re-opens in Autumn 2026. From what I have read on here, last year there was a range of different e-mails
Yeahhh last year my rejection said 'please know your application was strong'...

This year it was a complete big fat no with generic advice on what to improve on that everyone gets.
 
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