TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[User2640]

Hello!

Yes, that structure sounds good to me! I'd say that outlining the challenge first and then discussing why Stephenson Harwood is well position to deal with it is a good way to approach the question, as it shows both your commercial awareness and that you have thought about the firm specifically.

If you have the space / word count, it can also be helpful to briefly mention why the challenge is particularly relevant to Stephenson Harwood (e.g. linking it to their key sectors, offices, or recent work). This way, you're not just identifying a general industry challenge but also showing that you understand how it could impact the firm and how its strengths position it to respond.

Overall, though, I'd say your structure sounds like the correct approach! Best of luck with your application

Hi Abbie,

Please can I ask what are the challenges law firms themselves (or SH specifically) typically face? I can usually only think of the challenges their clients face, and it's just law firms help them navigate those issues.

Thank you!!

 

[anjali20]

Does anyone have any insights for the Faegre Drinker interview?

 

[elizabethkate]

Take your annual leave. I’d recommend against telling them you have a vac scheme, it’s against the terms of some employment contracts to undertake work whilst employed elsewhere and they may not let you do the scheme.

But if they find out, and you've breached the terms of the contract, that makes me nervous

 

[Jessica Pearson]

@Jessica Pearson Hello, as an aspiring criminal defence solicitor in London, would you have any recommendations for securing a paralegal role at entry level with a criminal law firm in London? That is something I am highly interested in and I am truly motivated, but I have never applied for any paralegal roles in criminal law yet and I 'only' completed a legal work experience placement with a criminal law firm in London and two mini-pupillages with criminal Chambers in London. I will also be undertaking this year two other legal work experience placements with criminal law firms in London and another mini-pupillage with a criminal Chambers in London.

Many thanks.

Heyy,
Honestly, you have more criminal law experience than I do when I applied. I would recommend applying to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) as they are actually entry level (they're looking for people willing to learn). With regards to the defence side, I would say tailor your CV and cast a wide net. Sorry if this isn't the best of advice but this is the only criminal law role I applied for, so I don't really have much advice on it

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie,

Please can I ask what are the challenges law firms themselves (or SH specifically) typically face? I can usually only think of the challenges their clients face, and it's just law firms help them navigate those issues.

Thank you!!

Hi!

For a firm such as Stephenson Harwood, I would perhaps consider issues such as:

• Talent attraction and retention - law firms have to compete heavily for top graduates, associates and partners. Retaining talent is a challenge (and there are plenty of cases of top partners moving laterally!), particularly as priorities continue to shift (e.g. better work-life balance)
• Technology and AI - the rise of legal tech and AI is changing how legal work is delivered. Firms will need to invest in technology to remain competitive whilst also ensuring that the quality of their work and advice remains the same (or better!).
• International competition and market position - many firms operate in the same key sectors, and therefore need to find ways to differentiate themselves and maintain strong international connections. You could potentially link the recent increase in law firm mergers, particularly with US firms, as evidence of this!
• Client expectations - clients increasingly expect greater efficiency, alternative fee arrangements (i.e. not using the hourly billing model), and more commercial advice. This means that firms must deliver value while still maintaining profitability, otherwise they may lose clients to other firms.

I hope that gives an overview of a few different topics you could talk about!

 

[SlippinJimmy]

Hi guys, I have an AC with Orrick coming up and wanted to ask if anyone had done it before and remembers the format. It is from 930am to 430pm, and the only components they told us are an individual handwritten exercise, and a group exercise. There is no interview portion. Apart from lunch and networking with trainees, it seems like a really long time. If anyone knows the schedule of the day, I'd really appreciate it! Always helps to soothe the nerves when I know what to expect for the day's activities

 

[alanshore]

Has anyone received an update for Hogan Lovells Launch Pad?

 

[lawyersum]

TFL WHY HAVE YOU SCHEDULED TUBE STRIKES FROM 21-24 APRIL - SPRING VAC SCHEME DATES!!! What do we do mannnn

 

[fTS3002]

Is anyone still waiting on Bakers Summer scheme post-AC?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

TFL WHY HAVE YOU SCHEDULED TUBE STRIKES FROM 21-24 APRIL - SPRING VAC SCHEME DATES!!! What do we do mannnn

TCLA LLP should file a class-action lawsuit against TfL for always inconveniencing people at the worst times possible. It’ll get taken to the UK Supreme Court and @Lord Sumption will grant us a victory and an injunction for TfL being a nuisance…

 

[privateequitywarrior]

Harvey Specter got it wrong!!! SPB AC London- I’m waiting for my fruit bowl, Harvey

 

[Bread]

SPB AC London! Insights greatly appreciated, can offer insight into a few US + MC firms!

 

[jojo23]

But if they find out, and you've breached the terms of the contract, that makes me nervous

Just make sure to block every member of your workplace before you drop a 'im delighted to announce' post on linkedin

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Congrats everyone who just got the SPB London AC invite, I've also just been invited! I would be really grateful for any insights anyone can share. I can help out with a range of US, MC and Silver Circle processes amongst others.

 

[Legalfreak212]

SPB AC London?! Laughing because my VI was shambolic

 

[dgdfhdfhfss]

Is anyone still waiting on Travers Smith post app?

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

SPB AC London?! Laughing because my VI was shambolic

I'm generally abysmal at asynchronous VIs so also amazed to be invited!!

 

[meredithgrey]

Any advice for negotiation and/or debate group exercises?
Been told for my AC tmrw to look after my own interests as well as contributing to the group but that's all I know so inferring from that it's either negotiation or debate but idk?!!
@Abbie Whitlock

 

[Ashley06]

is it safe to assume pfo for winston post-wg lol

 

[Ashley06]

Does anyone know what score Mishcon requires for the online assessment, and whether they're assessing just that now or also the chat interview, or whether the chat interview was assessed before sending out the online assessment?