• 📅 Vacation Scheme Applications 2025–26

    Planning to apply for winter, spring or summer vacation schemes? Join our dedicated threads for support, deadlines, and discussion:

    Let’s make this your strongest application season yet 💼

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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    PFO from Shoosmiths TC after completing the AC 😭 I really felt like I did so well on the day and was able to build good rapport with the assessors… but then again there were only 3 TC spots and like 20 candidates so I guess being good wasn’t enough!
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi. Can someone clarify the differences between a strengths-based interview and a competency-based interview? From what I've come across, a strength-based question is just a competency in disguise, as both require evidence of previous experience. If that's the case, how should I go about...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Thank you Andrei! This is a very useful breakdown I wish I’d known for my first AC a while back. Are you able to suggest any resources to practice the common types of case study presentations/ group tasks that come up. I remember struggling in my previous AC at BCLP to quickly assimilate all...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I really appreciate this Ram! I have been told to prepare for the following: - Paired exercise and a Group exercise: Assessors will observe behaviour and interaction with a group, taking note of both verbal and non-verbal behaviour. - Presentation: Short verbal presentation to prepare and...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Thanks Jessica, the email outlines the following of what to expect on the day: - Paired exercise and a Group exercise: Assessors will observe behaviour and interaction with a group, taking note of both verbal and non-verbal behaviour. - Presentation: Short verbal presentation to prepare and...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    After an insanely huge turn of events, I’ve just been offered an AC slot for Shoosmiths (after initially being declined but told they were impressed and put me on the reserve list)! The AC is scheduled for the 8th July and it has been a few years since I did my first one (which flopped), so...
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Shoosmiths PFO! However, this time with the following interesting caveat which I’m not so sure what to think of: “However, we were impressed with your application, and you did score highly, so you have been placed on our reserve list. This means in the event that someone declines their place on...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Shoosmiths PFO! However, this time with the following interesting caveat which I’m not so sure what to think of: “However, we were impressed with your application, and you did score highly, so you have been placed on our reserve list. This means in the event that someone declines their place on...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Anyone heard back from Shoosmiths yet?
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    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Anyone heard back from Shoosmiths yet?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hi. Can anyone please clarify the following TC application question: “Shoosmiths is a firm of individuals, with a culture that will actively allow you to grow your skills and challenge yourself. Focusing on one previous experience (in personal, work or study), what skills have you developed...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Has anyone heard back from WBD post online test?
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Anyone else finally got the AG PFO like me? 😂 after all this time lol. I felt it was my strongest application to date too which is a shame…
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Does anyone know when we can expect to hear back from WBD? Also, how did people find the online test? Idk why I struggled with the basic maths-related questions that I would have aced when doing my GCSEs lol.
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It sucks because I initially applied to their direct TC last year (around June) and they reached out to me not long after saying that they had already filled up the spaces for direct TCs but really liked my application so wanted to transfer me to the VS process instead. Essentially this has been...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    They emailed me to tell me they aim to respond within 10 weeks of the application deadline (6th Jan). This should mean we hear back by 17th March, which is the 10-week mark. They also told me that there were to be multiple ACs running from Jan to March, but I highly doubt they haven't already...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Has anyone heard back from AG yet/received PFO emails within the past few weeks? I’ve only seen people receive AC invitations here and there but not rejection emails which is strange considering they told us we would hear back 10 weeks from the application deadline (which would be by the 17th...
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Hill Dickinson PFO 😭 still stings even though they’re not my main target. Still waiting to hear back from AG which I assume at this point is most likely PFO. Leaving WBD as my last hope!
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    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Is anyone else still waiting to hear back from AG (vac scheme)? Did my VI a while ago and was aware some people heard back pretty quickly about AC invites so not sure what to think at this point but I'd rather they just get it over with and send me my PFO!

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