• Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training Contract
    Now half the price. Join TCLA Premium for £30/month and get step-by-step application support, daily commercial awareness practice, and 700+ successful examples of past applications and interview experiences. Plus so much more.
    Join Premium →

Search results

  1. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! If it were an in-person event, they might lean toward giving priority to new attendees. But since it is virtual, I really doubt they’ll restrict spots that much.
  2. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Most firms are clear that they don’t actually check the details of your Forage submissions, and you can also update your Forage settings if you’re concerned. Honestly, they’re not reviewing them—there are just too many students completing these. These programmes are more for your own...
  3. ZNadeem

    Macfarlanes online assessment - any advice??

    Hi! No worries, here is a link: https://www.theforage.com/simulations?careers=law. Have a look at the tasks and try to do 1-2 more general ones.
  4. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Honestly, I’d say if it’s a firm you’re really keen on, try your best to apply within the first third of the window. Even for firms that aren’t rolling, being early can sometimes help. That said, for many rolling firms, they don’t actually start progressing people until much later — but...
  5. ZNadeem

    Macfarlanes online assessment - any advice??

    Oh that’s interesting! Looks like a new step they’ve added. I’d imagine it’s a simplified version of a classic trainee task. My advice would be to try out some Forage corporate and finance tasks (Macfarlanes or other firms) to get practice with the style of work. I’m not entirely sure what the...
  6. ZNadeem

    A career changer's journey

    Huge well done — it sounds like you’re making amazing progress and really taking charge of your journey!
  7. ZNadeem

    Applying to Clifford Chance Insight day

    Right! The restriction does not include the insight day.
  8. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! Wishing you the best of luck with this cycle — and well done for taking initiative!
  9. ZNadeem

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    Hi! Yes, you're correct — they appear to have replaced it with a situational judgment type test :)
  10. ZNadeem

    Macfarlanes online assessment - any advice??

    Hi! The test is a Capp assessment run through Cappfinity — it’s mainly SJT-style questions, but you should also expect some critical thinking ones too. I don’t think it’s timed. I’d recommend checking out the Cappfinity preparation hub before attempting the Macfarlanes online assessment...
  11. ZNadeem

    worth applying to lower tier firms this summer?

    Hi! I’d definitely still apply to your “choice” firms too — you have nothing to lose, and with a strong application you could progress further than you think. On the “competitive vs. less competitive” point, in reality there isn’t much difference — firms one might think are less competitive...
  12. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! No, it isn’t just for penultimate-year students. It’s open to anyone who is in the penultimate year of a law degree or above (so final years and graduates are all eligible too).
  13. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! I wouldn’t worry too much about mentioning open days, but yes — to be on the safe side, you can tick “yes” and just note that you applied for an open day and weren’t successful.
  14. ZNadeem

    Application Guidance

    Hi! For “what makes you a good candidate for the firm's trainee programme”, I agree — it’s more of a strength-based question than a motivation one. I’d suggest looking at some past applications in the database if you can, just to see the range of approaches people have taken. You don’t need to...
  15. ZNadeem

    TC and Placement Dilema

    Hi! Firstly, huge well done and congrats! A few thoughts: Safety net vs. preference: It’s okay to think of the first offer as security, especially this early in your career. Many candidates do accept offers and later decide to move, so long as they handle it professionally. Etiquette: If you...
  16. ZNadeem

    Multiple TC offers?

    Hi! I was in a similar position a year ago. This is a very personal decision and can come down to a wide range of factors, depending on what matters most to you: Specific seats/practice areas you’re keen on that one firm offers but not the other Secondment opportunities (client or...
  17. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! The test is a Capp assessment run through Cappfinity — it’s mainly SJT-style questions, but you should also expect some critical thinking ones too. I don’t think it’s timed. I’d recommend checking out the Cappfinity preparation hub before attempting the Macfarlanes online assessment...
  18. ZNadeem

    Application Guidance

    Hi! Ah, I see. I’d still recommend diving straight into “why commercial law,” since that naturally touches on “why law” too. I know it can be a bit confusing with the wording, especially when they initially specify “corporate law,” but focusing on commercial/corporate law will keep your answer...
  19. ZNadeem

    Documenting my TC Journey (Project TC🚀)

    Rooting for you, Jasmine! You’ve done such a thoughtful reflection, and it’s clear you’re taking all the right steps to grow stronger with each cycle. Keep going - you’ve got this! I have truly enjoyed reading all your updates :)
  20. ZNadeem

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Hi! There isn’t an exact % cut-off for most firms — they generally just look for at least a 2:1 overall. Whether or not you get an open day invite doesn’t change that benchmark, though open days are more about showing interest and getting to know the firm. If you’re worried about your grades...

About Us

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.

Get Our 2026 Vacation Scheme Guide

Nail your vacation scheme applications this year with our latest guide, with sample answers to law firm questions.

    Share this page

    Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2022 XenForo Ltd. | Style and add-ons by ThemeHouse | Community services from Audentio
    XenCarta 2 PRO © Jason Axelrod of 8WAYRUN
    Top Bottom