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  1. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Nothing, though I had someone PM me asking about them as they had an AC and noted I had been to the OD. It's a small cohort for Bristol, so I assumed they are either working through apps or they have sent their invites out.
  2. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think they said there would be 8 people taken in for VE at their OD - my memory may be failing me but I was shocked how small an intake it was. No interview during the scheme though so got the impression it was yours to lose on the scheme.
  3. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Firstly, sorry to you and your fellow participants for that experience; it sounds awful. The assessors will be briefed for these situations and will not hold the person's behaviour against you or the rest of the team. The only thing that one of you could have done that was perhaps in your...
  4. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Unfortunately the have timed prep. I completed it ages ago so don’t remember but think you can experience it in their prep hub.
  5. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Has anyone noticed how the FT never entertains Paul Weiss by putting the comma in their name? 😆
  6. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    The SJT after the application form was automatic but the stage after the SJT was not.
  7. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I’m at 120 days+ since applying to Simmons in Bristol 🤣 I think for Bristol they are genuinely waiting for the closing date though
  8. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Honestly, I think they do understand it. From an objective point of view they have to review all the amazing applications they receive. In a couple of ACs I have attended this year the first have started the have have had between 1-2k more applicants than normal. Those sorts of volumes...
  9. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I thought I needed to see an optometrist @Jaysen small hearts floating in my vision 😅
  10. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Could just be chasing the feedback internally - participation by a lawyer in the AC will be a small part of their daily commitment and client work will always come first. They’ll be back to you for sure even if it’s first thing Monday. Is your VS with the other firm time limited for acceptance...
  11. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    This is really a personal question for you: do you want to be based in Bristol? The London and Bristol offices are meant to work in tandem, so it's not meant to be an "us" and "them" situation. I do think it is also possible to transfer offices post-qualification, if they had need and space, but...
  12. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    You do the amberjack test and then the VIs are after but you can pause and continue them when you’re ready, unlimited prep time for the VIs so you can do one, then take a break etc - I think you just have to have the VIs completed by the deadline date.
  13. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Totally normal to feel like this! I was on a cloud for 2 days after being offered my first VS. Well done and enjoy the feeling :)
  14. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Amazing well done! Did you get good feedback that you can work on from your previous VS’?
  15. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Is this scenario have you done the sqe already? If not the you’d either be waiting until 2027 already or doing it at the same time as working. Or have I misunderstood?
  16. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think so, but who can really say it’s up to their grad rec.
  17. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I think without seeing what you wrote it’s really hard to give guidance, though I think structure goes a long way and starting out by plotting this out as a skeleton before adding the fleshed out paragraphs. You often can’t cover every topic either so best to choose 2-3 and answer them well.
  18. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Covington grad rec indicated they’d invited 45ish for ACs and that was going to be it - think there is one more day of ACs next week but bulk were this week across 4 sessions. Tough AC as well.
  19. J

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    If it’s the one I think it was then it was a tough AC, particularly for a 1st one so cut yourself some slack 🫶

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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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