• 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 →
  • Ace Your Vacation Scheme Applications with Reed Smith
    10 Nov 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    Join Reed Smith for this practical session on how to write a strong vacation scheme application ahead of key deadlines. Understand what recruiters look for and how to get past the application review stage.
    Register on Zoom →
  • Write Winning Vacation Scheme Applications with Osborne Clarke
    11 Nov 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)
    Hear from Recruitment Advisor Patrick Fermin Ryan at Osborne Clarke on how to write a successful vacation scheme application. Gain expert advice on what makes applications stand out and how to approach yours with confidence.
    Register on Zoom →

Reply to thread

Realistically if a firm has set their requirements at AAA-AAB your application won't make it past review stage so I wouldn't waste any time making applications to firms that have strict criteria.


Yes a lot of firms are now turning towards recruiting solely through the vacation scheme but many firms still offer the direct TC route.


if I were you, I would focus on the feedback you have received about your commercial awareness and lack of confidence. Everyone can think you are great but if you are not commercially aware and lack confidence you won't survive one day in a city law firm.


I would for sure apply to the firms that said to apply to them again, making sure you show how you have improved since your last application/vacation scheme.


You can build up your commercial awareness bit by by everyday. Plenty of resources online on how to do this. Confidence wise, this is something you can only help yourself with unfortunately. The fact that you have done 5 vacation schemes should be a massive confidence boost in itself.


Don't give up, who knows this year could be your year :)


Our company is called, "The Corporate ___ Academy". What is the missing word here?

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.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.