TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[radssss]

Does anyone have tips on how to approach a group exercise at AC? I've never done one before Thanks in advance!

@summersun provided great tips! Oh I agree, I remember a trainee telling me that there was a rude person with good points at her ac, everyone got the tc in that group except him.

I would just say - be proactive make sure everyone is participating, if someone is a bit quieter ask them for their view or how they feel about the ideas presented.
Ask to timekeep if you can or atleast present the idea to timekeep to the group, keep an eye at the watch to cover most points of the topic. Take small Initiatives like this and it goes a long way.
I had spoken to grad rec and some trainees and got these tips

 

[8law]

Same! :/

I emailed them about it and they said theres delays because of the amount of applications they received but they will get back to everyone so deffo dont lose hope!

 

[radssss]

I emailed them about it and they said theres delays because of the amount of applications they received but they will get back to everyone so deffo dont lose hope!

Thank you for letting me know as I almost lost hope

Did they say they’d send more vis or something?

“so many applications” - I’m scared now

 

[8law]

Thank you for letting me know as I almost lost hope

Did they say they’d send more vis or something?

“so many applications” - I’m scared now

No they didn't mentions VI's but I followed up asking about that but they havent got back to me ..

 

[pepsicola96]

2nd cycle - did a legal placement year in my 3rd year at uni (didn’t convert at that firm and it was also my dream silver circle firm as I flopped the ac at the end of the scheme). Started applying again in my fourth year at uni (no offers) which was technically my first cycle as I only applied to two placement scheme law firms in my second year, was lucky to get one offer!

Now applying as a recent graduate!
I’m an international so I have only two years left to get a tc as my visa will expire so also applying for other sponsored jobs to buy myself more time just incase!

Sorry for the rant, I was so heartbroken

I think it’s crazy that placement year students still have to undergo an AC at the end! A year of working for the firm is a far better indicator of your ability than an arbitrary group exercise or case study.

 

[Partcore22]

Irwin Mitchell pfo

i thought they havent got back to anyone? what did they say? when did u apply and what for

 

[radssss]

I think it’s crazy that placement year students still have to undergo an AC at the end! A year of working for the firm is a far better indicator of your ability than an arbitrary group exercise or case study.

This firm was strict with acs. They don’t even hire paralegals working at the firm for 3+ years until they pass the ac regardless of their work to make it fair for external candidates. I have seen this happen to very competent paralegals there..

I agree with you it’s very stupid.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

This firm was strict with acs. They don’t even hire paralegals working at the firm for 3+ years until they pass the ac regardless of their work to make it fair for external candidates. I have seen this happen to very competent paralegals there..

I agree with you it’s very stupid.

Bruh if an internal paralegal of 2-3 years can’t pass the AC what hope is there for us regulars if we make it to their AC. This lowkey sounds like it’s Macfarlanes but I’m probs wrong. Imagine all the paralegals grafting their AC prep and after 3 long years of hard work the partner says:

 

[Lovelaw77]

Hey everyone! I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for the Amberjack SJT assessments? + Also, how to score highly on creative force specifically & any tips for the Mishcon de Reya one specifically would be great too! Thank you!!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Hi all! Looking for some advice
For background, I've been slightly stalking this forum without an account for a few months now!

I am incredibly grateful to have secured a TC and VS at two different firms over the past few weeks (unfortunately under confidentiality agreement with both atm!). I am absolutely going to accept the TC offer, since it is probably my 1st choice firm. However, the VS offer is at my 2nd choice firm, and in a completely different area of law to the 1st choice! Therefore, I would love to gain the experience offered at the VS firm for my future career.

I have received my VS firm contract which does not say anything about having a TC at another firm, but I am yet to receive my TC contract whilst they check references. I need to sign my VS offer by Wednesday. I am also unsure what to do when it comes to the AC at the end of the VS.

I would love your advice about what to do in this position!

P.S. I truly hope this doesn't come across as showing off or tone deaf; I have really enjoyed the insights on this forum so far so would love your POV. Thank you!! <3

Don’t do the VS

Not worth it especially if you’re gonna accept the TC anyway.

 

[sbbusybee]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

First where I’ve actually applied to multiple firms - last year I applied to one open day, got it, and applied to one VS and got the final interview (did not get it lol), but I wasn’t too fussed last year as I knew I was doing a year in industry and the TCs on offer last year wouldn’t work with my grad year.

I’m not under toooo much pressure this year as I could probably stay at my current firm as a paralegal after uni, and I also wouldn’t be opposed to a year off (this is all wishful thinking that it doesn’t take me multiple cycles to get a TC though lol).

 

[lelezb1]

Same with me!!!! I was really happy w my application too, so I will be super disappointed if I am PFO'd

Has anyone else still not heard from FieldFisher? They said my application was on hold while they assess the first batch of applicants, but I haven't heard back since and I can see people getting offers.
Should I just assume PFO, although I'm slightly confused as they said they were non rolling...
(This is for Pathways to Practice)

I think they are semi rolling for their vac scheme. This is what I’ve found from their website -
“We’ve made our application process fair but rigorous - we want to see you at your best! Applications are reviewed as they come in, so you might hear back before the deadline. We may also close applications early, so don’t leave it too late.

Take your time to put together a strong application, but if you’re keen, get ahead of the game and beat the rush!”

PS: I finally understood how people reply to several posts all at once

 

[radssss]

I think they are semi rolling for their vac scheme. This is what I’ve found from their website-

I’m sure it said non-rolling before and they’ve changed it. I have a screenshot in my gallery but lazy to find it

Edit - sorry just read vac scheme, I was talking about dtc

 

[lelezb1]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

second?
I had no strategy whatsoever in my first cycle. I started applying in feb or so, made it to an AC for DTC but obvio didn’t get it.
Hopefully, this is the cycle I get my offer. Also, an international student so my clock is ticking

 

[lelezb1]

I’m sure it said non-rolling before and they’ve changed it. I have a screenshot in my gallery but lazy to find it

Edit - sorry just read vac scheme, I was talking about dtc

did they pause the dtc app screening after the first batch too?

 

[radssss]

did they pause the dtc app screening after the first batch too?

Yes!

 

[lividowl03]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

Second! But my first cycle taking it semi seriously. Last year I had zero clue what I was doing and didn't put too much effort into my applications. Seriously hoping for the TC this cycle, but also recognising I haven't taken it as seriously as I should because final year is kicking my arse. If a third cycle is the way it goes I will be shooting off applications like no tomorrow.

 

[lelezb1]

Yes!

Hopefully you’ll hear back positively from them soon!

 

[M85672]

How does one put more than 5-6 hours a day since August on apps and not yield a single AC

 

[radssss]

Hopefully you’ll hear back positively from them soon!

Thank you and hoping the same for you if you applied to them and from other firms too