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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Is anyone like me, haven't heard from Ashurst for their summer vac schemme application since the initial written application and online test lmao
I feel you. There was a firm that accepted me for their open day and I actually spoke to grad rec about my credentials. I got rejected twice and I thought okay but why? I know its super disheartening but I always try to think of it as this is taking me closer to where I want to be. Everytime something hasn’t worked out like I wanted it to, 99% of the time it was for a good reason. But do not give up. if one firm can’t see your brilliant credentials or don't think its a match, then it's their loss. keep at it mate
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Just remembered there’s a comment of me somewhere on TikTok saying this is my last cycle! 
OHHH I HAVE TO COOK SOMETHING UP, I CAN’T GO OUT LIKE THIS
OHHH I HAVE TO COOK SOMETHING UP, I CAN’T GO OUT LIKE THIS
The Test Partnership, they have some practice tests I was looking at (seems generally pretty standard) but these online tests always feel like a lottery anyway so just looking for any edge I can get
ah okay, i applied in december so im assuming PFOThank you and 22 Jan!
Wait till 12 Feb! There are three ac days to pick from then also the deadline for us to respond is 5 Feb so I’m assuming if people back out they may send out more invites?
it sounds like it should be some sort of German butt doctor.Congrats!!! Also never heard of this firm before (so naive) so I’ve learnt something new today
anyone know anything about stephenson harwood, i applied so early thinking they were rolling and i know its not been long since closing date but just wondering.
also is it correct that if you pass their sjt and vi you are through to the vac scheme?
also is it correct that if you pass their sjt and vi you are through to the vac scheme?
Hey!
Just on your second question, last cycle that was the case - the process was: (1) Application Stage, (2) Online Test (SJT/VI), and then (3) VS offer. You then completed an AC on the scheme in order to be assessed for the training contract. However, this may have changed since last cycle, so please do feel free to correct me if I am wrong!
Does anyone think the Simpson Thacher TC programme will start this year? Or will it be for the next cycle?
Hey!Hey @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu and anyone else who might have insight
I did a case study interview and in the feedback I was told that I was “too analytical.” How can I improve? And generally, what are case study interviews looking for? I thought analysis was a good thing
I can totally see why this is confusing feedback, and being told that you were "too analytical" doesn't mean that analysis is bad! It is tricky to say for certain what they meant by the feedback in your instance (as I didn't witness you complete the exercise!), but I can offer some general thoughts on what it could mean.
It may be that the interviewer felt you focused too much on detail without clearly translating that into a decision. In a case study interview, firms are less interested in you explaining every possible issue and more interested in whether you can identify what matters most and give a clear recommendation.
You should absolutely still use analysis, but it might help to start with (and clearly end on) a firm recommendation and prioritise the key issues rather than covering everything. It helped me to think about what the client would actually want to know in order for them to make an informed, commercial decision.
I would still try to view the feedback as a positive - it shows that you have strong analytical ability! You are definitely on the right track, and I'm sure that next time you go into a similar exercise you'll have a better idea of what to expect
Hey guys, I’m worried about being flagged for cheating on an online test. I was taking a Cappfinity assessment when a friend called. For some reason, when a person calls on Mac, your Safari window slides to the side and your desktop with the call shows. I declined the call and Safari automatically came back to the screen. It didn’t close the browser, so I continued the test.
I’m worried that the removal of Safari from the screen temporarily might result in the company flagging me. It’s not said what exactly they use against cheating, but I would guess opening new tabs/windows would flag you. My dilemma is whether this did. Should I email the trainee recruitment? I’m considering but also don’t want to seem too paranoid. Thanks!
I’m worried that the removal of Safari from the screen temporarily might result in the company flagging me. It’s not said what exactly they use against cheating, but I would guess opening new tabs/windows would flag you. My dilemma is whether this did. Should I email the trainee recruitment? I’m considering but also don’t want to seem too paranoid. Thanks!
Bristows PFO (talked about Taylor Wessing. For the values question, collaborative, only to discover afterwards it wasn't one of the values)...
Hey!
This is a very fair question, and I think it can be quite common to hear contradictory advice on the topic (which made me super confused last cycle too!).
In my view, for TC assessment centres, firms are not expecting you to know financial terms and concepts inside out, but they do expect you to show credible legal and commercial awareness. It's likely that the right balance is somewhere between the two examples that you mentioned.
I would aim to have a working understanding of core concepts, rather than trying to master all of the technical elements. That means knowing what things are and why they matter, rather than being able to recite their definition. For example, it is useful to understand what conditions precedent do in a transaction, why a lockbox structure might be used, and the broad different between representations and indemnities and how risk is allocated - but you are unlikely to be penalised for not knowing technical details or the specifics of how they work in practice.
At the same time, relying only on basic trends and general economics might come across as underprepared (depending on the firm), especially at AC stage. Firms will want to see that you have started trying to apply your commercial awareness to a legal setting (i.e. viewing it as a trainee) - this could involve spotting risks, understanding what drives clients, and appreciating how lawyers add value in a transaction.
It helped me to create a bank of key concepts and structures that you might find in a commercial transaction, so I could: (a) understand what they were and when they might be used in a transaction, and (b) understand why they were used in practice and what value they brought.
As I briefly mentioned above, it is likely to be dependent on the firm you are interviewing at. For example, a very PE-heavy firm such as Paul, Weiss might expect you to know more of the details on private equity transactions, whereas other firms might not expect the same level of detail on that area. I would always try to tailor your commercial awareness preparation in advance of an AC to the firm that you are applying for - for example, a lot of my Reed Smith preparation focused on the client sectors that they work in (e.g. Shipping and Aviation), rather than the specifics of PE.
I would say that overall, depth is less important than applying the concepts in real-time and understanding their effects for clients and law firms
Not sure, but the eligibility requirements for its 4 available TCs will be as followed:
1) Oxbridge (obviously)
2) 1st / top 5% of cohort
3) Must have at least 7 vacation scheme offers
4) Able to handle 24 hour work days
That's all!
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