TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jaysen]

When people say to use PESTLE or SWOT for case studies, how does that actually look in practice?

I understand what each letter stands for, but I’m confused about how people are using them. Are they meant to be used: In the discussion itself, in the written case study exercise, or just as a way to spot issues during prep?

I tried using it in an assessment centre before, but it felt quite forced (I think because I hadn’t connected the dots of using it LOL)

PESTLE or SWOT can be helpful to think of commercial points when you're starting out, but I wouldn't recommend using it explicitly in the case study discussion.

As you mentioned, it comes across as forced because it's trying to apply a rigid framework to a set of facts. You'd be better off being laser focused on the questions asked/the task you have been given and thinking about what the client needs to know

 

[Jaysen]

hi guys, would appreciate any insights on this:
ive been fortunate to get an AC with one of top choice firms, which was initially scheduled for mid February, but that I had to reschedule as I had my final exams during that exact date. They've kindly rescheduled for an AC in march, but they've been holding ACs in the meantime and have already sent out many offers for the VS. I can't help but feel super discouraged seeing as I'm not sure how many places there will be by the time I get to do my AC, and that my chances are lower just because its one of the later ones (my assumption being that they will be more picky as they've given out a handful of offers already and spots are filling up). has anyone else been on one of the later ACs and ended up getting the VS? is it usually an even spread between recruiting from ACs? seeing as quite a lot of offers went out im lowkey a bit disappointed to have gotten this far in the process to then have my chances be significantly lower because the firm doesnt wait til everyone's completed ACs to give decisions :/ now debating if theres even a point of me relying on the AC to score a place if my chances by then will be basically nonexistent: theres about 15 vac scheme places per scheme (ACs for both spring and summer), and I've seen at least 5 be given out just from this forum...

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite! I totally understand your perspective, and I remember feeling the same way when people would post about offers when I was still waiting to hear back post-AC.

When I completed my DTC AC for Reed Smith, I believe I was one of the later (if not the latest!) ACs, as I had to reschedule due to a clash with a VS. Firms wouldn't continue running ACs or invite candidates if there were no realistic places left, and offers going out early doesn't mean that later ACs are judged more harshly.

It's also worth bearing in mind that online posts can be misleading, as they only show a small snapshot of what is actually happening. Firms expect some candidates to decline offers, so they may plan their recruitment accordingly. If you have been invited to the AC, it is because the firm sees potential, and that doesn't change just because your AC is later in the cycle. Graduate recruitment teams know that there will be strong candidates at the later ACs too, so there is definitely still a chance!

Best of luck with the AC!

I agree with @Abbie Whitlock. I appreciate this is sad to see, but I promise the firm wouldn't still run ACs in March if they didn't have the space.

The main thing I'd keep in mind is that if you're really good, a firm will find a way to make sure you're progressed. Please focus on your exams and then nailing that interview!

 

[Jaysen]

Do TCLA offer written exercises for case studies as I would really like to get feedback on work ahead of my ACs

Yes we do!

 

[Aug123]

Hiya! Does anyone have any experience of attending Irwin Mitchell’s AC and have any advice/what types of questions do they ask? Guidance says it’s a strength based interview
Ty

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

think this question has come up so manu times but has anyone heard from bakers post ac yet

 

[AngAng]

is this for post AC or?
I know an acquaintance of mine received summer VS offer today i think

Do you know when your acquaintance received their AC for Hogan's summer VS? I still have not heard back from the firm after my SJT.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

is this for post AC or?
I know an acquaintance of mine received summer VS offer today i think

Post VI. I am kinda worried that they have alr sent offers , however I was reassured by someone in their career's team that acs run till March so I should still be optimistic

 

[whywhy88]

Is Cleary holding any more ACs for summer? Haven't even received the WG (applied a few days before the deadline) so am not feeling very hopeful atm

 

[lawstudent8373829]

If you have done the OC AC please message me!

 

[sarg1234]

Does anyone have any experience receiving a vac scheme offer after an AC after bad part of AC? It had three parts but in the final one I feel like I made a lot of simple errors.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Do you know when your acquaintance received their AC for Hogan's summer VS? I still have not heard back from the firm after my SJT.

no clue sorry! like i said, just an acquaintance

Post VI. I am kinda worried that they have alr sent offers , however I was reassured by someone in their career's team that acs run till March so I should still be optimistic

ooh i see - well if they are still holding ACs then i wouldnt worry! theres's still a chance! best of luck and i hope you hear back!

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Has anyone heard back from Mishcon about Spring since they sent out some AC’s. Also anymore VI invites for CRS (London)?

Hopefully there are more CRS VI invites this week, judging by how they've sent them out in previous years

 

[SamiyaJ]

I always told myself that I’d consider going into any type of law BESIDES real estate as it’s so boring, and today I got a distinction for land law module. Erm

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I just got an email from Vantage and thought oof it should be an app update from Travers, Orrick or Ropes... Turns out it’s just a request to update my account details on the Vantage platform… ​

 

[James Wakefield]

Hey! So I’m going to a Spring VS AC soon but I’m unlikely to be able to make the dates. They do a summer vs too.

Should I tell the firm before my AC and let them know I’d strongly prefer summer, or see if they give me an offer and then ask to switch after?

Thanks!

 

[James Wakefield]

I just got an email from Vantage and thought oof it should be an app update from Travers, Orrick or Ropes... Turns out it’s just a request to update my account details on the Vantage platform… ​

An identity check?

Sorry I couldn’t help myself!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Simmons PFO after waiting 2.5months post SJT+VI

 

[sbbusybee]

I always told myself that I’d consider going into any type of law BESIDES real estate as it’s so boring, and today I got a distinction for land law module. Erm

Yeah I said never real estate… I’m now in real estate finance lol

 

[georgianprincessmwuah]

Simmons PFO after waiting 2.5months post SJT+VI

What office?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

An identity check?

Sorry I couldn’t help myself!

Haha ngl that would be funny if it was but I think they just wanted me to confirm my details idk.

Imagine Vantage were lurking on the forum and thought let’s investigate that Harvey lad lmao. ​