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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Mishcon PFO - and an apology for slow reply and saying they can’t give specific feedback (really wanted this VS) on to waiting for more radio silence 
Hey!
Congratulations on being invited to the Farrer AC, that is fantastic news!
The group activity in my assessment centre involved being split into teams and you receive a scenario that you will discuss (almost in a debate-like setting). On the firms' website, an example scenario they have outlined is: "Should everyone be able to enjoy protection from media intrusion into their private life, or are there categories of individuals / circumstances where one’s reasonable expectation of privacy must fall away?"
Your team will be assigned either "for" or "against" this question, and you have 20 minutes to prepare your argument (without Google) before debating for 20 minutes with another team. The aim is reach a joint decision!
Therefore, I would say that the level of commercial awareness required is relatively low, and you are assessed more on how you engage with your team to form your argument and how you then relay this during the discussion portion. Whilst my topic was not the one listed above, it was very accessible and something that you would have an understanding of from day-to-day life. The firm has also listed on their website what candidates will be assessed on as:
- General early impressions - engaged in the process, good understanding of the task
- People management - demonstrates ability to bring others into the discussion rather than just taking charge
- Oral communication - able to explain and express ideas clearly and concisely
- Contribution - added to the quality of the discussion whether helping to reinforce, clarify or broaden views and issues (looking more for content quality of the contribution rather than speaking a lot)
- Teamwork - demonstrated respect for others' views and opinions, healthy contribution rather than combative competition; able to listen to others
Based on the above, I would focus on making sure that you construct a clear argument and try to display the above traits when interacting with others. What worked well for my team (in which 3 out of 4 of us received a VS offer!) was identifying one point within the topic that we felt confident discussing and each taking the lead on that. This meant we could each share our strongest arguments, but also add additional thoughts and build on each other's points where relevant. This approach allowed us to demonstrate our thinking clearly, whilst also showing that we could listen, collaborate, and support the team's overall contributions.
I hope that assists - wishing you the best of luck with the AC!
Mischon’s PFO. It doesn’t make sense for someone with a lower sjt score to get invited over someone with a higher sjt score.
Now I know that it’s just luck when it comes to TCs
Now I know that it’s just luck when it comes to TCs
Mishcon PFO post SJT. Scored 25 in the pillars and high for numerical / middle for verbal. They probably put a large emphasis on the Bright Apply assessment. Now waiting for 3 more firms post app. I really just need one yes!
Mishcon PFO
I hate that you can tell it’s a PFO by the wording in the subject title and the msg preview
I hate that you can tell it’s a PFO by the wording in the subject title and the msg preview
Mishcon PFO for Spring, finally. 24/36 amberjack.
The chat based interview honestly did not provide that much opportunity to showcase firm research. Just my two-cents. Also being lied to about the SJT being selective has really put me off.
The chat based interview honestly did not provide that much opportunity to showcase firm research. Just my two-cents. Also being lied to about the SJT being selective has really put me off.
bump for adviceHi guys!! i’m looking for a bit of advice — I have a vac scheme upcoming that i have been able to get holiday approved for (yay) however I am waiting to hear back from a couple more ACs about other vac schemes and I don’t currently have enough holiday entitlement to take leave for them ( bc i started this job in the middle of the holiday year) I don’t think my job will let me take unpaid leave (even tho i’d be happy to) so what should I do?I work as a paralegal for a rlly good firm but the training prospects are only within the same team (and I don’t like it lol)
i know this is a great problem to have but i am a bit worried — best case scenario i convert the vac scheme i have but i don’t want to close doors prematurely ygm
mishcon PFO for spring as well, 27/36 on sjt ...
Tbh it doesn’t make sense for them to put us through that chat based interview and then an SJT. IMO it makes sense to sit the SJT first with your initial app and then sit the Bright Apply interview if you pass the initial benchmark
i believe theyre all springSorry to hear this everyone.Are the Mishcon PFOs for spring or summer?
Hey!
I'm really sorry to hear you're feeling this way, and I promise you are not alone. Imposter syndrome is so incredibly common in law, and as someone who also felt that I received my schemes through a fluke, I completely understand why you feel like this. However, the truth is that firms don't give out offers by accident - if it were truly a fluke, you wouldn't have received so many AC invites this cycle as well!
It is also worth remembering that by the time you reach the AC stage, you've already demonstrated to the firm that you are more than capable of doing the job and have the potential to excel in commercial law (and you have for five different firms!). At the AC, the focus is often on fit rather than raw ability, and it is clear that the firm you have an offer with felt you were a strong fit for them. Ultimately, you won't end up being the right fit for every firm, and that is okay!
Going into the scheme, I'd try to keep that in mind and focus on learning as much as possible about the firm and making the most of the experience. If you engage fully, ask questions, and show genuine interest, there's no reason you can't convert
not gonna ask any questions re Mishcon..just one big virtual hug to everyone 
Honestly, for Mishcon to prioritise the 1 min VI over a 28/36 in the SJT score is a joke. They've completely messed up this year and I will be providing feedback for such a waste of time
Exactly, the SJT is basically worthless
Completely agree.
It felt like a waste of time if the SJT is just a filtering system AFTER you go through all that.
Guys what do I do in this situation. a law firm has just scheduled an interview for next week. But the issue is the interview is on the same day as my induction for a part time job ive been offered. Obviously the law firm takes precedence but Idk. what do I do should I call up the retail place and tell them I can't make it for the induction or should I ask the firm if they have other slots available for the interview
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