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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi!
Congratulations on the VS!
In relation to the other firm, I would be cautious here if your only plan is to switch into the direct TC route. If the direct TC deadline has already passed, the firm may simply not allow you to transfer to that process halfway through - this could end up meaning that you put the effort into the application without being able to transfer. I would only apply if you are genuinely happy to complete the vacation scheme as the route to the TC at that firm.
There may be a reason the firm's DTC deadline was earlier than the vacation scheme deadline - they could already be well advance in allocating direct TC places or holding assessments, which would make it even less likely that they would allow a switch later on in the VS process
Throughout this application process (not just for VS/TC, but for jobs in general) I've learnt how essential confidence really is. Confidence to believe you deserve the opportunity. Confidence in what you could bring to the role. Confidence to articulate yourself clearly and unapologetically.
Some people grow up with that confidence instilled from a young age, and others have to learn it along the way. Often it isn’t the most qualified or the most eager person who gets the role - it’s the person who shows up with the confidence and audacity to take up space - the person who recognises their worth.
If you’re struggling with this, you’re definitely not alone. I’m learning to feel proud about how far I’ve come in terms of my confidence, and to acknowledge the resilience it takes to keep improving and refusing to give up despite the rejection.
But just like any other skill, confidence can be built.
I recently received a rejection email after my first paralegalling interview with a big firm. I still need to ask for feedback, but I have a feeling my confidence played a part - which is what inspired this little think piece
Some people grow up with that confidence instilled from a young age, and others have to learn it along the way. Often it isn’t the most qualified or the most eager person who gets the role - it’s the person who shows up with the confidence and audacity to take up space - the person who recognises their worth.
If you’re struggling with this, you’re definitely not alone. I’m learning to feel proud about how far I’ve come in terms of my confidence, and to acknowledge the resilience it takes to keep improving and refusing to give up despite the rejection.
But just like any other skill, confidence can be built.
I recently received a rejection email after my first paralegalling interview with a big firm. I still need to ask for feedback, but I have a feeling my confidence played a part - which is what inspired this little think piece
Right there with you
While I'm so grateful for one more chance, all my past AC's have me wondering if I'm even cut out for this/if I'm smart enough
Hi!
I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!
Congratulations on the AC invite!
If I was preparing for an AC coming up soon, I would probably focus my preparation on general areas such as:- High interest rates and cost pressures (i.e. how this impacts borrowing and the M&A market)
- Geopolitical uncertainty (i.e. the disruption to trade, sanctions, supply chains, etc.)
- AI and tech regulation (i.e. how companies might weigh up opportunities vs risks)
- Energy transition and ESG pressures (i.e. regulatory change, and increased investor scrutiny)
- What is happening commercially
- Why it matters to businesses
- How that creates legal risk and opportunity
I would still keep up with the news in the run-up to your AC (e.g. by listening to the FT News Briefing) so that you are aware of recent developments. However, for case studies specifically, I have found that having a solid grasp of the broader commercial themes displayed in those headlines is usually more important than knowing a specific story in detail.
Best of luck at the AC - you've got this!
which firm?Any tips for converting a vac scheme to a TC offer in a US firm? their convertion rates are low, which terrifies me hahah
Thanks!
@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen @everyone
HL rejection post Job Sim
Looking forward to nothing!
Looking forward to nothing!
Was this for Summer VS? And if you don't mind me asking, when did you do the Job Sim?
From last year, I heard back in May! And the interview was super late as well, I wouldn't worry
Yeah! I did it last year. There will be a group presentation where you get to choose between two topics, ours was AI and sustainability and then an interview which is you and another candidate being interviewed by graduate recruitment at the same time. None of the questions were insane just make sure to really brush up on your commercial awareness and whats going on in the world, especially the north!Has anybody had experience with the Walker Morris AC? Would appreciate any advice
Thank you for the response! I'm just getting even more confused now. I did mine on the 3rd of December and have had radio silence since the confirmation that I completed it.
Really not sure what to read into it, or even if I should email to ask if they're still considering.
Hello!
You are definitely not alone in feeling like this, and post-AC rejections can be really discouraging - particularly as it feels like you got so close!
It is very difficult to know whether things are objectively more competitive, or whether there is more visibility of rejections as people are sharing them more. I imagine it is probably a mixture of both, particularly as use of AI has increased and there are increasingly more applicants for every TC!
On how to "get it right" at an AC, it is tricky to give definitive advice as many firms will be assessing different things (and I have failed many ACs in the past!). However, instead of thinking "this is my only shot", it might help to reframe it as:
- This is one performance
- My job is to show my interest in the firm and be commercial and collaborative
- I can do all that I can, but the outcome is not fully within my control
I actually think the thing that made the difference for me at my Reed Smith direct TC AC was a shift in mindset. I (slightly naively!) thought I was very likely to receive a post-VS offer from the scheme I'd completed a week before (when I ended up getting a rejection on the train home from the AC!), so I went into the AC with far less pressure on myself. Instead of thinking "this has to work", I approached it as an opportunity to show my interest in the firm, have good conversations, and perform to the best of my ability. This ended up making me calmer, more natural, and overall more present in the conversations I was having. Whilst I was still 'desperate' to do well in the AC as I really liked the firm, I wasn't overanalysing every answer or trying to be perfect.
Therefore, whilst I appreciate it is difficult to not think about the "this has to work" pressure at an AC, there is value in trying to reframe it as being one opportunity to perform well, rather than the only opportunity or a final judgment on your ability - this shift alone could help you be calmer and more focused on the day!
In terms of using your time well before the AC, I would:
- Practise structuring answers out loud, particularly for the more common interview questions (e.g. "Why Law", "Why this Firm", etc.)
- Revisit any core commercial themes, particularly those that are relevant to the firm you are interviewing at, and practise applying them to commercial news stories that you read online
- Try to practice written exercises and case studies - there are a few examples available on TCLA and online if you need them!
- For group exercises: these can be difficult to prepare for in advance, but remember to: focus on facilitating the discussion rather than dominating it, summarise ideas as you go along, and keep the group on track to ensure you finish the task on time.
Contradictory feedback is, unfortunately, very common - different assessors and firms will prioritise different qualities, so what one interviewer flags may not even register with another. Rather than trying to change your performance every time, I would focus on the core fundamentals: be clear and confident in your motivation for the firm, discuss commercial issues in a structured and logical way, and ultimately present yourself authentically. Consistency in those areas is far more powerful than trying to adapt for every firm or piece of feedback, and will ensure that you end up at the firm that is the best fit for you overall!
I generally have not been asked on why I was unable to convert previous schemes, but if you are asked, I would simply keep it neutral and focus on how you have grown since then. You could discuss what you learnt on the scheme and the feedback that you were given, and then explain the steps that you have taken to act on that feedback and apply that learning (e.g. being more proactive, refining commercial analysis, etc.). Firms understand that some firms have low conversion rates, or you might have had a bad day at the AC which meant you weren't able to convert - they won't view it negatively, provided you can show the steps you have taken to improve.
On group exercises, I have written a few posts on this previously - I have quoted them below. Just shout if you have any specific questions, and I can address those! Overall, I think it is just important to show the graduate recruitment team / assessors that you would be someone that is easy to work with and can work well within a team. This often matters more than getting the right answer, or speaking the most!
You have already shown resilience by getting to another AC, and that suggests that you are absolutely capable of securing a TC - it's all about finding the firm that is the right fit for you overall. Best of luck with the AC, I'm sure you will smash it!
Hi @LegallyBrunette_ !
Huge congratulations on being invited to AC - what a fantastic achievement!
In the AC that I completed for my TC, I had to complete both a group exercise and a case study interview, so I can understand wanting to do all you can to prepare in advance. I can share what worked best for me!
Group Exercise
- In the group exercise, they are typically looking at how you work with others, not just what you contribute. Be collaborative, listen actively, and build on other people's points.
- Aim to contribute regularly but avoid dominating - asking others for their views on a topic can show leadership without being overbearing. I would always aim to not be the loudest or the quietest in the room, although I know finding this balance can be quite tricky!
- Keep the group focused on the task! I would always try and keep track of your progress and summarise the key decisions made as you go along.
- If you have to select an idea, don't worry if yours isn't chosen. What matters is how you respond and whether you support the group's direction.
Case Study Interview
I would also brush up on Jones Day's structure (e.g. their non-rotational training system and international work) just in case it comes up. They're assessing potential, not perfection - so as long as you stay calm and do your best, you'll be fine.
- You'll usually be given a business / legal scenario with background documents. I would start by reading quickly to understand the big picture, and then go back to confirm the smaller details.
- Structure your response clearly - identify the client's goals, outline the key issues, and suggest practical next steps.
- They won't expect you to know black-letter law. Focus on logic, prioritisation, and showing that you can think commercially.
- Talk the interviewer through your thought process - even if you get stuck or seem confused, they can see how you reason.
- If given a contract to assess, make a note of the exceptions and calculations in the contract. You might be asked how your stance would change if X event occurred, and it's useful to be mindful of when it might fall under any exceptions.
At the end of the day, they want to see the real you - someone who can think clearly, work well with others, and stay composed under pressure. If you go in with a collaborative mindset and a clear structure for approaching problems, you'll put yourself in a strong position.
Best of luck - you've already done the hard part by getting to this stage!
Hello!
First of all, huge congratulations on being invited to the PwC virtual AC - that's an amazing achievement! Whilst I'm not too sure on the specifics of PwC's AC, I can share some general advice when it comes to preparing for a virtual assessment centre, as I completed a few last cycle. I have also quoted some of my previous posts below that discuss other assessment types that might be useful, as I wasn't too sure what is involved in the PwC AC.
Some general tips:
Most importantly, be yourself! Focus on showing how you think and work with others when you are performing at your best, rather than trying to be "perfect" overall. Firms are often looking for potential, not perfection!
- Prepare the basics: you may have already been doing this, but make sure you understand PwC's values, business areas, and the current market issues that will affect them. You don't need to know absolutely everything (so try not to panic!), but it's good to have an awareness of what PwC does so that you can link this to why you are interested
- For group exercises: usually, the focus of the group exercise isn't actually what you say - it is how you interact and communicate with the others around you. Focus on being collaborative rather than trying to dominate the conversation - I always tried to be neither the quietest nor the loudest (which can be a tricky balance!). I found this particularly challenging for virtual ACs where it can be difficult to get the timing right, but try to listen actively and build on others' ideas. When you do present your part of the group exercise, make sure to clearly explain your reasoning and thought process!
- For interviews: if you are asked competency questions, it's always helpful to have the STAR structure in the back of your mind, and have a few examples ready that show teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. As part of my preparation for assessment centres, I used to spend an hour or so just noting down all my experiences and what skills / competencies came out of each. This means you aren't desperately racking your brain for examples in the moment!
- Virtual elements: it sounds silly, but make sure that you test your technology beforehand (i.e. WiFi, camera, microphone) and choose a quiet space - I even made sure to let all of my housemates know so that none of them disturbed me. I would make sure that you have water and a notebook nearby, as you never know when you might need to jot something down.
Everyone is nervous going into ACs, so you're definitely not alone! You've earned your place there by excelling in the process so far - so just go into it and try your best
White & Case interview invite! Still in shock because I thought I bombed the written exercise 
I'd greatly appreciate any insight on the W&C interview, HSF AC, and Jones Day AC! Of course, I'm happy to help with anything I can be of assistance with!
I'd greatly appreciate any insight on the W&C interview, HSF AC, and Jones Day AC! Of course, I'm happy to help with anything I can be of assistance with!Similar threads
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