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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Congratulations!! Such a brilliant firm. I hope you can swap things around and accept the invitation. Can I ask when you heard from Harbottle?
Has anyone heard from Freshfields after being waitlisted for their DTC AC? Also does anyone know of a similar case where someone was waitlisted and then later invited to an AC with a firm?
Thank you so much Abbie, that makes a lot of sense!Hey!
I'd say it is absolutely fine to use that example, and it won't automatically be perceived negatively.
Being unsuccessful at an AC isn't a red flag at all - in fact, using that feedback can show maturity, resilience and a genuine commitment to improvement (which is exactly what this question is testing).
I would just make sure that you frame it in the right way. For example, make sure that you keep the context neutral and professional (e.g. "Following an assessment centre for a vacation scheme...") and focus on the specific feedback that you received, rather than the outcome. They'll be looking for self-awareness, so I'd demonstrate that you understood why the feedback was given and have reflected on the experience. Most importantly, I would spend the bulk of your answer discussing what you have changed since the AC and how you have improved as a result.
For example, if the feedback was on commercial awareness, showing that you have taken steps to regularly keep up-to-date on commercial news and practice applying it will show proactivity and maturity.
Overall, firms are looking far more at a genuine willingness to learn than for a "perfect" candidate on paper, particularly at a training contract level where will be expected to take on constructive feedback and develop accordingly.
I hope that assists, and best of luck with the application!
SH VI (spring) 😊
I think they said there would be 8 people taken in for VE at their OD - my memory may be failing me but I was shocked how small an intake it was. No interview during the scheme though so got the impression it was yours to lose on the scheme.
When did you do your interview if you don’t mind me asking? - did mine on the 13th and I haven’t heard back
Sorry to chime in but the Ropes AC seems brutal. I guess it makes sense because they only have the application stage before the AC but I would much rather do a few more stages than everything in one go in person. Praying that we all smash it 🙏
I haven’t. Do you mind sharing what it involves (if your don’t mind that is)
lots of firms do Barbri, but perhaps not the higher paying ones.
The SRA has a really crappy SQE course finder you could take a look at.
The PGDL is IMO of somewhat fading relevance - it depends if you're going to do SQE yourself
College of Legal Practice is cheapest option that's not an immigration scam, AFAIK (it's online, and a big provider in Aus)
The Ropes AC is insane they’ve squished the entire W&C grad rec process into a single day like I didn’t know that was humanely possible lmao. It’s gna be tough but hopefully we smash it!
Yeah College of Legal Practice is what I was looking at as it is significantly cheaper... I just wondered if it is 'looked down upon' by some firms. Main reason for considering is I am in my late-20s and a career changer so am kind of just looking to get the ball rolling now (if I don't secure a TC this cycle).
I wonder what's the latest plausible date we could potentially hear from them, it's not a vac scheme with a set date so there's technically no strict deadline lol
They've opened up some March AC spots for DTC; just fyi!
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