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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

crt1s

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
Sep 2, 2023
90
146
Hi!

If anyone particularly the future trainees in the thread could answer i’d be really grateful! I’ve got an AC coming up, and wondering that, if something came up in an interview where I didn’t know the answer, what would be an appropriate response?
While I don’t recall being asked this exact question, I was asked a situational question along the lines of “if a partner asks you a question and you don’t have the answer, what would you do?”

To me, the same sentiment applies. Explain that if you were faced with this situation in the real world, you would acknowledge that you don’t have the answer, however you would assure the partner/client that you would immediately go find out the answer and follow up in a timely manner.

It’s not an issue if you don’t have all the answers. It’s more important that you handle it calmly.

Remember, lawyers are typically risk averse. Be considerate of this when answering questions, especially if you were to answer “if I were to guess…” It’s great if you’re right, but if you’re way off, it doesn’t reflect well in my view.
 
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CupOfTea17

Active Member
Mar 12, 2025
13
3
Hi guys! Just wondering if anyone applied to the Harbottle and Lewis Open Day?

Also - I don't think they tend to run open days (I may be incorrect on this), do you think that this is a good inclination that they may be accepting more trainees this cycle / opening up trainees who don't have paralegal experience (as I know they love paralegal experience!)
 

johnsmith

Legendary Member
  • Oct 2, 2025
    290
    365
    Hi!

    If anyone particularly the future trainees in the thread could answer i’d be really grateful! I’ve got an AC coming up, and wondering that, if something came up in an interview where I didn’t know the answer, what would be an appropriate response?
    Not a future trainee, but the advice I've received is it's ok to say I don't know, however, this is how I think you could approach it or this is what i think the answer might be - you're a potential trainee so you can't have experienced or know everything in life :) good luck with your AC!
     

    elle woods

    Esteemed Member
  • Dec 4, 2025
    79
    104
    It's all good, the job of a lawyer will have plenty of situations where you don't have long to do something or to prepare, so it just feels like good exposure. Just go for it!
    very true! from the stance of someone who wants to do well in the application process, the lack of time is daunting. But I love your perspective of seeing it as a learning opportunity and skill practice! I'll bring that mentality forward with me 💗

    May I ask when you applied also and when you finished the first test? I'm trying to get a feel for the overall timeline haha
     

    zonnonomo

    Distinguished Member
    Jan 16, 2025
    73
    220
    very true! from the stance of someone who wants to do well in the application process, the lack of time is daunting. But I love your perspective of seeing it as a learning opportunity and skill practice! I'll bring that mentality forward with me 💗

    May I ask when you applied also and when you finished the first test? I'm trying to get a feel for the overall timeline haha
    ur the nicest person ever and i hope u get a million tcs at a billion firms
     

    elle woods

    Esteemed Member
  • Dec 4, 2025
    79
    104
    ur the nicest person ever and i hope u get a million tcs at a billion firms
    Oh my days your comment has literally made my whole eveninggg, you're so sweet thank youuuuuu - I am smiling so big rn hahah
    And likewise! I hope you get a billion TCs at the firms you love too 😭 🥹💗

    You've warmed my heart so much that this winter cold no longer bothers me 😆
     
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    johnsmith

    Legendary Member
  • Oct 2, 2025
    290
    365
    very true! from the stance of someone who wants to do well in the application process, the lack of time is daunting. But I love your perspective of seeing it as a learning opportunity and skill practice! I'll bring that mentality forward with me 💗

    May I ask when you applied also and when you finished the first test? I'm trying to get a feel for the overall timeline haha
    I hear you, the lack of time shouldn't mean you don't do well though, and everyone likely has the same time limits, so they have the same level of disadvantage!

    Applied - 4th
    1st Test 6th
    Results - 7th
    2nd test - 8th
     

    elle woods

    Esteemed Member
  • Dec 4, 2025
    79
    104
    I hear you, the lack of time shouldn't mean you don't do well though, and everyone likely has the same time limits, so they have the same level of disadvantage!

    Applied - 4th
    1st Test 6th
    Results - 7th
    2nd test - 8th
    Wow that is such a fast process! I think it speaks volumes about the quality of candidate you are ;) Thank you so much once again for sharing! Best of luck I hope you get an AC! I applied on the 7th so this is good to keep in mind - tysmm
     

    johnsmith

    Legendary Member
  • Oct 2, 2025
    290
    365
    Wow that is such a fast process! I think it speaks volumes about the quality of candidate you are ;) Thank you so much once again for sharing! Best of luck I hope you get an AC! I applied on the 7th so this is good to keep in mind - tysmm
    That's nice of you to say, but there is no way the process isn't automated, including pauses in response times! I've worked in staffing for too long to know that when you get the level of applicants Latham does, you have to employ systems to manage the flow.

    When I applied for the OD, my stage 1 feedback report didn't come in for at least a day, so it's following the same pattern. Hope you get an AC as well.
     
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