Wondering if anyone has any insights on this - when firms score (selective) VIs, do they tend to look at that score alongside other elements of the application to decide to invite to AC? Or do they consider you from a completely blank slate at each 'new' stage? Wondering if anyone has any insights on this, or if it is completely dependent on the firm?
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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what does mishcon mean by activities and achievements? can I just list my extracurriculars here?
basically I think if you're subscribed to TCLA or Jaysen idk we got this email an hour ago haha
The email basically explains that feeling demotivated after repeated rejections is a normal stage in competitive application cycles. It emphasises that persistence through this “trough” is necessary to eventually succeed
I added my volunteering experience, open days, position of responsibility, Awards received there...
It was pretty brutal in terms of format! 2 minutes to speak is quite standard, but the 30 seconds to prepare and not being able to re-record definitely added to the nerves
I have a flight tomorrow so it had to be done tonight or at the airport..... HAHA🙃
Hello!
In my view, they're asking you to explain how what you've studied and done so far has prepared you to be a solicitor. Therefore, I would aim to discuss:
- How your academic studies developed skills that are relevant to law / trainees (e.g. analysis, research, writing, problem-solving, etc.)
- How any qualifications show commitment to a legal career (for example, I know that you can get LexisNexis or WestLaw certifications, which would be relevant!). However, these don't have to be specifically law-related, as long as you can link them back!
- How your work experience (which can be legal or non-legal) gave you transferable skills such as client interaction, responsibility, teamwork, and attention to detail.
I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!
Hiya! Congrats on the VI, I’m still waiting to hear back after the assessment. Did it take you long to be progressed?
I love amberjack. For the verbal and numerical sections they repeat them for nearly all firms that use them so half the time I know the answers without reading it now 😭 the odd numerical shows up that I’ve not seen.
Hey!
I'm really sorry that you're feeling like this - it is an incredibly tough process, and it has a way of grinding people down, especially when you are doing everything right and still facing rejections. That doesn't mean you are wasting your time, and it definitely doesn't mean you're not good enough!
It's completely understandable to feel demoralised when you see undergraduates securing TCs while you're still applying as a graduate, but these outcomes are rarely a simple measure of ability. Unfortunately, parts of the process come down to things such as luck and timing, which can definitely make it incredibly frustrating.
I can completely understand where you are coming from in relation to your vacation scheme - I didn't convert any of my vacation schemes last cycle for a multitude of reasons, and this definitely made me feel slightly lost as I had convinced myself that they were my only chances of success. However, it's important to remember that whilst it may not have been the end result that you wanted, you have still gained incredibly valuable experience which you will be able to carry with you moving forward. Although I didn't receive a TC offer from my vacation schemes, I was able to draw on those experiences in my DTC assessment centre which ultimately led to my TC offer - sometimes, things don't work out the way that you necessarily planned them to.
Additionally, coming from an underrepresented background can make the path feel lonelier and more uncertain, but it doesn't mean you don't belong in the profession. As the first in my family to go to university and a non-RG graduate, I've experienced imposter syndrome more times than I can count, so I completely understand how easy it is to internalise setbacks. You are clearly more than deserving of a place in the profession - your success in securing a vacation scheme alone is strong evidence of your ability, and shows that firms see potential in you.
You're absolutely not a loser for finding this hard. This process is very hard. I would try to give yourself some grace, and step back if you need to! It helped me to focus on the elements that were within my control, such as taking feedback seriously where it was available and to keep refining my approach.
Please don't lose sight of how far you've already come. Getting this close in such a competitive process is not an accident or a fluke, and it is a strong indication that you have what firms are looking for, even if the timing has not worked yet. Keep going at a pace that's sustainable for you - the right opportunity can arrive later than expected or planned, but it does arrive.
Wishing you the best
Hello!
Of course, happy to help!
In my Paul, Weiss application, I included a mix of things in the work experience section that weren't strictly "work experience". This included Forage programmes, my BIUCAC participation, and insight events or open days I had attended. The important element is that you can explain what you learned and the skills that you developed from each - make sure that you show what you took from the experience, rather than just listing it!
I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!
Simmons sjt/vi completed
Scored:
High verbal
High numerical
7,7,8 (out of 10)
Fumbled the vi soo bad I just stopped and said ‘sorry you have to watch this’ half way through 😭 kill me now.
Those who progressed what did you get? I understand I’ve left it rather later to apply given there have been ACs already
Scored:
High verbal
High numerical
7,7,8 (out of 10)
Fumbled the vi soo bad I just stopped and said ‘sorry you have to watch this’ half way through 😭 kill me now.
Those who progressed what did you get? I understand I’ve left it rather later to apply given there have been ACs already
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