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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Has anyone else still not heard from Bakers Summer Vac Scheme? I also haven't heard back from Withers post SJT for a while now.
Hi everyone! I've just been notified I've gotten through to the next round for a paralegal interview (after having had a first interview with a recuriter). This will now be the second to last interview before the last and final one. It's for an in-house paralegal role and I've been told it will be around 1 hour 20 mins long. Any tips or advice would be really appreciated since i'm not sure what to expect seeing as it's longer than interview's I'm used to. I was told there would be a task involved in the interview too but haven't been given more to go off based on this. If anyone can let me know what I could maybe expect task wise or in the interview itself or any tips (I believe it will be two lawyers in the corporate team) I would be really grateful, thank you!!
Recruitment is not a moral or fair process. You have to do what’s in your best interests always because everyone else is out for themselves.
Apart from sabotage or actively immoral behaviour*
Sorry, I know it's not relevant and goes without saying, but bad behaviour long term will come round to bite you (well, that's my copium at least).
I really wish karma existed in corporate. Too often, it feels like the people who advance the furthest are the ones most willing to step on others. Big Law especially is not known for morality and ethics.
Just remembered when I got asked “____ is there anything you want to add?” In my first group task at an AC.
Remember, there is a life outside work. These things are bound to impact personal relationships. Friendships, etc., will end up being paricitical and toxic. Often, people will not find peace in their later years in life (after their midlife crises). Maybe they'll never professionally or financially lose out. But it might impact them in more ways than you'd imagine.
commercial disputes, mid-market m&a, pe - it’s for jones day - i was looking into these areas mainly
100% agree. I received feedback from an unsuccessful AC where they straight out told me 'It does not matter that you were covering for another member of your team who got confused..you still were slightly more dominant in the conversation because of it. Maybe try and focus on how you come across rather than trying to help your team mate for the exercise'.
This is despite the fact that the assessor was present when the team mate had asked me if I could step in if they fumble their part because they are slightly confused AND thanked me in front of them.
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Exactly!! It's a cliche but at the end of the day you've got to be able to look at yourself in the mirror
Yeah I wouldn't call these people "recruiters" because to me that sounds like recruitment consultant, but anyway my recruitment consultant story was I had a guy call me up for a position (this was a job at a hedge fund) and he said "wow you're so interesting I'd love to meet you" and anyway, I had the final interview with the big boss and that went poorly and I was rejected.
I tried to get feedback from the recruitment agent who'd been glazing me hours earlier and he just ghosted me and I never heard a word from the guy.
That was my life lesson about recruitment.
hey @Afraz Akhtar and everyone else!
What advice would you have for developing verbal and written communication skills, particularly persuasion, especially the ability to remain articulate when under pressure like during an AC?
What advice would you have for developing verbal and written communication skills, particularly persuasion, especially the ability to remain articulate when under pressure like during an AC?
Hello @Afraz Akhtar
I was wondering what are the different types of things that we could be asked to draft for the written exercise. So far, I have - client email, partner email, memo, report, and note. I saw note written somewhere before but i'm not sure what this means? Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Also, where am I supposed to find the structure of all these things - I checked roughly across the forum, but I mean like a comprehensive structure for all, including things like which documents need an executive summary, which don't etc.
Thank you
I was wondering what are the different types of things that we could be asked to draft for the written exercise. So far, I have - client email, partner email, memo, report, and note. I saw note written somewhere before but i'm not sure what this means? Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Also, where am I supposed to find the structure of all these things - I checked roughly across the forum, but I mean like a comprehensive structure for all, including things like which documents need an executive summary, which don't etc.
Thank you
hey! not sure if someone already asked this but how was it?? are they situational based or motivations? i feel like they have barely given any info
Can anyone give tips on the JD first stage interview or insights? I'm so nervous! 
I think the lack of info is by design, it's so applicants can think on their feet. However, my advice is to go over old posts for the same firm - as usually the format follows similarly. Most are situational/strengths based, with I think one motivation based
Hey @floral.tcla ooh you always manage to come through with the questions that have me second guessing myself, but I'll try.
With skills centred around verbal/written communication, I think confidence is key. So first of all, have confidence in your opinion whether you need to articulate it through speaking or writing and get straight to the point. Often or not, we tend to waffle and all this does is distract away from the point we are making, and take the reader/listener on a journey they don't need to be on, where they're most likely to get side-tracked and miss what you're actually trying to say. So, display confidence. Whenever you speak/write, answer the question directly, back-up your answer with examples if you're stating something that could be open to speculation.
Once you've become comfortable with your speech/words, you'll find that persuasion becomes a little more simpler. However, confidence is not the only thing that's needed here. You need to be able to think about what the contradicting opinion may be, and tackle that in advance. For example, in a typical AC negotiation you're tasked with persuading the Seller to up the purchase price, but before you make your proposal, think about what they may say in retaliation. Deconstruct your own arguments before you make them, and make your case accordingly, to pave way for any potential objections thus allowing you a chance to tackle it head on and stumble the opponent. This comes with practice, but once you've pinned it down, it'll be a great help,
As for articulation, I don't really know what to say. It's going to sound ridiculous, but I often talk a little slower in professional settings as it allows me to say the words clearly and at one consistent pace. To others it may not seem like anything is going on, but this also gives me the chance to think about what I am going to say as I am saying it. I found this really helps, but just like persuasion, it took time.
Although these are good skills to have, its not critical to be perfect, so don't put too much pressure on yourself at this stage. Nobody is expecting perfection, and you'll find there are still some Partners looming around who stumble when they speak. It is normal, just take your time, control your pace, and think about what it is you want to say.
I hope this helps
Hi Afraz, oh lol - I'll take it as a good signHey @floral.tcla ooh you always manage to come through with the questions that have me second guessing myself, but I'll try.
With skills centred around verbal/written communication, I think confidence is key. So first of all, have confidence in your opinion whether you need to articulate it through speaking or writing and get straight to the point. Often or not, we tend to waffle and all this does is distract away from the point we are making, and take the reader/listener on a journey they don't need to be on, where they're most likely to get side-tracked and miss what you're actually trying to say. So, display confidence. Whenever you speak/write, answer the question directly, back-up your answer with examples if you're stating something that could be open to speculation.
Once you've become comfortable with your speech/words, you'll find that persuasion becomes a little more simpler. However, confidence is not the only thing that's needed here. You need to be able to think about what the contradicting opinion may be, and tackle that in advance. For example, in a typical AC negotiation you're tasked with persuading the Seller to up the purchase price, but before you make your proposal, think about what they may say in retaliation. Deconstruct your own arguments before you make them, and make your case accordingly, to pave way for any potential objections thus allowing you a chance to tackle it head on and stumble the opponent. This comes with practice, but once you've pinned it down, it'll be a great help,
As for articulation, I don't really know what to say. It's going to sound ridiculous, but I often talk a little slower in professional settings as it allows me to say the words clearly and at one consistent pace. To others it may not seem like anything is going on, but this also gives me the chance to think about what I am going to say as I am saying it. I found this really helps, but just like persuasion, it took time.
Although these are good skills to have, its not critical to be perfect, so don't put too much pressure on yourself at this stage. Nobody is expecting perfection, and you'll find there are still some Partners looming around who stumble when they speak. It is normal, just take your time, control your pace, and think about what it is you want to say.
I hope this helps
This is really reassuring, actionable and demystifying, thank you!!
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