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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Novaa

Esteemed Member
Dec 2, 2022
99
388
Just remembered when I got asked “____ is there anything you want to add?” In my first group task at an AC.

Animated GIF
 

Rosie_Kitten

Star Member
Dec 26, 2025
46
80
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.
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.
 

confusedbird

Distinguished Member
Nov 8, 2024
66
133
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.
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 has asked me if I could step in if they fumble their part because they are slightly confused AND thanked me in front of them.
 

abc124

Legendary Member
Aug 9, 2025
169
122
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).
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
 

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
403
782
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.

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.
 

flower1

Esteemed Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 18, 2023
82
53
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
 
Reactions: Afraz Akhtar

Rosie_Kitten

Star Member
Dec 26, 2025
46
80
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
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
 
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Afraz Akhtar

Valued Member
Staff member
Premium Member
  • Dec 22, 2025
    124
    280
    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?
    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 :)
     

    floral.tcla

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Aug 15, 2024
    203
    268
    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 sign 😆

    This is really reassuring, actionable and demystifying, thank you!!
     
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    Reactions: Afraz Akhtar

    dannyp123

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Oct 20, 2024
    49
    31
    Hi does anyone know if RPC's online assessment has a VI element. They state that they test your motivations so I don't see how they do that apart from a VI unless they mean the traditional SJT motivations like testing whether you like tackling unfamiliar tasks.
     

    lelezb1

    Star Member
    Premium Member
    Jan 6, 2025
    48
    70
    Hi does anyone know if RPC's online assessment has a VI element. They state that they test your motivations so I don't see how they do that apart from a VI unless they mean the traditional SJT motivations like testing whether you like tackling unfamiliar tasks.
    Hey, when did you receive the test? I submitted my application today but haven’t received any.
     

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