TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

So many paralegal jobs require years of paralegal experience

 

[zonnonomo]

I am currently on my fourth rejection post assessment centre (US Law firms). I have no issue making it past first round interviews but this is now my fourth rejection post AC - and I have nothing to show for myself.

Where do I go from here. Is it time to call it quits on a career in law, I always felt I acted upon my feedback and that’s why I’ve always had no issue making it to the second stage of interviews, but i never make it past the second round, it seems like this is a me problem.

Even if I applied for less competitive firms, I’ve now failed 4 interviews/ACs. Am I even cut out for this.

i was rejected from over 8 ACs & interviews (US/silver/intl) over 3 years and got my first VS at an MC firm this cycle

i genuinely believe that luck is a huge part of this, not just our innate attributes. getting to 4 ACs & actioning feedback is baller, writing apps that progress + clearing first rounds even more so

you're so so close. please do not leave us until you sign that tc

 

[jojo23]

what's a unit

View attachment 7718

ALL JOKES haha i scrolled down I know it's a compliment 😂 haha I will try and remember that, thank you jojosi... jojo 🫶
another word to add to my british slang dictionary

you're an absolute unit too 💪💪💪

jojosi.. what were you gonna say there😮

no but fr, im certain you'll do amazing on both, just go with the same energy you have here🔥

 

[PermanentParalegal]

How is everyone prepping for Skadden interview? Any tips/advice? Slightly freaking out...!

Commercial awareness bro. Don’t mess up like I did

 

[Novaa]

So many paralegal jobs require years of paralegal experience

LOL me getting ghosted when a recruiter asked what my private client experience was… and I basically said idk I got a 1st in Law of Trusts??

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

I am currently on my fourth rejection post assessment centre (US Law firms). I have no issue making it past first round interviews but this is now my fourth rejection post AC - and I have nothing to show for myself.

Where do I go from here. Is it time to call it quits on a career in law, I always felt I acted upon my feedback and that’s why I’ve always had no issue making it to the second stage of interviews, but i never make it past the second round, it seems like this is a me problem.

Even if I applied for less competitive firms, I’ve now failed 4 interviews/ACs. Am I even cut out for this.

@I789 sorry to see this, but given the fact you've made it to four AC's and that too with US law firms, I doubt the issue is with the fact that you're not cut out for this career - however it could be that you're not cut out for AC's presently - yet, that doesn't mean it will always be the case.

AC's are actually very demanding/nerve-wracking and often or not it takes a lot of getting out of your comfort zone to make it through. Given the intensity and fast paced nature of these, e.g. having to sell yourself to someone for one hour, then going into an intense group discussion with people you've never met, and then analysing/writing/presenting at intense speed; all under the pressure of being assessed for a career that's going to change your life - so a lot of people aren't actually cut out for them naturally. However, that doesn't mean that is always going to be the case so long as they work on improving what is holding them back.

Before making any rash decisions, think about the feedback you've received and check to see if there are common themes/patterns. I appreciate you've made the effort to act upon it but perhaps a little more is needed here? Aside from that, consider what elements of the AC you don't like/make you uncomfortable - maybe without realising, that discomfort here is holding you back from letting you perform your best? Let me know, and we can try identifying ways to improve it?

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

anyone still waiting for BCLP spring ? do I just assume pfo

I’m still waiting too

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Bit different from the usual vacation scheme or direct TC discussion, but I have another opportunity that may be of interest!

Agio Ratings is a fintech startup whose products are used by trading firms, insurers, and banks.

Agio Ratings Limited is seeking a highly capable Associate to support senior leadership across a range of legal, commercial, and operational activities. This role is well suited to a candidate with a strong paralegal background, excellent organisational skills, and the confidence to operate with a high degree of autonomy in a fast-moving, professional environment.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted support to senior officers, helping to ensure that key business objectives are progressed efficiently and that information, documentation, and communications are managed to a consistently high standard.

Key responsibilities

• Managing and maintaining legal, financial, and commercial documents, ensuring accuracy, version control, and appropriate filing
• Preparing, updating, and maintaining spreadsheets, databases, and written materials to support sales activity and core business functions
• Helping manage outside counsel and driving efficient use of external legal resources
• Proactively communicating with senior members of the global team to track progress against objectives and deadlines
• Managing schedules, including diary coordination and meeting logistics
• Attending meetings with key clients to assist with presentations, note taking, and follow-up actions
• Assisting with internal communications, including preparation and coordination of written materials
• Providing general administrative and operational support in a growing, fast-paced business environment

Candidate profile

• Paralegal or similar background, with at least two years’ experience
• Undergraduate degree from a Russell Group or equivalent university
• Complete fluency in English, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrable experience managing legal and financial documentation
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Proven self-starter who operates effectively with minimal supervision

Enhancing attributes

• Experience in financial services, professional services, or a regulated environment
• Confidence interacting with senior stakeholders and executives
• Strong judgement and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information

Working arrangements

The role is based in London, with office attendance at Agio Ratings Limited’s Bloomsbury office required. The balance between in-office and remote working will be agreed with the successful candidate, reflecting business needs and individual effectiveness.

Message me directly if you think you would be a suitable candidate.

TCLA users after seeing this post for a job role in London rushing to PM the poster:

TCLA users after seeing the role requires 2 years paralegal experience (we’re all mostly students or recent grads) and a Russell Group or equivalent degree (code for Oxbridge/London RG):

 

[trainee4u]

Sorry to hear. Was this for DTC route following VI? Uh oh.. didn’t know they’re sending PFOs..

yes.
I think they don't actually have a VS but I'm only really following this thread so posted here.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

anyone also still waiting on milbank post-first test? Are we assuming PFO now if still waiting?

Im still waiting🤣

 

[AP2000]

Bit different from the usual vacation scheme or direct TC discussion, but I have another opportunity that may be of interest!

Agio Ratings is a fintech startup whose products are used by trading firms, insurers, and banks.

Agio Ratings Limited is seeking a highly capable Associate to support senior leadership across a range of legal, commercial, and operational activities. This role is well suited to a candidate with a strong paralegal background, excellent organisational skills, and the confidence to operate with a high degree of autonomy in a fast-moving, professional environment.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted support to senior officers, helping to ensure that key business objectives are progressed efficiently and that information, documentation, and communications are managed to a consistently high standard.

Key responsibilities

• Managing and maintaining legal, financial, and commercial documents, ensuring accuracy, version control, and appropriate filing
• Preparing, updating, and maintaining spreadsheets, databases, and written materials to support sales activity and core business functions
• Helping manage outside counsel and driving efficient use of external legal resources
• Proactively communicating with senior members of the global team to track progress against objectives and deadlines
• Managing schedules, including diary coordination and meeting logistics
• Attending meetings with key clients to assist with presentations, note taking, and follow-up actions
• Assisting with internal communications, including preparation and coordination of written materials
• Providing general administrative and operational support in a growing, fast-paced business environment

Candidate profile

• Paralegal or similar background, with at least two years’ experience
• Undergraduate degree from a Russell Group or equivalent university
• Complete fluency in English, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrable experience managing legal and financial documentation
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Proven self-starter who operates effectively with minimal supervision

Enhancing attributes

• Experience in financial services, professional services, or a regulated environment
• Confidence interacting with senior stakeholders and executives
• Strong judgement and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information

Working arrangements

The role is based in London, with office attendance at Agio Ratings Limited’s Bloomsbury office required. The balance between in-office and remote working will be agreed with the successful candidate, reflecting business needs and individual effectiveness.

Message me directly if you think you would be a suitable candidate.

Hi - what is the salary range for this role?

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Has anyone done an AC at Reed Smith before?

 

[jojo23]

TCLA users after seeing this post for a job role in London rushing to PM the poster:

TCLA users after seeing the role requires 2 years paralegal experience (we’re all mostly students or recent grads) and a Russell Group or equivalent degree (code for Oxbridge/London RG):

Im more distracted by the fact that this dude is named after a pizza place

 

[TCComingSoon]

Mills Reeve PFO excelled in 4/5 pillars and was average in the other pillar, excelled in both numerical and verbal. Don't know what else I have to do to get to an AC. This 1 hurt on a personal level.

 

[PinkZebra67]

I’m still waiting too

I can’t tell if it’s my references ? Tbh I forgot if we even needed them it’s been so long but that’s been playing on my mind 💔

 

[rulebritannia]

I have quite a few offers for vac schemes in summer but a few clash - does anyone know if they are flexible at moving - or i may ask if they can put me on the DTC route. One firm did agree to the DTC route but they were bottom of my favourites

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

any advice on how to relate a current affairs issue e.g. Trump's tariffs to a firm and its clients for an upcoming AC?

I'm gonna give up my "strategy" here... partially as I'm not sure I'll even make it to an AC, and it'll potentially go to waste.

The obvious answer to me is for clients that operate internationally being directly impacted. Then there is uncertainty around investment/marketing/deal decisions and risks because of this. Beyond that, the impact it can have on the US/EU economy in certain markets, the UK services "export" economy, currency conversions/values, and other countries' competitive advantages from US costs going up (for firms operating in other countries). Then there will be inflation and price level, unemployment, etc., in terms of impactful macroeconomic decisions. There are probably 7 or 8 knock-on impacts from that. Then also Trump's specific demands, what he wants and the risks of certain countries *cough* UK *cough* giving into demands

As somebody who follows other headlines, tariffs are just one of maybe 10 pieces of the macroeconomic puzzle (including Venezuela, Iran, Powell, etc.). As for specific client industries, look at the clients/sectors the firm represents, and figure out who will be impacted, and by which means.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

I have quite a few offers for vac schemes in summer but a few clash - does anyone know if they are flexible at moving - or i may ask if they can put me on the DTC route. One firm did agree to the DTC route but they were bottom of my favourites

I would like to be in this position please

 

[BeanaGoalGetter]

These Baker McKenzie PFO's - are they for Spring or Summer? I applied for Spring and radio silence since I did the VI

 

[Dannie]

Jones Day AC! Did the interview on friday. does anyone know how many they invite to their ACs?