TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

the number of my rejections must be about

at this point

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Next week I will probs hear back from Milbank post AC and potentially Willkie post WE.
It truly is the hope that kills you...
Fingers crossed, and I hope everyone hears back positively!

 

[floral.tcla]

Fair enough - I wonder therefore if it is potentially a question not of how one prepares for applications but how one studies? I had friends whilst I was still at university who had similar issues, but found instead that it came as a result of studying inefficiently. I can't pretend to know what your degree is or uni is, but surely they must not have an expectation that one needs to work any more than max 9-7 ish Mon-Fri.

Then again, there's no one-size-fits-all, but based on how successful you seem to have been so far in your applications, you must be doing many things right!

Fair enough - I wonder therefore if it is potentially a question not of how one prepares for applications but how one studies? I had friends whilst I was still at university who had similar issues, but found instead that it came as a result of studying inefficiently. I can't pretend to know what your degree is or uni is, but surely they must not have an expectation that one needs to work any more than max 9-7 ish Mon-Fri.

Then again, there's no one-size-fits-all, but based on how successful you seem to have been so far in your applications, you must be doing many things right!

This is good advice but there are definitely unis where you spend all day studying as bare minimum

 

[floral.tcla]

I tend to be very proactive in my application strategy.

For example, so far, I have sent emails to plenty of associates, partners, managing partners or firm board members, introducing myself and seeing if they are willing to either call and discuss opportunities at their firm, or put me in touch with someone who would be interested.

It's a bold move. But past experience has taught me that you can just email anyone. Anything might happen. If you are respectful, proportionate and realistic, it is absolutely fine. And if they don't reply, it's probably because they're either really busy or they've got nothing to suggest. That's fine, too.

When editing my last book, I sent over 80 emails to Professors, journalists and creatives around the world. About 60 replied. About 30 agreed to support. And about 15 came through in the end. That's all you need.

Using this strategy to support my career change into law, I have built a really supportive network in only a year or so. I now know lots of folks at many different firms. Even if they are only able to offer moral support. It is really valuable to speak with so many different lawyers and get to know partners, legal directors, general councils, board members, etc. You get a handle on how people think, how they see things, and the language they use.

I may be naive in my belief that one day someone with authority will reply saying: "Wow, your work sounds great!! Let's get you a TC. I'll talk to HR". But I'm an optimist. If you don't ask, you don't get.

Glad this is working for you, aw they sound so nice!! Aren’t there formal recruiting processes at least at the large city firms? You can have referrals but surely you still sit the same processes?

 

[jojo23]

If you screen recorded yourself taking an amberjack test, would the system detect it? asking for uhh... a friend

 

[M_m]

How do people give VI answers in 60 seconds, I’m dying with trying to prepare for it

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

If you screen recorded yourself taking an amberjack test, would the system detect it? asking for uhh... a friend

Unknown, but you'd be absolutely beyond idiotic to try.

 

[FutureLawyer_]

are there any amber jack practice tests online ?

 

[Novaa]

If you screen recorded yourself taking an amberjack test, would the system detect it? asking for uhh... a friend

Because what is going on behind the scenes? Like I would never try, but I’m curious what is going on?

I remember accidentally swiping to a different window, and my camera flashed on and off, but like what is going on there? So interesting.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

If you screen recorded yourself taking an amberjack test, would the system detect it? asking for uhh... a friend

Hmm idk lad it’s kinda risky. It’s most likely able to pick up on recording, screenshots, pictures or any other form of ‘cheating’ and would alert grad rec. Then they’re gna be after you like:

 

[Novaa]

Because what is going on behind the scenes? Like I would never try, but I’m curious what is going on?

I remember accidentally swiping to a different window, and my camera flashed on and off, but like what is going on there? So interesting.

Now that I think about it… if Netflix can detect screenshots/screen recording and black out your screen without you authorising anything. Tell your friend to forget that.

GRAD REC GON GET THEM!

 

[radssss]

If you screen recorded yourself taking an amberjack test, would the system detect it? asking for uhh... a friend

No one would know but I believe they can because most testing systems and even online streaming platforms have these checks, I remember during the pwc test I accidentally opened a new window, got a warning i would be disqualified if I do it again last year (on the test portal in the middle of the test only). The firm will not tell the person but simply reject the person and then the person would be confused if it’s their test that went badly or was it the screen recording

This prolly won’t happen but if it’s reported to the firm it can lead to potentially black listing - this is again prolly too severe and won’t happen but this process is anyways very scary hahaha.

Long story short, I would never risk it

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Now that I think about it… if Netflix can detect screenshots/screen recording and black out your screen without you authorising anything. Tell your friend to forget that.

GRAD REC GON GET THEM!

Grad rec would be willing to take the time out to launch an entire FBI-led forensic investigation into people trying to screenshot or screen record an amberjack but sending basic post app feedback is where they’ll draw the line cos it’s too much effort for them. Oh well it is what it is.

 

[jojo23]

Now that I think about it… if Netflix can detect screenshots/screen recording and black out your screen without you authorising anything. Tell your friend to forget that.

GRAD REC GON GET THEM!

i swear if someone sits there and watches us taking these tests then they have too much free time
they're just gonna catch me singing

 

[jojo23]

Grad rec would be willing to take the time out to launch an entire FBI-led forensic investigation into people trying to screenshot or screen record an amberjack but sending basic post app feedback is where they’ll draw the line cos it’s too much effort for them. Oh well it is what it is.

they'd rather do that than actually respond to us within a reasonable timeframe...

 

[radssss]

i swear if someone sits there and watches us taking these tests then they have too much free time
they're just gonna catch me singing

Nah surely they don’t hahahaha (atleast I hope so)
I think amberjack would have some checks in place tho

 

[jojo23]

No one would know but I believe they can because most testing systems and even online streaming platforms have these checks, I remember during the pwc test I accidentally opened a new window, got a warning i would be disqualified if I do it again last year (on the test t portal in the middle of the test only) The firm will not tell the person but simply reject the person and then the person would be confused if it’s their test that went badly or was it the screen recording

This prolly won’t happen but if it’s reported to the firm it can lead to potentially black listing - this is again prolly too severe and won’t happen but this process is anyways very scary hahaha.

Long story short, I would never risk it

Nah surely they don’t hahahaha (atleast I hope so)
I think amberjack would have some checks in place tho

i can imagine screen monitoring happening.. like they may flag if you change tabs but i just can't see what they actually do with the camera element
i mean the test is enough torture, let me repay them with unsolicited karaoke

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

i can imagine screen monitoring happening.. like they may flag if you change tabs but i just can't see what they actually do with the camera element
i mean the test is enough torture, let me repay them with unsolicited karaoke

This is grad rec’s equivalent, TikTok page friendly, unsolicited karaoke choreographed by HR to try appear more Gen-Z and relatable:​

 

[jojo23]

This is grad rec’s equivalent, TikTok page friendly, unsolicited karaoke choreographed by HR:​

Grad rec immediately after PFO-ing us and ruining our mental health on a regular basis without giving reasons:

 

[Novaa]

This is grad rec’s equivalent, TikTok page friendly, unsolicited karaoke choreographed by HR:​

Wait but I lowkey can’t wait to hop in a firm TikTok video or podcast episode…

Me when Grad Rec tells me I can’t give a shoutout to my friends in the middle of the podcast: