TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[radssss]

Simmons assessment - high numerical and verbal but 5,5,7 on the pillars :/ - they’re kinda harsh with the marking. I applied on the deadline day and took my chances but have people been invited to the ac for the summer vac scheme or already given the ac?

Side note - I always hate the “why do u want to work with us” vi question which firms ask, how much ever I prepare for it, I always fall short of time to explain it or fumble.

 

[llblawstudent]

No problem at all!

Yes, the process is separate in the beginning, but merges once you get to the final stages! Just make sure you tick both the 'Training Contract' and 'Vacation Scheme' options on the application form, as otherwise you do have to submit a separate DTC application (which I found out the hard way...).

Best of luck with your application!!

Tysm for the pointer and advice )
The website really doesn’t make the process clear, is it just an AC after, no VI or SJT?

 

[elle woods]

Merry Christmas!

 

[WeGotThis!]

Merry Christmas to everyone! 🎁⛄ 🎄 May Santa bring you all the VS and TC offers you want this year!🎉

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hello @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock @Afraz Akhtar
I was wondering with regard for antitrust / competition law - what's the pure substantive things we should know about for ACs? I don't mean like connecting to broader trends, but rather like actual concepts / content?

Thank you

Hi @flower1 in terms of actual concepts for competition law, I would break this down as the following:

1. Competition law prohibits anti-competitive agreements

The most serious kinds of anti-competitive agreement are cartels, where two or more businesses agree not to compete with each other, for example by fixing prices, or sharing customers or markets.

2. Competition law prohibits the abuse of a dominant market position

Companies with large shares of a market may be regarded as "dominant". If they behave in ways which exploit customers or exclude their competitors, they may be abusing their market position.

3. Competition law regulates mergers and acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions may be prohibited or regulated if they are likely to substantially lessen competition in a market following completion e.g. they will have very high market share following the merger

Of course the subject itself is more intricate and complex than that, but this should be enough for any AC - as I don’t expect you to be tested heavily on legal concepts.

 

[Lord Sumption]

This might sound a bit silly, but how do people manage feelings of imposter syndrome during a vacation scheme? Some people are naturally very confident socially, and I sometimes feel out of place at London open days and insight events, especially with a northern accent. What are the best ways to overcome that? I think it's mostly psychological rather than actually being able to do anything about it.

Any insights? @Afraz Akhtar @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

 

[Harvey Specter]

This might sound a bit silly, but how do people manage feelings of imposter syndrome during a vacation scheme? Some people are naturally very confident socially, and I sometimes feel out of place at London open days and insight events, especially with a northern accent. What are the best ways to overcome that? I think it's mostly psychological rather than actually being able to do anything about it.

Any insights? @Afraz Akhtar @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

I relate to this personally as a fellow northerner hahaha. It’s difficult and the imposter syndrome is real. It’s mostly psychological but people have had awful experiences by being told to ‘change’ their accent if they want a successful legal career. It’s probably an indication of that firm’s culture if the lawyers there say stuff like that tbh. I think as of recent, accent bias training is becoming more prevalent and especially at firms that partner with rare recruitment, it should be less bad. As a result, I’ve found interacting with lawyers actually ends up being a positive, as it turns out many of them are also northern and/or socially mobile! To overcome it, just know you’re in those rooms cos you earned it and you belong there too!

When I went to the Weil Oct insight day, as I was leaving, I bumped into someone in the lift who obvs at the time I didn’t know who they were. We were both chatting away about my experience at the open day and my interest in Weil for about 10 mins. Then they dropped a major bomb: he was in fact an insolvency disputes and restructuring partner at the firm, and he was also northern! Genuinely it was that interaction that boosted my confidence knowing that I can and should be able to speak freely and not worry about potential accent biases cos I’m northern. He was acc so unfazed by me calling him lad and mate the entire conversation without realising he’s a partner lmfao. 😂😂

Sorry for the essay I’ve just written lad idfk how I’ve managed to write so much haha. Hopefully this helps and pls dw about being northern. Own it!​