TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

im curious to see what others say as well, i would be torn between c and d too

At first I thought, it's just a call...why would I ask my manager. So I was 99% set on C. Then I started overthinking and thought that maybe, it's best to check with your supervisor first as a matter of courtesy? Now I feel like I should have gone with my gut feeling and gone for D

 

[Jennifer2003]

shoosmiths discover placement assessment!

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

I would personally pick C, because you’re saying yes to an opportunity to grow and connect with your wider team and learn from their ideas.

To me option D can make option C look like you aren’t respecting your manager by not getting their permission. But there’s nothing flagging to me that attending the meeting would jeopardise something. Like if it said “Your manager has said they may have additional urgent work to assign you” at the start, then I may have gone for option D.

Ugh these situations test your relationships with seniority in such subtle ways. I always hate the ones which reference your supervisor not knowing something in a client meeting.

Yeah I think you are right...damn overthinking really gets me in SJTs, I should just trust my gut. Hopefully it doesnt greatly impact my result...

 

[johnsmith]

Pinsent Masons AC.
Would appreciate any advice as this is my first AC. I remember earlier in the year people were talking about the in-tray exercise being quite difficult to complete within the allocated time?

Well done on your AC! Personally managed to address them all with 5 minutes to go. It's a nice AC experience and they aren't looking to trip you up 👌

 

[nbjani]

So I have a DLA AC next Tuesday, but FLK1 on Wednesday, so I’m heavily focussing in revising. This is my first AC and I want to be targeted with my prep so I can focus on the SQE. Any advice on the best way to focus the AC prep maybe an hour a day max? I’m thinking of focussing on prepping for motivational and commercial questions in the interview, as I’ve heard it’s not really possible to prepare for the other assessment types? I’m a career changer and don’t really have an issue with working in a group environment, so can’t see how to prep for the group activity.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

I was also wondering if anyone knows how the SJTs are marked when you have to rank from most to least likely. Do you only get a point (if that's how it works) if they are all in the correct order? I actually have no clue how they are assessed.

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Any insight into Mishcon's AI Chatbot test? Can give insight on Freshfields Stage 1 and 2

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Yep, received an email for baker mckenzie spring vacation scheme a couple hours ago

AC ?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Would you mind sharing any insight or tips?

Would you mind sharing any insight or tips for the WE?

Would you mind sharing any insight or tips?

Would you mind sharing any insight or tips?

 

[BobThebIlly]

Was about to submit AG... then realised the deadline was noon 😀😀😀😀😀

This was me at 1pm today. Lit couldve sent it yday but I thought I’d have all day today to refine it lol

 

[oliviabeijing]

A friend of mine said the CMS Sheffield ACs are on the 4th and 5th Feb. He got this fast tracked from the insight programme last year though so no clue about current application timelines.

You legend haha thank you so much for the intel!

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

I was literally going to reply and say "me an empath sensing you need insights or tips"

 

[xMontmorency]

I was also wondering if anyone knows how the SJTs are marked when you have to rank from most to least likely. Do you only get a point (if that's how it works) if they are all in the correct order? I actually have no clue how they are assessed.

I don't think the recruiters know either

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

I don't think the recruiters know either

Convinced they go off vibes

 

[Novaa]

Would you mind sharing any insight or tips?

Just messaged you, I don’t have the insights but found someone who might.

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Does anyone have any insights into ES AC? 🙏 can help with cc and links ac’s

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Praying I hear from Eversheds tomorrow… I don’t think anyone else on here applied to the Cardiff office so I have no idea if they’ve sent AC invites out yet.

 

[anon78365222111]

Yep, received an email for baker mckenzie spring vacation scheme a couple hours ago

The mic drop that makes us all on edge on whether it was an AC or not 👀👀

 

[legallybrunnette]

Did it today! Feel free to message me

Just messaged you, I don’t have the insights but found someone who might.

Legend.

 

[legallybrunnette]

Help a girl out guys!