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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

ddalki

Standard Member
Aug 25, 2025
5
36
Any tips for completing a SJT? Would appreciate any advice as the feedback is never looking good!
Hi! These are my personal two cents, but I’ve gotten pretty good feedback on SJTs so far, and I hope they help. I find that SJTS can often seem a little convoluted, so please just pick and take what works for you. 💕

- Have a clear idea of what traits the law firm wants. Typically, this will be things like resilience, motivation, collaboration, adaptability, personal responsibility etc etc, but the firm websites will often list their desired characteristics. If you keep them in mind, you’ll be able to identify which traits each question is testing for.
- Always read the question/situation carefully, because it’ll give you hints on what to prioritize. For example, let’s say the situation states that you’re swamped, there’s an important deadline coming up soon, and you’re given an opportunity to take on more challenging work. It’s not necessarily good to take that opportunity (unless the option makes it clear that you can get everything done to good quality), because that shows initiative but at the expense of prioritization/commitment/work ethic. This is especially important when two traits conflict (eg leadership vs collaboration).
- If there are two similarly worded options, pick the one that has the best result for the firm. For example, let’s say you’re debating between a) “You’d like to work in a team because you enjoy working with people” and b) “You’d like to work in a team because you think combining everyone’s expertise would get an ideal result”. The better choice would be b, because it shows you’re the ultimate team player. Or something.
- Know what your role is. If it says you’re a trainee, don’t be afraid to notify the higher ups when something goes wrong. Say you’re happy to do menial tasks if required (although you’re always eager to branch out).

Best of luck! 💖
 
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Reactions: ilikelaw

Lord Sumption

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
  • Nov 11, 2022
    70
    140
    In other news, Macfarlanes has rolled out its first brand refresh in at least 15 years, unveiling a bolder, more modern visual identity.

    The redesign introduces a modernised logo and a new colour palette that moves away from the conservative aesthetics you might expect from a traditional City law firm.
    6968ab0c1f974ee9429017ec_Macfarlanes-brand-update.webp
    1768515582972.png
     
    • Wow
    Reactions: Harvey Specter

    floral.tcla

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Aug 15, 2024
    218
    341
    In other news, Macfarlanes has rolled out its first brand refresh in at least 15 years, unveiling a bolder, more modern visual identity.

    The redesign introduces a modernised logo and a new colour palette that moves away from the conservative aesthetics you might expect from a traditional City law firm.
    6968ab0c1f974ee9429017ec_Macfarlanes-brand-update.webp
    View attachment 7694
    Am i blind or does that look exactly the same
     

    trainee4u

    Legendary Member
    Sep 7, 2023
    446
    900
    In other news, Macfarlanes has rolled out its first brand refresh in at least 15 years, unveiling a bolder, more modern visual identity.

    The redesign introduces a modernised logo and a new colour palette that moves away from the conservative aesthetics you might expect from a traditional City law firm.
    6968ab0c1f974ee9429017ec_Macfarlanes-brand-update.webp
    View attachment 7694
    when I'm a partner at Macfarlanes I'm gonna have a megapool in my megamansion.

    and then i'm gonna pee in it.
     

    Donna Paulsen

    Legendary Member
  • Sep 23, 2025
    194
    591
    I submitted mine hours ago but I never felt so dead. Starting to get burned out from applications when I know others have done way more than me 💀
    Same - I think I'm just too much of a perfectionist with my applications. One application can take me days. I need to get a wriggle on and stop deeping it too much lol

    Hurry Up Time GIF by Pudgy Penguins
     

    Legallywhatever

    Esteemed Member
    Jan 29, 2025
    96
    108

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