TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Afraz Akhtar]

Anyone have any advice on how to prepare for a scenario discussion and a written exercise at an AC? @Afraz Akhtar or anyone with any idea please help hahah

Hi @calebnash I've written a post on this previously here : https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2025-26.9717/post-235123

The last two paragraphs cover the written exercise and group exercise.

I would say, with regards to any group activities, of course you have to perform your best but don't get too distracted in trying to be the best that you forget to be a team-player. Although the quality of your input is being assessed, your ability to work well in a team is what carries most of the marks here. So, provide your input - but act in accordance to what you think makes a great team player. It is somebody who supports, doesn't overshadow/intimidate, involves others, keeps the group focused on an aim, shares their opinion but is open to challenges and can amend accordingly.

Good luck!

 

[zonnonomo]

It's always a risk to stand out imo, but consider if a firm were to reject you for that, would it be somebody you'd feel comfortable working for long term?

thats a good perspective thank u ☺️ im bout to be on fleek

 

[Donna Paulsen]

thats a good perspective thank u ☺️ im bout to be on fleek

A bit of concealer and eyeliner never hurt anyone… wear it with confidence! As long as it’s not crazy to the point it’s distracting (like a huge, thick wing that extends to your hairline), who cares❤️ it’s nice to show a bit of individuality.

When in doubt, just mog x

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Any advice on how to handle not being offered a TC following a VS with your dream firm? I genuinely feel heartbroken right now and am struggling to lock back into prepping for upcoming interviews and ACs..

@nonlawstudent98 I trust that our core TCLA motivators @elle woods and @Novaa have already pumped you up a little here, so there is not much more to add.

However, I will say, hold onto that dream. You did not fail, you're simply being redirected. Sure, you may not get a TC there - that doesn't mean you'll never get to that place if that's really where you want to be OR perhaps you'll realise that another firm is actually a lot better for you.

A lot of people get rejected from their top choices, if its your top choice, chances are it's pretty competitive, and with good reason. Yet, whose to say you won't get there as an NQ or whose to say they won't see the amazing work you've done and try poaching you? This is not the end of anything, it is simply the beginning - hold onto that.

 

[Novaa]

Me thinks this thread should get the TCLA lifetime achievement award for being the most entertaining thread since TCLAs launch! @Jaysen

Petition for TCLA user awards xx

Wait this sounds like a plan, because I need to leave this cycle with something! 😍

 

[Novaa]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? 🤔 ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

Ohhh go and be great with your beat face!! (Waiiit this half rhyme 🤭🤭)

Sorry I’m strict with these firms. I don’t want to hear “forward-thinking”, “socially mobile”, and I definitely don’t want to see a diversity and inclusion page if a bit of makeup has you shaking!!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? 🤔 ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

I think concealer and a small wing is fine haha I do that when I'm breaking out (which is most of the time because cortisol is never low in this girl's life xx)

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? 🤔 ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

The grad rec/HR team when they see you walking in to the AC looking so damn fly:

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? 🤔 ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

Honestly i'd love to do that but not bcs I am that typical gay man, but my skin is just too sensitive to break up (I've tried couple of times). I'd rather to use basic skincare only like moisturizer, serum, facial wash, mask, toner etc

Make up it's not for me especially many are formulated for women

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Does anybody know if TopScore automatically submits your work when time is up, I clicked save at the end but not submit and am now scared my submission didn't go through.

 

[Carrington Lane]

thoughts on wearing makeup to ACs as a man? 🤔 ik law firms can be conservative but maybe they'll forget that when they see me looking so damn fly with some concealer and eyeliner

How about you start with K-beauty concealer with low coverage and high in moisturiser for a natural look. Traditional concealer can be quite cakey and easy to spot.

For eyeliner, I suggest you try brown instead of black to soften the look. Not that strong makeup looks are bad, but just in case.

 

[zonnonomo]

Honestly i'd love to do that but not bcs I am that typical gay man, but my skin is just too sensitive to break up (I've tried couple of times). I'd rather to use basic skincare only like moisturizer, serum, facial wash, mask, toner etc

Make up it's not for me especially many are formulated for women

literally i stopped using foundation cos it was making my face a landmine of pimples

that maybelline age rewind concealer tho😻

 

[Deleted member 43292]

literally i stopped using foundation cos it was making my face a landmine of pimples

that maybelline age rewind concealer tho😻

it's so counterproductive tho cos i need both concealer and foundation to cover my spots but the more i cover them the more worse they become... but I refuse to show up to an interview looking like I'm dying...it's a perpetual cycle haha

 

[zonnonomo]

How about you start with K-beauty concealer with low coverage and high in moisturiser for a natural look. Traditional concealer can be quite cakey and easy to spot.

For eyeliner, I suggest you should try brown instead of black to soften the look. Not that strong makeup looks are bad, but just in case.

let me get my notepad for this generational grwm tut ✍️

 

[zonnonomo]

it's so counterproductive tho cos i need both concealer and foundation to cover my spots but the more i cover them the more worse they become... but I refuse to show up to an interview looking like I'm dying...it's a perpetual cycle haha

elle woods i'm having a hard time imagining this cos in my mind ur not even a person ur just the enduring glow of the sun

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

let me get my notepad for this generational grwm tut ✍️

 

[Donna Paulsen]

literally i stopped using foundation cos it was making my face a landmine of pimples

that maybelline age rewind concealer tho😻

I’m a girl but haven’t worn foundation in years, I think it’s unnecessary!! My routine is concealer, cream bronzer, cream blush (rhode pocket blush in shade ‘sleepy girl’ iykyk), loose powder, mascara, a bit of highlighter… its makeup but its not MAKEUP if ygm. Foundation makes me look like I have a mask on and it breaks me out too!!

Also gotta make sure to do a good skincare routine beforehand. Medicube zero pore toner pads make my base literally flawless. Then sunscreen ofc, medik8 vitamin c and Tatcha dewy moisturiser. The best!!

I’ll stop now hahah I just love beauty😍

 

[Zimpakos]

Manifesting success for all on here this week!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

elle woods i'm having a hard time imagining this cos in my mind ur not even a person ur just the enduring glow of the sun

Hope you don't mind me attaching a selfie right here 😍 #facereveal

 

[Deleted member 43292]

let me get my notepad for this generational grwm tut ✍️

yep yep I was going to recommend you look at some korean products cos generally they're more gentler on the skin. I like using 3CEs tri-colour concealer pots to colour-correct precisely (so for like spots and stuff)(so like use the green to cancel out red pimples, and pink/coral to help with purple eyebags), and then I know Laneige formulates foundation cushions with serum infused in them - but plenty of other good brands too

and agreed with the brown eyeliner! I use brown personally and it defo looks a lot more natural (or you can just use eyeshadow and a sharp brush).

like Donna, I can go on and on about this but yea!! you don't need too many products at all. I would also just try ensure you add some colour back to your face, so I always carry around a lipliner - it can double as blush, lip colour, and under-eye eyeliner/ light eyeshadow lol