TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Donna Paulsen]

Mishcon de Reya AC!! It came through at around 6pm but didn't see because I was at dinner. To preempt an inbox of questions:

What dates are the AC? The email doesn't say anything further than - 'We will be back in touch early next week with dates for you to choose from'.

When did you submit? Bright apply: Mid-November, SJT: The week before Christmas.

What was your SJT score? High verbal & numerical, 6/6/3/6 - Terrible I know, I also have no idea how I'm here.

Hope this helps!!

Bro did a press release 🤣

(so fair lol)

 

[saj2002]

CRS VI!! Does anyone have any advice on passing those? I find them super stressful!

 

[Novaa]

I might be being delusional but it seems like not many have been sent out so wondering the same thing?

I believe last year they ran summer ACs into early April, so spring ACs will likely go into February/March.

(Disclaimer: I have a habit of jumping to conclusions 😍)

 

[TCGrad1642]

if we’ve not heard back from mishcon for spring today is it likely a PFO?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

CRS VI!! Does anyone have any advice on passing those? I find them super stressful!

Wooo congrats!! May I ask which office you applied for?

 

[qwerty!]

I believe last year they ran summer ACs into early April, so spring ACs will likely go into February/March.

(Disclaimer: I have a habit of jumping to conclusions 😍)

manifesting ... 🔮🔮🔮

 

[saj2002]

Wooo congrats!! May I ask which office you applied for?

Guildford

 

[hey1238390u]

Hi everyone 😊


I’ve got a Capsticks assessment centre coming up soon and it’s my first AC, so I’m feeling quite nervous and would be really grateful for any insight from anyone who’s done it before (especially last year/recently).


From the guidance, the AC includes:

• Group exercise
• Written task (1h30): short report based on a case study pack
• Interview (up to 45 mins): competency + strengths-based

If anyone is able to share, I’d really appreciate:

1. What the interview questions were like (themes / examples of questions)
2. What the group exercise involved (e.g. prioritising, choosing between options, negotiation, discussion style etc.)
3. What the written task/report was like (SWOT? recommendations? client-focused? what structure worked well?)
4. Any tips on how to stand out / common mistakes to avoid

Just general guidance would really help.
Thank you so much in advance!! 😊

 

[Mikeross750]

What is the etiquette for asking law firms for an update on your application? I have interviewed with Withers before Christmas and (like everyone else it seems) haven't heard back.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

What is the etiquette for asking law firms for an update on your application? I have interviewed with Withers before Christmas and (like everyone else it seems) haven't heard back.

If this is for spring they have already been sending out VS offers but idk about summer tbh.​

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Probably a silly question, but do you have any advice on volunteering opportunities?

I was thinking something like my local Citizens Advice, but wasn’t sure what else might be out there.

Yeah, off course. The work I do is through my PGDL uni but there are so many opportunities. C.A. would be a good place to start but if you are at uni they probably also have a legal advice clinic that you can volunteer through. I applied on whim to be honest but I know that there are many opportunities. LawWorks, Citizens Advice, and the Free Representation Unit (FRU) - honestly just search and find one local to you! Good luck and I am happy to answer any other questions you may have

 

[Mikeross750]

If this is for spring they have already been sending out VS offers but idk about summer tbh.​

damn that's crazy because I applied for spring. Do you know of someone who got an offer already?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Bro did a press release 🤣

(so fair lol)

I can’t stop laughing at this 😂😂

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Me during my interview with Gibson Dunn on Zoom: I love banks, credit cards...

 

[trainee4u]

That feeling when you spend ages researching Bristows' practice areas and work, only to fuck yourself because you can't recall what its 'four values' are. 😭 Also, 60 seconds is ridiculously quick.

I've seen a similar question before, tbf.
It's always four values for some reason. Never three.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Me during my interview with Gibson Dunn on Zoom: I love banks, credit cards...

Wait did you get an interview already or is this a hypothetical.
If yes to the first one, when did you apply?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I've seen a similar question before, tbf.
It's always four values for some reason. Never three.

My four values are

1. Money
2. Moola
3. Cash
4. Um...and money

Thank you.

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Wait did you get an interview already or is this a hypothetical.
If yes to the first one, when did you apply?

Haha I did get an interview, I applied 14 Nov

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

For those with Freshfields DTC AC's - Did you get an email confirming the details of your AC?

 

[supp…]

Anyone do the Eversheds AC today? Do dm me!

Hi, mines next week did you have yours? If so how was it??