TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Rosie_Kitten]

just ask chatGPT to write the prompt

#worksmarternotharder

Then you need to work on the perfect prompt to get chatgpt to write the perfect prompt.... and I don't want to do that, so I'll ask for the prompt for the prompt.... 🤣

 

[Applicant7874652]

The deadline is Jan 31 and they’re non-rolling so they’ll probs take a few weeks to review all of the apps before sending AC invites out. AC dates are on their website (see below). The first one is early March so invites might be sent by at least the end of Feb maybe?​

I imagine week commencing Feb 23 is when they will send the invites out

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Then you need to work on the perfect prompt to get chatgpt to write the perfect prompt.... and I don't want to do that, so I'll ask for the prompt for the prompt.... 🤣

 

[Novaa]

Friends are trying to plan holidays/birthdays and every VS application seems to clash with a first day or last day…

I’m not even that far along in the process to know how likely it will be that I’ll be free or not 😭🤣

 

[abc124]

I randomly decided to review my katten app today and noticed i somehow put the wrong date for my internship (2021, when it was actually in 2025 lol). The internship was quite serious and I did it after I graduated, but with the incorrect date it seems like i've got quite a bit of an employment gap after graduation....But it's been a month since I submitted the app, would it be weird to email atp?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

I randomly decided to review my katten app today and noticed i somehow put the wrong date for my internship (2021, when it was actually in 2025 lol). The internship was quite serious and I did it after I graduated, but with the incorrect date it seems like i've got quite a bit of an employment gap after graduation....But it's been a month since I submitted the app, would it be weird to email atp?

@abc124 I wouldn't really sweat at this stage, and I don't think they're going to be taking into account employment gaps before making a decision - that's usually checked before you start the role. However, if you think that you correcting the date potentially changes the way your application is reviewed, then email them and amend it. You don't want any "What if's" during this gruelling process.

 

[a114]

Does anyone have advice to improve amberjack sjt? I always get high verbal and numerical but struggle to crack 20 on the pillars so I don't get progressed. I researched the pillars, firm culture, and what they look for each time and I still score low annoyingly

 

[Ernesto]

For Hill Dickinson SJT, how many video interview questions are there?

 

[Ernesto]

Fladgate application reads:

The majority of our successful applicants will have achieved or expect to achieve AAB at A-Level and have legal work experience. When you click no - it opens another box that reads:
Do you have any extenuating circumstances that have prevented you from achieving these?

 

[abc124]

@abc124 I wouldn't really sweat at this stage, and I don't think they're going to be taking into account employment gaps before making a decision - that's usually checked before you start the role. However, if you think that you correcting the date potentially changes the way your application is reviewed, then email them and amend it. You don't want any "What if's" during this gruelling process.

Thanks a lot for the advice, I'm just wondering if emailing won't come across as a bit weird, especially given it's been a month lol I think I'd rather email, especially since I referred to this internship when answering one of the questions as something I 'pursued after graduation', but I also don't want to come across as overly anxious if from their pov it's quite trivial?

 

[radssss]

Fladgate application reads:

The majority of our successful applicants will have achieved or expect to achieve AAB at A-Level and have legal work experience. When you click no - it opens another box that reads:
Do you have any extenuating circumstances that have prevented you from achieving these?

Jesus Christ😭😭😭😭
I did the app too but clicked yes so did not notice this.

Like no bro, you need to understand this process is really tough and not every candidate can have legal experience😭😭😭 I would still understand if they said “work experience” instead of legal experience in the ques without that box asking for reasons😱

Dear fladgate, people would attend their legal work experience under most circumstances in this market!!

 

[aspiringtrainee1]

hey guys! when it comes to answering q's about key opportunities or challenges for law firms what kind of things are good to have a look at? (bar AI) any pointers would be appreciated

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Thanks a lot for the advice, I'm just wondering if emailing won't come across as a bit weird, especially given it's been a month lol I think I'd rather email, especially since I referred to this internship when answering one of the questions as something I 'pursued after graduation', but I also don't want to come across as overly anxious if from their pov it's quite trivial?

@abc124 I don’t think it comes across as overly anxious, and even then, even if it did, I don’t think it’s anything to fault a candidate on. Of course, inbox management is a pain point - however, application amendments are fairly normal queries to send. So, trivial or not, if it’s important to you then you should do it.

 

[qwerty!]

Did you also attach a school transcript to your application? My secondary school didn't offer transcripts so I'm not really sure what to do haha. Thank you for your help btw!

I attached a scan of my A level certificates! Not sure if that was necessary but passed the screening

 

[Novaa]

hey guys! when it comes to answering q's about key opportunities or challenges for law firms what kind of things are good to have a look at? (bar AI) any pointers would be appreciated

I’m an ESG lover, so I usually go for the regulators becoming more strict line of approach and the implications this has.

UK = The CMA now has the power to fine companies up to 10% of their global annual turnover for breaches of consumer protection law, which includes greenwashing.

Italy = Investigated Shein for greenwashing and fined them €1 million (Shein also struggled to launch their IPO in London because of similar concerns).

France = Ruled that TotalEnergies had misled consumers by greenwashing via an advert, and they were ordered to remove them or face fines.

This tells me in Europe at least that ESG has shifted from something which was good for PR/optics to now being legally enforceable for companies. Which then also means, law firms particularly “full-service” ones with many offices have an opportunity to advise companies across jurisdictions on these ESG regulations.

 

[llblawstudent]

@abc124 I don’t think it comes across as overly anxious, and even then, even if it did, I don’t think it’s anything to fault a candidate on. Of course, inbox management is a pain point - however, application amendments are fairly normal queries to send. So, trivial or not, if it’s important to you then you should do it.

I have had similar experiences and amended it retrospectively. Do you think it comes across as poor attention to detail?

 

[abc124]

@abc124 I don’t think it comes across as overly anxious, and even then, even if it did, I don’t think it’s anything to fault a candidate on. Of course, inbox management is a pain point - however, application amendments are fairly normal queries to send. So, trivial or not, if it’s important to you then you should do it.

That's reassuring, thanks so much!!

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Wishing everybody an upcoming week full of positive progressions and good vibes!

 

[Novaa]

I’m an ESG lover, so I usually go for the regulators becoming more strict line of approach and the implications this has.

UK = The CMA now has the power to fine companies up to 10% of their global annual turnover for breaches of consumer protection law, which includes greenwashing.

Italy = Investigated Shein for greenwashing and fined them €1 million (Shein also struggled to launch their IPO in London because of similar concerns).

France = Ruled that TotalEnergies had misled consumers by greenwashing via an advert, and they were ordered to remove them or face fines.

This tells me in Europe at least that ESG has shifted from something which was good for PR/optics to now being legally enforceable for companies. Which then also means, law firms particularly “full-service” ones with many offices have an opportunity to advise companies across jurisdictions on these ESG regulations.

Speaking of sector knowledge and keeping up with the word on the street.

Those of you who love the Financial Services side of things, how do you do it? I understand Competition, ESG, TMT, Energy, and Infrastructure. But see the financial services side of things… I really struggle with it LOOL

 

[Afuturetrainee]

LaughterFladgate application reads:

The majority of our successful applicants will have achieved or expect to achieve AAB at A-Level and have legal work experience. When you click no - it opens another box that reads:
Do you have any extenuating circumstances that have prevented you from achieving these?