TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[radssss]

Does anyone have any good tips for Amberjack to ace the “applied intellect” pillar? I keep getting very low scores between 1-3 and I don’t understand, because I practised for all the other pillars and now get high scores, just not applied intellect for some reason

I try to be very friendly (as this pillar also measures social skills) and don’t pick any option whose tone I don’t like considering The option I pick is also rational😭. It sounds weird but it’s worked for me!

For example - someone is not providing you with info you need this week -
A. Check their dairy, Set a meeting when they have time this week and obtain the info.
B. Set a meeting with them this week and figure out their working style preference and get to know them.

I would pick B!
A sounds like the better option considering they have asked how would you approach this situation to get info but it shows that the person is only considering getting the info important/ getting to know their colleagues working style to obtain info like this in the future not as important!

In amberjacks you can also kind of figure out what ques is relating to what pillar so I’d be mindful of that when picking the option with this approach. I’m sure you’ll ace it with some practice as it takes some tests to get a hang of it!

 

[radssss]

Radssss I have an e-book offer for you… “Acing a Mishcon SJT by Radssss”

This made me smile sm😭❤️

I’ve done so badly on the first few in my first cycle that I can’t even tell you😭

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

 

[hanz123]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

4th, got to one AC in my second cycle but was unsuccessful praying that this is my last cycle because I am drained 🥲

 

[flamingocelot]

Has anyone else still not heard from FieldFisher? They said my application was on hold while they assess the first batch of applicants, but I haven't heard back since and I can see people getting offers.
Should I just assume PFO, although I'm slightly confused as they said they were non rolling...
(This is for Pathways to Practice)

Same with me!!!! I was really happy w my application too, so I will be super disappointed if I am PFO'd

 

[ilikelaw]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

for a minute thought you were talking about the other kind of cycle....

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

2nd now. Last cycle was my 1st only made it to a single VI (Willkie). This cycle has been better for me so far (hopefully this is the year I get a TC).

 

[radssss]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

2nd cycle - did a legal placement year in my 3rd year at uni (didn’t convert at that firm and it was also my dream silver circle firm as I flopped the ac at the end of the scheme). Started applying again in my fourth year at uni (no offers) which was technically my first cycle as I only applied to two placement scheme law firms in my second year, was lucky to get one offer!

Now applying as a recent graduate!
I’m an international so I have only two years left to get a tc as my visa will expire so also applying for other sponsored jobs to buy myself more time just incase!

Sorry for the rant, I was so heartbroken 😢

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

On a serious note i haven’t really heard of Case studies not being m&a related in some way

My HSF one last year wasn't (it was analysing a contract about a celebrity endorsement deal) and I don't think my Slaughter and May last year was one either (it was advising about a course of action for a business, I think an acquisition was an option but it wasn't the main focus).

I feel you guys cause I had a legal internship and was so proud because I knew M&A terminology just for neither of my case studies to really be that focused on it 😭

Side note: I fear communicating this to the world is about to send a flood to my inbox 💀

 

[ilikelaw]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

first... i'm scared

 

[radssss]

first... i'm scared

You’re already acing it!! You got this champ!

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

first... i'm scared

Ooof for me either fourth or fifth (I lost count) I am a veteran:

 

[PFO Final Boss]

Guys I did Mishcon SJT, high numerical and high verbal, and 1/7/9/9- am I cooked because of that one low pillar?

 

[maymays]

Guys I did Mishcon SJT, high numerical and high verbal, and 1/7/9/9- am I cooked because of that one low pillar?

First of all- two nines is spectacular, well done honestly. Whether you're cooked I think it depends on the firm; what I mean is some might not care that you got a low score in one pillar unless its central to their business/everyday work. But you're top 3 in three pillars...I think you have more for you than against you 💪

 

[hlaw]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back from Bank of England ?

im still waiting to hear back post SJT😭

 

[radssss]

im still waiting to hear back post SJT😭

Same! :/

 

[Novaa]

Out of interest...what cycle is everyone on?

EEK!! 🫣 (My fifth… 💔)

 

[Novaa]

Ooof for me either fourth or fifth (I lost count) I am a veteran:

TC VETS UNITED! 😍

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

TC VETS UNITED! 😍

Once Jaysen launches the TCLA Awards for 2026, you’ve got to win the Nobel prize for best gifs!

 

[summersun]

Does anyone have tips on how to approach a group exercise at AC? I've never done one before 🫠 Thanks in advance!

Hi
just something that might be obvious but be nice to other people on your group and make sure you communicate clearly.
On my group exercise a guy was rude after 5 minutes. Three of us got the VS and he did not and while that might not have been the only reason I am sure it was part of it.
Good Luck !!!!