TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[LawAspirer]

I did Simmons test in late October, got pretty mid results... No PFO or invite to next yet. Wtf?

 

[johnsmith]

2 assessment days on the same day. The invite I received today I want more. Can anyone help with advice as its in one week today I've emailed to ask if there is any flexibility

This is me tomorrow, one in the AM and one in the PM and I’ll need a 5am start to make the AM one a nice problem to have though

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

"If you couldn’t work in law, what do you think you would do and why?" - Wondered how to approach this application question as a career changer. Presumably, talk about what drew me to my current career, and perhaps mention some transferable skills?

Hey!

Yes - that is the way that I would approach it! The graduate recruitment team will be looking for signs that law is a deliberate choice that you have made, rather than simply falling into it. A strong approach could be to briefly explain what attracted you to current career, what you have enjoyed and done well in, and then draw out the transferable skills that apply to law.

You could then lightly contrast that with law - acknowledge that while you have enjoyed your current career path, commercial law ultimately appeals more because of the nature of the work, the pace, or the type of impact (or whatever it may be for you!). I'd aim to keep it concise and positive overall, as your answer should reinforce your motivation for law (rather than necessarily talk negatively about your current career).

I hope that helps!

 

[174Tess9y3]

Imposter syndrome is crazy because why do I have 1 vac scheme offer and I feel like that’s nothing and not good enough

(Probs the fear of being left with nothing if I don’t successfully convert it)

 

[lawcool]

This is me tomorrow, one in the AM and one in the PM and I’ll need a 5am start to make the AM one a nice problem to have though

what a legend haha, wishing you good luck!!!

 

[User2640]

Hey!

For this type of statement, the key is to show that you understand what that expertise looks like in practice. Good evidence would usually fall into one (or more) of the following:

• A recent deal or case the firm worked on: e.g. what they did, why it was complex and interesting, and why that appeals to you
• A market position or client base: perhaps they work for clients that you are eager to work with (e.g. sponsors, FTSE companies, PE funds, etc.)
• Something distinctive about the team itself: they might conduct lots of cross-border work, have a strength in a niche area, or a reputation for complex matters. As long as you can show why that interests you, this would be a good way to back up your point
• First hand insight (often the strongest, if possible): this could be online programmes like Forage, academic modules, a talk or open day, or work experience. You can discuss what you enjoyed about the experience, and why you are now motivated to work in that area.

The general formula that I tried to follow is: claim -> evidence -> personal link

Thank you so much Abbie! You're genuinely the best community assistant ive seen

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

can someone please make me follow my own advice (‘if it’s meant for you it won’t pass you by’) because I had an AC today and just feel so ickkkyyy after it ahhh. I barely had time to complete the written exercise (only used half the word count) and I just felt like I was rambling the whole time. Anyone else felt this way and still made it through? And I like the firm so much, makes it feel worse

Hey!

I'm sorry to hear that you feel this way after the AC - it is completely normal, and I think very few people leave an AC feeling genuinely happy with how they performed.

Most people walk out focusing on what they thing went wrong, rather than what they did well. Try to reflect on the other exercises too, and be proud of yourself for getting through the AC in the first place - that alone is an achievement!

If it helps, I felt completely demotivated after my Reed Smith AC because I ran out of time on one of the written exercises and didn't get to finish my answer, yet I still went on to receive an offer. You've likely done better than you think, and it can be hard to judge your performance accurately when you're coming down from the adrenaline of the day.

I would try to be kind to yourself and let it sit - the post-AC spiral is very real (and I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't acknowledge that!), but it is rarely an accurate reflection of how you came across. Fingers crossed for you!!

 

[helenaskelton]

Heyy, Congrats on your assessment day, hope you will convert it to a VS! May I ask when you completed your TI

I completed it on Monday!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, so I have an AC coming up but I have another one as well from another firm soon after and their dates overlap, would it be advisable to ask for a faster decision from firm A so I wouldn’t need to do my AC at firm B if I get the offer (in any case, I prefer firm A). My question is would it worsen my chances than if I just let them respond in their own time?

Hello!

Congratulations on multiple AC invites, that's amazing!!

I don't think it would worsen your chances to ask them if they are able to provide a decision faster, as long as you explain why (so that they know there is a genuine reason). They might tell you that they are unable to do this, but you have then at least asked!

 

[Shaky_Pete]

Hey!

Yes - that is the way that I would approach it! The graduate recruitment team will be looking for signs that law is a deliberate choice that you have made, rather than simply falling into it. A strong approach could be to briefly explain what attracted you to current career, what you have enjoyed and done well in, and then draw out the transferable skills that apply to law.

You could then lightly contrast that with law - acknowledge that while you have enjoyed your current career path, commercial law ultimately appeals more because of the nature of the work, the pace, or the type of impact (or whatever it may be for you!). I'd aim to keep it concise and positive overall, as your answer should reinforce your motivation for law (rather than necessarily talk negatively about your current career).

I hope that helps!

Thanks Abbie!

 

[CharlieandLola]

Hey, I just wanted to let anyone know for Reed Smith vac scheme that when I completed their AC I got rejected less than a week after doing it. So if you haven't heard back, it means you most likely reached the benchmark and thats something thats something to be proud of even if you don't get it in the end

 

[TCLAuser2002]

I completed it on Monday!

you definitely smashed it, congrats!

 

[Fauxfilm_]

can someone please make me follow my own advice (‘if it’s meant for you it won’t pass you by’) because I had an AC today and just feel so ickkkyyy after it ahhh. I barely had time to complete the written exercise (only used half the word count) and I just felt like I was rambling the whole time. Anyone else felt this way and still made it through? And I like the firm so much, makes it feel worse

I had my Trowers written exercise today and completely bottled it…

First AC, first written exercise!! Not feeling the greatest at all.. not sure how the group exercise and interview can save that performance!!! Is it even worth going

 

[Zimpakos]

Anyone got a Mishcon Spring PFO judging by the fact some got ACs a week ago I’m accepting it’s a lost cause

please forgive for my momentary loss of optimism, wishing all of you the very best of luck.

Please enjoy this dog video:

 

[Fauxfilm_]

I have my first VI next week for CRS.

From what I know, these are usually a mix of competency, motivational and commercial. What commercial questions are generally asked in these interviews?

 

[lawyersum]

Hey!

I'm sorry to hear that you feel this way after the AC - it is completely normal, and I think very few people leave an AC feeling genuinely happy with how they performed.

Most people walk out focusing on what they thing went wrong, rather than what they did well. Try to reflect on the other exercises too, and be proud of yourself for getting through the AC in the first place - that alone is an achievement!

If it helps, I felt completely demotivated after my Reed Smith AC because I ran out of time on one of the written exercises and didn't get to finish my answer, yet I still went on to receive an offer. You've likely done better than you think, and it can be hard to judge your performance accurately when you're coming down from the adrenaline of the day.

I would try to be kind to yourself and let it sit - the post-AC spiral is very real (and I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't acknowledge that!), but it is rarely an accurate reflection of how you came across. Fingers crossed for you!!

Might be counter-intuitive, but what helped me process all the rejs last year (and probably this year) was to actually just give urself the time to feel like s***.
What I used to do, and still inadvertantly do sometimes, is just try to charge it and move on. But i've realised that's not fair to the version of myself that really put alot of effort into all the different stages: the written apps, sjts, VIs, 1st and second stage interviews - all while becoming more and more attached to the firm. Again, this may not work for everyone, but personally I'd give urself some time to actually let urself feel like s*** as a way to burn / exhaust all the negative stuff outta ur mind - so you can then focus on the more positive & detached stuff like "whatever will be, will be".

thank you both for this advice - will definitely be following it tonight. fingers crossed nevertheless for a positive outcome

 

[helenaskelton]

Odd one but has anyone heard from Katten?

 

[lawcool]

so i may have to cancel an ac next week to attend another one which 100% cant be moved. the first firm hasnt yet replied if they can reschedule my ac. has anyone else been in this situation as my guilt is off the charts

 

[helenaskelton]

so i may have to cancel an ac next week to attend another one which 100% cant be moved. the first firm hasnt yet replied if they can reschedule my ac. has anyone else been in this situation as my guilt is off the charts

Yes literally in it now. See if there’s a grad rec number you can call. It helps speed things up. Otherwise email again and say your ‘other commitment’ has unfortunately given you a deadline to rearrange.

 

[ridetolegal]

Hi

I have been offered a vacation scheme, but I am a paralegal undergoing full time work. does anybody know what I have do, as I would be getting paid from annual leave as well as the vac scheme - would this be some sort of bad conduct? any advice would be much appreciated.

thank you!