TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Eudora]

Addleshaw AC insights anyone? Willing to trade for other law firms

Congrats! Was this received today?

 

[SueD]

Do you think AG will offer any more ACs? My friend had one for the Easter VC last week. I have applied for summer VC and haven’t heard anything post VI.

 

[Madison Pinewall]

how timely are the feedback calls from grad rec usually? mine was 11:30 but i live in a no service zone so i have to stand in the rain until they call haha

 

[lucyindia]

Hey sorry if this has been asked heaps but I’m having trouble locating the post/thread that I know definitely exists somewhere re: firms that genuinely recruit from direct TCs. Does that ring any bells for anyone?

Hi, the tread is from last year but can help : https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....eme-vs-direct-tc-applications-2024-2025.9147/

 

[👩🏼💼]

Does anyone have insight into the Osborne Clarke virtual assessment centre? Apparently it’s now a commercial interview which is not the same as previous years’ structure!

 

[kukubird]

Proskauer PFO

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Do you think it is okay to copy a paragraph of my answer from an old application and paste it into my application for the same firm? The majority of my answers are new but this section was actually the only good part so i'd like to keep it.

Hey!

As others have mentioned, I'd say that this is generally okay if you aren't copy pasting the entirety of your old application - one short snippet should be completely fine, as long as you have refreshed other parts of your application! It is highly unlikely that the graduate recruitment team will look at past applications to see if they're the same (simply because they don't have the time to do it for each applicant!). Best of luck with the application!

 

[Eudora]

Do you think AG will offer any more ACs? My friend had one for the Easter VC last week. I have applied for summer VC and haven’t heard anything post VI.

Same here. I completed my VI on 17 Jan and haven’t heard anything since. AG has quite a large intake across its VCs, so I’d be surprised if this was the only AC batch, but who knows.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Question for all:
How much do firms consider your original application form once you are past the Assessment Centre phase? In making a final decision, do they consider your AC and app form in conjunction or at that point is it mainly down to the AC performance?

Hey!

It's likely that this'll differ between firms - I know of some firms that look at your entire application (i.e. written app, test scores, and AC performance) before making a final decision of VS/TC. However, I have heard of some other firms that judge solely based on your performance at the AC. You could send the graduate recruitment team an email, as they might be happy to confirm this for you - ultimately, if you make it to the AC stage, you've performed strongly throughout anyway!

 

[qwerty!]

just looking at the email i got from linklaters in december which says "We invite successful applicants on a rolling basis throughout January and February" ... could this mean that they invite people to ACs throughout feb as well? holding onto hope here

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

just looking at the email i got from linklaters in december which says "We invite successful applicants on a rolling basis throughout January and February" ... could this mean that they invite people to ACs throughout feb as well? holding onto hope here

They do!!! Don’t lose hope!

 

[hmevey]

Same here. I completed my VI on 17 Jan and haven’t heard anything since. AG has quite a large intake across its VCs, so I’d be surprised if this was the only AC batch, but who knows.

When did you apply? I haven't heard since doing the online assessment, hearing everyone getting to VI and AC stage does not sound like good news to me eek

 

[Eudora]

When did you apply? I haven't heard since doing the online assessment, hearing everyone getting to VI and AC stage does not sound like good news to me eek

I applied on 17 Dec. Fingers crossed there are still more VIs/ACs to come.

 

[desk70]

Hi, does anyone have any update on:

- Squire Patton Boggs
- Travers Smith
- Hogan Lovells post-VI
- Baker McKenzie post-VI
- Clyde & Co post-VI
- Taylor Wessing post-AC

Thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When discussing commercial trends affecting law firm clients, can I discuss increased compliance requirements following legislative/regulatory changes?

Hey!

Yes, definitely - increased compliance requirements following legislative or regulatory change are a well-established commercial trend.

I would just make sure that you focus on why it matters to clients (e.g. cost, risk, operational impact) rather than only describing the change itself, and explain how the firm helps clients manage or adapt to those changes. If you can link it to the firm's practice areas or sector expertise, that is even better!

 

[desk70]

Hi, does anyone have insight into what the Osborne Clarke virtual AC commercial interview entails? Thanks!

 

[Bread]

What’s a good answer to the question “talk about a time when you demonstrated integrity”? I feel like any genuine answer would be giving tmi ngl

 

[asplawyer100]

Can anyone share some insights into the Osborne Clarke online "assessment centre" (aka commercial interview)? I can share insights into Trowers & Hamlins and Mishcon de Reya.

 

[lawyersum]

What’s a good answer to the question “talk about a time when you demonstrated integrity”? I feel like any good or realistic answer would be giving tmi ngl

I once used an example of when I was mentoring a first-year student and they asked me for my lecture notes and sample answers - but I declined as this would be academic misconduct/plagiarism, instead i helped them build a better study routine where they wouldn't have to rely on others' notes. Something like that if you've been in a comparable situation?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock
I hope you are well!
I have a quick question regarding a firm's interview slot confirmation email. At the end of this email, they added 'please join the call 10 minutes before for your adjustments to be facilitated'. But I haven't requested any adjustments - so I'm really not sure whether to address this in the reply 'thank you' email or to let it be.