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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Hey guys, hoping for a week full of positive progressions for everybody. I know I am overdue some good news. Gonna do the AC dance extra hard...


And remember, no matter what, stay positive and supportive of others in this thread!
I’m hoping for some good news for the upcoming week. It will be a nice belated birthday present too haha. Gna join in on the AC/VS dance: 🕺​
 
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Novaa

Legendary Member
Dec 2, 2022
365
1,352
I’m hoping for some good news for the upcoming week. It will be a nice belated birthday present too haha. Gna join in on the AC/VS dance: 🕺​
happy belated birthday!!

Awesome Happy Birthday GIF by techshida
 

AGB2060

Well-Known Member
Nov 30, 2025
21
105
Hey! I have my slaughters interview tomorrow - any last tips / insights / advice to prepare (@Abbie Whitlock)
When I say know why law, I MEAN IT, at least for mine. I wasn't directly asked the usual why commercial lawyer but so so many questions emphasising it
What made you study law at uni
What made you do the switch from X to wanting to be commercial lawyer
Why not that original career
Why not x career (based on experiences)
Well if that's your reason, then why not Y career?
Just have logical answers and conclusions to why your journey has gone the way it has. Overall, it is VERY partner specific and each interview will vary.
Be prepared to talk about your HS subject choices, Uni choices, fav modules etc.

I was also weirdly asked how many hours I study per week etc haha

Goodluck!
 

law123456789

Well-Known Member
  • Sep 12, 2025
    22
    56
    When I say know why law, I MEAN IT, at least for mine. I wasn't directly asked the usual why commercial lawyer but so so many questions emphasising it
    What made you study law at uni
    What made you do the switch from X to wanting to be commercial lawyer
    Why not that original career
    Why not x career (based on experiences)
    Well if that's your reason, then why not Y career?
    Just have logical answers and conclusions to why your journey has gone the way it has. Overall, it is VERY partner specific and each interview will vary.
    Be prepared to talk about your HS subject choices, Uni choices, fav modules etc.

    I was also weirdly asked how many hours I study per week etc haha

    Goodluck!
    Thank you so much!
     
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    qwerty!

    Distinguished Member
    Nov 5, 2025
    72
    142
    If at an AC I'm asked 'which other firms have you applied to', would it be wise to mention that I have a vac scheme at a firm quite similar to the one I'm interviewing at? I'm not sure whether this would reflect positively on me, or if it might seem like idc about the firm I'm interviewing at currently??? any thoughts would be super helpful
     

    Unknowncabbage

    Valued Member
    May 18, 2024
    116
    161
    If at an AC I'm asked 'which other firms have you applied to', would it be wise to mention that I have a vac scheme at a firm quite similar to the one I'm interviewing at? I'm not sure whether this would reflect positively on me, or if it might seem like idc about the firm I'm interviewing at currently??? any thoughts would be super helpful
    I think it definitely helps to be honest, but just make sure that you have prepped a response to 'which firm would you choose if you got a TC at both' (well something along those lines). When you answer it make sure you actually talk about the reasons for choosing the firm you're interviewing at rather than saying why you would not choose the other firm (if that makes sense) :)
     

    qwerty!

    Distinguished Member
    Nov 5, 2025
    72
    142
    I think it definitely helps to be honest, but just make sure that you have prepped a response to 'which firm would you choose if you got a TC at both' (well something along those lines). When you answer it make sure you actually talk about the reasons for choosing the firm you're interviewing at rather than saying why you would not choose the other firm (if that makes sense) :)
    thanks so much, this is really helpful!
     

    Rosie_Kitten

    Legendary Member
  • Dec 26, 2025
    212
    412
    thanks so much, this is really helpful!
    I've not done an AC, so I can't comment, but it might be a good idea to make a list of firm "features" and information, and cross-reference those. You then have a list of similarities between the firms, which you can mention are things you like, and then the differences, and why the firm you are interviewing at is superior when it comes to those differences.
     

    CupOfTea17

    Star Member
    Mar 12, 2025
    43
    42
    Hey!

    Congratulations on receiving the AC invite!!

    It is totally normal to feel a bit confused - I had no real idea what a case study exercise was when I completed my first AC a few years ago! I have made some general posts on case studies, which I have quoted below, and hopefully they are a useful guide. I have also quoted a practice case study exercise by Jacob Miller that I found super useful when preparing, so I'd definitely check that out if you have the chance!

    An individual case study presentation usually involves being given a short business or legal scenario to analyse on your own, some time to prepare, and then you will be asked to present your conclusions to the assessors or graduate recruitment team. The "presentation" element isn't necessarily about having the "right" legal answer - it is about clear structure and reasoning, which you can clearly communicate to the assessors.

    They will be looking for how you identify the key issues, prioritise them, and explain your recommendation logically. You will often get follow-up questions to test your thinking, not your technical knowledge - this doesn't necessarily mean that what you have said is wrong! They're testing how you argue your points when challenged on them, typically to ensure that they are founded in facts and evidence. However, it is also encouraged to change your answer if the assessors mention something that you hadn't considered and you won't be marked down because of it - just make sure to communicate this to them!

    I always found that keeping the structure relatively simple works best: outline the problem, talk through the main issues, give a clear recommendation and briefly explain why.

    Try not to overthink it (if you can!) - as long as you explain your thought process clearly and can back up your arguments, you should be completely fine!

    Best of luck - I'm sure you'll smash it!! :)
    Thank you so much for this!!!
     
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    summersun

    Legendary Member
    Nov 8, 2024
    205
    321
    How common is it to be asked on a firm's competitors / what other firms you have applied to in an AC interview. For context, my AC is with M&R
    Hi I would say these are quite a common questions (not sure for M&R). I have personally been asked a couple of time which other firms I had applied to so I think it is always best to prepare them just in case.
    Good luck for your AC !
     

    qwerty!

    Distinguished Member
    Nov 5, 2025
    72
    142
    I've not done an AC, so I can't comment, but it might be a good idea to make a list of firm "features" and information, and cross-reference those. You then have a list of similarities between the firms, which you can mention are things you like, and then the differences, and why the firm you are interviewing at is superior when it comes to those differences.
    thank you, this is a rlly good idea
     
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