what firm , someone who has done an AC previously with the same firm may be able to give you tips and tell you what is on the ACdoes anyone have any tips on how to approach ac prepespecially when the firm hasn't disclosed whats in the ac yet
-
TCLA Premium: Now half price (£30/month). Applications, interviews, commercial awareness + 700+ examples.Join →
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
I'll post this from advice I have already given before:does anyone have any tips on how to approach ac prep
As someone who is going through their first cycles and just did their first ACs, my advice is to know the firm and know yourself.
Find insight into the firm's AC process as every firm is different but some things are consistent. One is that this is not a combative process. Technically you are competing with each other to get a place BUT the firm wants to know if you would be a good person to work with.
Also know what kind of firm you are going to. Is it a collegiate firm, if so don't be afraid to be more personable and make appropriate jokes. Is it more straight-laced, if so practise your responses so they flow naturally but you cover everything you want to.
Know all the commercial issues going on but ensure you know anything that you could mention in an interview back to front and inside out. Go on the firm's websites - what are their recent news, awards and deals. How does the firm describe themselves and what are they looking for.
Look through your application and research to make sure you are not caught off guard if they ask you about something.
Be normal and polite, professional yet not uptight. Align yourself with how the interviewers are (if you have an interview). If you have a presentation or group work, listen to other people and build on what they say. Don't try to catch them out but if you disagree, validate their response but provide an alternate perspective.
Don't talk just to talk. Only say something if it is relevant and useful.
Also if you have an interview, grab some water so you can take a sip if you need a moment to think.
Keep smiling and breathe. Good luck!
P.S. if you tell me which firm you have an AC for, I might be able to send you insights.
Hey everyone I have questions for anyone else with experience reapplying to the same firms/doing multiple application cycles: 1) what's your strategy for choosing which firms to reapply to? e.g. for firms where I've repeatedly been unable to get past first stage despite improving my answers and incorporating all their hints/tips/competencies into my written application, should I avoid those and assume I just don't have the profile they're looking for? 2) I'm favouring firms with fewer stages e.g. AC after application stage (VIs are my downfall), but these are of course more difficult, does anyone have advice (beyond generic tips like research thoroughly, know what the firm looks for etc)?
Also is it advisable to reapply to firms where I've previously reached AC/interview stage (or even did a past VS) or will this disadvantage me? During feedback sessions they said I'm welcome to reapply but I don't know if it's worth it because would they really invest in reassessing a candidate they previously rejected at a AC/VS stage? Or should I focus elsewhere
on a sidenote I also wrote a more detailed thread about my experience with reapplying and was advised to link it here in case anyone's in a similar boat or has input: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....dvice-and-new-perspectives.10172/#post-248200
Also is it advisable to reapply to firms where I've previously reached AC/interview stage (or even did a past VS) or will this disadvantage me? During feedback sessions they said I'm welcome to reapply but I don't know if it's worth it because would they really invest in reassessing a candidate they previously rejected at a AC/VS stage? Or should I focus elsewhere
on a sidenote I also wrote a more detailed thread about my experience with reapplying and was advised to link it here in case anyone's in a similar boat or has input: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....dvice-and-new-perspectives.10172/#post-248200
Last edited:
does anyone have any resources or websites that can help understand structured finance better? thank you!
Literally in the same position. I am really struggling to find much information on Cooley and the AC. Tcla does not have a profile for them either but I have heard that the AC interviews will be mostly competency.thank you jessica for the tips! also the firm is cooley
@Ram Sabaratnam was a future trainee at the firm but believe he’s started his TC so is no longer a moderator on the forum
thank you jessica for the tips! also the firm is cooley
Hi I don't know ifyou had seen that but here is what I found
Cooley Interview 2022
Please state the month/year you interviewed at the firm. March 2022 Please specify what the interview was for. Summer Programme 2022 Please give an overview of the day with approximate timings. 9:30-12:30 - Group Exercise. 12:30-13:00 - Group presentations and networking for those not yet...
www.thecorporatelawacademy.com
It's an inteview from 2022 so might not all be relevant but could still be useful
Good luck !!!
Idk if this will be of any help for the Cooley AC but it has AC insights on the applying section:
TCLA Directory
directory.thecorporatelawacademy.com
Last edited:
Hi @Abbie Whitlock, could you please provide guidance on this question. It's for Stephenson Harwood's DTC application.
Using relevant examples, tell us what makes Stephenson Harwood the right firm for you?
I'm not entirely sure what they mean by 'relevant examples' - are they looking for pervious vac scheme/internships/extra-curricular experiences to be used as 'examples' in showing how SH is the right firm for me? Or is it more about deals that SH has worked on that we should use as examples in showing that SH is the right firm?
Thank you so much!
Using relevant examples, tell us what makes Stephenson Harwood the right firm for you?
I'm not entirely sure what they mean by 'relevant examples' - are they looking for pervious vac scheme/internships/extra-curricular experiences to be used as 'examples' in showing how SH is the right firm for me? Or is it more about deals that SH has worked on that we should use as examples in showing that SH is the right firm?
Thank you so much!
Its been 70+ days since I did HL stage 2 and I still have not heard anything..
Hello!
I don't think it is necessary to restrict yourself to a deal completed by that specific regional office, as firms operate as one business and usually have the same practice areas across the country.
What matters more is how you analyse the deal. You should explain why it was commercially significant and how it reflects the firms strengths - if the deal was led by another office, you could briefly link back to the regional office by mentioning the practice areas or client base (if they are the same across the two). This shows that you understand the firm as a whole, and the specific office that you are applying for
I don't think it is necessary to restrict yourself to a deal completed by that specific regional office, as firms operate as one business and usually have the same practice areas across the country.
What matters more is how you analyse the deal. You should explain why it was commercially significant and how it reflects the firms strengths - if the deal was led by another office, you could briefly link back to the regional office by mentioning the practice areas or client base (if they are the same across the two). This shows that you understand the firm as a whole, and the specific office that you are applying for
Hi!
I find that Investopedia is a really useful resource when trying to learn about a new topic! For structured finance, I've found the following (but I'm sure you'll be able to find some better suited for what you are looking for on the website!):
1. Structured Finance Explained: Benefits and Real-World Examples
2. An Introduction to Structured Products
I hope that helps!
Any insights on McDermott written exercises and AC?
Thank you very much Abbie, this is very helpful!Hello!
Congratulations on the AC invite!!
The main resource that I used when preparing for a case study interview was this guide by Jacob Miller - I would definitely take a look! There is also a guide to Private Equity that is useful for understanding how a PE transaction is structured -you can find that here.
I have also quoted some more general posts I have made in relation to approaching case study exercises, so hopefully they are helpful too.
Best of luck!!
I just had another question in relation to debt finance and equity finance. In case studies, how to figure out which option is better or if a mix of both options is suitable. What are some advantages and disadvantages of each?
Please do let me know if there are any articles/videos tcla has got on this! Thank you
@Abbie Whitlock
Thank you very much Abbie, this is very helpful!
I just had another question in relation to debt finance and equity finance. In case studies, how to figure out which option is better or if a mix of both options is suitable. What are some advantages and disadvantages of each?
Please do let me know if there are any articles/videos tcla has got on this! Thank you
@Abbie Whitlock
hope this helps
Ropes gave out AC invites on Tuesday 25th of Feb last year, but also handed out some PFOs before hand.... Can they just tell us asap, literally 9am Monday morning please, wait is killing me
Similar threads
- Sticky
