TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[an03]

Shoosmiths london pfo

 

[CharlieandLola]

Shoosmiths london pfo

Joining you here!!!!

 

[Legallylaw]

Joining you here!!!!

Same xxx - well that ends the cycle for me

 

[M123]

I thought applying for Manchester may mean I had a fighting chance lol. Oh well

I applied to Manchester thinking this too and I did everything they asked for in the PFO email. 😵‍💫

 

[BealMcAlly]

Shoosmiths PFO for both placement and TC. I thought this was my best application because I did three days in their London office in December.

 

[scw8]

Shoosmiths london PFO🥲

 

[Jennifer2003]

Reserve list for Shoosmiths London. I can't make the dates anyway but they gave me the option to still be considered for an AC for the TC

 

[carrotteacup]

Shoosmiths PFO but they said I've been put on a reserve list?? Is anyone else in the same boat?

 

[Mikeross750]

Shoosmiths Placement - God knows how this is possible.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Shoosmiths London PFO but I didn’t even apply to them for anything this cycle??!?!! 😬​

 

[an03]

Shoosmiths London PFO but I didn’t even apply to them for anything this cycle??!?!! 😬​

LMAO they really said EVERYONES getting an email

 

[Novaa]

Shoosmiths London PFO but I didn’t even apply to them for anything this cycle??!?!! 😬​

Not them opening up that mailing list and shooting a PFO missile down there too…

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock and others,

I was wondering how you would answer the "what is your weakness question" without really going into anything that feels like a reflag for a career in commercial law but also isn't a straw man answer. Something I related to was struggling a bit with turning professional connections into personal relations (I'm very comfortable in structured professional settings, meetings, networking events where there's an agenda, one-on-ones where the purpose is clear. But I've noticed that I sometimes default to keeping things transactional when the better long-term move is to invest in the relationship itself, finding the common ground beyond the work) and I took some steps to work on that and consciously paid more effort into it. However, I am worried that unless I frame this very specifically it may come across as an issue for US firms that generally have lean team.

I was wondering what some reasonable alternatives could be ?

I thought of these options, but not sure if it feels genuine enough or if its a bit of a redflag to talk about them:

"I have a tendency to want to feel completely across a topic before I put forward a view, which can be a strength, but I've noticed it can slow me down in situations where a provisional answer early is more useful than a perfect answer late. I've been working on learning to time-box research and give a working view with caveats, rather than waiting until I feel I've covered everything."

"I'm naturally someone who tries to work things out myself before asking for help, which is useful up to a point, but I've realised that in a team environment, there's a cost to spending too long on something independently when a five-minute conversation would have moved things forward. I've been more conscious about recognising that asking early isn't a sign of weakness ,it's actually more efficient for everyone."

What sort of answers have others gone with in interviews ?

Hey!

I'd say that your two alternative options are good ideas! The key idea is to pick something that is genuine but can also be developed and improved other time. For example, I always used to say public speaking as my personal weakness, but also highlight the steps I've taken to grow more comfortable with it.

In relation to your two ideas:

• Wanting to understand a topic before offering a view: this is a solid answer. It shows that you favour diligence, but that you also acknowledge that in commercial settings speed matters too. I would say that framing it around learning to give a provisional view (with caveats) works well, and shows that you are commercially aware.
• Trying to work things out yourself before asking for help: again, a very strong example which is very applicable to commercial law. In lean teams (including in US firms), knowing when to escalate is important and demonstrating that you are taking steps to be proactive and save your supervisors time shows good judgment.

Out of the two, I would probably say that the second example is slightly stronger for commercial law as you can directly link it to teamwork and efficiency. However, as long as you can show clear steps that you have taken to improve, I'd say either will work fine.

I hope that assists!

 

[ash_22]

Sorry posting again but I haven't gotten the holding email for CRS London Spring pref..Is that smth to worry about? I did get an email after my VI saying they'd receive it and would be reviewing over the next couple weeks so I'm expecting to hear this week but not sure what the significance of that holding email is..

 

[whywhy88]

haven't even got the WG from cleary after applying on the deadline- anyone in this position :')?

Me lol

 

[lawcool]

Shoosmiths reserve!!

 

[ssch7]

I got an AC invite last year around early Feb so don’t worry just yet

how did you find your AC last year? have one upcoming with them and wanting some insight please

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock hi abbie!! whats the difference in the format of a memo and a report? how long in length should each be?

Hello!

This is a great question!

A memo is usually a shorter and more focused internal document, usually written to answer a specific question for a partner or supervisor. Therefore, you should usually get straight to the point and use a tight structure - for example, identify the issue, outline the relevant law or principles, apply them to the facts, and finish with a clear conclusion or recommendation. It is more practical and concise, and usually around a page or two (though this can differ).

On the other hand, a report is generally more formal and broader in scope. It may be created for the client (rather than internally) and is often used to explore several issues in a structured format. For a report, you are more likely to include headings, background context, and more in-depth explanations of risks and consequences. Therefore, they tend to be longer than memos (although for an assessment, they'll probably still be fairly concise!).

I hope that helps distinguish them!

 

[mrebeccafr]

Shoosmiths PFO for Birmingham

 

[trainee4u]

Shoosmiths reserve!!

Honestly I feel like they should notify how many they've got on these lists and where you are on the list. I see 4 reserves in the space of a few seconds just in this forum.

Seems like a bit of a scam tbh if they're putting 20 people on a list and you're number 20 but you have to wait till April to see if 19 people in front of you pull out and you get the sloppy seconds.