Hi!
I'm doing well, thank you - hope you are too!
Happy for you to PM me if the query is private or personal in nature
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
I'm doing well, thank you - hope you are too!
Happy for you to PM me if the query is private or personal in nature
Hi!
I would avoid trying to fill the entire 250 words if the entry doesn't require it - it's completely fine to use less if it is a less substantive experience! Generally, I would aim to discuss the role you had, the responsibilities it involved, and the transferable skills that you gained. If you have done this, it is completely fine if it is less than 250 words
Which office & stream is yours for?Has anyone done the Irwin Mitchell AC yet in any of the offices?
Hello!
This is a great question! I did something similar when I participated in BIUCAC, so I'm happy to share what worked for me then!
Generally, these presentations are less about listing everything the firm does, and more about showing that understand the client and what they need. I would structure it in the following way:
1. Opening
Briefly introduce yourself and the team and set out the purpose - why you are here and what you can help the client to achieve. I'd make sure to keep it confident and concise, and avoid rambling!
2. Demonstrate understanding
Show that you understand their commercial context, which can include key challenges in their sector, current market pressures, or what they're trying to achieve. This signals commercial awareness and that you have done your research!
3. Why this firm is the right adviser
This is probably the most important section, and I would focus on 3-4 tailored strengths of the firm that directly meet the clients needs. This could be relevant sector expertise, similar past transactions, cross-practice collaboration, international reach, partner involvement, etc. Make sure that you use specific examples and focus on how these features will help the client achieve what they want out of the transaction.
4. How you would work with them
It might help to briefly outline to the client what your approach would be - e.g. responsiveness, proactive risk management, cost transparency, etc. I'd make sure that you know the firms values and how it markets itself before the AC, as you could demonstrate those values.
5. Conclusion
End your answer by reinforcing how the firm will help them achieve their business objectives, utilise opportunities, and manage any risks in the transaction.
The key part is to avoid making it sounds like you are just listing features about the firm - you want to ensure that your pitch is client-focused and commercially aware.
I hope that assists!
i have an AC at an MC firm this wednesday, and although i'm confident at the commercial aspect, i'm very nervous for the interview and my tendency to ramble. how long should my interview answers be, and how do i really impress them and make myself stand out?
Hi!
It definitely isn't a requirement to have previously completed a VS to apply via the direct route! For DTC applications, the strength of your written application and your performance in assessments will be the most important factor - if you are confident in those areas, it is absolutely worth a shot. I know a few people in my DTC cohort that I had no previous legal experience before receiving their TC offer, so it is possible if you frame your experiences in the right way
Hello!
I wouldn't worry too much about making the slides flashy (and you might not have time to!). For the presentation, they will be looking at your structure, commercial awareness, and how well you tailor your message to the client.
Therefore, it often helps to go with a simple and polished design for the slides - such as minimal text, clear headings, and clear formatting. This will avoid distracting the client from what you are saying, as you want the slides to support your overall pitch.
Using a similar colour palette or general style to the firm can be a nice touch as it shows attention to detail, but you definitely don't need to use an exact replica. Overall, I'd focus on professionalism and making your slides easy to follow for the client. Your presentation and pitch are likely to matter far more than the slides themselves
Thank you so much!Hello!
This is a great question! I did something similar when I participated in BIUCAC, so I'm happy to share what worked for me then!
Generally, these presentations are less about listing everything the firm does, and more about showing that understand the client and what they need. I would structure it in the following way:
1. Opening
Briefly introduce yourself and the team and set out the purpose - why you are here and what you can help the client to achieve. I'd make sure to keep it confident and concise, and avoid rambling!
2. Demonstrate understanding
Show that you understand their commercial context, which can include key challenges in their sector, current market pressures, or what they're trying to achieve. This signals commercial awareness and that you have done your research!
3. Why this firm is the right adviser
This is probably the most important section, and I would focus on 3-4 tailored strengths of the firm that directly meet the clients needs. This could be relevant sector expertise, similar past transactions, cross-practice collaboration, international reach, partner involvement, etc. Make sure that you use specific examples and focus on how these features will help the client achieve what they want out of the transaction.
4. How you would work with them
It might help to briefly outline to the client what your approach would be - e.g. responsiveness, proactive risk management, cost transparency, etc. I'd make sure that you know the firms values and how it markets itself before the AC, as you could demonstrate those values.
5. Conclusion
End your answer by reinforcing how the firm will help them achieve their business objectives, utilise opportunities, and manage any risks in the transaction.
The key part is to avoid making it sounds like you are just listing features about the firm - you want to ensure that your pitch is client-focused and commercially aware.
I hope that assists!
Is this for Osborne Clarke by any chance?! Which day is your AC?
I know Abbie has responded to you already but the panel interview is a mixed interview (combination of strength, motivational and commercial awareness questions) with - in most cases -two partners or sometimes one partner and one AD/senior associate.
Hey all! have a Cappfinnity assessment coming up and dreading it because the slide scale questions always get to me. So I'm preparing to the cognitive part separately but as for the slide scale, I have heard different experiences; people saying that for instance, if you put it in the middle that shows you're passive as opposed to assertive (just what I heard). Does anyone have any tips or insight into it as an SJT? Had done a few before and I feel like I always don't get something right. Any insight is always appreciated and I'm happy to help with firms like HD
Does anyone have any advice for how to answer, " If given the opportunity to change or improve one specific aspect of the world, what would it be and why? Please discuss the significance of this change, the steps you would take, the potential benefits it could bring, and any challenges you anticipate."
Keep your head up! Likelihood is we would have heard if offers went out, sometimes these things just take longer than expected. I'm sure you'll smash it, so don't get down until you hear the result
I don’t know how I’m feeling lol I’m so busy now but then there’s an app I made which requires some pre-recorded video responses (with limited prep time for each) and I kinda know I’m not gonna make it to the next stage now that I completed a few with one remaining. Don’t even know what’s the point lol
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