hi congrats! when did you do your interview + when did you hear back? also is this summer or spring
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Does anyone know whether Baker McKenzie assesses the AC holistically, or if they place more weight on certain parts (e.g., the case study) over others (e.g. the document review exercise)?
I did their AC in the last cycle and I was told in my feedback call that the most emphasis is put on the case study interview
amazinggg, congratulations!!
Congratulations!!! - never been happier for a stranger. You have been so helpful to everyone here and you deserve all the success
Thank you guys i appreciate all the kind words!!
Tysm! And to everyone else who has repliedHi!
Congratulations on the vacation scheme!! I have made a few previous posts on the feedback that I received post-VS that might help you give an idea of what firms are looking for, so I have quoted them below.
In terms of coffee chats, I would agree with what others have mentioned and would definitely suggest using them as an opportunity to learn more about the firm and its work, rather than treating them as a tick-box exercise. I found that my schemes went better when I was more selective about who I arranged coffee chats with, rather than trying to speak to as many people as possible.
I would also encourage you to reach out to people at all levels of the firm, not just senior associates and partners. Some of the most insightful conversations I had on vacation schemes were with solicitor apprentices, so it is definitely worth speaking to a wide range of people.
In terms of how many, it really depends on your schedule and the length of the scheme, but I would generally only plan a handful per week. Otherwise, you might find yourself rushing around and not having enough time to focus on the work you have been given.
I also found it quite difficult to come up with questions beforehand, but it often works better to go in with a few prompts and let the conversation flow naturally. In my experience, lawyers (usually!) enjoy talking about their work and career path, so if you show genuine curiosity about what they do, the conversation tends to develop quite easily.
Best of luck with the scheme, I'm sure you'll smash it!!
So happy to see all the good news on the forum lately… and if you haven’t received any yet, your time is coming!
I know someone with an offer who had their interview today. I think today was the last day of interviews
Any insights on Blake morgan's first stage phone interview? Never done a phone interview before...
I dont think so cause some people i know just did their WE yesterday, so theres another round incoming
Hi @Abbie Whitlock!
I hope you’re well, and congratulations on passing SQE1!
I have a vacation scheme coming up which includes three formal assessments: (a) a written task, (b) a case study assessment, and (c) a negotiation team exercise. As these are built into the vacation scheme schedule, I expect they will carry significant weight, so I’m keen to prepare as effectively as possible.
At the moment, I’m planning to refresh my commercial awareness fundamentals through the TCLA Academy courses and possibly complete a few written exercises to refine my writing style. I was wondering if you might have any additional tips, preparation strategies, or resources that you would recommend for these types of assessments.
Thank you in advance — I would really value any insights you’re able to share.
I hope you’re well, and congratulations on passing SQE1!
I have a vacation scheme coming up which includes three formal assessments: (a) a written task, (b) a case study assessment, and (c) a negotiation team exercise. As these are built into the vacation scheme schedule, I expect they will carry significant weight, so I’m keen to prepare as effectively as possible.
At the moment, I’m planning to refresh my commercial awareness fundamentals through the TCLA Academy courses and possibly complete a few written exercises to refine my writing style. I was wondering if you might have any additional tips, preparation strategies, or resources that you would recommend for these types of assessments.
Thank you in advance — I would really value any insights you’re able to share.
Soooo today should be the day baker mckenzie gets back to people re summer vs: if anyone hears anything, pfos or otherwise, feel free to send me a pm or share it on this forum!
Anyone have any thoughts on whether for non funded non-law students it is better to do PGDL and then SQE (more expensive) or to do MA Law SQE1 which is a conversion plus the SQE prep course all in one? Both are offered by the University of Law. I decided late in the day that I want to do law and so missed lots of application deadlines. I have one VS secured but the firm is only taking a few trainees in 2028 so I might not manage to convert it to a TC offer and therefore need to prepare for self funding and applying next cycle. I feel that firms are probably going to view separate PGDL and SQE prep course more favourably but its about £6k more in total.
So happy for you!!!! You deserve itI cannot believe I am making this announcement, but after three years of applying for vacation schemes and training contracts, I was offered a place on Osborne Clarke’s Summer Vacation Scheme!
To say I am absolutely over the moon is an understatement. I enjoyed every part of the process and I can’t wait to join the scheme in the summer! Thank you to those on this forum who have supported me through this demoralising process, you really have all been so amazing
thank you!! Do you have any tips for VS prep? Which types of tasks should I be prepared for?Hey!
Congratulations on the vacation scheme!
I wouldn't say that there is necessarily harder departments for a vacation scheme. In my experience, the difficult usually depends more on the specific task and supervisor, rather than the practice area itself. Whilst I did notice that some teams were busier during vacation schemes that I completed, so the candidates in those teams usually ended up staying slightly later, supervisors generally know that you'll have limited experience and will try to set work that is appropriate for that level.
If you don't have experience in any of the teams, I would simply choose the one that sounds most interesting to you or that you are most curious to learn about! One of the purposes of the scheme is to explore different areas of practice, so firms don't expect you to already have knowledge of the department you choose. I also would try not to be disappointed if you are placed in a department that you didn't have a pre-existing interest in! During my Stephenson Harwood vacation scheme, I was in Regulatory Litigation for part of the scheme, and I had convinced myself I was not a litigious person in any way. However, I really enjoyed my time in the team and found the work super interesting - so you might be surprised!
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