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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
I did the AC recently - they said they hold 1 AC for the DTC intake. The vac scheme is where most of the future trainees come from.
just realised they changed the dates. Thank you for the update. Im guessing they hold that AC for internals mostly
ah no worries, lmk if and when you do pls
I don’t want to do it as I only emailed last week
Can I make a suggestion that one person take one for the team and apply for this https://shlondon-businessservicesca...gxNzYkbzIwMyRnMSR0MTc3NDQ1ODE4MiRqNTQkbDAkaDA.
Then hire the rest of us for the vac scheme
Then hire the rest of us for the vac scheme
Hey!
This is a really good question, and I would definitely echo what has already been said so far!
I'd say that the strongest answers usually anchor themselves in a challenge that directly affects the firm, but are informed by wider market developments - therefore, I'd approach it by linking the two together.
For example, you might pick something such as geopolitical instability, shift trade relationships or regulatory change, but the key is then explaining:
- How that impacts Stephenson Harwood's clients (e.g. shipping, international trade, energy clients, etc.), and
- What that means for the firm itself (e.g. changes in demand for certain practice areas, pressure on fees, need to adapt expertise or strategy)
Equally, you could take a more firm-specific challenge (like AI, pricing pressure, or competition from US firms), but again, try to avoid treating it in isolation and make sure that it is relatively unique to Stephenson Harwood.
As Jaysen mentioned, it is really key for your answer to feel clearly relevant to Stephenson Harwood. For reference, I had a look at what the question was last cycle, and it asked you to discuss challenges that "all law firms will face over the next five years". Therefore, I'd say they have deliberately altered the question to ensure your answer is firm-specific and tailored.
The way I would frame it is: "This trend is happening in the market -> it affects the firm's clients in X way -> which creates Y challenge (+ possibly opportunities) for Stephenson Harwood specifically because of Z"
Best of luck with your application!
Hi Abbie, I had access to the TCLA premium application database, may I ask why I can’t see it on my dashboard? Thank youHey!
This is a really good question, and I would definitely echo what has already been said so far!
I'd say that the strongest answers usually anchor themselves in a challenge that directly affects the firm, but are informed by wider market developments - therefore, I'd approach it by linking the two together.
For example, you might pick something such as geopolitical instability, shift trade relationships or regulatory change, but the key is then explaining:
This way, you are showing wider commercial awareness and law firm awareness, which covers both areas that they are likely testing.
- How that impacts Stephenson Harwood's clients (e.g. shipping, international trade, energy clients, etc.), and
- What that means for the firm itself (e.g. changes in demand for certain practice areas, pressure on fees, need to adapt expertise or strategy)
Equally, you could take a more firm-specific challenge (like AI, pricing pressure, or competition from US firms), but again, try to avoid treating it in isolation and make sure that it is relatively unique to Stephenson Harwood.
As Jaysen mentioned, it is really key for your answer to feel clearly relevant to Stephenson Harwood. For reference, I had a look at what the question was last cycle, and it asked you to discuss challenges that "all law firms will face over the next five years". Therefore, I'd say they have deliberately altered the question to ensure your answer is firm-specific and tailored.
The way I would frame it is: "This trend is happening in the market -> it affects the firm's clients in X way -> which creates Y challenge (+ possibly opportunities) for Stephenson Harwood specifically because of Z"
Best of luck with your application!
Back again to ask if anyone else has heard back from FF post VI or Sidley post app. It’s been 78 and 77 days respectively which is insane. 
If I had a quid for each time I’ve asked this question I’d have 30 quid, which isn’t a lot, but it’s for sure a sign that I’m turning into a parrot.
If I had a quid for each time I’ve asked this question I’d have 30 quid, which isn’t a lot, but it’s for sure a sign that I’m turning into a parrot.
I have been off the forum for the past few weeks/months after an unsuccessful AC.
I got the email with their rejection (for the unsuccessful AC) during another AC. Somehow managed to power through the rest of the day, and now
I am really excited to say that I have gotten a TC with Links!
I am really excited to say that I have gotten a TC with Links!
did a TI the other day and lowkey tweaking 
it feels kinda personal to get cut for a phone call that lasted 15 minutes haha. it was so odd compared to an interview, i basically felt like i was monologuing answers and then we'd move on.. is this normal?
it feels kinda personal to get cut for a phone call that lasted 15 minutes haha. it was so odd compared to an interview, i basically felt like i was monologuing answers and then we'd move on.. is this normal?I much prefer it to the online tests as a filter, to be honest. The nice part is it's two-way and based on an actual conversation with you (even if it's an unusual set-up).did a TI the other day and lowkey tweaking
But yes that's pretty normal. It'll feel weird because you have little sense of how they are reacting to what you are saying. I'm sure you did great!
browne jacobson?did a TI the other day and lowkey tweaking
An actual phone call? Not Teams!?
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