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Aspiring Lawyers - Applications & General Advice
Applications Discussion
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
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<blockquote data-quote="Abbie Whitlock" data-source="post: 221947" data-attributes="member: 42112"><p>Hello!</p><p></p><p>Congratulations on getting to the Burges Salmon Winter AC - that’s such an amazing achievement and you should be super proud! It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before your first assessment centre (and I know I definitely did!), but you already have the right mindset.</p><p></p><p>You’re absolutely right not to view everyone as competition. Burges Salmon is known for its friendly and collaborative culture, so approaching the day with positivity and genuine engagement will really help you stand out. Show interest in others’ ideas, build on what members of your team say, and try to enjoy the discussions - it’ll help you come across as authentic and team-oriented.</p><p></p><p>I definitely think it’s the perfect strategy to go in as your authentic self! Ultimately, the firm will not only be looking for someone with the skills for the role, but also someone they’d enjoy working with! There’s no point trying to be someone you’re not, as you’ll never know whether the firm is the right fit for you long-term. The AC that lead to my TC was the last one in my application cycle, and I went into it with the exact same mentality as you - this allowed me to see that I was a genuine good fit for the firm (and meant that I actually really enjoyed the AC!).</p><p></p><p>In terms of preparation:</p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Know your motivations</strong>: Be clear on why Burges Salmon specifically. Revisit what drew you to them (whether that’s their independent structure, sector strengths, or collaborative culture) and think about how that aligns with your own experiences and values. Try to link this as often as you can to demonstrate genuine interest with the firm, and that your long-term goals align.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Refresh commercial awareness: </strong>Read up on recent news about the firm (deals, new offices, awards, etc.) and keep up with wider business or sector developments. I’d focus on areas that are the firms strengths, and that you have a genuine interest in - these will be easier to talk about with enthusiasm at the AC. Being able to discuss how these connect to the firm’s work shows genuine interest, and demonstrates that you have put thought into why you’d be a good fit at the firm.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Practise your structure</strong>: For interviews or case exercises, practise giving structured, concise answers (e.g. using the STAR approach). As someone who definitely used to ramble in interviews, I found that this helped me stay calm and allowed me to convey my points in a professional way.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Simulate the environment</strong>: If possible, do a mock group exercise or timed written task. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just get comfortable thinking and communicating under time pressure. It really helps to get familiar with the type of tasks that might pop up, especially if it’s your first AC.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong>Look after yourself</strong>: Most importantly, get a good night’s sleep before and eat something beforehand! Feeling alert and relaxed really helps you come across as your best self. Try to channel that nervous energy into adrenaline and motivation - it really is just an opportunity to show the firm why you’re a good fit and why you’re motivated to work there!</li> </ol><p></p><p>Remember that they invited you because they already see potential in you. The AC is your opportunity to show the same person who impressed them on the application form!</p><p></p><p>Best of luck - you’ve got this! 🌟</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Abbie Whitlock, post: 221947, member: 42112"] Hello! Congratulations on getting to the Burges Salmon Winter AC - that’s such an amazing achievement and you should be super proud! It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves before your first assessment centre (and I know I definitely did!), but you already have the right mindset. You’re absolutely right not to view everyone as competition. Burges Salmon is known for its friendly and collaborative culture, so approaching the day with positivity and genuine engagement will really help you stand out. Show interest in others’ ideas, build on what members of your team say, and try to enjoy the discussions - it’ll help you come across as authentic and team-oriented. I definitely think it’s the perfect strategy to go in as your authentic self! Ultimately, the firm will not only be looking for someone with the skills for the role, but also someone they’d enjoy working with! There’s no point trying to be someone you’re not, as you’ll never know whether the firm is the right fit for you long-term. The AC that lead to my TC was the last one in my application cycle, and I went into it with the exact same mentality as you - this allowed me to see that I was a genuine good fit for the firm (and meant that I actually really enjoyed the AC!). In terms of preparation: [LIST=1] [*][B]Know your motivations[/B]: Be clear on why Burges Salmon specifically. Revisit what drew you to them (whether that’s their independent structure, sector strengths, or collaborative culture) and think about how that aligns with your own experiences and values. Try to link this as often as you can to demonstrate genuine interest with the firm, and that your long-term goals align. [*][B]Refresh commercial awareness: [/B]Read up on recent news about the firm (deals, new offices, awards, etc.) and keep up with wider business or sector developments. I’d focus on areas that are the firms strengths, and that you have a genuine interest in - these will be easier to talk about with enthusiasm at the AC. Being able to discuss how these connect to the firm’s work shows genuine interest, and demonstrates that you have put thought into why you’d be a good fit at the firm. [*][B]Practise your structure[/B]: For interviews or case exercises, practise giving structured, concise answers (e.g. using the STAR approach). As someone who definitely used to ramble in interviews, I found that this helped me stay calm and allowed me to convey my points in a professional way. [*][B]Simulate the environment[/B]: If possible, do a mock group exercise or timed written task. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just get comfortable thinking and communicating under time pressure. It really helps to get familiar with the type of tasks that might pop up, especially if it’s your first AC. [*][B]Look after yourself[/B]: Most importantly, get a good night’s sleep before and eat something beforehand! Feeling alert and relaxed really helps you come across as your best self. Try to channel that nervous energy into adrenaline and motivation - it really is just an opportunity to show the firm why you’re a good fit and why you’re motivated to work there! [/LIST] Remember that they invited you because they already see potential in you. The AC is your opportunity to show the same person who impressed them on the application form! Best of luck - you’ve got this! 🌟 [/QUOTE]
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