TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[avgcower]

Jones Day interview! I don't know if its for Winter or Summer though because I applied for Winter but put Summer as my backup. Surely it is too late for Winter as my interview is in late October?

 

[LawApplicant111]

Jones Day interview! I don't know if its for Winter or Summer though because I applied for Winter but put Summer as my backup. Surely it is too late for Winter as my interview is in late October?

Could still be Winter since the AC is in November

 

[jojo23]

has anyone heard from freshfields after stage 2?

Direct tc or vac scheme?

 

[Connie2410]

were there 2 options to pick from for answers or like 4-5

usually just 2

 

[Jay1061]

Does anyone know if the mishcon chatbot interview has a video interview question at the end like it did last year?

 

[dylanfaden]

Jones Day interview! I don't know if its for Winter or Summer though because I applied for Winter but put Summer as my backup. Surely it is too late for Winter as my interview is in late October?

I only put winter and my interview is late October as well

 

[hthw21]

Anyone got an AO&S AC coming up either this week or next week - on my invite, there is no location and I know they are in between offices, I have emailed early recruitment but not heard back yet

Hi, was wondering when did you receive an email about your AC invite?

 

[hthw21]

Hi, congratulations! I was wondering when did you get an email about an AC invite?

Anyone got an AO&S AC coming up either this week or next week - on my invite, there is no location and I know they are in between offices, I have emailed early recruitment but not heard back yet

 

[174Tess9y3]

Silly question, but how do you apply to Addleshaw Goddard? The link just takes you to the info page

 

[rose06]

Direct tc or vac scheme?

Oh sorry, I meant vac scheme!

 

[tarastar]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz, I was wondering if you have any advice on what to expect from the Jones Day Assessment Centre? Is it a negotiation group task and a commercial case study based on a news article or something else? Any insight will help! Thank you.

 

[Mayah123]

Hi, does anyone know how many video interview questions the Freshfields Assessment has?

 

[TCchaser]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz, I was wondering if you have any advice on what to expect from the Jones Day Assessment Centre? Is it a negotiation group task and a commercial case study based on a news article or something else? Any insight will help! Thank you.

I did it last year, it was a 1-2-1 commercial interview with a Senior Associate, and a group debate task

@Minhee can also help as a future trainee!

 

[Lovelaw77]

Does anyone know if NRF spring vac scheme online interview is automated like other firms or is it live with early careers? A little confused after researching - I haven’t applied yet but just wanted to know if anyone has done it before pls message me!

 

[trainee1012]

Hi guys! Would anyone be down to trade insights for the Freshfields VI? In return, I can provide insights into HLC VI, Mayer Brown VI, and the Macfarlanes VI.

 

[Minhee]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz, I was wondering if you have any advice on what to expect from the Jones Day Assessment Centre? Is it a negotiation group task and a commercial case study based on a news article or something else? Any insight will help! Thank you.

Hi! Unfortunately, Antoni is no longer working on the forum (he is focusing on his Product Lead role). I will do my best to fill his shoes I did a post on the JD AC here!

Congratulations!! That's wonderful news, I'm so happy for you!

I'm not sure whether their AC stays exactly the same year to year, so if you have any specific questions about the process, I would recommend contacting Grad Rec directly, as they'll be able to give you the most accurate information.

In terms of general advice from my own experience of ACs:

For group exercises where you have 'prep time' to work on a task:

I would definitely recommend bringing your phone so you can keep track of how much time has passed! You might want to also be conscious of how you are delegating time: e.g. take some time to read over instructions, talk together as a group, recap, etc.

If you are being assessed by someone - don't be intimidated! My assessors were very supportive and helpful! When one groupmate accidentally spoke over another, they stepped in to make sure everyone was on the same page. They also gave 1-2 suggestions, just to keep us on the right track. For the most part though, they let you do your work (though they do listen to you actively).

I had a few moments during group exes where I felt awkward, worried I wasn't saying enough, didn't fully understand what another candidate meant, and that is okay! Because it's an assessment, it's natural to feel a little weird. Your assessors understand that you're nervous and don't expect everything you say to be polished and perfect. Just listen to your teammates, don't be afraid to ask for clarification, and be kind to others and yourself! You want to participate and contribute ideas, but you don't need to be aggressive or loud or overly formal.

For public speaking exercises:

Try to speak clearly and slowly. I know it can feel nerve-wracking talking in front of others, but everyone feels stressed - it is normal! If this is something you struggle with, you can practice by summarising random news stories or Googling debate prompts and arguing in favour / against the proposition on the spot, without using external research / a script, timing yourself for 3 mins. You can record / video to see if there is anything you should work on.

Be kind. If you are in a debate / discussion setting, there is no reason to get aggressive and start attacking another candidate. You are all in the same boat!

Structure. I like to signpost when I'm talking, so the listeners know where I'm going, and so I can ensure I am staying on track with time + content. So, if I'm doing a presentation, I might say: My name is x and I am the [role]. My team will be presenting on [summary of main point]. We have divided our presentation into the following points: firstly... secondly... thirdly. Y [team member name] will be our [role] and will be explaining our first point. Z [team member name] will be our [role] and will be explaining our second point... I will now hand over to Y to x.

If you are in a debate / discussion setting, and you want to rebut / you disagree with another candidate, be professional. You're not attacking the person - you are attacking their points. Everyone is feeling nervous and it might be someone's first AC or first time public speaking, so even if you don't agree with their argument, be patient and understanding. The force of your rebuttal lies in your logic, not in being imposing or putting anyone down. In debates, I like to start with: Thank you, X, for your points. To summarise what I understood from your argument, ... [summary of their side]. While I agree that / While this may be true in x situation, I argue that / This does not apply to / We should consider...

Content. Definitely keep up with current affairs! It can be helpful as background knowledge, and to bring in topical and relevant news stories. I would recommend the FT Daily News Briefing and FT articles.

For case study interviews:
Be prepared for anything (litigation, M&A, financing, etc.)
Stay calm. It's okay to get things wrong. I got a lot of things wrong at ACs. My interviewers were usually very patient and helped guide me to the right place. The main thing is to acknowledge when you are mistaken, take a breath / sip of water if you need to, and try again from a different perspective / with your interviewer's advice. It's okay to say if you're not sure / ask clarifying questions, or if you need a minute to consult the background materials again (just say so).
In terms of technicals, I would recommend the materials I listed in my intro post: https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....s-discussion-thread-2026-27.10658/post-262902

I hope that is helpful, and best of luck on your AC!

 

[siilvert0ngue]

Invited to Freshfields Stage 2 (virtual job sim + video questions), a two-day turnaround from stage 1.

If anyone has specific insights, I would be happy to trade for White & Case (SJT to Assoc Int), Macfarlanes Job Sim (Stage 2), Bevan Brittan, or watson glaser answer sheet.

 

[flower1]

Does anyone know if for Latham open day, it's SJT, critical thinking, and VI all as 1 step or is 2 stages?