TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Applebanana425]

Has anyone heard back from NRF post AC or still waiting & does anyone know how long they take to respond usually? I’d really appreciate any insights

They told me w/c 25th

 

[legaleagle11]

Hi all!! I recently did an AC for a firm I really like—but I’m so confused how to feel after it! It was my first AC ever, so just wondering to those that have been successful with VS/TC’s post AC, how did you feel? I can’t help but nitpick on my performance 😅🥲

 

[Chris Brown]

Hi all!! I recently did an AC for a firm I really like—but I’m so confused how to feel after it! It was my first AC ever, so just wondering to those that have been successful with VS/TC’s post AC, how did you feel? I can’t help but nitpick on my performance 😅🥲

I felt this exact way for Paul, Weiss, which was my first interview ever. It was my first time interacting with and speaking to a senior partner in person!! After the interview, I was overthinking everything I had said and nitpicked at almost every possible point. I had convinced myself I was pretty much cooked lmao.

To my surprise, I somehow managed to come out the other end with a Paul, Weiss VS offer!! I guess my point here is, we are always our own worst critic! Best of luck with the firm you had the AC with. I’m sure you will hear back with positive news from the firm soon!! 😁​

 

[jta227]

Hi all!! I recently did an AC for a firm I really like—but I’m so confused how to feel after it! It was my first AC ever, so just wondering to those that have been successful with VS/TC’s post AC, how did you feel? I can’t help but nitpick on my performance 😅🥲

After my first AC (which I actually had a headache the whole day for), walking home I thought that I had done ok in the group discussion but messed up the written exercise and case study presentation, but that my interview went really well. In the following days, I started to second guess my performance in the group discussion thinking that my contributions were too basic, and thought of a bunch of stuff I could've said in the interview but didn't.

They called me with an offer the next week - although I haven't actually got any feedback from the AC (yet!) I'll assume that means I didn't mess up anything as much as I thought I did. All that to say, we are often our own worst critic, and there's nothing you can do but wait and see. Good luck!

 

[James Wakefield]

Hi all!! I recently did an AC for a firm I really like—but I’m so confused how to feel after it! It was my first AC ever, so just wondering to those that have been successful with VS/TC’s post AC, how did you feel? I can’t help but nitpick on my performance 😅🥲

Relatable. 😅

It’s important to note with nitpicking your performance that you tend to focus on what maybe didn’t go well, but assessors look at your overall performance. So if you’re like me, you’re biased into thinking you’ve done worse than you have.

 

[legaleagle11]

After my first AC (which I actually had a headache the whole day for), walking home I thought that I had done ok in the group discussion but messed up the written exercise and case study presentation, but that my interview went really well. In the following days, I started to second guess my performance in the group discussion thinking that my contributions were too basic, and thought of a bunch of stuff I could've said in the interview but didn't.

They called me with an offer the next week - although I haven't actually got any feedback from the AC (yet!) I'll assume that means I didn't mess up anything as much as I thought I did. All that to say, we are often our own worst critic, and there's nothing you can do but wait and see. Good luck!

I also had a headache the whole day prior to (probably from stress)…! Thank you (and Chris) so much, I need to focus on all of the positives I think 🤞🏼

 

[lawyeringitout]

Is it easier to obtain partnership in some kind of firms in comparison to others (US vs UK, cf mid market firms) ? Also what is the realistic chance of making equity partner at different firms? @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

 

[Amma Usman]

I am still waiting to hear back from 2 firms, but I have completed 8 Vis this cycle and only passed one but was rejected after the written exercise. Since completing two Vs two years ago, I have not been able to gain another placement, but only VIs and interviews. I am feeling a bit deflated and defeated, I have never received feedback and do not know what I am doing wrong. I study hard for my VIs and interviews and am a bit lost, I have now finished my Farrer application, however, I do not want to submit it because I feel like am wasting my time. @Ram Sabaratnam, do you have any tips to help move on?

I completely understand how frustrating this process can feel, but please don’t be too hard on yourself. The fact that you’re consistently securing video interviews and final-stage assessments shows that you absolutely have what it takes. Firms are clearly seeing potential in you, and it’s just about getting over that final hurdle. That breakthrough will come.

I know it’s discouraging when you’re not getting feedback, but don’t let that shake your confidence. Every application you submit is another opportunity, and you never know which one will be the one. Farrer could be that firm, so don’t let doubt hold you back.

You’ve already made incredible progress, and you are so close to getting to where you want to be. Keep pushing. You’re doing way better than you think, and the right opportunity is coming your way soon.

One thing that really helped me with VIs was recording myself answering common questions like "Why commercial law?", "Why this firm?", and "Discuss a recent news story and its impact on businesses." Watching the recordings allowed me to spot areas for improvement, whether it was pacing, reducing filler words like "um," or making my answers more structured. I also shared the videos with others to get external feedback, which helped me refine my delivery and clarity. This method made a big difference in preparing for future VIs.

I have also linked Andrei‘s great guide on interviews here to help - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....de-for-competency-interview-preparation.9380/

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it easier to obtain partnership in some kind of firms in comparison to others (US vs UK, cf mid market firms) ? Also what is the realistic chance of making equity partner at different firms? @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Amma Usman

Unfortunately there isn't really a lot of recent data on this topic for me to be able to provide clear guidance.

However, I wouldn't say that a type of firm provides more likelihood of getting to partnership, but more the individual firm's strategy and success on firm growth and talent development is likely to have a bigger impact than the broad category the firm sits in.

 

[legallycurly]

Mishcon AC invite! Actually can't believe this is my fourth AC/final interview this cycle when the past 3 years I didn't get a single one

congratulations!! which summer scheme did you pick as your preference in the application form? june or july?

 

[Amma Usman]

Is it ok/common to accept a TC offer and then do another VS/TC interview at another firm? + should I avoid telling the second firm that I alr have an accepted TC offer @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

I think it depends on the conditions of your offer letter and what you can and can’t do after signing. If you decide to go ahead with the interview for the second firm and they ask whether you have accepted another offer, there is no point in not stating that you have. The only follow-up question you should expect is why the second firm then, seeing as you already have another offer.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it ok/common to accept a TC offer and then do another VS/TC interview at another firm? + should I avoid telling the second firm that I alr have an accepted TC offer @Jessica Booker @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu

I wouldn't say it was common but some people do it.

Whether it is ok comes down to a few factors, including people's morals/opinions on what is right or wrong. My key consideration is whether you would potentially renege the TC offer you already have if you were to receive another TC offer from the VS firm. If that is not the case, I would encourage people to withdraw from VS processes - you don't need to do the VS if there is little to no chance of you no training with that firm. But some people want to explore which firms are better suited to them and will look to complete VS with other firms before deciding which firm to do their training with.

Some firms will not take you on a VS if you have accepted a TC - I have heard of at least three instances in recent months of that happening (and offers being withdrawn) when someone has disclosed they have accepted a TC with another firm. Other firms won't worry about this though.

 

[legallycurly]

Me too I didn't see it until just now. Mixed feelings as I was only just excited about getting a Mishcon AC invite (which was actually receivedafterwards)

congratulations on the ac!! which summer scheme did you pick as your preference in the application form? june or july?

 

[NJS]

I've been told for an upcoming AC that the written exercise will be handwritten, do you know if this could entail a full case study type task, or maybe proofreading? Just curious how much can be done handwritten these days, or if you've ever come across this? @Jessica Booker

 

[Amma Usman]

4 AC's this application cycle. Rejected after every single one. Always feel like I do well yet never get the result I'm looking for. Seems that no amount of prep I do makes any impact. Feedback also seems rather minor. Starting to feel like I just don't have "it". Anyone have any advice???

I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way, but I just want to remind you that getting to the assessment center stage multiple times is a huge achievement in itself. It means your applications are strong, and firms are seeing potential in you! It's absolutely normal to feel like you're doing everything right and still not getting the outcome you want, especially when feedback feels minor or hard to act on.

One thing I personally struggled with was communicating my experiences orally. Writing them down on paper was fine, but articulating them during an interview or assessment center was much harder. What really helped me was practicing my responses aloud, sometimes in front of a mirror or with a friend. It made me more comfortable speaking about my experiences clearly and concisely, and over time, I found it easier to express my thoughts in a confident and structured way.

Another thing that helped me was taking a step back to reflect on whether there’s a pattern in my rejections. It can be really useful to think about specific aspects of the assessments, like how you approach certain exercises or your responses to particular types of questions. Sometimes, identifying small areas for improvement can make a big difference for the next time. For me, I got a really big cardboard and pinned out things I was doing right and things I knew I could certainly be better on. This gave me some sort of direction, and I frequently referred to it before an AC.

The fact that you’ve made it to 4 ACs is evidence that your hard work is paying off. The last stage is the hardest, and sometimes it just comes down to the tiniest details that might separate one candidate from another, whether it's how you communicate under pressure, how you handle unexpected challenges, etc.

If you’re feeling stuck, it could also help to get a fresh perspective on your approach, whether that’s practicing with peers, revising your technique, or getting feedback from a mentor.

Don’t lose confidence. It's a process that takes time, and you're gaining invaluable experience along the way. Stay persistent, and eventually, all of your hard work will pay off. You've got this!

 

[Bread]

Any Winston & Strawn updates? x

 

[Jessica Booker]

I've been told for an upcoming AC that the written exercise will be handwritten, do you know if this could entail a full case study type task, or maybe proofreading? Just curious how much can be done handwritten these days, or if you've ever come across this? @Jessica Booker

It could be any of those things unfortunately. It is not unknown for a full case study to be given and for a written output to be required.

I suspect they are doing it in a handwritten process to ensure there is no spell-check/AI/internet searching done - this is generally the only reason something would be handwritten these days.

 

[aphelion]

congratulations!! which summer scheme did you pick as your preference in the application form? june or july?

No idea unfortunately!

 

[TCseeker101]

congratulations on the ac!! which summer scheme did you pick as your preference in the application form? june or july?

Thanks! I think I went for June first

 

[Law queries]

hello, could someone please tell me how many words to write for HRC essays? They havent mentioned it in the app form