Search results

  1. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    You can only apply for either the Winter, Spring or Summer vac scheme in the same cycle (so one vac scheme per application cycle). If you apply for the Winter vac scheme, I don’t think you would be able to apply for the Spring or Summer vac schemes in the same cycle. If you apply for either...
  2. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    If it’s the same as last year, it’s a mix of verbal and numerical reasoning, SJT and WG. I don’t think there is a VI element to the test. It might have changed for this year though. Best of luck with the Macfarlanes app and test! 🙂
  3. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Thank you @Ram Sabaratnam for all your help and support on the forum this year. You helped so many of us achieve our dreams. Best of luck with your training contract at Cooley! 🐐
  4. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    Last time I checked Queen Mary was ranked as a top 10 uni for law on CUG, so I’m not entirely sure what you were aiming for here. 🥴 The only person who’s cooked is you lmao. You can’t even spell ‘Russell group’ correctly, so you should work on that first ‘lil bro’. 😂 Also, somebody had already...
  5. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    The way I understand the question is it’s asking ‘why you’ and ‘why Macfarlanes’, but not in the traditional format or structure. 😅 I guess the main objective is demonstrate your interest in Macfarlanes and your suitability as a future associate at the firm. I would approach it with the...
  6. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    There is a forum thread that lists all of the WVS for this year and SVS’ next year. Firms that are doing a WVS this year are A&O, HSF Kramer, Hogan Lovells, Sidley Austin, Paul Weiss, Jones Day and Ashurst, among others: Thread 'Winter, Spring and Summer Vacation Scheme Deadlines 2025-26 (with...
  7. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I think they assess the SJT + VI together so it’s possible someone with a ‘low’ test score but a ‘strong’ VI could still progress. If someone had a ‘high’ test score but a ‘weak’ VI, they might also progress to the next stage. 😀 If I remember correctly, I got 8766 for the test, which is 27/36...
  8. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    The main source I used for note-taking or firm research was attending firm events (in-person or online). Whether it was open days, practice area workshops, Q&As, law fairs, etc., I spent a lot of time attending as many as I could for all the firms I was targeting for VS and DTC. 🥲 I don’t think...
  9. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

    I did the same as @Ram Sabaratnam! I used an excel spreadsheet to organise and keep track of my applications. I had separate columns for all of the following categories: 😅 1. Firm names (usually in alphabetical order). 2. VS/TC deadlines for each firm (in order from earliest to latest e.g., WVS...
  10. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    It might be better to highlight what makes that particular firms’ sharia finance practice leading when compared to other firms that also offer it as a service. For example, is there a partner at that firm who has a stellar reputation? Did the firm advise on a big mandate that solidified its...
  11. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    On the website it says the DTC deadline was 30/06/2025 and interviews for March and Sept 2027 TCs will begin in August. Best of luck for the Paul Hastings DTC! 😅 https://www.paulhastings.com/en-GB/careers
  12. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Following my previous post, where I discussed my experience last application cycle and where I applied, this post is about application strategy and interview preparation. I hope it helps those of you looking to apply to VS/DTC this cycle. I’d like to apologise in advance if this post ends up...
  13. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    The majority of Winter VS applications open in mid Sept. I think A&O Shearman, Ashurst, NRF, Freshfields, Jones Day and Sidley Austin open in August or early September. Best of luck with all your applications in the upcoming cycle! 🙂
  14. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I’m going to give my two cents on this topic as someone who’s experienced both sides of the spectrum in the same cycle. I received 17 PFOs this cycle, which undoubtedly made me begin to question my ability to succeed. Applications were incredibly competitive and tough. 🫤 However, instead of...
  15. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    I think this interview guide by @Andrei Radu is probably the best thing you can use. I referred to it before every interview and it has helped a lot, especially with avoiding sounding too robotic or disingenuous. I have quoted it below: 😅
  16. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I’m happy to share I have accepted a TC offer from my dream US firm! This decision was the most difficult one I have had to make in my life so far, but I am excited for what’s ahead in this TC and commercial law journey. 😅 Over the past 6-7 months, a lot of people have asked me about my...
  17. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

    If you applied for the WVS or SVS and got PFO post app, then you can re-apply for the DTC in the same application cycle. However, if you made it to the VI or AC stage, I don’t think you are allowed to re-apply for their DTC in this application cycle. 🥲
  18. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    Thank you guys for your kind words! It means a lot to me genuinely! 😅
  19. Harvey Specter

    TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

    I can’t believe I’m writing this but I managed to convert my 2nd VS into a TC offer! In addition, I converted both of my DTC ACs into TC offers, meaning I now hold 4 US firm TC offers! 😅 At the beginning of this application cycle, I did not think I had what it takes to secure a single TC...
  20. Harvey Specter

    Worried about first year grades (I know another one)

    It seems like it’s an anomalous grade that isn’t indicative of your academic ability. Since all of the other modules are strong 2:1 and 1st class marks, it shouldn’t be a huge problem. 🥲 Most firms ask for an end-of-year 2:1 average as opposed to a 2:1 in every module. A handful of firms like...

About Us

The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

Newsletter

Discover the most relevant business news, access our law firm analysis, and receive our best advice for aspiring lawyers.

    Share this page

    Community platform by XenForo® © 2010-2022 XenForo Ltd. | Style and add-ons by ThemeHouse | Community services from Audentio
    XenCarta 2 PRO © Jason Axelrod of 8WAYRUN
    Top Bottom