TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[xxrr.18]

Sorry if this has been asked before but are there any resources regarding negotiation exercises at AC?

I’m trying to prepare for Eversheds’ internal meeting simulation and by the sounds of it, it’s most similar to a negotiation although I don’t know what to expect.

I am rubbish at negotiating so if anyone has any advice that would be very helpful. Thanks!

Hi, I did a negotiation for my NRF AC last year and I was so scared as I hadn't done one before and had no idea how to prepare.
What is helpful is glossing over terms you may see in a contract as you are most likely going to be negotiating terms of a contract for a client. e.g warranties, indemnities, shareholders, lock up period.

I usually love to debate, but I was intimidated during my actual negotiation because we were in teams and I was the only girl and everyone was older and I don't know why but that spooked me. I ended up not speaking as much as I had hoped. However, because I feel like I contributed quite a lot during the preparation time (which you most likely will have with an observer), I think that's what helped secure me the scheme.

What I realised is, of course you want to negotiate the best terms for your 'client', but you also want to make sure you conclude the whole thing before the time runs out. Otherwise your 'client' gets nothing.

A good way to secure extra brownie points is to either be a timekeeper, or be the person that helps provide 'structure' (if you're in a team) e.g being like hi I'll take clause 1 and 2 and you can do clause 3 and 4.

Good luck! Hope this was somewhat helpful

 

[MT1]

Anyone have tips on what to wear if the dress code for an AC is smart/casual? (for a guy)

 

[rapunzel]

Has anyone requested reasonable adjustments for an online test ? (e.g. extra time)
If so, does it disadvantage you later down the line ?
e.g. You pass the online test but you are not progressed onto the next stage ?

I’ve had many adjustments made for tests and I’ve found it doesn’t disadvantage me to be progressed onto the next stage

 

[mariistm]

Hi, I did a negotiation for my NRF AC last year and I was so scared as I hadn't done one before and had no idea how to prepare.
What is helpful is glossing over terms you may see in a contract as you are most likely going to be negotiating terms of a contract for a client. e.g warranties, indemnities, shareholders, lock up period.

I usually love to debate, but I was intimidated during my actual negotiation because we were in teams and I was the only girl and everyone was older and I don't know why but that spooked me. I ended up not speaking as much as I had hoped. However, because I feel like I contributed quite a lot during the preparation time (which you most likely will have with an observer), I think that's what helped secure me the scheme.

What I realised is, of course you want to negotiate the best terms for your 'client', but you also want to make sure you conclude the whole thing before the time runs out. Otherwise your 'client' gets nothing.

A good way to secure extra brownie points is to either be a timekeeper, or be the person that helps provide 'structure' (if you're in a team) e.g being like hi I'll take clause 1 and 2 and you can do clause 3 and 4.

Good luck! Hope this was somewhat helpful

thank you thats super helpful!

 

[jacksollaf]

congrats ! in your app form, did you choose summer specifically or just VS in general? (i cant see my preference in the app form so unsure if it is just me)

I don't really remember because I applied a long time ago... But im pretty sure I put summer if there was an option because I cannot work during term-time...

 

[legalxp2]

Anyone have tips on what to wear if the dress code for an AC is smart/casual? (for a guy)

Better to be overdressed than underdressed but casual usually refers to not needing a blazer or tie - avoid jeans, trainers, and sweats

 

[NCTC2025]

Anyone have tips on what to wear if the dress code for an AC is smart/casual? (for a guy)

I'd still just wear a suit no tie - better to be overdressed than underdressed!

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

I feel so demotivated after getting the rejection email after the first stage interview with Fieldfisher last night. I still finished my Charles Russell Speechlys application but now I am just struggling to get out of bed. It all seems so hopeless

 

[SamiyaJ]

I feel so demotivated after getting the rejection email after the first stage interview with Fieldfisher last night. I still finished my Charles Russell Speechlys application but now I am just struggling to get out of bed. It all seems so hopeless

I know it’s hard to be positive right now but your applications are progressing and you are getting interviews, and that is a massive achievement in itself. Do not lose hope and keep on trying, it is your dream after all! Maybe take a break for today as your mental and physical health is equally important. It only takes one.. you will get there!

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

I know it’s hard to be positive right now but your applications are progressing and you are getting interviews, and that is a massive achievement in itself. Do not lose hope and keep on trying, it is your dream after all! Maybe take a break for today as your mental and physical health is equally important. It only takes one.. you will get there!

Thank you, I really needed some support. Living alone doesn't help at times haha but I will try and get on with my day now

 

[SamiyaJ]

Thank you, I really needed some support. Living alone doesn't help at times haha but I will try and get on with my day now

You’re very welcome. We’ve chosen to enter one of the hardest fields so we do have to cut ourselves some slack, celebrate every win whether it’s big or small and if things don’t go your way, you are allowed to be upset about it but try to not let it consume you. You’ve got this and can’t wait to read the message where you say you’ve landed a VS/TC!

 

[Amakaa]

I can see Cleary is rolling. Is there any point applying as they are already handing out AC’s. The deadline is on the 31st.

 

[Tattyasha]

Taylor Wessing pfo 😞

 

[tcla02]

i applied to freshfields vac scheme 6 days ago should i have received the link to an assessment?

 

[pleasepleaseplease]

You’re very welcome. We’ve chosen to enter one of the hardest fields so we do have to cut ourselves some slack, celebrate every win whether it’s big or small and if things don’t go your way, you are allowed to be upset about it but try to not let it consume you. You’ve got this and can’t wait to read the message where you say you’ve landed a VS/TC!

Thank you so much, wish the same for you!

 

[gazdgazd11]

i applied to freshfields vac scheme 6 days ago should i have received the link to an assessment?

We’re meant to receive it after the deadline

 

[Amiyrerose]

Not sure yet!! The time just went down fast haha , what about you how did it go ? Also what SQE programme did you apply for

It went well, just hoping for the best now tbh lol, I applied for professional liability wbu

 

[VMS]

I feel so demotivated after getting the rejection email after the first stage interview with Fieldfisher last night. I still finished my Charles Russell Speechlys application but now I am just struggling to get out of bed. It all seems so hopeless

Hi, I completely understand how you feel. I have broken down in tears over all of these applications, stayed in bed for a day and a half, and just felt very isolated. I was so worried, as while I got a Vac Scheme in 2023 but didn't convert it, I didn't receive anything in 2024, just a failed AC. A week after that staying in bed incident, I got an interview with BCLP. I didn't get the scheme, but I persevered. I am now waiting to hear back from an interview and have two ACs coming up.

So, you CAN do this. I've always thought of life as a wheel of fortune - someone is always at the top, someone is always getting crushed underneath, but the wheel never stops moving. If you hang on, you WILL get to the top - I hope we all will.

My DMs are open if you want any support.

 

[AlegalA]

Do people have advice for commercial awareness? I've been trying to stay updated with podcasts recently, and have been trying to read some articles but I'm just feeling SO overwhelmed with the amount of information. I don't know how to remember information well, like I'm writing some of it down but I'm scared it's just gonna poof out my brain in an interview. I also have no idea what to prioritise, and that's the main thing I'm struggling with now, as I have some ACs coming up next week. I was absolutely not consistent with it last year, and feel like I'm just playing catch up but there's too much to catch up and I'm stressed 😂. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[Andrei Radu]

@Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker Hi

When mentioning vacation scheme/work experience at other firms in an application form, is it all right to name them? Because then I worry I will have to justify why not the other firm and why the firm I am applying to, whereas a brief 'vacation scheme at X firm helped me explore interest in...." seems like needs less of a justification.

I think it is not only fine to mention vacation schemes or other work experiences at other firms, but that it is desirable to do so. You should name them and you should elaborate on the experience in a way that does it justice - do not seek to minimize it. Any potential disadvantage in terms of a weakening of your perceived motivation to join the firm will be more than made up for by the value add of having this type of experience in your application, as these roles will distinguish you from the vast majority of other candidates and are the best proof for your commitment to commercial law.

Furthermore, I think it is quite unlikely that this will be a disadvantage to you at all. Recruiters are well aware how competitive applications are and thus know that candidates will have to apply to a lot of firms. An interviewing partner once told me that he did not like it when applicants would tell him they only applied to his firm, as it meant that they were extremely overconfident, insufficiently committed to commercial law, or just plain dishonest. As such, the fact that you have previously applied for and were successful with other firms will likely not be held against you.

Finally, a well-written 'Why the firm' answer should indirectly address the question as to why you prefer it to the other firms you had work experiences with. Thus, I think you should not worry too much about this.