• It's TCLA's birthday today. Thank you Guest for joining us in this journey. We are seven years old :). For today only, you can use 'SEVEN' for 50% off TCLA Premium Gold and TCLA Academy.

  • Are you a future trainee?

    We're hiring at TCLA. Apply by midnight on 31 March 2025.

    Apply Now

TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Starfish31

Standard Member
Feb 24, 2025
6
12
I submitted my Stephenson Harwood application literally like two minutes ago too lol 😅 - I honestly think it is just down to what you prefer. I did a placement year so technically have a year of legal experience, but I much prefer spending time at the firm rather than going straight to a TC assessment day so I applied for the placement instead.

Best of luck whichever you choose!!
Two minutes ago? Try using the midnight deadline as fuel to type faster and faster - wish me luck!
 

trainee4u

Valued Member
Sep 7, 2023
118
288
absolutely rookie numbers with the applications today.

Did:

  • Devonshires - spent quite a long time researching this, bit of a tedious process
  • Peters & Peters - much of this was copy+paste, but again the research of the firm
  • Winckworth Sherwood - did an appallingly bad application last year, this one was better
  • Beale - wrote something random about cladding, the standard research stuff, plus four copy+paste-type generic questions
  • Stephenson Harwood
Didn't do:

  • Howard Kennedy - absolute nonsense application form: 500 words each on "Reflecting on your personal experiences, strengths and values, explain why you are pursuing a career as a Solicitor.
    With this in mind, drawing on your research of Howard Kennedy, identify specific examples of our work, culture and values that have led to your interest in training here." "Describe a situation from your personal or professional life where you had to adapt quickly to meet someone's needs.

    Explain the steps you took to address the situation and how your actions contributed to the final outcome.

    What did you learn from this experience, and how will it help you to meet clients' needs in your role as a Trainee Solicitor at Howard Kennedy?" "
    Identify one specific market trend or legal development that relates to one of our recent client projects, deals, articles or case studies.

    Explain how this impacts Howard Kennedy and propose how we might position ourselves to address these challenges or opportunities?" "
    Describe a time when you faced a professional, personal or academic challenge that required resilience.

    Reflect on what you learned from this and explain what you would do differently if given the chance.

    How did this experience mirror a challenge you might face as a trainee solicitor?"

  • RWK Goodman - not interested in the practice areas at all.
 

A worried graduate

Legendary Member
Mar 25, 2024
206
96
just got a rejection for Shoosmiths placement (stong application though - not sure if that means anything). completed SH but not as sure about that.
I have this sinking feeling that I'm gonna be back next year :(
Based on the assessment criteria etc

I’d guess that having a “strong” comment means that the initial benchmark was passed for the application to make the proper pool
 

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.