TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[sadlawyer01]

just wondering, for those who got into the Latham OD, do they immediately progress to AC for the vac scheme?

 

[Winter]

just wondering, for those who got into the Latham OD, do they immediately progress to AC for the vac scheme?

Grad rec mentioned that it’s not a guarantee. You’ll still be put into the pool of applicants, but previously OD candidates have not necessarily been fast tracked but I think prioritised in terms of having a good look at your application? So fingers crossed!!

 

[zonnonomo]

Willkie PFO, 4 rejections in two days, do not know what to think

3 PFOs today… might cry

keep pushing gang that one yes is coming

 

[yuhhhh]

idk they just said they had a Weil interview so I'm assuming it's not the VI because surely you'd say the OT or VI... but maybe not lol - sorry for causing hysteria guys haha maybe I got it wrong - anyways, don't count yourself out until you've gotten a concrete email!

No it's fine don't worry, you were trying to be helpful so it's a good thing!

Based on last year, the Weil AC invites were sent out in early February. Additionally, I believe Weil is non-rolling and the grad rec mentioned last year that every VI will be reviewed first before making AC offers.

For people who are still waiting from Weil I think it's best to assume that AC offers will be sent out next year seeing that not everyone has completed their SJT/VIs yet. I would also assume that your friend meant the VI as for clarity, if I had an AC invite I would say AC since Weil's AC involves other exercises beyond an interview!

But again, everything is conjecture so either ways the universe will give to you what you will be given and all we can do is do our best. (it is what it is)

 

[anonymous.15]

EVERSHEDS PFO WOW...

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

No it's fine don't worry, you were trying to be helpful so it's a good thing!

Based on last year, the Weil AC invites were sent out in early February. Additionally, I believe Weil is non-rolling and the grad rec mentioned last year that every VI will be reviewed first before making AC offers.

For people who are still waiting from Weil I think it's best to assume that AC offers will be sent out next year seeing that not everyone has completed their SJT/VIs yet. I would also assume that your friend meant the VI as for clarity, if I had an AC invite I would say AC since Weil's AC involves other exercises beyond an interview!

But again, everything is conjecture so either ways the universe will give to you what you will be given and all we can do is do our best. (it is what it is)

Weil mentioned at their insight day in Oct that the ACs would be sent either end of Dec or early Jan so they’re probs shortlisting atm.​

 

[sadlawyer01]

Grad rec mentioned that it’s not a guarantee. You’ll still be put into the pool of applicants, but previously OD candidates have not necessarily been fast tracked but I think prioritised in terms of having a good look at your application? So fingers crossed!!

so all they need to do is pass application stage? dont they pass that immediately when they get selected for the VI?

 

[Trophy]

No it's fine don't worry, you were trying to be helpful so it's a good thing!

Based on last year, the Weil AC invites were sent out in early February. Additionally, I believe Weil is non-rolling and the grad rec mentioned last year that every VI will be reviewed first before making AC offers.

For people who are still waiting from Weil I think it's best to assume that AC offers will be sent out next year seeing that not everyone has completed their SJT/VIs yet. I would also assume that your friend meant the VI as for clarity, if I had an AC invite I would say AC since Weil's AC involves other exercises beyond an interview!

But again, everything is conjecture so either ways the universe will give to you what you will be given and all we can do is do our best. (it is what it is)

yes and they gave all the AC dates in one go not batches. and they were held 1-2 weeks after the initial invite so it'll be a fast turnaround next year is likely.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Could I mentioned my positive experience at last years AC if I went to the AC and didn’t pass but had a great time speaking to trainees ext as one of my reasons for why this firm in the video interview or shall I stay away from it. @Abbie Whitlock would appreciate some insight !

Hey!

I don't think you need to stay away from it at all! I think as long as you frame it positively, mentioning a previous AC can definitely strengthen your answer. You could show resilience and genuine interest in the firm by explaining that, even though you ultimately weren't successful, the experience still confirmed your motivation - especially if speaking to trainees gave you insight into the culture, support, training style, etc.

I'd just avoid focusing on the 'not passing' element, and instead emphasise what you gained from the experience and how it reinforced why the firm appeals to you. Firms are more likely to see returning candidates as a good sign when it is clear that you have reflected on your previous application and stayed engaged with the firm.

Hope that helps - best of luck with the VI!

 

[yuhhhh]

Weil mentioned at their insight day in Oct that the ACs would be sent either end of Dec or early Jan so they’re probs shortlisting atm.​

ayo pause

 

[anon78365222111]

Hey!

I don't think you need to stay away from it at all! I think as long as you frame it positively, mentioning a previous AC can definitely strengthen your answer. You could show resilience and genuine interest in the firm by explaining that, even though you ultimately weren't successful, the experience still confirmed your motivation - especially if speaking to trainees gave you insight into the culture, support, training style, etc.

I'd just avoid focusing on the 'not passing' element, and instead emphasise what you gained from the experience and how it reinforced why the firm appeals to you. Firms are more likely to see returning candidates as a good sign when it is clear that you have reflected on your previous application and stayed engaged with the firm.

Hope that helps - best of luck with the VI!

Thank you !!

 

[annalise.keating]

anyone heard back from Latham post VI?

 

[Winter]

No it's fine don't worry, you were trying to be helpful so it's a good thing!

Based on last year, the Weil AC invites were sent out in early February. Additionally, I believe Weil is non-rolling and the grad rec mentioned last year that every VI will be reviewed first before making AC offers.

For people who are still waiting from Weil I think it's best to assume that AC offers will be sent out next year seeing that not everyone has completed their SJT/VIs yet. I would also assume that your friend meant the VI as for clarity, if I had an AC invite I would say AC since Weil's AC involves other exercises beyond an interview!

But again, everything is conjecture so either ways the universe will give to you what you will be given and all we can do is do our best. (it is what it is)

Yeah facts. And also there’s a separate day for the virtual in-tray exercises and the interview in-person, and like a week gap in between. So I do reckon you’re right with the timeline.

 

[yk1906]

Skdden, eversheds and willkie PFOs for the past 2 days. What’s going to be my next Christmas present?

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Skdden, eversheds and willkie PFOs for the past 2 days. What’s going to be my next Christmas present?

an AC invite is waiting under that tree

 

[Winter]

so all they need to do is pass application stage? dont they pass that immediately when they get selected for the VI?

Yes and no. So, there are different commercial questions for the VS and the OD. And from what I gathered during the OD, Grad rec said the application should be much more tailored due to the fact that we’ve had plenty of interaction with the firm + implementing any applications tips as advised during the day. The VI and SJT as far as im concerned is definitely an automatic pass but yes, they said they’ll take into consideration the scores from that and your application and make a decision holistically as to whether you progress to AC.

 

[James Wakefield]

Anyone still waiting on Willkie?

 

[yk1906]

an AC invite is waiting under that tree

hahahahaah hopefully. Or no more rejections at least!

 

[abc124]

Anyone still waiting on Willkie?

Yep! Very anxiously :') When did you apply?

 

[Bottega_Veneta]

Willkie PFO today and a total of 10 rejections and zero progressions so far in this cycle.

I am officially insane