TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Rads]

Hello, is there any difference in applying for Spring v/s Summer for Paul, Weiss today? does either impact my application in any way?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Incorrect. Akin you can apply up until the deadline I knew two people who applied on the deadline last year and made it to AC and subsequently got VS. I was told they hold roughly 4/5 AC's. with the last two being filled by those who applied closer to the deadline. All ACs are in Jan, but their process is fast-paced post-Christmas. so you can do the entire app-test-ti-ac all within 3 weeks. This is from a friend who converted their VS there this year.​

I’m just going based off of what Akin’s grad rec manager told us directly at Akin’s open day. She advised to submit apps before Xmas cos they’re not gna be screening all apps submitted on the deadline. If that’s incorrect take it up with their grad rec team lad. I’d like to think Akin’s grad rec team knows their own process and wouldn’t give misleading information to ppl. It’s possible they’ve changed the rules for this cycle.​

 

[cookedlawstudent]

No I mean the VI cos you only get that after you pass the SJT and they like your app no?. Since that’s competitive, it implies they’re looking at apps already. Which makes sense since they’re rolling

yes that makes sense, but i still think that you will be fine. they have an entire month left until they close applications so don't lose hope

 

[Bree]

Does Paul, Weiss not sponsor visas for vac schemes?

 

[Trophy]

I’m just going based off of what Akin’s grad rec manager told us directly at Akin’s open day. She advised to submit apps before Xmas cos they’re not gna be screening all apps submitted on the deadline. If that’s incorrect take it up with their grad rec team lad. I’d like to think Akin’s grad rec team knows their own process and wouldn’t give misleading information to ppl. It’s possible they’ve changed the rules for this cycle.​

You don’t need to be aggressive. chill out.

 

[zee_]

I'm answering this question for a vac scheme application - "Discuss a recent legal development or case that interested you (max 300 words)".

Does anyone know what the firm is assessing here, and what structure my answer should follow. I was thinking of using the following structure, and doing 100 words for each section - Background of the case, why it interests you, and how it links to the firm.

Does anyone have any guidance on how to approach this question

 

[Icantstopeatingfood]

Hello, is there any difference in applying for Spring v/s Summer for Paul, Weiss today? does either impact my application in any way?

they are non rolling and have not given next stages so it may not make a difference. I don’t think international students on visa can apply to spring as it is during term time i’m not sure if they sponsor visas for vacation schemes.

 

[Harvey Specter]

You don’t need to be aggressive. chill out.

I’m not being aggressive champ. I was clarifying my initial comment cos you said it was incorrect. My bad if it sounded otherwise rkid.​

 

[Trophy]

I’m not being aggressive champ. I was clarifying my initial comment cos you said it was incorrect. My bad if it sounded otherwise rkid.​

Lad, champ, rkid. wth😭

You were aggressive end of. Tired of entertaining this 25/26 cycle persona you have.

 

[scoffee]

i’ve been invited to dla pipers AC does anyone have any specific advice regarding the firms AC?

Hey, congrats on the AC!

I did their AC and then VS last year, so I can say a little bit about my experience in case it helps. It was also the first AC I had ever done so safe to say I was absolutely terrified 😅

I don't know if they're doing it differently this year but when I did it, there were three separate exercises, and we got quite a bit of time to talk to the other people at the AC in between interviews etc which I actually really enjoyed! It's always nice to bond with the people that are there with you, especially where there is a group exercise where you need to work with people.

I would just say make sure you've researched the firm well (which I imagine you have if you've reached this point!) and have a couple of questions handy for your interviewers. I found that the more personal interest I took in what they did, the more relaxed they seemed which in turn made me feel slightly more like it was a normal conversation rather than an interview. For example, I had a few questions about their One-UK approach which were relevant as I'm a Scots lawyer, and asked a bit about how this applied in my interviewers' specific practices.

I have also never met a lawyer in the firm who is not absolutely lovely and wanting you to succeed, so they are genuinely wanting you to do well in the interviews! Just take your time in responses, take a second to think if you need it (I would take small sips of water while I was thinking), and treat it like an opportunity to show your interviewers how great you are!

Best of luck, you'll smash it!

 

[llblawstudent]

I'm answering this question for a vac scheme application - "Discuss a recent legal development or case that interested you (max 300 words)".

Does anyone know what the firm is assessing here, and what structure my answer should follow. I was thinking of using the following structure, and doing 100 words for each section - Background of the case, why it interests you, and how it links to the firm.

Does anyone have any guidance on how to approach this question

Hey, what firm was this for out of interest?

 

[Bread]

Omg just kiss already

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Hi, I just completed a winter vacation scheme and was wondering whether it makes sense to update applications I am waiting to hear back from by letting them know that I have done further legal work ex? Would appreciate any thoughts/ advice on this.

Hi, just my opinion here. Honestly might come across as a bit overconfident. To me, it would seem like you are contacting them only to say "well, I have just done another VS and am waiting on TC confirmation". Something about this tone doesn't really sit right. Besides, GR won't be making conclusions based on one single work experience addition. If it bolstered your overall application or genuinely contributed something meaningful to why they would want to hire you I'd probably say otherwise, but a multiple week scheme is unlikely to have that effect. Use it as good cannon fodder for the next round of applications if you are not successful.

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Guys is it too late to apply for W&C's Spring Vac scheme specifically? Ik that applications close in a month but I am debating switching my application to Summer because someone did mention that people are already being invited to VIs and I'm sure that AC invites for the Spring Scheme will come shortly after.

 

[lolololol]

is a 21/36 bad for weil? i feel like i messed up the whole test and vi

 

[zee_]

Hey, what firm was this for out of interest?

Shepherd and Wedderburn

 

[Trophy]

is a 21/36 bad for weil? i feel like i messed up the whole test and vi

It’s not a high score but I wouldn’t count yourself out. It really does depend on the content of your vi answers. Firms say the take a holistic approach so hopefully Weil does and sees through the stress and nerves and sees potential instead. I wouldn’t dwell on it too much you’ve taken the test treat yourself tonight and wait for the outcome 😄

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

For Paul, Weiss, does anyone know what the application process is this year? I know last year there was an amberjack assessment but I'm not sure whether things have changed? Thank you!

 

[Harvey Specter]

For Paul, Weiss, does anyone know what the application process is this year? I know last year there was an amberjack assessment but I'm not sure whether things have changed? Thank you!

They got rid of the amberjack test this year so it’s just the app form and then you’re shortlisted to an interview if your app is successful before getting the vac scheme. Paul mentioned on their forum thread they’ve introduced a numerical test that ppl take during the vac schemes. There is also a written task and partner interview, based on his post. Idk where it is lmao.​

 

[BobThebIlly]

Does anyone have advice for Weil's SJT? I am not used to the 4 pillars so I'm pretty stumped! It's due tomorrow

Just bumping this up in case anyone has any tips — would appreciate it loads