TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lord Sumption]

@Afraz Akhtar @Abbie Whitlock
What are the most effective questions to ask partners at the end of a training contract interview? Which ones have you found work well?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Honestly, at the end of the day, no one really knows why anyone gets rejected at any stage except for the specific person/people who make the final decision to reject at that stage i.e. Grad Rec/Partners depending on the stage (as far as I'm aware)

This is very true! Sometimes, the rejection is simply the result of a highly competitive process - where most candidates were good but they still only have 25 TC's on offer. It's funny because we tell ourselves the rejection itself is so bad without considering the fact that there is so much behind it that we don't know. We assume that we're not good enough because we applied to the same firm two cycles in a row and think that's it, but we never consider the the potential behind how close we may have been this time around. The truth is, with each rejection, there is always little success candidates never get to see e.g. the first time you applied you were ranked 98/600 applicants and they could only shortlist 50, and the second time you applied you were ranked 57/2000 and they could only shortlist 50 - candidates just see the rejection, but we can see your improvements. This is why, you should never give up, tomorrow you may be 12/2000 and they're still shortlisting 50!

 

[adekuku]

I'm writing an answer to Akin's commercial issue question they ask to outline how it would impact clients and the type of work the firm does, would it be a cop out to use AI as an example?

@Afraz Akhtar

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

@Afraz Akhtar @Abbie Whitlock
What are the most effective questions to ask partners at the end of a training contract interview? Which ones have you found work well?

Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Sumption.

The possibilities truly are endless, you could ask about a particular piece of work they did historically or whether they think there are any opportunities or challenges in their department, what's keeping them at the company, what the challenges are for trainees at the firm, or quite simply, what they would expect from a successful trainee 1 year into the TC. It really depends on what you're hoping to learn from them, however these are a good start if your mind is blank. I would also point out, that you should make notes during your interview if you can (when they're introducing themselves), you'd be surprised how easy it is to form an enjoyable question for them based on details they provided.

 

[lolololol]

What would you do if two supervisors both gave you tasks which were needed by the end of the day, but you cannot complete both in time? - how would one answer this and structure it as well?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

I'm writing an answer to Akin's commercial issue question they ask to outline how it would impact clients and the type of work the firm does, would it be a cop out to use AI as an example?

@Afraz Akhtar

Nothing is a copout if you explain it well. AI is a good start, however do you think there's a risk of others choosing the same topic? If so, do you think you're able to write a strong enough answer to set yourself apart from theirs? It's a little risky - you want to stand out, not blend in. So, I personally would not choose AI as a topic. Instead, think beyond disruption to the wider industry and something specific to the firm itself, its particular industries/key clients/something they've been doing well. Everytime I was faced with this question, I always considered their annual report first to read through any of its successes, weaknesses, areas of focus for the foreseeable and used that as a base to identify potential risks.

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Congratulations!!!
Rooting for you, May this go well✨

Thanks so so much it means a lot!!

 

[adekuku]

Nothing is a copout if you explain it well. AI is a good start, however do you think there's a risk of others choosing the same topic? If so, do you think you're able to write a strong enough answer to set yourself apart from theirs? It's a little risky - you want to stand out, not blend in. So, I personally would not choose AI as a topic. Instead, think beyond disruption to the wider industry and something specific to the firm itself, its particular industries/key clients/something they've been doing well. Everytime I was faced with this question, I always considered their annual report first to read through any of its successes, weaknesses, areas of focus for the foreseeable and used that as a base to identify potential risks.

Thank you!

 

[Kakaboo]

Can anyone give me some tips of commercial awareness topics to discuss?

 

[BealMcAlly]

Slaughters Interview Invite! Been off the thread for a few days to try get it off my mind. Applied 23rd Nov.

Amazing news!

 

[aria_d]

I did Weil just now ann got 7,7,9,6 with excellent numerical and verbal intellect but messed up the VI because i couldnt finish my sentences <//3 end me now <//3

 

[LRR23]

Anybody heard from wfw or hfw yet?

Have you heard back from HFW yet

 

[cf26]

Hi guys! I have my first AC coming up which includes a group exercise, interview and individual presentation. I don't really know what to expect and am quite nervous but equally excited. If anyone has any tips on how best to prepare (for a specific component or overall), I would highly appreciate it!

 

[Lord Sumption]

Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Sumption.

The possibilities truly are endless, you could ask about a particular piece of work they did historically or whether they think there are any opportunities or challenges in their department, what's keeping them at the company, what the challenges are for trainees at the firm, or quite simply, what they would expect from a successful trainee 1 year into the TC. It really depends on what you're hoping to learn from them, however these are a good start if your mind is blank. I would also point out, that you should make notes during your interview if you can (when they're introducing themselves), you'd be surprised how easy it is to form an enjoyable question for them based on details they provided.

Thank you Afraz!
I appreciate the response!

 

[Lord Sumption]

Can anyone give me some tips of commercial awareness topics to discuss?

BoE Interest rates reducing from 4% to 3.75% (the lowest for nearly two years)

 

[nbjani]

Pleasure to make your acquaintance Lord Sumption.

The possibilities truly are endless, you could ask about a particular piece of work they did historically or whether they think there are any opportunities or challenges in their department, what's keeping them at the company, what the challenges are for trainees at the firm, or quite simply, what they would expect from a successful trainee 1 year into the TC. It really depends on what you're hoping to learn from them, however these are a good start if your mind is blank. I would also point out, that you should make notes during your interview if you can (when they're introducing themselves), you'd be surprised how easy it is to form an enjoyable question for them based on details they provided.

Oh this brings up a whole question around the interview sections of ACs, or freestanding interviews. What's the vibe on taking in and making notes?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock i was wondering what your thoughts are on applying direct tc for firms that also do a vac, like Farrer for example, or firms who’s vacs have closed but DTC is still open?
(I’ve done a vac scheme + paralegal before)
Thank you so much!

Hello!

That's a great question, and I think the answer genuinely depends on the firm in question. Using Farrers as an example, they offer a significant proportion of their training contracts through the DTC route, which makes it a very viable option. That said, I would generally encourage applications to apply for the vacation scheme route if possible. They are an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the firm's culture, practice areas, and way of working, and they allow you to demonstrate your abilities over a longer period of time. In many firms, the chances of securing a training contract through a VS are higher, simply because they often hire from the VS in the first instance.

However, as you have mentioned that this is mainly for firms whose vacation scheme applications have closed, there is absolutely no harm in submitting a DTC application if that route remains open. Given your background and experience, you are well-suited to the DTC process - particularly if you feel more confident in structured assessments. When I applied for my DTC, I had a similar background of vacation schemes and paralegal experience, which I found helped me articulate my motivations and competencies more clearly.

It's also worth remembering that there are so many variables in this process and you truly never know what might come of an application. For example, I submitted my Reed Smith DTC application after seeing it advertised on TCLA, with relatively low expectations and a general fear of assessment centres! Despite that, it ended up being my only offer. I think this really reinforced to me that it is always worth putting yourself forward, even if you think the chances are low - you might be pleasantly surprised!

I hope that helps give some perspective, but shout if you have any other questions!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Oh this brings up a whole question around the interview sections of ACs, or freestanding interviews. What's the vibe on taking in and making notes?

I know some people may say that you can take in notes so long as you disclose them and ask for permission to refer to them in the interview. However, I don’t think this is the strongest look. If you can, avoid taking in any notes with you.

As for taking notes whilst you’re in there, there is no issue with doing so. Just make it known that you may take a few notes whilst they’re speaking as you may refer to it later. I did this for most of my interviews, and never had an issue.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

What would you do if two supervisors both gave you tasks which were needed by the end of the day, but you cannot complete both in time? - how would one answer this and structure it as well?

Hi!

When answering this sort of question, it might help to focus less on the specific action and more on the skills that the question is testing. Therefore, have a think about how you would show:

• Awareness of deadlines and responsibility
• The ability to prioritise realistically
• Proactive and early communication
• Offering solutions rather than creating / bringing problems

The way that I would structure it is: briefly assess the situation -> explain how you'd communicate with supervisors -> show how you'd agree a sensible way forward and deliver on it.

The graduate recruitment team won't necessarily be looking for the 'perfect' outcome - they are much more interested in your judgement and thought-process whilst making the decision!

 

[Harvey Specter]

In the fund formation space, how do firms typically differentiate themselves? Why would you approach Kirkland vs Debevoise vs Akin? is it sector-specific expertise? Does anyone know why Debevoise's fund team is so renowned?

Lowkey interested in this topic too so if anybody has any insights pls do share them. What sets Akin’s funds practice apart from Debevoise and vice versa? Idk if this question was alr answered by someone so I have decided to bump it lmao.​