TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[hxnnahrobinson]

Congratulations!!! Is this for the london office and is it business or individual tc?

Best of luck

Individual for Sheffield Thank you

 

[anon78365222111]

NRF , Goodwin and Covington no replies ahhh thought I cooked mayn

 

[xwu215]

hi, is anyone else still waiting to hear back from latham for summer? i haven't heard a single thing from them since the stage 2 invite 🫠

 

[vweewcvew]

which firms still have VS open? (Other than Orrick/ Ropes)

Stephenson Harwood

K&L Gates

Stevens & Bolton

Marriott

Russel-Cooke

Brabners

 

[flower1]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock
I was just wondering for written exercises, what do we include in the conclusion of the memorandum, and then how do we close it?

Also, I read somewhere about short advice note - please may you explain what this is and how it differs to a report, and how to structure it?

Thank you

 

[Eudora]

AG AC London

Congrats! May I ask when you completed your VI?

 

[Legallylaw]

Anyone heard anything from TLT?

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

hey guys i js completed my first ever Amberjack and got 7/4/4/9💀js wondering whether this is shit or okay ?? cz im not entirely sure how this is measured...

 

[LH4]

Does anyone have an idea on Mischons benchmark for the Amberjack? I got 6 for Grit, 7 for applied intellect, 7 for digital mindset but... 4 for creative force lolll

It was my first amberjack so its fine just a bit worried

 

[sadlawyer01]

Stephenson Harwood

K&L Gates

Stevens & Bolton

Marriott

Russel-Cooke

Brabners

cleary too

 

[qwerty!]

not sure if this is a silly question but does anyone have any idea about how accomodation works on vac schemes?

 

[Vanssss]

Is w&c still rolling out vi invites for summer?

 

[spongebob]

Has anyone emailed DLA Piper Manchester about when can expect to hear back about ACs?

 

[RVD23]

Has anyone completed a vac scheme with Dechert before?

 

[johnsmith]

not sure if this is a silly question but does anyone have any idea about how accomodation works on vac schemes?

My experience so far has been paying for my own accommodation. I know Paul comma Weiss specifically mention they organise it for you as part of the VS and it doesn't impact what you get paid.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

not sure if this is a silly question but does anyone have any idea about how accomodation works on vac schemes?

Hey!

I can share the various experiences that I have had for vacation schemes, as it does differ depending on the firm (so I would ask the graduate recruitment team!).

• Stephenson Harwood: they arranged and paid for accommodation in a hotel for anyone that didn't live in London (myself included!) which was really handy!
• Farrer & Co: they contributed towards the cost of the accommodation, and offered suggestions for accommodation that previous vacation scheme students had used.
• Travers Smith: whilst they didn't contribute to the cost directly, they provided a list of previous accommodation that vacation scheme students had used. However, they did pay the most for the scheme itself, so it was around the same overall!

For the vacation schemes where I had to arrange it myself, I stayed in student accommodation that you can rent for a few weeks over the summer - I would really recommend as I found these really affordable and close enough to everything!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock , I hope you're doing well! i was just wondering how would you tackle this question and if is it okay to include an example of a time you showed the trait you are mentioning ? - Describe three characteristics that you believe make an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyer and how that lawyer would drive our business (500 words)

Hey!

I'm doing well, thank you - hope you are too!

I have previously answered a similar question on the Ropes & Gray Vacation Scheme Thread - I have quoted it below. I hope that helps!

Hello!

I’d treat the question almost like a mini-essay - a simple structure that could work well is:

1. Introduction (1-2 sentences)

I’d start by briefly describing what you think defines an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyers - something that ties into their culture, their global platform, or their client-focused approach. This frames your three characteristics as part of a coherent picture rather than three random traits

2. Three characteristics (separate mini paragraphs)

For each one:

• State the characteristic clearly (it can be a soft skill or hard skill, and a mix of the two is likely to work really well)
• Explain why it matters at R&G (link it to the introduction and something real about the firm - e.g. their cross-border work, private equity strength, innovation, pro bono, etc.)
• Show how it drives the business (for example, how it helps deepen client relationships, improves efficiency, and supports growth in the key sectors)

This turns each characteristic into something commercial and tangible, not just descriptive

3. Short conclusion (1-2 sentences)

I’d end your answer by pulling the three traits together and reinforcing how they reflect the firm’s long-term strategy and how they will contribute to the future success of the firm. A sentence or two should be enough to achieve this!

As for your question - I can imagine that characteristics would include both hard and soft skills. The key is choosing ones that feel tailored to Ropes & Gray, not just generic ”good lawyer” traits.

Good luck - it seems like a tough question, but it’s a really good opportunity to show insight!

Hi!

No problem, glad to hear it! I would focus on the firm - the question is testing your understanding of the role of a solicitor and what traits are important to carry that out, rather than whether you have displayed those traits before

 

[LawAspirer]

Did anybody get Dechert PFOs after WE?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Congrats! Just out of curiosity, did it list AC dates (wanting to know how far in advance they/similar firms offer ACs)

Reply yeah it was the 4th and 5th of Feb

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock
I was just wondering for written exercises, what do we include in the conclusion of the memorandum, and then how do we close it?

Also, I read somewhere about short advice note - please may you explain what this is and how it differs to a report, and how to structure it?

Thank you

Hey!

In a memorandum, I'd say that the conclusion should be concise and practical - the aim is to clearly answer the question posed, confirm your overall recommendation, and briefly flag any key risks or uncertainties. You should try to avoid introducing new law or facts at this stage. It is also helpful to end by indicating next steps or offering to look into any points further, keeping the tone professional!

In relation to your second question, a short advice note is essentially a more concise, client-focused version of a report. It prioritises clear and actionable advice over a detailed discussion. You would usually set out the issue briefly, explain what the client should do and why, highlight any major risks that are likely to be important to the client, and suggest practical next steps. Compared to a report, it is likely to be shorter and more direct, and focused on judgment and clarity rather than depth.

I hope that helps!