TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Abbie Whitlock
For the interview with a partner, when they ask "why X firm?" and when discussing what practice areas particularly interest me, would you recommend talking in depth about deals here or just being general and focusing on the rankings of the practice areas? Sorry to ask this silly question, as it's my first AC, so just trying to be prepared.

Hey!

Not a silly question at all!!

A good rule of thumb is depth over lists - you don't need to recite rankings, and partners aren't necessarily looking for a catalogue of deals either. Rankings can definitely be a starting point, but on their own they don't say much about why the practice area interests you.

For practice areas, it is usually strongest to:

• Pick one or two areas that you are genuinely interested in
• Mention briefly what the firm is known for in that area (this could be a headline deal, a sector focus, or a type of client that they work with)
• Then go into more depth - explain what about that work appeals to you based on your past experiences and future career goals (e.g. the kind of clients, the mix of advisory vs transactional work, the exposure that trainees get, or how it links to your past experiences in a certain area).

You don't need lots of technical detail on deals, as the partners won't be testing recall, but being able to talk about a deal in a commercial way can show engagement with the firm and its work.

Overall, they'll be trying to understand your motivation and whether you have thought about how the firm's work aligns with you, rather than specific facts that you can memorise.

I hope that assists, and best of luck with the AC - I'm sure you'll do great!!

 

[Jennifer2003]

Does anybody have any advice for how to prepare for a case study at an interview? It’s my first time doing one at an AC and I’m really unsure of what sort of things I should know and what to expect! Any advice would be appreciated

 

[applicant457]

how long does linklaters take to respond after AC?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

So I stopped vaping 24 hours ago cos I’m sick of depending on flavoured battery powered air and now my anxiety for everything is through the roof, especially since firms are not getting back to me! Well, I did get Farrer PFO post app for VS yesterday, but managed to get to first stage interview last cycle for DTC

If I start spamming then pls turn a blind eye, I’m going through it atm

View attachment 7853

I GET YOU! I can’t do without flavoured battery myself

Fun fact is I started using it when I started working at a law firm (workload and stress) and then came the applications stress after

No sis I get you on a deeper level! I am going through my menthol lost Mary vapes at an alarming speed

Omg I know right. It’s never ending stress!! But I’m attempting to choose healthy lungs for once literally woke up this morning and grabbed an invisible vape from my night stand :/

My vape is my emotional crutch rn.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Does anybody have any advice for how to prepare for a case study at an interview? It’s my first time doing one at an AC and I’m really unsure of what sort of things I should know and what to expect! Any advice would be appreciated

What firm? PM me if you don't want to say publicly and I might be able to help

 

[Novaa]

how long does linklaters take to respond after AC?

They aim for the Friday of the week you completed it in

 

[Jennifer2003]

What firm? PM me if you don't want to say publicly and I might be able to help

Reed Smith!

 

[trainee4u]

Cripps VI:
"In your final question you'll be asked to present a few slides on screen and provide commentary"

 

[summersun]

Cripps VI !! we have to prepare a small presentation for one of the questions with slides and I have VWV presentation next week as well !
So happy though !

 

[summersun]

Cripps VI:
"In your final question you'll be asked to present a few slides on screen and provide commentary"

I know !!!Since when do you prepare slides for a VI?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Cripps VI:
"In your final question you'll be asked to present a few slides on screen and provide commentary"

Hi, when did you complete the Cripps assessment out of interest?

 

[summersun]

Hi, when did you complete the Cripps assessment out of interest?

I know you did not ask me but just for ref I did it on 17/01

 

[hey1238390u]

Anything from Burges Salmon post-AC?

Please can u dm me with any advice on the ac process i have one coming up and am super nervous

 

[trainee4u]

Hi, when did you complete the Cripps assessment out of interest?

about 5 hours before it closed.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

I know you did not ask me but just for ref I did it on 17/01

I did it on 14/01, I guess PFO

 

[trainee4u]

I did it on 14/01, I guess PFO

Do you think you did well on the final written question in the previous assessment?

 

[Arv_329]

Anyone heard back from Cleary (post-WG) or NRF (post-VI). Am I just cooked?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Do you think you did well on the final written question in the previous assessment?

Yes, but I am not sure the context/topic was strictly relevant compared to what they were looking for in the question - I couldn't think of many other examples where I specifically implemented a system / did something that involved improvement (I can't remember the question/answer, just general gist)

 

[Shiv Lawy]

Update- PFO after the Akin TI.

Genuinely gutted, I thought Akin was the best match for my Asset management/PE background.

I suspect it was the "What do you do to stay commerically aware" question I panicked, (edit: and forgot to mention I just did an MBA) because my life and job is current commercial awareness...I said I was studying for CFA level 2 and read the FT every day....and then remembered my actual commercial awareness is talking to my clients who are trying to raise funds. I don't know if that came through or was too non standard an answer.

I honestly wasn't prepared for situational questions like that, I prepared for more of a partner level interview about my motivations and fit. Oh well.

 

[ddalki]

Anyone heard back from Cleary (post-WG) or NRF (post-VI). Am I just cooked?

I’ve heard back from both (NRF yesterday), but you definitely aren’t cooked! Both firms are still rolling out AC invites, from what I’ve heard. You’ve got this!