TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Myparentsdream]

I completely agree. I understand the frustration of waiting when you feel like it's going to be a pfo, but Willkie have arguably been the most transparent out of any firm this cycle. The fact that their graduate recruitment is willing to take the time out their day to answer all of our questions on the TCLA forum is both laudable and certainly NOT the norm. They let us know that we'd all hear back by Friday, which they will ofc stick to, but the reason they cannot reject everyone else now, is because some people may still be invited to Partner Interview.

Also, I cannot understand why people are annoyed that the process is different this year; it has been improved this year in order to allow for more partner interviews. Previously, when they sent out all invites and PFO's at the same time, it didn't allow for what is happening right now, that being, some people saying no to doing the interview, and that place being passed onto someone else. Previously, that didn't happen!

Finally, out of all firms, they seem to be the most meritocratic with regard to each individual recruitment stage. Everything was marked anonymously, and it was reviewed by TWO separate associates in order to ensure upmost fairness. I'm not sure if some people are aware, but an associate at a top US firm like Willkie can be billed out every hour for eye watering amounts of money. So, the fact that they are willing to forego that revenue in order to allow us to compete in a fair process is again tremendously laudable.

We can all relate to rejections as 90% of the time, that's what we all face, yet, unfairly taking it out on their graduate recruitment just seems wrong, especially when they seem to be trying their hardest for us.

It’s easy for you to say that as you have an interview though.

You were also consistently asking for updates.

I don’t think the process changed for the better. Especially as they said it wouldn’t change. The last WE was vastly different to this year did you do it? I assume not giving your user name.

 

[Myparentsdream]

I don’t mean to brown nose recruitment but Willkie has been unbelievably communicative

While I think it’s weird that they have some people whom they haven’t progressed from the app stage, you really can’t lump them in with firms who’ve seemingly progressed people randomly and have had no contact with candidates. For instance, writing on TCLA how many interview slots there are is so informative, most firms disclose absolutely no figures

Definitely informative no doubt on that part.

 

[Bread]

It’s easy for you to say that as you have an interview though.

You were also consistently asking for updates.

I don’t think the process changed for the better. Especially as they said it wouldn’t change. The last WE was vastly different to this year did you do it? I assume not giving your user name.

Genuinely why are you so salty? It’s a highly selective process, you made it to one of the final stages and might still be offered an interview. Would you rather have received a rejection immediately just because you weren’t offered an interview right off the bat?

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

It’s easy for you to say that as you have an interview though.

You were also consistently asking for updates.

I don’t think the process changed for the better. Especially as they said it wouldn’t change. The last WE was vastly different to this year did you do it? I assume not giving your user name.

Your bitterness and hostile nature won't get you anywhere. If only you could see the irony behind you using "consistently asking for updates" as an insult. The very fact their grad rec responded in such a timely fashion only goes to show how communicative they are. On that point, I must say I did feel some second hand embarrassment when I read your rather unpleasantly written questions towards Kirsty, who is on here trying to help us. There are correct ways of doing things and handling yourself in times of stress; berating a firm and their grad rec certainly falls short of that standard.
I waited an entire month to hear anything after my Milbank ac, while many people who took part on the same day heard back weeks before me. Did I privately rant to my friends and family about being stressed, certainly! But I didn't petulantly and most significantly, publicly attack a firm or its representatives. I hope you can appreciate the stark contrast between being left in the dark post ac with a firm for a month, and receiving clear dates and open communication from Willkie.
If you were ranting about GD or FF about keeping us in the dark, i'd be the first to agree with you. But I'm afraid you're choosing to die on the wrong hill here mate.
Best of luck to you, I really mean that.

 

[pepsicola96]

Some firms INSIST you can reapply even after interviewing, but I am seriously skeptical now. I have improved my profile and applications, yet I still get PFOs or no responses from firms I previously interviewed with.

Am I allowed to not disclose a prior interview? I am changing my last name next month (for unrelated reasons lol), so I am wondering if there’s any way they would find out next cycle.

Also, which firms genuinely wont let you interview again, regardless of whether they disclose that policy (bc I am seriously tired of wasting time and energy on apps for nothing)? I know Jones Day and Travers are two of them.

There's no obligation to disclose that, unless explicitly asked on the application. Many firms unfortunately do have a "have you applied for any role here before question" which you would have to answer truthfully.

I have no list of firms, but I've generally heard UK firms in general seem to be more open to it than US firms? Happy to be corrected as I've not been in the position myself, but that's the idea I've gotten from what i've seen

 

[nalinp]

shoosmiths capp test came through! i haven't done one of these in a while.

any advice on this - is there a point doing practice tests seeing as there isn't really 100% 'correct' answers (+ cappfinity tests make my brain hurt ;D )

 

[M_m]

When discussing commercial trends affecting law firm clients, can I discuss increased compliance requirements following legislative/regulatory changes?

 

[Sr. Maybe]

Is this for London AC for Addleshaw. When did you record your VI?

Yes, it's the London AC. I did my VI on 16 Jan.

 

[Sr. Maybe]

Hey! Hope you don’t mind me asking – when did you record your Addleshaw Goddard VI?

On 16 Jan!

 

[Sr. Maybe]

do you know if clyde & co have given out all their AC offers?

I'm not sure, I know they've given out Spring AC offers for 2 days with 18 people per AC day (not sure if there are more than 2 ACs benig held), but maybe they haven't given out Summer yet?

 

[Myparentsdream]

Genuinely why are you so salty? It’s a highly selective process, you made it to one of the final stages and might still be offered an interview. Would you rather have received a rejection immediately just because you weren’t offered an interview right off the bat?

Yes

 

[lawgenie2024]

Hi everyone, has anyone here done the video interview for DAC Beachcroft? If yes, I would be grateful if you could tell me what the questions are? Need to do mine in next 5 days. Thank you so much!!

Hi, have you found out yet?

 

[loaf]

Congratulations!!! Can I ask when you applied?

late December I believe

 

[Eudora]

On 16 Jan!

I submitted mine on 17 Jan as well, not sure if they’ll be releasing any more AC slots though.

 

[solicitor_2028]

is there unlimited prep time on the DAC vi?

 

[TCTC]

Same here. Also just received Morgan Lewis TI! I’m surprised cos I don’t meet their A-levels! Any tips or insights would be appreciated. I sent my app on the day of the deadline.​

wow you're on a roll congratss!! 🥳🥳

 

[fTS3002]

Hey!

Congratulations on the TI invite! Whilst I wouldn't have any specific insights into Morgan Lewis' TI, I can offer some general tips on how you could approach this interview. Given the interview is only 20 minutes, I think preparation is less about covering lots of ground and more about having very clear and concise answers.

I would re-read your application carefully and be prepared to speak about anything that you mentioned on it, as questions are often taken directly from it. For example, in similar interviews, I have been asked about some of the academic modules that I studied or particular initiatives that I was a part of.

Additionally, I would create a mini-bank of competency examples that you can adapt to different questions, keeping the background / context of them structured and to the point. This could involve picking 2-3 main experiences from your work experience or academic background and highlighting what competencies you displayed.

I would make sure that you have a clear and specific answer to the more common interview questions - namely, "why Morgan Lewis", "why law" and "why you". Try to focus on a few genuine reasons, rather than trying to cover everything, and always make sure to back up your points with evidence.

As there is a time constraint, it will help to focus on clarity and structure - it might be the case that they are looking at how well you can communicate and prioritise under pressure rather than how much detail you give.

Best of luck!!

Thank you Abbie, this is really helpful!!

 

[Cece176]

Made it to Trowers Exeter assessment centre! Anyone have any insight into the written exercise, group exercise and partner interview?

Hiya - congrats!! Did you manage to get any insight into the written exercise, please

 

[Byebye bye]

No but they said it would me more around mid february I think

thanks!! i was soooo worried

 

[CupOfTea17]

Hey guys, just wondering, if a firm's deadline is the 6/02/26 - can I assume this is midnight if there is no other indication on their website? (the firm is Russell-Cooke if that helps!)

I have work tomorrow and would really like to workshop one of my answers so want to give myself as much time as possible.