TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[gmmd1012]

Do written exercises usually include an interview regarding the content afterwards? Or is this done on a firm by firm basis?

 

[AryanAgg]

Do written exercises usually include an interview regarding the content afterwards? Or is this done on a firm by firm basis?

Usually firm by firm, some grade it independently, while some make it part of the interview I think.

 

[gmmd1012]

Usually firm by firm, some grade it independently, while some make it part of the interview I think.

Thank you!

 

[adf43256]

How many ACs did it take for you guys to get your first VS. Ive done 3 Law ACs so far in the past 7 months and 2 ACs for non-law graduate roles and im struggling to convert them. I've got another AC coming up and I have no clue whether it's normal to be struggling this much to convert at that final hurdle.

 

[randomrhino]

Do any firms still have vacation scheme applications open? Or has this cycle (for vacation schemes) come to a close?

 

[pepsicola96]

does anyone have any ideas on how to show an interest in finance/PE related law since so many firms specialise in this? i mean apart from attending open days and hearing people talk about it. like more concrete things that show you might enjoy that type of law?

I've struggled with this in the past and honestly, my approach has been not to haha, and I've had success with that. There is nothing worse than an answer that sounds fake or disingenuous.

Pretty much all firms are strong in multiple practice areas, sector areas, or have something interesting about them. i tend to focus on other areas of the firm, that I can clearly align to my background and interests. E.g being from a life science background, I've applied to a lot of firms that also are strong in that sector so I'll mention that. Even though finance is a top area for basically all my firms, I have no convincing experience or background to demonstrate it so I don't try to. I'll usually add in a range about wanting to experience a broad range of expertise not just in life sciences or whatever else, but also financial services and 'insert another strong area here'

I also think it makes it a more unique answer. The fact is, even if finance or PE is their biggest area, they still need enough lawyers to qualify in every other team they have, they want you to have broad interests too. If you can say, yes, I'm interested in finance, but i also appreciate all these other aspects of your firm, I think it can work quite well

 

[gmmd1012]

For anyone who has done the Goodwin AC or is aware - is the interview going to be competency/motivational or commercial? They haven't specified but my intuition says motivational/competency as its done by the Early Careers Team.

Hi! Have you received a response? I am wondering the same!

 

[gmmd1012]

was wondering the same thing

Hi! Have you managed to find any insights regarding these questions? I am wondering the same!

 

[futuretrainee22]

Has anyone heard from Pinsent Masons post AC?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, I have a partner interview coming up, and it's my first one, and Idk how to prepare well for it. Should I prepare for it the same way as I prepare for an HR Interview but focus more on technical questions?

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

I would say that a partner interview tends to be a hybrid type that emphasises your overall judgment and fit to the firm.

A few pointers that might help (from my experience with partner interviews):

• Technical questions, if any, will typically be quite high-level (e.g. spotting issues, weighing up risks, or explaining how you would approach a problem), rather than detailed law. It might help to practice strengths-based questions or scenario questions (i.e. "What would you do if..."), as these are likely to come up.
• There is usually much more emphasis on your motivations and commercial awareness, rather than competency questions (though there may still be a few of the latter) - e.g. why this firm, why law, and why you.
• They are often interested in how you think and communicate, rather than whether you know the "correct" answer. As long as you can explain your thought process in a clear way, you should be able to tackle any question (even if it is slightly unexpected!).
• I'd generally expect a more conversational style - the partners could probe your answers (which is completely normal, and doesn't mean you are wrong!), ask questions about your legal career / education so far, and discuss their own work at the firm.

If you can clearly explain your reasoning and show curiosity about the firm's work / clients, this should be exactly what they are looking for. Ultimately, you want to show that you are genuinely motivated to work at this specific firm, and that you would be someone that is great to work with.

I hope that assists, and best of luck with the interview!!

 

[ddalki]

Hi, hope everyone's doing well! I've received a White & Case written exercise, and I don't think I've ever done something like it. Are written exercises usually summary tasks, or argumentative (?), or something more mysterious? Thank you!

 

[lawstudent2]

How many ACs did it take for you guys to get your first VS. Ive done 3 Law ACs so far in the past 7 months and 2 ACs for non-law graduate roles and im struggling to convert them. I've got another AC coming up and I have no clue whether it's normal to be struggling this much to convert at that final hurdle.

I'm in the exact same position, I've been rejected after 3 ACs now and have one final one this cycle in a week
not really sure what else I can be doing now to convert them

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Hi, hope everyone's doing well! I've received a White & Case written exercise, and I don't think I've ever done something like it. Are written exercises usually summary tasks, or argumentative (?), or something more mysterious? Thank you!

hi sorry this is unhelpful to you - but did you apply for summer/spring + when did you finish your VI?

 

[nonliquetagain]

Do any firms still have vacation scheme applications open? Or has this cycle (for vacation schemes) come to a close?

faegre drinker closes february 28

 

[Novaa]

When people say to use PESTLE or SWOT for case studies, how does that actually look in practice?

I understand what each letter stands for, but I’m confused about how people are using them. Are they meant to be used: In the discussion itself, in the written case study exercise, or just as a way to spot issues during prep?

I tried using it in an assessment centre before, but it felt quite forced (I think because I hadn’t connected the dots of using it LOL)

 

[Legallywhatever]

Has anyone applied for grad solicitor apprenticeships? If so why/why not?

 

[Applicant7874652]

Hi, hope everyone's doing well! I've received a White & Case written exercise, and I don't think I've ever done something like it. Are written exercises usually summary tasks, or argumentative (?), or something more mysterious? Thank you!

Usually they test summary and presentation skills so dw

 

[user55998384]

anyone who has applied for a kirkland OD - was the deadline at 23:59?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Hey guys, hoping for a week full of positive progressions for everybody. I know I am overdue some good news. Gonna do the AC dance extra hard...


And remember, no matter what, stay positive and supportive of others in this thread!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hey guys, hoping for a week full of positive progressions for everybody. I know I am overdue some good news. Gonna do the AC dance extra hard...


And remember, no matter what, stay positive and supportive of others in this thread!

I’m hoping for some good news for the upcoming week. It will be a nice belated birthday present too haha. Gna join in on the AC/VS dance: 🕺​