TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Donna Paulsen]

LOOOOOOOL MY BAD MY BAD

I present… The 2025/2026 logbook of shame! To summarise I think some firms have been very shameless this cycle and need to be added to a logbook of shame!

Damn I thought I was about to hear a confession… I was like oooh I have some things I could add to the logbook of shame! nvm xxx

 

[marshall]

Hi guys, may I ask how likely is it to get a VS offer from a Debevoise Open Day/AC? And I heard that it is hard to get a TC from the VS. It is my only AC invitation so far (and my first ever AC) hence I am stressing out!! Appreciate any tips/advice!!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hi guys, may I ask how likely is it to get a VS offer from a Debevoise Open Day/AC? And I heard that it is hard to get a TC from the VS. It is my only AC invitation so far (and my first ever AC) hence I am stressing out!! Appreciate any tips/advice!!

I believe there’s between 90 and 100 places on the open days (3 open days with c30 people per open day) and from these they take up to 45 for VSs.

So that’s pretty much like a 50% chance. But it’s a lot more difficult to convert the VS to a TC cos I think they only offer c10 TCs out of 45 VS’ers…​

 

[kukubird]

Does anyone know how many VS places Goodwin has?

 

[RSK]

Does anyone know how many VS places Goodwin has?

40 in total - 20 on each scheme.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi guys!! i’m looking for a bit of advice — I have a vac scheme upcoming that i have been able to get holiday approved for (yay) however I am waiting to hear back from a couple more ACs about other vac schemes and I don’t currently have enough holiday entitlement to take leave for them ( bc i started this job in the middle of the holiday year) I don’t think my job will let me take unpaid leave (even tho i’d be happy to) so what should I do? I work as a paralegal for a rlly good firm but the training prospects are only within the same team (and I don’t like it lol)

i know this is a great problem to have but i am a bit worried — best case scenario i convert the vac scheme i have but i don’t want to close doors prematurely ygm

Hey!

Congratulations on the vacation scheme (and multiple ACs)!!

Totally get why this is stressful, even though it is a good problem to have! This is a tricky situation, but I would have an open and honest conversation with your firm about your situation and ask if it would be possible to take unpaid leave. Some firms are stricter on this, but you may be able to work out a different solution if they are unable to.

You are right not to want to close doors prematurely, so I would at least ask your firm so that you know where you stand!

I hope that you are able to work it out, and I hope you enjoy the scheme you have coming up!

 

[fTS3002]

For those who completed the Morgan Lewis TI, were there any commercial awareness-related questions? appreciate the fact that its mostly regarding motivation and competency but asking just in case they had a follow-up question related to CA

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Bit of a random one....

I have a vac scheme offer from a firm which means that if I get offered a place on slaughters' vac scheme I could only do 1 out of their 2 schemes (they run two diff ones over summer). In the initial email inviting me to interview, Slaughters said to let them know if we receive vac scheme offers from another firm or if we need to know sooner for any other reason.

Technically I don't need an expedited response, I just need to be put on the second scheme if successful.

I'm a bit paranoid that explaining this will somehow prejudice me and could just be an easy rejection or something - was wondering if anyone had any thoughts / similar experiences!

Hey!

I totally understand why you feel nervous about letting them now, but this is very normal and low risk!

They likely want to know for admin and planning purposes, especially with scheme allocation. Letting them know is highly unlikely to affect your chances - firms are expecting candidates to have other offers (hence why they ask you to let them know!), and this is exactly the kind of thing they ask to be flagged to make things easier on their end.

Best of luck!

 

[User2640]

Could someone tell me what the app form questions are for this year's Kennedys and CMS's DTC? Many thanks in advance!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Do you have any insight as to how to go about structuring an answer to this question? It is only 150 words

‘At Weightmans, our three core values form the foundation of our culture and underpin all aspects of our work. These values are:



- Integrity

- Teamwork and respect

- Collaboration and innovation



Please select one of these values and discuss what it means to you personally ‘

Thank you so much in advance for any assistance!

Hello!

For a 150-word answer, I would try to keep it focused and personal. A structure that I would follow is:

1. Briefly define the value in your own words - 1-2 sentences to show that you understand what it means
2. Explain why it matters to you personally - what does it look like in practice for you, and why is it important?
3. Give a short and specific example that shows where you have displayed that value - this could be from work, uni, part-time job, extra-curriculars, etc.
4. Link it back to Weightmans - add a line or two on why this value resonates and aligns with their culture or the kind of lawyer that you want to be at the firm.

You don't need to use lots of examples - I would focus on depth over breadth. Just make sure that the example clearly demonstrates the value, rather than just stating it. I hope that assists!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

40 in total - 20 on each scheme.

To add to this I think they mentioned at the open day they offer 5 TCs per scheme so 10/14 offers are given to VS’ers and the remaining 4 TCs are generally given to Direct TC candidates.

Ofc this can change but this is what grad rec said at the open day so it’s like a 25% chance of conversion from VS to TC. I read somewhere that Goodwin receive 2,000+ applications…​

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

does anyone know where i can find practice written assessments, preferably 40 mins long

Hello!

A few resources below that I used / might be useful:

• Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies (whilst this is a case study, instead of a written exercise, I found it super useful last cycle!)
• TCLA Written Exercises (a good way to practice if you are able to pay to access resources)
• Some law firms upload example written exercises online - I believe DWF has one available!

Hopefully they help as a starting point - best of luck!

 

[Novaa]

Damn I thought I was about to hear a confession… I was like oooh I have some things I could add to the logbook of shame! nvm xxx

LOOL not me making myself giggle then going about my journey but I mean if the people want a support club then…

 

[bluesky]

hey @Abbie Whitlock i hope you are well!

What is the best way to answer what news have you been following recently? I have a timeline of major breakthroughs that occurred, which multiple different news outlets have covered. But I am unsure of what questions I could be asked, and how long and how detailed I need to understand it.

Thank you so much !!

 

[Shiv Lawy]

My inbox is so dryyyy. I've been helping friends prepare for ACs and so desperately want one myself. Sadly not hearing much back so I fear the worst. Still time to apply for DTC but damn.

 

[qwerty!]

does anyone else relate to the PRE ac dread i’m obvs grateful to get the opportunity but the idea of being sat in a commercial interview in less than 2 days fills me with dread

 

[Novaa]

your turn is coming nova, any minute now and you'll hear good news too!!

You’re actually the best and I really appreciate this!!

Really rooting for us, hopefully some good mews comes your way too!!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Anyone who did their W&C VI post Jan 26 and got a WE?

 

[Dannie]

IS W&C Interview automatic after the WE?

 

[t2025]

Hellooo, please could anybody this cycle / last that completed an AC at Baker McKenzie dm me?