TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Novaa]

promised myself this will be my last cycle and so far haven’t made it to an ac it seems like i’ll be ending the journey horribly

Heyyy twin,

I said the same thing, and I’m in the same position. So I’m going to double down and still say it’s our last cycle, and we’re leaving it with something!!

Keep going, the journey is not over yet, and that offer is coming!!

 

[a114]

Video interviews suhhhckk. I'm not a bad speaker, I can be charming, structured, clear all that - but i'm not sure that gets across on video. I don't even think my answers are bad or anything (obviously you think of things you could've said afterwards, but with a bit of grace for the pressure of the moment they're fine). You just never know what the firm are looking for, or what they gonna reject you for etc etc.

It's tiring bros

 

[shadowbaklava]

Anyone know if Haynes Boone require references? Thanks.

 

[gmmd1012]

Anyone done goodwin ac yet - would love some insight into the actual structure of the day

Have you managed to get any responses?

 

[gmmd1012]

I know this may differ from firm to firm, but in terms of hearing back post an AC for the DTC route, should I expect to hear back normally or until the vac schemes have been completed and they can consider everyone?

 

[pepsicola96]

guys guys do firms call to give you good news or reject you with feedback post-AC? i received a missed call from grad rec earlier today and the voicemail said to email them, i emailed but still no call back. shall i try calling back tomorrow morning?

Typically good news! I don't know about calling back though, once I called back and it took me to the general firm switchboard. They were asking me who I was trying to reach and I had to say I don't know but graduate recruitment, they wouldn't put me through without a name lol and said they would send an email.

 

[gmmd1012]

Anyone who has any insights no matter how broad/general for the Goodwin AC, please reach out!

 

[ash_22]

which office?

London!

 

[lawyersum]

Typically good news! I don't know about calling back though, once I called back and it took me to the general firm switchboard. They were asking me who I was trying to reach and I had to say I don't know but graduate recruitment, they wouldn't put me through without a name lol and said they would send an email.

Thank you! I think I will probably email tomorrow morning with my availability for the day…also not sure about calling back as the number was just the firm’s main one.

 

[Novaa]

As I move to DTCs, I have a question about firm research… how often are people spending on it and do you feel like you KNOW the firm pre-AC stage?

Because I came into this cycle thinking five well researched firms would come in clutch 🫣 #QualityOverQuantity?

@Abbie Whitlock - would also appreciate any advice on how thorough you were with research

 

[TCLAuser2002]

As I move to DTCs, I have a question about firm research… how often are people spending on it and do you feel like you KNOW the firm pre-AC stage?

Because I came into this cycle thinking five well researched firms would come in clutch 🫣 #QualityOverQuantity?

@Abbie Whitlock - would also appreciate any advice on how thorough you were with research

Quantity over Quality without even thinking about it! These application cycles are brutal so fancy your chances as much as possible I have progressed with law firms I have researched for 3 hours

 

[Jaysen]

The worst one is when someone posts something so you want to react with “🤝” only to end up accidentally pressing “📥” and then it’s a race against the clock to quickly unlike the post with “📥” and swap it for “🤝” before they see it and think you’re being unsupportive…​

More/better(?) emojis are in the works!

 

[Novaa]

Quantity over Quality without even thinking about it! These application cycles are brutal so fancy your chances as much as possible I have progressed with law firms I have researched for 3 hours

Ohhh, to take this advice and hop into a Time Machine (Idk why Apple keeps capitalising this? OHHHH THE APP)

Noted, thank you!!! Now if you guys see a DTC accountability thread with loads of firms, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe!

 

[whitelotus]

dechert and V&E ac!!! dechert we completed 19/01, and V&E vi completed 31/01

Congratulations! Is your Dechert AC for summer or spring?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

I completed the W&C WE last week and I’ve just been invited to another one is this supposed to happen or do I need to email grad recruitment on my allhires it’s assigned me another written exercise I’m so confused

hi is this for summer or spring?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

As I move to DTCs, I have a question about firm research… how often are people spending on it and do you feel like you KNOW the firm pre-AC stage?

Because I came into this cycle thinking five well researched firms would come in clutch 🫣 #QualityOverQuantity?

@Abbie Whitlock - would also appreciate any advice on how thorough you were with research

Ngl I was under the impression that quality over quantity was the way to go, until I made it to the Orrick WG cos I wrote that entire app, including researching and everything, in like 6-7 hours spread across 2 days lmao. The app had like 5 questions too so it was quite long…

Meanwhile I spent like a week on my Covington app and that’s pretty much a guaranteed PFO…

However, I’m gna assume DTCs are substantially more competitive than VS apps, so I’d try to take time on those apps. I guess it depends on which firm it is and how many trainees they’re taking in via the DTC route. Ashurst and Bakers do take a lot more via DTC than Fried Frank for example…​

 

[Mvla]

Quantity over Quality without even thinking about it! These application cycles are brutal so fancy your chances as much as possible I have progressed with law firms I have researched for 3 hours

SECOND THIS! Quality over quantity worked for me for my first year schemes - I did 7 applications, got 2 offers. Vac schemes/DTC's are a different beast altogether and that conversion rate deffo hasn't been my story for vac schemes! For my dtc apps though, I have 11 firms. Trust there would've been more if my interests were still open/allowed multiple apps in the same cycle! Finally, and sorry for the mini- essay haha - definitely still tailor your applications as much as possible and max out those chances!! xx

 

[ilikelaw]

Ngl I was under the impression that quality over quantity was the way to go, until I made it to the Orrick WG cos I wrote that entire app, including researching and everything, in like 6-7 hours spread across 2 days lmao. The app had like 5 questions too so it was quite long…

Meanwhile I spent like a week on my Covington app and that’s pretty much a guaranteed PFO…

However, I’m gna assume DTCs are substantially more competitive than VS apps, so I’d try to take time on those apps. I guess it depends on which firm it is and how many trainees they’re taking in via the DTC route. Ashurst and Bakers do take a lot more via DTC than Fried Frank for example…​

6-7 hours did you say

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

6-7 hours did you say

 

[tc2026]

Hi everyone! could anyone please send linklaters grad rec email? I cannot find it anywhere :/ tysm