TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Me too with Morgan Lewis

I thought I was the only one who felt this way so I’m assuming that it’s a PFO just for that reason. They seemed so disengaged ngl. ​

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone know how long HSFK take post-ac

 

[Bbhu19]

Thanks, sorry to be a bother but anything on Katten as well ?

Katten should respond next week if they are following the same timeline as last year

 

[CD20]

Hey!

Good question! A few angles that you could explore are:

1. Hybrid working and reduced supervision - trainees may get fewer informal learning opportunities and have to be much more proactive about seeking feedback and development as senior lawyers increasingly work from home

2. Growing regulatory pressure - with oversight from bodies such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority, trainees are entering a more highly scrutinised and risk-aware profession.

3. Steeper learning curves - whilst many trainees do value early responsibility, firms are often leaner and trainees can be expected to add value quickly and take ownership of tasks earlier than before.

In an interview, I would suggest picking one challenge, explaining why it is happening, and then focusing on why it particularly impacts trainees.

I hope that assists!

Thank you so much Abbie! These are great points. Will look into them more ☺️

 

[SueD]

Once you get to an AC does the decision about offering a VC go purely based on performance at the AC or do they look back to application/VI etc? Or does it vary firm to firm? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[clbtchnhl]

hate when interviewers seem completely disengaged from the very beginning!

(still praying for good news though!!!)

had this w 0C ... its never been more over

 

[maylawwww]

Once you get to an AC does the decision about offering a VC go purely based on performance at the AC or do they look back to application/VI etc? Or does it vary firm to firm? Thanks in advance for any info.

vast majority of the time purely on the AC as it’s so competitive to get to that point!

 

[tosin4774]

Seeing a friend from an open day who is a year below me get a TC at KE is both heartwarming and agonising lol

It makes me feel like i am behind

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

For commercial awareness, how far back should I be going? I am looking into events from this year so far but not sure if I will look outdated if I refer to incidents from the end of last year too

 

[topkop]

anyone know how long HSFK take post-ac

When did you have it ?

 

[sqe4676]

Withers PFO post SJT after over 2 months ( Seems cruel they took so long to respond - gave me false hope.

 

[elizabethkate]

withers PFO post test

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Awww what a cute love animation and just realised tomorrow is a valentine, not me in a friendzone relationship!

Me right now when seeing couple in valentine:

 

[ABC234]

Anyone heard from Morgan Lewis post TI for summer?

 

[Bbhu19]

had this w 0C ... its never been more over

As in the associate or both grad rec and the associate?

 

[laurenstew99]

Anyone heard from OC post virtual-AC?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had any specific resources for starting off with learning more about Funds and Private Credit and also prepping for these wrt to assessments incase I have to explain an interest or work a case study related to these practices. Also, if you are drawn to these practices, what motivated you and how have you gone about showing this interest on apps and interviews ?

I would like to know this too please and how to go about case study interviews in relation to these - PE, funds, credit and m and a @Abbie Whitlock

I would also like to know where I can start reading commercial news relating to these sectors - m and a, private equity, funds and private credit. Does anyone know where I can gain more knowledge about these (would prefer videos hahaha but don’t mind reading too!)

Thank you very much!

Hey!

I'm not too knowledgeable on these areas myself, so my advice would be quite general! However, when I was starting to learn more about specific areas my starting point is usually Investopedia. For example, I've had a look for posts on Funds and Private Credit and have found:

• Private Credit vs Private Equity: What's the Difference?
• Fund: Definition, How It Works, Types and Ways to Invest
• What Investors Should Know About Investing in Private Debt

If videos are what work best for you, I would definitely have a look at YouTube and search things such as "How private equity works", "What is private credit", "How a fund is structured", etc. When I was preparing for an interview at a PE-focused firm last cycle, I found this video from TCLA really helpful as an introduction: "What Private Equity Lawyers Actually Do? - with Bernie Rivard"

In a case study, they are usually testing:

• Can you spot key risks?
• Do you understand the client's overall commercial objective?
• Can you think commercially and offer practical solutions?

For example, in an M&A case study, you need to think about what the buyer is actually trying to achieve and what are the main risks to highlight in due diligence. For PE, this might be how the fund will exit and what could impact returns from the investment. Lastly, for private credit, you would want to consider what the lender would be worried about (e.g. repayment, security, etc.).

A simple structure that might help you as you approach these exercises is:

1. What is the client's goal?
2. What are the main commercial risks?
3. What would you prioritise as their lawyer?

Try to focus on keeping it logical and commercial - they won't be expecting you to address the technical complexities of an LBO model, but rather to show that you understand the client's objective, can identify the key commercial risks, and can think practically about how a lawyer would help protect the client's position.

I hope that helps!

 

[lawyersum]

pls tell me i'm not the only one seeing a heart floating on my screen - lowkey thought i needed to go back to specsavers lol

 

[radssss]

Hey!

I'm not too knowledgeable on these areas myself, so my advice would be quite general! However, when I was starting to learn more about specific areas my starting point is usually Investopedia. For example, I've had a look for posts on Funds and Private Credit and have found:

• Private Credit vs Private Equity: What's the Difference?
• Fund: Definition, How It Works, Types and Ways to Invest
• What Investors Should Know About Investing in Private Debt

If videos are what work best for you, I would definitely have a look at YouTube and search things such as "How private equity works", "What is private credit", "How a fund is structured", etc. When I was preparing for an interview at a PE-focused firm last cycle, I found this video from TCLA really helpful as an introduction: "What Private Equity Lawyers Actually Do? - with Bernie Rivard"

In a case study, they are usually testing:

• Can you spot key risks?
• Do you understand the client's overall commercial objective?
• Can you think commercially and offer practical solutions?

For example, in an M&A case study, you need to think about what the buyer is actually trying to achieve and what are the main risks to highlight in due diligence. For PE, this might be how the fund will exit and what could impact returns from the investment. Lastly, for private credit, you would want to consider what the lender would be worried about (e.g. repayment, security, etc.).

A simple structure that might help you as you approach these exercises is:

1. What is the client's goal?
2. What are the main commercial risks?
3. What would you prioritise as their lawyer?

Try to focus on keeping it logical and commercial - they won't be expecting you to address the technical complexities of an LBO model, but rather to show that you understand the client's objective, can identify the key commercial risks, and can think practically about how a lawyer would help protect the client's position.

I hope that helps!

Thank you so much Abbie, you’re a star🥹

 

[ddalki]

I hope everyone is getting good news!
Does anyone know whether Hogan Lovells / Ashurst / Linklaters are still sending AC invites? Thanks!