TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[tclauser77898]

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!!

Yes, I'd say that sounds like a scenario where they might be asking about the commercial story. I would usually expect them to frame it along the lines of "Tell us about a recent news story that interested you" or "Tell us about a recent commercial development that will impact our clients".

In terms of structure, I personally found it helpful to keep it quite simple:

1. Brief overview of the commercial story - what happened and who the main parties involved are
2. Why it matters - this is the legal / commercial implications on clients, businesses, regulation, markets, etc.
3. Link it back to the firm - discuss how it might be relevant to the firm's practice areas or the types of clients they involve (e.g. what practice areas would be involved in advising clients on the impact of the story?)

It doesn't need to be an overly long answer, and it is more important to show that you understand the development and can think about its wider implications, rather than just remembering the facts.

I hope that assists!

So helpful thank you
I had one more q if that’s ok
What are your thoughts for a 3 partner panel interview? Mainly around when it’s time to ask them q’s? Sorry I know that’s a bit vague but not sure how to approach it
Thank you again!!

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

For everyone waiting for Kennedys (London) post-AC, the recruitment team said we can expect an update for all candidates by mid-March.

 

[m.law]

Hey does anyone know if slaughters call/email to pfo/give offers? I’ve been checking my emails like a mad man….

 

[tc2026]

Hey does anyone know if slaughters call/email to pfo/give offers? I’ve been checking my emails like a mad man….

They email to pfo

 

[ashley_s]

Just DMed you.

Hi! Could you please let me know as well? Thank you so much!

 

[TCComingSoon]

Hello guys I have an AC coming up next week and it is my first AC of this cycle. Tbh I don't think I will convert the AC to a VS. I am looking for advice on how to best prepare for the AC in regards to each of the tasks.

I have been told there will be a case study, Partner interview and a group exercise. I am not sure how to prepare for the Partner interview as previously my interview answers have been sounding scripted and am not sure how to have a good structure and not sound scripted as I prepare interview questions in a certain structure. Also in regards to types of motivational and commercial questions I have prepared the standard questions and some technical commercial questions like sector specific questions. If anyone can give guidance on types of interview questions to prepare for that might come up other than the normal questions it will be appreciated.

In regards to technical finance questions in the Partner interview will the Partner ask me any technical questions like what is a secondaries in private or what is a syndicated loan.

Any advice will be appreciated @Abbie Whitlock and others.

 

[TCComingSoon]

Congratulations! That was really quick considering applications only closed on Sunday, when did you apply? Trying to figure out if they're getting back to people in order of application date

Thanks and ngl I applied exactly at 5am on the morning of the deadline.

 

[RachelZane]

Has anyone progressed to Goodwin DTC final interview stage yet? please let me know if you have!!!

 

[zara elles]

Has anyone heard back for the London DWF Ethnic Minority & Social Mobility programme? I've not heard a peep since December

 

[Apple]

still waiting post-interview with Travers. Anybody know how long they usually take to PFO or offer?

Also, please tell me they don't PFO over the phone. That sounds very awkward.

 

[Diana54]

Does anyone know if the Zip Law insight into the Ropes & Gray AC is actually good? - want to check before is subscribe as I have already subscribed to two websites today and the insight was not great at all?

 

[meredithgrey]

Does anyone know if the Zip Law insight into the Ropes & Gray AC is actually good? - want to check before is subscribe as I have already subscribed to two websites today and the insight was not great at all?

just checked for you and it's literally one and a bit pages so probs not worth it icl

 

[theres.a.TC.out.there]

does anyone know how Macfarlanes DTC second stage compares to their vac scheme second stage?

 

[elliece]

i did the interview 3rd and emailed 6th but i remember in the interview saying they were going on throughout march so maybe it’ll be a while

I have an interview on Friday (13th) so I believe they are still going for a while, maybe the week after that too.

 

[rachl_shep]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock I wanted to ask about networking? Do you think it's incredibly important for the early careers teams to remember you or for a partner to remember you? Or is it much better when networking to focus on what you can learn about the role?

 

[silonthesofa]

I have an interview on Friday (13th) so I believe they are still going for a while, maybe the week after that too.

They don’t wait till all first round interviews are done though before they start deciding on final interviews.

@elizabethkate let us know if they get back to your email!

 

[James Wakefield]

People still waiting to get their offer letters from Goodwin post phone call?

 

[Dolphin270]

People still waiting to get their offer letters from Goodwin post phone call?

I got mine on Monday

 

[username10341034]

The Fladgate AC yesterday…. Diversity was non existent about three POC out of 40, 70%/80% men.

 

[James Wakefield]

I got mine on Monday

Thanks, I might chase. Are you spring?