TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[alanshore]

Is this the first year that Skadden's first-year event was application-based?

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

Is this the first year that Skadden's first-year event was application-based?

no, there was an application last year

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Can anyone who attended the BJ pre ac session today please message me any important info, I only got an invite yesterday and had a prior commitment!

 

[alanshore]

no, there was an application last year

Ah. For this year's application, there was only one question and very little additional info, which I found very odd. Still expecting a pfo

 

[CupOfTea17]

I just got my BJ AC offer but just accepted a VS invite which means even if i got BJ I wouldnt be able to do the scheme. Do you think its worth asking if I could be considered for dtc instead before the AC ?

I am in the same situation. Have you emailed to ask?

 

[Madison Pinewall]

firm said they'd call between 3 and 4 but it's now 4:14, should i email?

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

thoughts on doing compliance since I can't get a TC?

 

[privateequitywarrior]

thoughts on doing compliance since I can't get a TC?

Message me I do compliance for a bank and it has helped my case

 

[W5690]

Has anyone heard back from Arnold and Porter post Interview?

@axk323 Hi! How long did you wait to hear from them following the submission of your online application? I submitted mine on 1st March 2026 (deadline) and have not heard from them, so I believe that is not a good sign! Thank you.

 

[W5690]

Yes this is the next stage after the written app Thank you sm!

@Mara Hi! I was wondering how long you waited to hear from them following the submission of your online application? I submitted mine on 1st March 2026 (deadline) and have not heard from them, so I believe that is not a good sign! Thank you.

 

[user123987]

how common is it to make it off an AC waiting list?

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

how common is it to make it off an AC waiting list?

I was on an AC waiting list with Ropes & Gray this cycle and never made it off but I have heard of people who did.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock
I am applying for an M&A internship and have been asked what skills qualify me for this role. I mentioned problem-solving as one of my skills, but I'm unsure how to elaborate on it. Could you please provide me with some tips on how I can develop this response?

Hey!

This is a great skill to highlight for an M&A internship, so you just need to bring it to life a little bit more!

When you talk about problem-solving, I'd try to move beyond the label and show what that actually looks like in practice. A strong way to do this could be to briefly set out a situation where you faced a challenge, explain how you approached it, and then highlight the outcome. The key part is to demonstrate a clear thought process in reaching the solution - for example, how you broke down a complex issue into smaller parts, identified the key risks or priorities, and worked towards a practical solution.

It could also help to link this directly to M&A work and show how that skill is valued. You might emphasise that your approach involves analysing large amounts of information, weighing different options, and thinking about the wider commercial impact of your decisions. If you approach it in this way (or a similar one), you're not just saying you can solve problems, but showing that you do it in a way that reflects what M&A lawyers actually do.

I'd focus on being specific and structured, and highlighting how you worked towards the desired outcome. Even a simple example can be really effective in grounding your point if it clearly shows how you think and why that would add value in an M&A context.

Best of luck with your application!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I just got my BJ AC offer but just accepted a VS invite which means even if i got BJ I wouldnt be able to do the scheme. Do you think its worth asking if I could be considered for dtc instead before the AC ?

Hey!

Congratulations on the AC invite (+ VS offer!)!!

If you already know that you wouldn't be able to complete the BJ vacation scheme due to your other scheme (+ you want to prioritise that one), then I'd say it is definitely worth reaching out and asking whether you could be considered for the direct TC route instead. There is nothing to lose in being upfront, and firms are usually quite understanding when it comes to clashes like this - especially with how common it is!

I would suggest emailing the graduate recruitment team, explaining the situation clearly (i.e. that you have accepted another VS which clashes) and make sure to reiterate your strong interest in the firm. You can then ask whether it would be possible to be assessed via the direct TC process in light of that.

Even if they say that it isn't possible, at least you will know either way - however, if they say yes, then you are still able to be considered by the firm (+ complete your other VS).

I hope it works out for you!