TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[floral.tcla]

hey happy monday!
beyond ai, uk budget announcements, what else is worth reading up on in-depth ahead of an interview? I have been revising my current affairs/commercial knowledge and suddenly realise how very very little I know 🥲

 

[msclm]

Is it worth applying to Dechert WVS now (my application is ready) as they recruit on a rolling basis and the deadline is the 17/10 or should I just apply for spring/summer? - anyone have any idea of how seriously they their rolling recruitment?

I can’t mention specifically about dechert (I did the written exercise for them last week though), but if you genuinely think your application is strong then just apply. I applied to Sidley (who also roll) like 30 mins before the deadline and I’m now through to the final partner interview- so yoh never know!

 

[lawyersum]

hey happy monday!
beyond ai, uk budget announcements, what else is worth reading up on in-depth ahead of an interview? I have been revising my current affairs/commercial knowledge and suddenly realise how very very little I know 🥲

not an expert at all, but i'd say that the controversy around london as an attractive venue for stock exchange listings is a good topic to have in the back of your head. recent cyber attacks on large UK companies like Jaguar Land Rover, M&S etc. recent high profile merger between anglo-american and teck and its impact on the energy sector. AI of course. ESG vs Trump, is ESG becoming less important? hope this helps.

 

[mg42guy32]

Has anyone heard back from W&C careers dinner (esp for Warwick)

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Mayer Brown has finally sent a test link

 

[lelezb1]

Mayer Brown has finally sent a test link

How many days do we have to complete the test?

 

[norothrow324]

Is the Mayer brown test automatic?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it worth applying to Dechert WVS now (my application is ready) as they recruit on a rolling basis and the deadline is the 17/10 or should I just apply for spring/summer? - anyone have any idea of how seriously they their rolling recruitment?

Hey!

I'm unsure of how strict their 'rolling' stance is, but if you feel that your application is strong and would have a good chance of being progressed, I don't think it's impossible to be progressed this late in the application window. Whilst not at Dechert, I applied on the deadline for a firm with a rolling deadline, and I still ended up with a VS offer - it's definitely not impossible.

However, if you feel you could use some time to build some more experiences and refine your application, it might be worth applying for their spring / summer scheme - especially if you can only apply to one per cycle. It also depends on whether you are able to complete the spring / summer scheme. If you can, there is no harm in waiting until that window opens up, as you will have a strong and tailored application ready to go at the start of the window!

I hope that helps

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

How do I get my WG score back from Linklaters? Been several weeks since submission, it’s not automatic is it?

Hey!

From what I remember in previous cycles, I believe you have to email the graduate recruitment team who will provide you with your WG score within a few weeks

 

[WeGotThis!]

NRF PFO - was expecting it. We move on and improve💪

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Does it matter if you go above the recommended prep time in a VI interview? And number of takes? Is it likely to count against you?

Hello!

I would try not to worry too much if you go slightly over the recommended prep time, it's probably fine! They give that time as a guide, not a strict limit, and most people will use all of it. It's much better to take an extra few seconds to gather your thoughts than to rush and stumble through your answer.

I'm not 100% sure about whether the number of takes matters - it probably depends on the platform and firm. In the previous VIs I've done, they've been a 'one chance' system - so I'm not sure how the re-takes works! Generally, they're more focused on the quality of your final answer than how many attempts it took you to get there.

 

[aspringlawyer25]

How many days do we have to complete the test?

the email doesn't say but it's usually between 3-7 days for these things I think.

 

[Andrei Radu]

hey happy monday!
beyond ai, uk budget announcements, what else is worth reading up on in-depth ahead of an interview? I have been revising my current affairs/commercial knowledge and suddenly realise how very very little I know 🥲

I would also brush up on:

• Recent developments concerning the US-led trade wars, as after a period when things appeared to be settling down, tensions with China in particular are rising again;
• Positive outlook for dealmaking and financial markets activity - in the last few months we have seen both falling interest rates and increased investor confidence (despite all the uncertainty created by tariff threats) in the background of a still unexpectedly resilient US economy (which grew by an incredible 3.8% in Q2 2025);
• Trump's Gaza Peace Plan: while this is still very recent news, I would want to have an idea what the plan entails and how it may affect geopolitics and the global economy if successfully implemented (i.e. look at things such as impact on oil prices, which have been falling recently).

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hey happy monday!
beyond ai, uk budget announcements, what else is worth reading up on in-depth ahead of an interview? I have been revising my current affairs/commercial knowledge and suddenly realise how very very little I know 🥲

Happy Monday!

Just to add to the above (which are all topics I would look over!), I would also have a look at a few broader areas such as:

• Interest rates and inflation: how the Bank of England's recent decisions are affecting businesses, investments, and consumer spending.
• Energy transition & ESG: the shift towards renewables, how firms are adapting to net zero targets, and the regulatory / compliance side.
• Geopolitical risks: especially UK-China and UK-US trade dynamics, and how ongoing conflicts (Ukraine, Middle East) impact global markets.
• M&A and Private Equity trends: who's buying what, and how deal volumes are recovering post-interest rate hikes.
• Sector-specific news: I would have a look and focus on industries that the firm you are interviewing at specialises in, and read about up-to-date topics in those sectors!

Don't worry about knowing everything - it's more about being able to discuss a few topics in depth and link them back to the legal / commercial implications. I would make sure that you have a rough idea of the main commercial factors that are affecting the specific firm's clients, as this shows that you have tailored your commercial research to the firm.

Best of luck with your interview!

 

[lawyergal101]

Anyone heard back from PW?

 

[CharlesT47]

Anyone who has done the Jones Day interview willing to give some advice? How should we prepare?

 

[floral.tcla]

not an expert at all, but i'd say that the controversy around london as an attractive venue for stock exchange listings is a good topic to have in the back of your head. recent cyber attacks on large UK companies like Jaguar Land Rover, M&S etc. recent high profile merger between anglo-american and teck and its impact on the energy sector. AI of course. ESG vs Trump, is ESG becoming less important? hope this helps.

ah thank you so much!!

 

[floral.tcla]

I would also brush up on:

• Recent developments concerning the US-led trade wars, as after a period when things appeared to be settling down, tensions with China in particular are rising again;
• Positive outlook for dealmaking and financial markets activity - in the last few months we have seen both falling interest rates and increased investor confidence (despite all the uncertainty created by tariff threats) in the background of a still unexpectedly resilient US economy (which grew by an incredible 3.8% in Q2 2025);
• Trump's Gaza Peace Plan: while this is still very recent news, I would want to have an idea what the plan entails and how it may affect geopolitics and the global economy if successfully implemented (i.e. look at things such as impact on oil prices, which have been falling recently).

cheers, will do thank you Andrei!!

 

[floral.tcla]

Happy Monday!

Just to add to the above (which are all topics I would look over!), I would also have a look at a few broader areas such as:

• Interest rates and inflation: how the Bank of England's recent decisions are affecting businesses, investments, and consumer spending.
• Energy transition & ESG: the shift towards renewables, how firms are adapting to net zero targets, and the regulatory / compliance side.
• Geopolitical risks: especially UK-China and UK-US trade dynamics, and how ongoing conflicts (Ukraine, Middle East) impact global markets.
• M&A and Private Equity trends: who's buying what, and how deal volumes are recovering post-interest rate hikes.
• Sector-specific news: I would have a look and focus on industries that the firm you are interviewing at specialises in, and read about up-to-date topics in those sectors!

Don't worry about knowing everything - it's more about being able to discuss a few topics in depth and link them back to the legal / commercial implications. I would make sure that you have a rough idea of the main commercial factors that are affecting the specific firm's clients, as this shows that you have tailored your commercial research to the firm.

Best of luck with your interview!

Thank you so much Abbie, appreciate it a lot!

 

[johnsmith]

How many days do we have to complete the test?

No indication and logging in to AllHires there is only a date of issue.

NRF on another batch of rejections - not quick enough at pressing buttons over here 😅