TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[elliece]

Anybody heard from Bird and Bird about open days? Applied to their STEM open day and not heard yet! Or bristows for their IP workshops?

Just got an invite to the next stage (VI) for Bristows IP workshop (deadline was today!)

 

[johnsmith]

This application cycle has got to be one of the worst in recent years.

1. The number of qualified candidates remains high, while many (big) firms have reduced the number of TCs they are willing to offer. Competition is higher than ever.

2. Countless firms have decided that, as AI usage is so ubiquitous, gamified assessments and video interviews must be the way forward. Therefore, how to succeed in the "application" process is even more obscure.

Surely, at this point, recruiting graduates is more of a hair-splitting exercise than it has ever been. I don't think that I can be convinced otherwise.

I feel a bit like it’s Groundhog Day - I last tried applying in 2010/2011 and only realised recently there was a hangover of great candidates after 2008 crash. Roll on 14 years I decide to go again at probably the worst economic time 😆

 

[M_m]

Does anyone know if it’s still worth applying for the Bristows TC without having done or applied for their IP workshops? For context, I’m a law graduate (I’m aware they’re known for recruiting heavily from STEM backgrounds) and have done 3-4 IP and tech focused internship. I’ve also interacted with the firm at other networking events.

 

[user9809]

Does anyone have any insight into the pwc virtual interview? Does it have any commercial elements ?

 

[lawninja00!]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

for WVS?

 

[Jennifer2003]

Just got an invite to the next stage (VI) for Bristows IP workshop (deadline was today!)

Ah okay! The deadline for the STEM day is the 24th so I’m hoping I’ll hear back then !

 

[elliece]

Ah okay! The deadline for the STEM day is the 24th so I’m hoping I’ll hear back then !

Good Luck!

 

[johnsmith]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

Starting to think with all WVS like next week is sort of crunch time for getting ACs booked so they are done in time.

 

[Bbhu19]

All Linklaters ACs are next week so if we havent heard then we havent got it

How do you know?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

if I haven't heard back from a firm for winter and it was rolling am I able to withdraw my app and apply for spring

Hi!

I don't think this is common practice, and I would think this will be very firm dependant. If you wanted to email the graduate recruitment team to ask, this could be worth a try - however, I think it is unlikely that they will let you do this.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hello, is Why would you chosen to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm? - the same as why Latham & Watkins, so motivational? If not, how do you go about answering it?

Also, do you think it's acceptable to talk about only one point, but go into lots of detail. I have a point in mind and there's many angles to it. There's a 300 word limit. Or, is it better to mention 2 well-developed points instead to show greater understanding?

@Abbie Whitlock

Thank you

Hey!

You're right that it's very similar to a standard 'Why Latham & Watkins?' question, but it's not exactly the same!

"Why would you choose to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm?" still wants you to discuss your motivations towards the firm, but it expects you to focus on why you'd like to train there by showing some comparison and reflection. It's not just about what makes Latham & Watkins appealing in general, but why it's the right environment for your training and why it stands out from other firms that could offer something similar.

Your structure could look something like:

• Start with what specifically draws you to training at Latham & Watkins (e.g. early responsibility for trainees, international nature of the work, the culture at the firm).
• Then show why those features are particularly important to you and how they distinguish Latham & Watkins from its competitors. I would try to tie in your previous experience and skills here - discuss why it's a good fit for you, both due to your traits and your future career goals.

On your second point - yes, focusing on one really strong point can work really well, especially if you can unpack it from several angles (training style, exposure, culture, your own goals, etc.). It can come across more thoughtful than trying to cram in two or three surface-level points.

However, if you naturally have two distinct and equally strong points, that's fine too - just make sure both are developed properly within the 300-word limit.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!

 

[emily3827]

does anyone know what the parts are of the Latham test - I believe theres a video interview - how much prep does this need?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Only 1 person has mentioned NRF AC invite. Has anyone else received an invite? I was reading a forum from 2023 and they only sent AC invite once, so I am not sure if this year they will send them in batches?

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Has anyone heard back from Linklaters for the Winter Vac Scheme?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Very amateur question to ask but for this question - Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise? - how do you write about one opportunity for 300 words? if anybody has any structure/tips for this, it would be much appreciated.

 

[Apple]

Why have a bunch of firms completely removed application questions?

 

[Apple]

Does anyone know if links have a blanket rejection policy of rejecting everyone with at least one 2:2 in a module, but a first overall?

I have a 2:2 in 3 modules, finished with a mid 2:1. I've managed to interview at Slaughters, White & Case, Jones Day etc. I had the same concern, but I really don't think the law firms are bothered, especially if you have a first!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Very amateur question to ask but for this question - Based on your research, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise? - how do you write about one opportunity for 300 words? if anybody has any structure/tips for this, it would be much appreciated.

Hey!

That's not an amateur question at all - it's a really good one! Writing 300 words about a single opportunity can feel tricky, especially when it has to be tied to one of the sectors that the firm specialises in. I would follow a simple structure such as:

1. Introduction (50-60 words)

Start by choosing one of the firm's specialist sectors - for example, technology, healthcare, finance, or renewable energy. Briefly set out the context for that sector: What's happening in the market? Why is it interesting or changing right now? For example - "Within the healthcare sector, the rapid rise of digital health tools presents a major opportunity to improve access and efficiency in patient care"

2. Explain the opportunity (120-150 words)

I would zoom in on one key opportunity within that chosen sector. Describe what it is, why it's emerging, and what evidence supports it - this is where your research comes in. Mention relevant trends (e.g. regulation, innovation, or consumer behaviour) and link them directly to the firm's area of specialisation - this shows you've done your research and understand it's relevance to the firm.

3. Why the firm is well-placed (50-60 words)

Briefly explain how the firm is position to advise on or capitalise on this opportunity. Mention relevant expertise, clients, or recent deals. This part demonstrates commercial awareness, and genuine understanding of the firm's work and how they bring value to clients in this sector.

4. Impact and conclusion (40-50 words)

Sum up the potential impact: who benefits, and how could this shape the sector's future? You can then end with one clear takeaway on why this is the biggest opportunity in the sector at the moment.

The key is to not just discuss the opportunity, but to focus on why it matters and why it is important to the firm. I hope that helps!

 

[chiichii]

Hi guys, I am currently facing a scheduling dilemma and I figured it might be helpful for me to hear some advice and opinion in this forum.

So, I've got my first training shift at my current job on next Wednesday, 22nd. but there's a chance I might get invited to an insight day on the same day. I haven't heard back from the law firm yet, the application deadline was the 15th and today's the 18th, so I'm not sure if invites are still coming. The law firm said application is non rolling and they reviewed after deadline.

Now I don't want to seem unreliable with my new manager, and risk my reputation and first impression, but the insight day could be a great opportunity if it comes through. And now I'm not sure how long I should wait to confirm my availability to my current boss? Should I wait until next monday or Tuesday to confirm? Because if the insight day is happening on Wednesday, I doubt I will get invite on tuesday, which is a day before.

Would love to hear how others handled something like this. Ahhh
would really appreciate your help as well! )) @Abbie Whitlock

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Starting to think with all WVS like next week is sort of crunch time for getting ACs booked so they are done in time.

Oh this is so disheartening to hear especially since this has been my best application yet. I’m worried now lol hopefully we will hear back