TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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

 

[johnsmith]

Why have a bunch of firms completely removed application questions?

AI! What do they really add when everyone has the potential to write something really well? It’s almost not testing anything anymore though I would argue some will just paste in the word salad it generates without any real substance or personality so probably still some value to questions for now.

 

[johnsmith]

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

Sorry that’s just my personal thoughts don’t read anything in to it! Keep your chin up 😄

 

[tom-sawyer]

Hey guys, has anyone heard back from Sidley regarding spring / summer?

 

[abc124]

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!

If you don’t mind sharing, did you have extenuating circumstances? And congrats!

 

[Apple]

If you don’t mind sharing, did you have extenuating circumstances? And congrats!

Nope!

 

[Apple]

AI! What do they really add when everyone has the potential to write something really well? It’s almost not testing anything anymore though I would argue some will just paste in the word salad it generates without any real substance or personality so probably still some value to questions for now.

Wow, thanks for telling me. It is a real shame, I feel like this might worsen social mobility. Now they basically only have grades and the university you went to when filtering applications :/

I'm sure there will still be Watson Glaser tests, but I do feel like the application questions gave everybody an opportunity to shine.