TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[elle woods]

Thanks!!! Same to you, CC will have you one way or another, I'm sure 😀 😀

yesss or else I will walk into CC as opposing counsel one day, mark my words (haha i'm half joking)... anyways, they will be seeing me either way

 

[user55998384]

for the field fisher work exp section - am i right not to include any society positions as there is a seperate section for extra curriculars? - feeling as though my section is lacking as there is also a diff section for insight days etc so i only have 3 entries

 

[M_m]

For anyone who’s been to RPC’s events, did grad rec give any guidance on their “strikingly real” question? Would appreciate any insight at this point 🥲

 

[legallycurly]

Does anyone know whether WFW recruits on a rolling basis?

 

[Amgrad]

I see - my answer is still mostly the same as the one before: I generally do not think there is any issue with expressing an interest in a multitude of practice areas that a firm is known for, even if they span across the transactional-contentious-advisory spectrum. More particular to the matter at hand, I do not see the restructuring & insolvency point to raise any issue at all, as it is not even formally classified as a contentious practice. Instead, it has elements of both, with restructuring work in particular being very transactional-heavy (as at its core it involves getting enough creditors to agree to CVAs to keep the company alive), while insolvency is more contentious. Particularly at Kirkland, who has a core focus on highly-profitable private capital led mandates in London, I would expect the restructuring part of its practice to be more important than the insolvency one, and, as such, I do not think the firm would assume you are a person who is more interested in disputes than transactions if you choose to discuss the this story.

Even if this were not the case, and the firm's restructuring work in London was heavy on the contentious side, as long as you are careful with how you draft your answers I really do not expect this to be a problem in your application. Essentially, you should indeed avoid discussing any reasons for your interest in restructuring & insolvency that could weaken the credibility of your "why transactional" reasons - eg. if you say you are interested in transactional work because it is fast-paced and more business-focused when compared to other more technical practices, you should avoid saying you are interested in restructuring because it involves working on a single complex matter for a longer time and that you would enjoy it because of the incredible complexity and technical detail of regulation in this area. Nonetheless, as you can see, these kinds of tensions in motivations are quite obvious when you spell them out, and I therefore think it is quite unlikely you will inadvertently write conflicting narratives in the two answers.

Thank you Andrei. Again, you bring so much confidence for anyone on this forum to get through any concernment.

 

[BT0901]

Dechert Spring VS written exercise invitation. Does anyone have any insights?

 

[Trophy]

Dechert Spring VS written exercise invitation. Does anyone have any insights?

Well done! When did you apply and did you just received it?

 

[Shaky_Pete]

For anyone who’s been to RPC’s events, did grad rec give any guidance on their “strikingly real” question? Would appreciate any insight at this point 🥲

I said I was 'strikingly real' on account of my extensive criminal record. Haven't heard back yet.

 

[BT0901]

Well done! When did you apply and did you just received it?

Honestly, no clue. It's been so long I forgot I had applied. Received the invitation this morning.

 

[Trophy]

Honestly, no clue. It's been so long I forgot I had applied. Received the invitation this morning.

I feel you. I applied ages ago someone on the forum said we’d hear back next year. I’m surprised they sent invites given it’s their winter scheme this week. Well done once again!

 

[Wompycapy]

Recently been invited to a Jones Day interview if anyone has any insights into this that would be great can offer insights into Latham and HSFK AC and several VI's.

Congratulations! Is this for spring or summer?

 

[Wompycapy]

Con

It was about 4-5 questions all strength based and motivational, not competency or scenario based questions at all.

Hi, is this for spring or summer?

 

[elle woods]

guys I think i flunked my arctic shores hahahaah

 

[boots pharmacy]

I don't know if being ghosted by Sidley Austin is good or bad 😭 Should I assume PFO?
December, please be kind to us all 🙃

Their deadline is in Jan so I don't expect a reply until mid Dec at the earliest. Applied back in Oct but haven't heard a whiff since, hahah

Big respect to Sidley GR though, they seem to be one of the very few firms in London not relying on psychometrics/WG's, which IMHO have been gamed to death and are deeply flawed methods of filtering the applicant pool.

 

[wooliewoo]

omg the latham VI was an absolute nightmare

 

[jojo23]

guys I think i flunked my arctic shores hahahaah

Someone forgot to play call of duty beforehand 😭

 

[elle woods]

Someone forgot to play call of duty beforehand 😭

🥹 LMAO
It's saying I prefer independent working but that couldn't be further from the truthhhhh I LOVE people...
I'm actually so sad, is this how the world views me...

 

[Harvey Specter]

Their deadline is in Jan so I don't expect a reply until mid Dec at the earliest. Applied back in Oct but haven't heard a whiff since, hahah

Big respect to Sidley GR though, they seem to be one of the very few firms in London not relying on psychometrics/WG's, which IMHO have been gamed to death and are deeply flawed methods of filtering the applicant pool.

I saw someone mention on the forum that Travers Smith introduced a new online test for their recruitment process. They made a huge deal during their insight evening about their ‘simple’ process (application and interview). It’s even on their website and marketing stuff. Hopefully it’s not true but would be a shame if it is. Next thing will be Slaughters using the WG lmao. 😂​

 

[shays]

anyone has any insights on Latham VI?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

for the field fisher work exp section - am i right not to include any society positions as there is a seperate section for extra curriculars? - feeling as though my section is lacking as there is also a diff section for insight days etc so i only have 3 entries

Hi!

I'd say that in this case you're right to keep society positions in the extracurricular section if the application separates things out (although I can't imagine it would impact you negatively if you did it another way). As there are separate sections for extracurriculars and insight days, it's normal for the work experience section to look shorter. Therefore, three entries is absolutely fine - the graduate recruitment team will care more about how clearly you explain what you learned and the skills that you developed, rather than the number of experiences you list.

As long as each entry is reflective and shows growth, your application won't feel lacking! I'd focus on quality over quantity and let the other sections round out your candidate profile