TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[nbjani]

Hi all just had my DLA interview. Don’t want to give too much away but I think it’s fair to say not to worry too much, all of the questions were fair enough, nothing to stump you. Just be clear with your motivations and self awareness.

 

[fayfayk]

If your written application was successful in the last cycle and the questions are the same, can you submit same application but with a few changes?

Hey! This is a really sensible thing to be thinking about.

If your written application was successful last cycle and the questions are exactly the same, it’s generally fine to reuse the core structure of your answers. That said, I wouldn’t recommend submitting it word-for-word with only very minor tweaks.

Firms do keep records from previous cycles, and even where they don’t do a line-by-line comparison, they’ll expect to see some progression. Ideally, you want to reflect what’s changed since you last applied, whether that’s new experience, clearer motivation for the firm, or a more developed understanding of the work and the market.

So in short, reusing the foundation is okay, but make sure the final application feels current and specific to this round rather than a resubmission of last year’s work.

 

[LawAspirer]

Hey there!

This is a really sensible thing to be thinking about.

If your written application was successful last cycle and the questions are exactly the same, it’s generally fine to reuse the core structure of your answers. That said, I wouldn’t recommend submitting it word-for-word with only very minor tweaks.

Firms do keep records from previous cycles, and even where they don’t do a line-by-line comparison, they’ll expect to see some progression. Ideally, you want to reflect what’s changed since you last applied, whether that’s new experience, clearer motivation for the firm, or a more developed understanding of the work and the market.

So in short, reusing the foundation is okay, but make sure the final application feels intentional, current and specific to this round rather than a resubmission of last year’s work.

Wtf is with all this AI content

 

[scoffee]

Thank you so so much! This is also super helpful!! And damn you should’ve seen my face when I read that last line 😂

What I struggle with is knowing if it’s okay to interrupt a partner if I’m interested in their work or if they’re too busy to want to discuss things with you 😭

Haha I guess the best way to go about it is just to be less nervous as it’s easier to be confident and curious when you’re not worrying about the small details (maybe?)

All the best!! Are you applying to DTC or VS’ this year? Or do you have a TC already? Best of luck either way and thanks again!

I know that the question about the partners wasn't directed at me, but I thought I could also give my opinion from my experience as this was something I was really worried about during my VS too.

From my experience, I was introduced to most partners in each of my seats at the start of each seat, at which point some of them offered to have a discussion about their work themselves. For the ones that weren't in the office at this point/did not directly offer a discussion, I researched more about their niche and either approached them in the office or sent them an email asking for 10 minutes of their time, normally at the start of the day when they are not fully immersed in their work.

I also made the most of trainees in each seat and their advice on how partners prefer to be communicated with. Some partners don't like being approached at their desks and some expect you to be introducing yourself personally at their desk, so if there are any trainees in your seat I recommend asking for their advice on how to approach the situation. Also if there are any informal breakout areas like a canteen or coffee room, make the most of these. I managed to catch a partner while he was on his coffee break and ask to discuss a case he was working on as it was in an area I was interested in, and this negated the awkwardness of approaching him at his desk.

I'd also completely agree with the idea of closed mouths never get fed- I definitely wish I had been scared of potential rejection and asked more partners/team members in general to run me through the work they do!

 

[fayfayk]

Any tips on how not to lose my mind over christmas knowing firms are going to be telling anyone anything until Jan🫠

Honestly, as long as you've done what you can and put in all the work, take it as a break. Log off, relax and regroup in Jan! Fingers crossed you get the results you've been hoping for 🤞

 

[NCTC2025]

Thank you! By commercial, do you mean like the typical commercial questions, or were the questions more bespoke or required wider wider commercial awareness like at an AC?

Hey! Commercial questions could also includes stuff like your knowledge of the legal industry such as the role of a trainee and how Partners interact with clients!

 

[applicant3000]

Hello, I am struggling with VIs. I am unsure if that has been covered, but can someone help me with how to do better and practice?

I used to struggle with them a lot but have improved and I think these things helped me:

1) practice by recording yourself saying it on your laptop camera. This is particularly useful for the motivational questions that you know will come up (i.e. why this firm?). It can help you get a sense of your cadence and timing.

2) have a bank of situational/competency answers prepared. Make sure you've practiced saying them allowed but be prepared to use those examples for slightly different questions.

3) for competency/motivational, try and use the STAR method as much as possible to structure your answer. Often grad rec mention that candidates spend a while setting out the situation/task/action but forget to reflect on the outcome.

Hope this helps!

 

[applicant3000]

Anyone heard from Simmons post AC? :////

 

[fayfayk]

When does grad rec usually work over december and january? I'm sure it varies by firm but if anyone has any idea.

Is it usually an, off from this friday until 5th jan type of situation, or working every day except 24th-26th and the 1st.

Hey! I don't have an exact answer for you because (as you said) it honestly differs between different firms and even between different people on the grad recruitment team! From my experience in the past, I heard back between December 1-20, and then it was a quiet period until around January 10. But, again, I want to emphasise that it really depends on the firm/person.

 

[nicoledm]

Got an email from Grad Rec saying I will get feedback and outcome on the 31st of December, what a fun thing to look forward to on new years eve 😅

 

[anjali20]

Does anyone know if DLA is still sending out invites for TIs?

 

[Madison Pinewall]

yea 😭

oh lord I just read the email properly lol, VI automatically for everybody is a bit harsh hahaha I hate them

 

[elle woods]

I know that the question about the partners wasn't directed at me, but I thought I could also give my opinion from my experience as this was something I was really worried about during my VS too.

From my experience, I was introduced to most partners in each of my seats at the start of each seat, at which point some of them offered to have a discussion about their work themselves. For the ones that weren't in the office at this point/did not directly offer a discussion, I researched more about their niche and either approached them in the office or sent them an email asking for 10 minutes of their time, normally at the start of the day when they are not fully immersed in their work.

I also made the most of trainees in each seat and their advice on how partners prefer to be communicated with. Some partners don't like being approached at their desks and some expect you to be introducing yourself personally at their desk, so if there are any trainees in your seat I recommend asking for their advice on how to approach the situation. Also if there are any informal breakout areas like a canteen or coffee room, make the most of these. I managed to catch a partner while he was on his coffee break and ask to discuss a case he was working on as it was in an area I was interested in, and this negated the awkwardness of approaching him at his desk.

I'd also completely agree with the idea of closed mouths never get fed- I definitely wish I had been scared of potential rejection and asked more partners/team members in general to run me through the work they do!

Thank you also for sharing your experience! That's actually so interesting to think about, and the trainee thing is such a good idea! I'll keep this in mind for my scheme, thank you!

 

[legallycurly]

Hey, does anyone know if Womble Bond Dickinson recruits on a non-rolling basis?

 

[elle woods]

Hey! Commercial questions could also includes stuff like your knowledge of the legal industry such as the role of a trainee and how Partners interact with clients!

Oh I didn't know that, thank you!!

 

[fayfayk]

Hiii, thanks for sharing your experience! Do you have any advice as to how to convert a vac?? And maybe what not to do, or any insight as to why people might not convert one? I’m super nervous for mine and not sure what to expect and how to act lol 😭

I’m a little scared that my written work/ tasks won’t be up to standard, or if I will know how to even approach the task in general (I guess the best approach is to clarify with the supervisor, but still)

I’ve done a one-week vac at a smaller firm but I wasn’t too nervous for it since it wasn’t convertible anyways and it was quite informal.

But since this vac is one with a much larger firm and one I really want, I’m just extra jittery! Any advice would be appreciated!!

Hey there!
As someone who has converted a vac scheme I hope I can provide some insights that could help you.

First of all, one thing to be mindful of is emotional intelligence around the office. Broken down, that means being proactive around the office, but knowing when not to interrupt. You'd be surprised how many vac schemers fail to do this and go into people's offices when they have a meeting, are busy doing a task, etc. Also, remain positive throughout the scheme! I've found that it becomes a culture when vac schemers are sitting together to complain about certain people in the office or tasks, but, its important what you say remains positive and that you refrain from taking part in these conversations.

As for written work, honestly, do not stress. The fact that you made it into a vac scheme after several rounds of interviews/assessments means you have what it takes to complete the tasks. I've found that doing practice case studies a few days before the vac scheme starts really does help in terms of refreshing my memory. However, you should always remember they are not expecting you to know everything to do with law! They are more so looking at your ability to write in a clear way, see how you articulate your thoughts and observe if you do so in a commercially attune way. Also, don't be scared to ask questions!!! If you feel like you might be approaching something wrong, speak to your supervisor and clarify before you keep going so you avoid a situation where your work is not what the task asked for.

Good luck and hope it all goes well for you.

 

[floral.tcla]

If the firm has really said not to bring in past examples then you're probably right in that they are mainly assessing how you approach the situation. I'm sure that there will be differences in the points that each person makes and how they tackle the questions based on their own lived experiences. HOWEVER, if everyone does end up making similar points, the firm will likely distinguish candidates based on energy, confidence, and structure. So for example:

Did you make your points clearly and logically?
Did you stutter?
Did you sound passionate and excited?
Was your delivery & pronounciation strong?
Were you maintaning eye contact? (or camera contact I guess??)

These are definitely what I would make sure to have perfected before the VI!

cheers!

 

[fayfayk]

How would you go about answering why transactional law and not investment banking?

Hey! As someone who has a masters in financial law, I got this question so much while interviewing for TCs.

For me, I found that explaining that I enjoy deals and strategy, but not in a purely numbers-driven role, really helped. I also explained that while investment banking and transactional law both involve working on complex, high-value deals, transactional law is grounded in legal analysis and judgment rather than marketing, trading, or financial modelling like investment banking.

In short, I explained that my contribution would come from legal reasoning and problem-solving which I personally find more interesting and fulfilling.

Hope this helps!

 

[fayfayk]

Wtf is with all this AI content

Hey! This is not AI written content 😭 This is based off of my own experience applying to the same firm two years in a row. I also asked grad recruitment about this when I reapplied the second time, and they told me the same thing.

 

[alphabravocharlie]

What should we expect, look out for during written exercises on M&A? What are key issues to flag and more minor details? Any tips on answering these questions?