TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[elle woods]

I think for some firms, Oxbridge students get their AC’s on campus which is probably why your friend does. I heard this was the case for my friend from Cambridge last cycle too!

??? That’s a bit crazy lol I’ve never heard of that

My friend is from another uni tho so I’m not sure if that’s the case haha but woah that’s some crazy lore

 

[Elsie07777]

So Weil has sent out AC invite already? I have completed VI in Nov and haven't heard back. Should I assume PFO 😭

 

[Sharkfin]

Anyone know the timings of Baker's Vi from past cycles, is it a 2 min response like amberjack or shorter??

 

[Winter]

??? That’s a bit crazy lol I’ve never heard of that

My friend is from another uni tho so I’m not sure if that’s the case haha but woah that’s some crazy lore

Yeah it’s a thing! I actually did the Weil VS last year and didn’t convert but thats what I gathered.

 

[elle woods]

So Weil has sent out AC invite already? I have completed VI in Nov and haven't heard back. Should I assume PFO 😭

I would assume they're waiting for everyone to finish their VIs before inviting the next batch of interviews I guess
My Weil VI deadline is Monday so I guess we shouldn't expect to hear back for another week or so!

 

[yuhhhh]

??? That’s a bit crazy lol I’ve never heard of that

My friend is from another uni tho so I’m not sure if that’s the case haha but woah that’s some crazy lore

I’ve never heard of that either.

Has your friend definitively received the AC invite? And at least messaged you “OMG! WEIL AC INVITE!”.

I think some confirmation would be good seeing that Weil is causing a mass hysteria.

 

[elle woods]

Yeah it’s a thing! I actually did the Weil VS last year and didn’t convert but thats what I gathered.

dang that's insane!! I'd like that icl... I've never ever heard of such a thing before tho haha, maybe only the top of the top gets them 😂

 

[CupOfTea17]

did anyone else apply for the Harbottle open day? If so, have you heard back?

 

[elle woods]

I’ve never heard of that either.

Has your friend definitively received the AC invite? And at least messaged you “OMG! WEIL AC INVITE!”.

I think some confirmation would be good seeing that Weil is causing a mass hysteria.

idk they just said they had a Weil interview so I'm assuming it's not the VI because surely you'd say the OT or VI... but maybe not lol - sorry for causing hysteria guys haha maybe I got it wrong - anyways, don't count yourself out until you've gotten a concrete email!

 

[sadlawyer01]

just wondering, for those who got into the Latham OD, do they immediately progress to AC for the vac scheme?

 

[elle woods]

just wondering, for those who got into the Latham OD, do they immediately progress to AC for the vac scheme?

I don't think so, I think they have to submit an application for the vac scheme and then they're progressed straight to application review, and not AC. I think only brand ambassadors and first year scheme students get fast tracked to AC

 

[Winter]

just wondering, for those who got into the Latham OD, do they immediately progress to AC for the vac scheme?

Grad rec mentioned that it’s not a guarantee. You’ll still be put into the pool of applicants, but previously OD candidates have not necessarily been fast tracked but I think prioritised in terms of having a good look at your application? So fingers crossed!!

 

[zonnonomo]

Willkie PFO, 4 rejections in two days, do not know what to think

3 PFOs today… might cry 😭

keep pushing gang that one yes is coming

 

[yuhhhh]

idk they just said they had a Weil interview so I'm assuming it's not the VI because surely you'd say the OT or VI... but maybe not lol - sorry for causing hysteria guys haha maybe I got it wrong - anyways, don't count yourself out until you've gotten a concrete email!

No it's fine don't worry, you were trying to be helpful so it's a good thing!

Based on last year, the Weil AC invites were sent out in early February. Additionally, I believe Weil is non-rolling and the grad rec mentioned last year that every VI will be reviewed first before making AC offers.

For people who are still waiting from Weil I think it's best to assume that AC offers will be sent out next year seeing that not everyone has completed their SJT/VIs yet. I would also assume that your friend meant the VI as for clarity, if I had an AC invite I would say AC since Weil's AC involves other exercises beyond an interview!

But again, everything is conjecture so either ways the universe will give to you what you will be given and all we can do is do our best. (it is what it is)

 

[anonymous.15]

EVERSHEDS PFO WOW...

 

[elle woods]

No it's fine don't worry, you were trying to be helpful so it's a good thing!

Based on last year, the Weil AC invites were sent out in early February. Additionally, I believe Weil is non-rolling and the grad rec mentioned last year that every VI will be reviewed first before making AC offers.

For people who are still waiting from Weil I think it's best to assume that AC offers will be sent out next year seeing that not everyone has completed their SJT/VIs yet. I would also assume that your friend meant the VI as for clarity, if I had an AC invite I would say AC since Weil's AC involves other exercises beyond an interview!

But again, everything is conjecture so either ways the universe will give to you what you will be given and all we can do is do our best. (it is what it is)

oh dang feb?? I thought I'd be done with application stuff by the end of january ahahah oh my days my poor grades lmao

 

[Harvey Specter]

No it's fine don't worry, you were trying to be helpful so it's a good thing!

Based on last year, the Weil AC invites were sent out in early February. Additionally, I believe Weil is non-rolling and the grad rec mentioned last year that every VI will be reviewed first before making AC offers.

For people who are still waiting from Weil I think it's best to assume that AC offers will be sent out next year seeing that not everyone has completed their SJT/VIs yet. I would also assume that your friend meant the VI as for clarity, if I had an AC invite I would say AC since Weil's AC involves other exercises beyond an interview!

But again, everything is conjecture so either ways the universe will give to you what you will be given and all we can do is do our best. (it is what it is)

Weil mentioned at their insight day in Oct that the ACs would be sent either end of Dec or early Jan so they’re probs shortlisting atm.​

 

[sadlawyer01]

Grad rec mentioned that it’s not a guarantee. You’ll still be put into the pool of applicants, but previously OD candidates have not necessarily been fast tracked but I think prioritised in terms of having a good look at your application? So fingers crossed!!

so all they need to do is pass application stage? dont they pass that immediately when they get selected for the VI?

 

[Trophy]

No it's fine don't worry, you were trying to be helpful so it's a good thing!

Based on last year, the Weil AC invites were sent out in early February. Additionally, I believe Weil is non-rolling and the grad rec mentioned last year that every VI will be reviewed first before making AC offers.

For people who are still waiting from Weil I think it's best to assume that AC offers will be sent out next year seeing that not everyone has completed their SJT/VIs yet. I would also assume that your friend meant the VI as for clarity, if I had an AC invite I would say AC since Weil's AC involves other exercises beyond an interview!

But again, everything is conjecture so either ways the universe will give to you what you will be given and all we can do is do our best. (it is what it is)

yes and they gave all the AC dates in one go not batches. and they were held 1-2 weeks after the initial invite so it'll be a fast turnaround next year is likely.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Could I mentioned my positive experience at last years AC if I went to the AC and didn’t pass but had a great time speaking to trainees ext as one of my reasons for why this firm in the video interview or shall I stay away from it. @Abbie Whitlock would appreciate some insight !

Hey!

I don't think you need to stay away from it at all! I think as long as you frame it positively, mentioning a previous AC can definitely strengthen your answer. You could show resilience and genuine interest in the firm by explaining that, even though you ultimately weren't successful, the experience still confirmed your motivation - especially if speaking to trainees gave you insight into the culture, support, training style, etc.

I'd just avoid focusing on the 'not passing' element, and instead emphasise what you gained from the experience and how it reinforced why the firm appeals to you. Firms are more likely to see returning candidates as a good sign when it is clear that you have reflected on your previous application and stayed engaged with the firm.

Hope that helps - best of luck with the VI!