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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

elle woods

Legendary Member
Dec 4, 2025
334
545
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!
 

elle woods

Legendary Member
Dec 4, 2025
334
545
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

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
May 15, 2022
345
1,019
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!!
 

yuhhhh

Active Member
Oct 28, 2025
19
18
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)
 

Harvey Specter

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
787
2,877
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

Standard Member
Premium Member
Jan 20, 2025
7
11
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

Legendary Member
Oct 29, 2025
199
297
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

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
650
600
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! :)
 
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! :)
Thank you !!
 
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Winter

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
May 15, 2022
345
1,019
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)
Yeah facts. And also there’s a separate day for the virtual in-tray exercises and the interview in-person, and like a week gap in between. So I do reckon you’re right with the timeline.
 

elle woods

Legendary Member
Dec 4, 2025
334
545
Skdden, eversheds and willkie PFOs for the past 2 days. What’s going to be my next Christmas present? 😍😍😍😍
😍 an AC invite is waiting under that tree
Decorating Merry Christmas GIF
 

Winter

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
May 15, 2022
345
1,019
so all they need to do is pass application stage? dont they pass that immediately when they get selected for the VI?
Yes and no. So, there are different commercial questions for the VS and the OD. And from what I gathered during the OD, Grad rec said the application should be much more tailored due to the fact that we’ve had plenty of interaction with the firm + implementing any applications tips as advised during the day. The VI and SJT as far as im concerned is definitely an automatic pass but yes, they said they’ll take into consideration the scores from that and your application and make a decision holistically as to whether you progress to AC.
 

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