TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[EfficientBag123]

Hi, I just got the Latham AC but have never done an AC before, does anyone have any tips on ACs or Latham?
They would be much appreciated! Thank you so much

Amazing! Was this for spring vac scheme?

 

[radssss]

Did anyone apply to HFW diversity vacation scheme and heard back? I believe if we are unsuccessful for the diversity scheme the application is considered for vac scheme automatically? Does anyone know the application process?

 

[Rads]

Have most people not heard back from Latham?

 

[EfficientBag123]

Tbh I have not seen any one else get an AC on this forum before that post (bar BA's and FYS), so would not equate silence to PFO. There have already been some PFO's including ppl who did stage 2 last week, so imo we just can't tell.

Same, literally no one has heard back for the spring vac scheme. PFO or AC invite.

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hi all. Any thoughts on recycling a small set of personal / professional experiences across different stages of the application process? Not sure if I should be preparing separate content for written forms, VIs and ACs

Hey,

This is completely normal - in fact, I'd actually expect a candidate to talk about what they've written in the application form, in their VI and subsequently their AC. So it's not really seen as recycling, it's your chance to expand and explain in further detail.

 

[Rads]

Same, literally no one has heard back for the spring vac scheme. PFO or AC invite.

Is it that they are keeping the spring scheme for their BAs and FYSs?

 

[Lawlawland]

Haha, I'm glad you like it. Let me know if the snowflakes get in the way of posting!

Love how this message has more than one meaning XD JK 🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[J333]

Hi, does anyone have any advice for the PwC virtual AC 🥹 This is my very first AC so any help or insight would be very appreciated!

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

Same, literally no one has heard back for the spring vac scheme. PFO or AC invite.

Oh so everyone who’s heard from Latham so far has been for summer vac schemes? Sorry for all the questions, I’m new to the thread!

 

[Harvey Specter]

Has anybody heard anything from these firms who applied on or after these dates:

Dechert Spring VS post app (sent 30 Nov)
Akin Spring VS post app (sent 13 Dec)
Weil Spring VS post SJT/VI (14 Dec, TI 17 Dec)
Reed Smith Winter VS post app (sent 18 Dec)

I’m gna assume they’ll respond in the new year but wanna manage expectations just incase.​

 

[EfficientBag123]

Is it that they are keeping the spring scheme for their BAs and FYSs?

Nah they had their AC a couple weeks ago. I guess there’s less spots or less people for the spring scheme so they run it later.

 

[jojo23]

Booked the week off work to be productive and blitz applications but all ive done so far is sleep, exercise, look at cake recipes and sing songs...
Is this a mid application cycle crisis 🤣

These applications are so demoralising

 

[EfficientBag123]

Oh so everyone who’s heard from Latham so far has been for summer vac schemes? Sorry for all the questions, I’m new to the thread!

I saw one person a few days ago get rejected post VI for spring but other than that every comm has been about their summer scheme. My mate who did the fys said we will hear in the new year about spring.

 

[jojo23]

Is it that they are keeping the spring scheme for their BAs and FYSs?

I keep thinking BA means British Airways 😭

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Has anybody heard anything from these firms who applied on or after these dates:

Dechert Spring VS post app (sent 30 Nov)
Akin Spring VS post app (sent 13 Dec)
Weil Spring VS post SJT/VI (14 Dec, TI 17 Dec)
Reed Smith Winter VS post app (sent 18 Dec)

I’m gna assume they’ll respond in the new year but wanna manage expectations just incase.​

I can't say much about the rest but Dechert's spring and summer vac cycle hasn't hit the deadline yet. I know they are quite rolling but I wouldn't expect much until they've at least screened many of the candidates.

 

[Unknowncabbage]

Is it that they are keeping the spring scheme for their BAs and FYSs?

no they still have the option on which scheme they want to do i'm pretty sure.

 

[Bread]

Has anybody heard anything from these firms who applied on or after these dates:

Dechert Spring VS post app (sent 30 Nov)
Akin Spring VS post app (sent 13 Dec)
Weil Spring VS post SJT/VI (14 Dec, TI 17 Dec)
Reed Smith Winter VS post app (sent 18 Dec)

I’m gna assume they’ll respond in the new year but wanna manage expectations just incase.​

I did Weil SJT nov 15 and haven’t heard back yet. I think they’ve sent out rejections but I haven’t seen any AC invites

 

[OliviaHB]

Has anyone else not heard from Latham for spring vac scheme after sitting Stage 2 test? Or have AC offers been given to spring scheme students? I’m just trying to work out if the silence is a PFO

I haven’t heard yet either

 

[anonymous31415]

Congratulations!

Although I don't have any Latham specific tips, Avni has previously broken down a comprehensive guide to AC's here https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....sment-centres-how-to-prepare.4534/#post-93642

Aside from that breakdown, it is important to think about what Grad Rec are assessing with each component of the AC e.g.

1. Interviews

These tend to assess your motivations/passion for the industry and more specifically the law firm. The reason this is important is because Lathams will be making an investment with each Trainee (around £150,000) so they want to see that you will stick around following qualification - hence its important to be firm specific as opposed to general. In addition to this, they want to see how you've developed your skills and how you'd operate in certain situations that you may face as a Trainee. Lastly, they'll be looking out for people who they can envisage a future working with, so bring your personality as well. Don't be afraid to laugh a little, crack a joke where you can, and generally try shaping the interview into a conversation.

2. Case Studies/Written Exercises

These are more skill based, and these will assess your ability to understand and analyse information. It does not have to be legal, so don't stress yourself out about understanding legal concepts, it just has to be speculative enough. So be strategic, but not optimistic, ensure any idea you have has something to back it up from the information in the case study. Once you've collated these, you'll be assessed on communicating these in a way that is understandable to the interviewer.

3. Group exercises

I have seen many candidates fall down on the group exercise portion of the AC, and I think it has to do with a small lapse in understanding how you're going to be assessed. Of course, bring your A game, but your marks are mostly going to be coming from your ability to work well in a team, getting along with those around you, involving others in the discussion who may be quiet, not remaining completely silent whilst one person does all the speaking, being comfortable sharing your opinion and open to changing this based off others. Don't get too focused on achieving the best individually, that you struggle to show case how you're a team player.

Good luck!

Thank you so much! This is really helpful

 

[Ananya123]

Hi everyone!

With several firms preparing to open applications for their winter, spring, and summer vacation schemes, we are launching this dedicated thread for the 2025-2026 application cycle.

Please use this master thread to discuss anything related to vacation scheme applications. This can include everything from application and interview queries to news from particular law firms. As ever, the strength of this forum lies in its thoughtfulness and collegiality. Please continue to share your insights and to engage constructively with each other.

Finally, last year’s thread can be found here: TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024–25. Later today, I will post a consolidated list of firms with their respective deadlines, to assist those planning their approach for the year ahead.

Wishing everyone the very best as the new cycle begins.

Ram

Hey Guys! I have a Slaughter and May AC in Jan and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to approach the "what other law firms have you applied to" question - so far I could only find two firms that are similar to slaughters in their international approach and m&a expertise. I am still not sure about mentioning HSF and Ashurst. Should I play it safe and go with just the first two? would that be too less? I was also wondering if anyone has experience with slaughter and may's written assessment. Any advice would be useful because I just want to know how I can prepare.