TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[sunnysan]

Does anyone have any insight into the Watson Farley Williams video interviews

 

[shadowboxer909]

Has anyone been seeing the amount of junior lawyers leaving to either go in-house or leaving big law altogether these past few days? Or maybe my LinkedIn algorithm is just biased lol. But it makes me wonder why... especially when I see people leaving the firms I'm currently fighting tooth and nail to get into lol.

Granted, it could just be their preference, a growing generational phenomenon, or wanting more of a work life balance etc., but it does make me worry that there might be something deeper...

Edit: and yes I know we tend to see more of these at this time of year since bonuses have been paid etc. but still makes me wonder haha

That's because some people don't like the stress of Big Law so feel in-house is less stressful, people want to try new things etc. People also get told by their firm to leave (if they're not going to make partner or they're not billing enough etc) so the next port of call is in-house. I know this is particularly the case for Kirkland where they make you a non-equity partner but if you can't build a book of business, they tell you to leave (and help you land in-house roles).

The billables model is also very difficult for some people. If you're not billing, it can be stressful and the allocation of work isn't always even. Partners/senior associates have favourites and so if you're not being given work, this can also be stressful. But I think this is more of a problem for junior lawyers in certain practices.

Most careers don't have a billables model where you have to seek work otherwise you're not going to have a job for long. I've been in a corporate role at investment firm where I used to go watch Netflix in between when I wasn't being given work and nobody cared as long as I indicated I had capacity. In a billables model, I don't think I could get away with that for long.

 

[oliviabeijing]

Hi do you have any insight on the WFW video interview

No haha I only submitted my app like 2 days ago.

 

[elle woods]

That's because some people don't like the stress of Big Law so feel in-house is less stressful, people want to try new things etc. People also get told by their firm to leave (if they're not going to make partner or they're not billing enough etc) so the next port of call is in-house. I know this is particularly the case for Kirkland where they make you a non-equity partner but if you can't build a book of business, they tell you to leave (and help you land in-house roles).

The billables model is also very difficult for some people. If you're not billing, it can be stressful and the allocation of work isn't always even. Partners/senior associates have favourites and so if you're not being given work, this can also be stressful. But I think this is more of a problem for junior lawyers in certain practices.

Most careers don't have a billables model where you have to seek work otherwise you're not going to have a job for long. I've been in a corporate role where I used to go watch Netflix in between when I wasn't being given work and nobody cared as long as I indicated I had capacity. In a billables model, I don't think I could get away with that for long.

oh wow... that does sound quite stressful!! Man, playing favourites is rough...I thought I was past the stage in life where favouritism existed lol

lots of food for thought here...guess we will just have to work harder after securing that training contract... But wow haha being able to watch Netflix in between sounds fun!

 

[oliviabeijing]

Hi do you have any insight on the WFW video interview

When did you get your invite?

 

[nicoledm]

any ACs for DLA manchester ?

 

[LARALRARATC]

Has anyone done VI for Baker Mckenzie? Happy to swap for Slaughter & May, Weil, CMS, Goodwin, Latham, Freshields and A&O Shearman!

 

[Harvey Specter]

You can, but what good will it achieve? Either they find out and both applications get withdrawn OR they don't find out and one day whilst you're enjoying the lavish life that an NQ salary got you, you're listening to "Sweet Fantasy by Mariah Carey" as you're walking your way through the busy streets of Farringdon and BOOM you notice an email from the the graduate recruitment partner, they want to talk about your application from years ago and the SRA have been notified. You panic, thinking what could it have been.... did you mess up a client file, did you misplace funds, did you lie on an email? No, all you did was send in two applications but for the SRA this was it! The next thing you know, your face is plastered all over Legal Cheek, and you're dealing with a penalty/bar from service. Goodbye career, goodbye mortgage, goodbye all that wasted effort to draft amazing applications. People will be scouring LinkedIn to see if they can put a face to that name...​

But.... it probably won't get that far, although it is tempting ATS's have duplication systems that compare applicants for plagiarism, and personal details are flagged within this check.

The SRA reading this knowing that they have a new group of people they can chase and destroy:

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Reed Smith PFO after video interview heartbreaking but I knew it. Don’t know if this is a sign to throw in the towel now

 

[Dannie]

Reed Smith PFO after video interview heartbreaking but I knew it. Don’t know if this is a sign to throw in the towel now

do NOT throw in the towel you are so close, closer than you see. i promise you that

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Reed Smith PFO after video interview heartbreaking but I knew it. Don’t know if this is a sign to throw in the towel now

I saw a TikTok that said 'if you knew you were 100 rejections away from your dream, you'd be much more grateful to be told no'. This really resonated with me today after being PFO'd!!

You are closer than you think, don't give up, every rejection is a step in the right direction. You can do this!!

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Perkins Coie rejected the email was framed as "After reviewing your work and experiences" 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭

Would you mind sharing when you applied?

 

[tc2026]

hiii, does anyone have Links AC insights from 2025? or any advice? would really appreciate it

 

[sunnysan]

When did you get your invite?

Yesterday

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Clyde & Co online assessment invite (for spring vac scheme - applied Jan 6th)

 

[Adnanlone]

Hi guys , does anyone have insights into PWC VI ? can share my experience with Baker McKenzie, NRF, DLA, HL )

 

[TortillaTC]

Clyde & Co online assessment invite (for spring vac scheme - applied Jan 6th)

Same - applied 14 December

 

[Shaky_Pete]

That's because some people don't like the stress of Big Law so feel in-house is less stressful, people want to try new things etc. People also get told by their firm to leave (if they're not going to make partner or they're not billing enough etc) so the next port of call is in-house. I know this is particularly the case for Kirkland where they make you a non-equity partner but if you can't build a book of business, they tell you to leave (and help you land in-house roles).

The billables model is also very difficult for some people. If you're not billing, it can be stressful and the allocation of work isn't always even. Partners/senior associates have favourites and so if you're not being given work, this can also be stressful. But I think this is more of a problem for junior lawyers in certain practices.

Most careers don't have a billables model where you have to seek work otherwise you're not going to have a job for long. I've been in a corporate role at investment firm where I used to go watch Netflix in between when I wasn't being given work and nobody cared as long as I indicated I had capacity. In a billables model, I don't think I could get away with that for long.

I'm a mid-career changer - didn't study law, but lots of acquaintances from my university went into commercial law. I'd say 50% now either work in-house or have changed careers. Of the 12 or so people I knew at uni who are still in private practice at City firms, now at a senior level (ie counsel or partner), something I've noticed is that most of them attended private school.

 

[prawncrackers]

Clyde & Co online assessment invite (for spring vac scheme - applied Jan 6th)

same, would love any insights 🫶