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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

elle woods

Legendary Member
  • Dec 4, 2025
    743
    1,673
    Hi all. I'm super curious as to when we'll get ACs from Linklaters. I've seen some discussion on the forum but could anyone please catch me up? Should I be expecting a PFO if I've not heard anything by this point? Thank you.
    they seem to be giving them out on a weekly (ish) basis - they will be running until the end of February, so there are still lots of chances! I'd say don't write them off for another couple of weeks at least.
     

    starbar_3

    New Member
    Jan 17, 2026
    1
    1
    Hey!

    That is definitely part of the answer that they are looking for, but I'd try to expand slightly!

    When interviewers ask this, they're mainly testing how you approach the story (rather than the story itself). They want to see that you keep up with commercial or legal news and understand why the story matters, and that you can then explain it clearly and concisely. Importantly, you should also be able to spot the implications for clients and, where relevant, the firm itself.

    Linking it to the firm or its sectors definitely helps, but it doesn't need to be forced. A structure that I would usually follow is:
    1. Brief context: set out what happened in one or two sentences, focusing on the core facts rather than details. The aim is to show that you understand the story well enough to explain it clearly and concisely.
    2. Why it is interesting and important: explain why this caught your attention. This might be because it affects a particular industry, highlights a wider market trend, creates legal or regulatory uncertainty, or shows how businesses are responding to change
    3. Implications for businesses or clients: discuss the practical consequences. This could be who is affected, what risks or opportunities arise, and what commercial decisions companies may now need to think about in response.
    4. Relevance to the firm: if appropriate, link this back to the firm's practice areas, sectors, or client base. This doesn't need to be forced - it can be as simple as noting where the firm might advise clients navigating the issue, and what practice areas might be involved.
    5. Your view: you could end with a short comment that shows your own judgment on the situation (i.e. whether you think the development is positive, challenging, or uncertain - and why)

    You don't need to go into lots of technical detail - simply having an awareness of how the news story will affect clients in that sector and how the firm might assist them should demonstrate good commercial awareness! I hope that helps :)
    This is really helpful, thank you :)
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    hmevey

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 7, 2024
    63
    34
    On the shoosmiths app on the first page it asks- Please provide a brief explanation for why you have chosen to apply for a particular location (or locations). - do i need to write something? I just live in london so i'm applying for london
     

    an03

    Star Member
    Oct 20, 2023
    34
    27
    Hey!

    That is definitely part of the answer that they are looking for, but I'd try to expand slightly!

    When interviewers ask this, they're mainly testing how you approach the story (rather than the story itself). They want to see that you keep up with commercial or legal news and understand why the story matters, and that you can then explain it clearly and concisely. Importantly, you should also be able to spot the implications for clients and, where relevant, the firm itself.

    Linking it to the firm or its sectors definitely helps, but it doesn't need to be forced. A structure that I would usually follow is:
    1. Brief context: set out what happened in one or two sentences, focusing on the core facts rather than details. The aim is to show that you understand the story well enough to explain it clearly and concisely.
    2. Why it is interesting and important: explain why this caught your attention. This might be because it affects a particular industry, highlights a wider market trend, creates legal or regulatory uncertainty, or shows how businesses are responding to change
    3. Implications for businesses or clients: discuss the practical consequences. This could be who is affected, what risks or opportunities arise, and what commercial decisions companies may now need to think about in response.
    4. Relevance to the firm: if appropriate, link this back to the firm's practice areas, sectors, or client base. This doesn't need to be forced - it can be as simple as noting where the firm might advise clients navigating the issue, and what practice areas might be involved.
    5. Your view: you could end with a short comment that shows your own judgment on the situation (i.e. whether you think the development is positive, challenging, or uncertain - and why)

    You don't need to go into lots of technical detail - simply having an awareness of how the news story will affect clients in that sector and how the firm might assist them should demonstrate good commercial awareness! I hope that helps :)
    Thank you!!
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock
    Hey Harvey, massive congrats on Willkie! Could I ask when you got the pfo from Dechert post WE, I did mine for spring 3 weeks ago (15/01) and nilch :/
    It was like an hour ago so if you haven’t heard back from them it ought to be good news. Best of luck for the Dechert Spring VS champ! :)
     

    SamiyaJ

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Apr 16, 2024
    383
    1,094
    Also I love how everyone is chronically on LinkedIn so we all know who the K&E guy is lmao
    As soon as I open LinkedIn it’s always the “I’m happy to share that I have accepted a..” posts! Happy for them but also think “damn when will it be my turn!”. Need that LinkedIn validation so bad 😂😂😂😂
     

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