TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[futuretrainee22]

Has anyone heard from Pinsent Masons post AC?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey guys, I have a partner interview coming up, and it's my first one, and Idk how to prepare well for it. Should I prepare for it the same way as I prepare for an HR Interview but focus more on technical questions?

Hey!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

I would say that a partner interview tends to be a hybrid type that emphasises your overall judgment and fit to the firm.

A few pointers that might help (from my experience with partner interviews):

• Technical questions, if any, will typically be quite high-level (e.g. spotting issues, weighing up risks, or explaining how you would approach a problem), rather than detailed law. It might help to practice strengths-based questions or scenario questions (i.e. "What would you do if..."), as these are likely to come up.
• There is usually much more emphasis on your motivations and commercial awareness, rather than competency questions (though there may still be a few of the latter) - e.g. why this firm, why law, and why you.
• They are often interested in how you think and communicate, rather than whether you know the "correct" answer. As long as you can explain your thought process in a clear way, you should be able to tackle any question (even if it is slightly unexpected!).
• I'd generally expect a more conversational style - the partners could probe your answers (which is completely normal, and doesn't mean you are wrong!), ask questions about your legal career / education so far, and discuss their own work at the firm.

If you can clearly explain your reasoning and show curiosity about the firm's work / clients, this should be exactly what they are looking for. Ultimately, you want to show that you are genuinely motivated to work at this specific firm, and that you would be someone that is great to work with.

I hope that assists, and best of luck with the interview!!

 

[ddalki]

Hi, hope everyone's doing well! I've received a White & Case written exercise, and I don't think I've ever done something like it. Are written exercises usually summary tasks, or argumentative (?), or something more mysterious? Thank you!

 

[lawstudent2]

How many ACs did it take for you guys to get your first VS. Ive done 3 Law ACs so far in the past 7 months and 2 ACs for non-law graduate roles and im struggling to convert them. I've got another AC coming up and I have no clue whether it's normal to be struggling this much to convert at that final hurdle.

I'm in the exact same position, I've been rejected after 3 ACs now and have one final one this cycle in a week
not really sure what else I can be doing now to convert them

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Hi, hope everyone's doing well! I've received a White & Case written exercise, and I don't think I've ever done something like it. Are written exercises usually summary tasks, or argumentative (?), or something more mysterious? Thank you!

hi sorry this is unhelpful to you - but did you apply for summer/spring + when did you finish your VI?

 

[nonliquetagain]

Do any firms still have vacation scheme applications open? Or has this cycle (for vacation schemes) come to a close?

faegre drinker closes february 28

 

[Novaa]

When people say to use PESTLE or SWOT for case studies, how does that actually look in practice?

I understand what each letter stands for, but I’m confused about how people are using them. Are they meant to be used: In the discussion itself, in the written case study exercise, or just as a way to spot issues during prep?

I tried using it in an assessment centre before, but it felt quite forced (I think because I hadn’t connected the dots of using it LOL)

 

[Legallywhatever]

Has anyone applied for grad solicitor apprenticeships? If so why/why not?

 

[Applicant7874652]

Hi, hope everyone's doing well! I've received a White & Case written exercise, and I don't think I've ever done something like it. Are written exercises usually summary tasks, or argumentative (?), or something more mysterious? Thank you!

Usually they test summary and presentation skills so dw

 

[user55998384]

anyone who has applied for a kirkland OD - was the deadline at 23:59?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Hey guys, hoping for a week full of positive progressions for everybody. I know I am overdue some good news. Gonna do the AC dance extra hard...


And remember, no matter what, stay positive and supportive of others in this thread!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hey guys, hoping for a week full of positive progressions for everybody. I know I am overdue some good news. Gonna do the AC dance extra hard...


And remember, no matter what, stay positive and supportive of others in this thread!

I’m hoping for some good news for the upcoming week. It will be a nice belated birthday present too haha. Gna join in on the AC/VS dance: ​

 

[Novaa]

I’m hoping for some good news for the upcoming week. It will be a nice belated birthday present too haha. Gna join in on the AC/VS dance: ​

happy belated birthday!!

 

[Dannie]

Wishing us luck for the week ahead!!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

happy belated birthday!!

Thank you!! It’s acc today haha so technically not belated just yet ygm. Hoping we all hear good news over the next few days and weeks. ​

 

[law123456789]

Hey! I have my slaughters interview tomorrow - any last tips / insights / advice to prepare (@Abbie Whitlock)

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Thank you!! It’s acc today haha so technically not belated just yet ygm. Hoping we all hear good news over the next few days and weeks. ​

Happy birthday!!!! Celebrating virtually with you m8!

 

[Novaa]

Thank you!! It’s acc today haha so technically not belated just yet ygm. Hoping we all hear good news over the next few days and weeks. ​

Law firms… Harvey has spoken. The birthday wish is for TCs for everyone. Figure something out, you’ve got this

 

[AGB2060]

Hey! I have my slaughters interview tomorrow - any last tips / insights / advice to prepare (@Abbie Whitlock)

When I say know why law, I MEAN IT, at least for mine. I wasn't directly asked the usual why commercial lawyer but so so many questions emphasising it
What made you study law at uni
What made you do the switch from X to wanting to be commercial lawyer
Why not that original career
Why not x career (based on experiences)
Well if that's your reason, then why not Y career?
Just have logical answers and conclusions to why your journey has gone the way it has. Overall, it is VERY partner specific and each interview will vary.
Be prepared to talk about your HS subject choices, Uni choices, fav modules etc.

I was also weirdly asked how many hours I study per week etc haha

Goodluck!

 

[law123456789]

When I say know why law, I MEAN IT, at least for mine. I wasn't directly asked the usual why commercial lawyer but so so many questions emphasising it
What made you study law at uni
What made you do the switch from X to wanting to be commercial lawyer
Why not that original career
Why not x career (based on experiences)
Well if that's your reason, then why not Y career?
Just have logical answers and conclusions to why your journey has gone the way it has. Overall, it is VERY partner specific and each interview will vary.
Be prepared to talk about your HS subject choices, Uni choices, fav modules etc.

I was also weirdly asked how many hours I study per week etc haha

Goodluck!

Thank you so much!