TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

does anyone know where i can find practice written assessments, preferably 40 mins long

Hello!

A few resources below that I used / might be useful:

• Definitive Guide to Law Firm Case Studies (whilst this is a case study, instead of a written exercise, I found it super useful last cycle!)
• TCLA Written Exercises (a good way to practice if you are able to pay to access resources)
• Some law firms upload example written exercises online - I believe DWF has one available!

Hopefully they help as a starting point - best of luck!

 

[Novaa]

Damn I thought I was about to hear a confession… I was like oooh I have some things I could add to the logbook of shame! nvm xxx

LOOL not me making myself giggle then going about my journey but I mean if the people want a support club then…

 

[bluesky]

hey @Abbie Whitlock i hope you are well!

What is the best way to answer what news have you been following recently? I have a timeline of major breakthroughs that occurred, which multiple different news outlets have covered. But I am unsure of what questions I could be asked, and how long and how detailed I need to understand it.

Thank you so much !!

 

[Shiv Lawy]

My inbox is so dryyyy. I've been helping friends prepare for ACs and so desperately want one myself. Sadly not hearing much back so I fear the worst. Still time to apply for DTC but damn.

 

[qwerty!]

does anyone else relate to the PRE ac dread i’m obvs grateful to get the opportunity but the idea of being sat in a commercial interview in less than 2 days fills me with dread

 

[Novaa]

your turn is coming nova, any minute now and you'll hear good news too!!

You’re actually the best and I really appreciate this!!

Really rooting for us, hopefully some good mews comes your way too!!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Anyone who did their W&C VI post Jan 26 and got a WE?

 

[Dannie]

IS W&C Interview automatic after the WE?

 

[t2025]

Hellooo, please could anybody this cycle / last that completed an AC at Baker McKenzie dm me?

 

[Arv_329]

Has anyone got slaughter pfo yet

 

[ellewoods26]

Hi! Would anyone like to exchange insights about the Cleary Gottlieb AC or Jones Day AC? I'm happy to help with Dechert (WE, AC, VS), Weil VI, Freshfields Stage 2, Hogan Lovells Stage 2, Mayer Brown VI, as well as insights from Weil Open Day, King and Spalding Open Day, Hogan Lovells Open Day, Skadden Open Day etc.

 

[ilikelaw]

anyone else just been ghosted by ashurst like cmon i wanna know if i can book my overtime

(edit: iirc the email said we would hear back by 27/02... the dreaded pfo day is getting closer...)

 

[FutureLawyer_]

anyone else just been ghosted by ashurst like cmon i wanna know if i can book my overtime

(edit: iirc the email said we would hear back by 27/02... the dreaded pfo day is getting closer...)

Feel like it’s a pfo atp haha

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

anyone else just been ghosted by ashurst like cmon i wanna know if i can book my overtime

(edit: iirc the email said we would hear back by 27/02... the dreaded pfo day is getting closer...)

They'll wait until the 27th to give us a PFO
Last year, I got a pfo three months after I applied

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hi! Would anyone like to exchange insights about the Cleary Gottlieb AC or Jones Day AC? I'm happy to help with Dechert (WE, AC, VS), Weil VI, Freshfields Stage 2, Hogan Lovells Stage 2, Mayer Brown VI, as well as insights from Weil Open Day, King and Spalding Open Day, Hogan Lovells Open Day, Skadden Open Day etc.

Looks like we have another ellewoods on the forum now. This is @elle woods and @ellewoods26 after seeing they have the same usernames:

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Maybe this is not the best place to ask but I’m still quite new to everything on here.
If you got a vac scheme with a huge international firm known everywhere with 40+ offices across the world and let’s say you were successful and got a TC for 2027 or 2028. ( literally me manifesting rn lmfao)

Or you had offered straight away a TC to start 2026 with a independent law firm ( let’s say 100 people) that has just one office domestic work but also advises a lot of international companies within that area. You’re happy with the sectors and the salary.

What would you pick?

Would you wait. But if you said no to the independent law firm maybe then there’s the risk of not being successful at the vac scheme for the other firm so you’d chase 2 rabbits but get none…….

 

[Hopeful applicant]

yes but I don't think they send the WG in batches....

it will forever be a mystery to me why firms do not reject applicants when they know they will not accept them

 

[sqe4676]

If anyone has done CPS's training contract VI could you please drop me a message lovelies xx

 

[8law]

does anyone have tips for mills and reeve AC ?

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

IM AC tomorrow, pretty much all hires on my stream at my location have been previous paralegals at the company. So not feeling ideal, but will give it a go regardless.