TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[elle.brokovitch]

Anyone have any amberjack tips? My scores are always jumbled!

 

[trainee4u]

Anyone have any amberjack tips? My scores are always jumbled!

never ever choose the "i am a failure at this task" option.

show initiative where appropriate (e.g., do work while the partner is out, but don't randomly telephone the client when it's not your role)

 

[kukubird]

Assuming if you breach your contract / privilege you can be, all I've heard of is trainees being told they won't be kept on after their contract finishes - in the specific example I'm talking about the trainee was told maybe 3 months in advance and basically gave up ie WFH a lot and when they did come into the office they declined work etc*

* just an edit: from what I remember the trainee wasn't kept on because they didn't have a 'passion' for the main sectors the firm offered

okay thank you!

i’m just worried about job security as im seeing lots about a bad grad job market etc etc

 

[wqueens8]

okay thank you!

i’m just worried about job security as im seeing lots about a bad grad job market etc etc

yeah i think poor retention at NQ stage is the only worry really, you're unlikely to lose your job mid-TC unless you're genuinely incompetent, commit sometype of misconduct, or the firm goes under (see TM Law).

 

[Bread]

Does anyone know the application process for faegre drinker and Devonshires?

 

[avocadob]

Just had a feedback call with a firm post ac rejection. Essentially, we really liked you and thought you done really well, but 1 answer out of like 60 questions wasn’t that strong so we couldn’t choose you 😀 what the helly

Im so sorryy this sounds so annoying😭 but I was also reflecting how I didn’t answer some ques as strong eg how I stand out- does anyone know if other firms also need each answer to be outstanding otherwise pfo?!😭 @Abbie Whitlock would love your insight too please! (I have messaged you too, would be immensely grateful if you can kindly take a look! )

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Is today gonna be AC day? Here's hoping 🤞

 

[alphabravocharlie]

Have people been invited to PW summer interviews ?

 

[WillKitchen]

Does anyone recall if the Latham & Watkins second stage assessment was automatic or selective based on the first stage application?

 

[Dannie]

Happy Wednesday! The right place is coming for us soon

 

[AbogadaAbocado]

Hello! Does anybody know whether you can apply for both a Mayer Brown VS and a training contract within the same cycle? Thank you.

 

[lawyerof2030]

Thoughts and feelings on this because it's really annoyed me. Certain US law firm is hosting an insight day for a select few of their vacation schemers before the VS begins to encourage them to accept 'potential' TC offers. The remaining VSers have no idea this is happening.

 

[AryanAgg]

Thoughts and feelings on this because it's really annoyed me. Certain US law firm is hosting an insight day for a select few of their vacation schemers before the VS begins to encourage them to accept 'potential' TC offers. The remaining VSers have no idea this is happening.

It is unethical in my opinion. Favoritism on the face of it.

 

[T_03]

Thoughts and feelings on this because it's really annoyed me. Certain US law firm is hosting an insight day for a select few of their vacation schemers before the VS begins to encourage them to accept 'potential' TC offers. The remaining VSers have no idea this is happening.

which firm? this is so weird of them and unfair to other candidates!

 

[Bread]

Thoughts and feelings on this because it's really annoyed me. Certain US law firm is hosting an insight day for a select few of their vacation schemers before the VS begins to encourage them to accept 'potential' TC offers. The remaining VSers have no idea this is happening.

Name and shame

 

[deejaykay]

Thoughts and feelings on this because it's really annoyed me. Certain US law firm is hosting an insight day for a select few of their vacation schemers before the VS begins to encourage them to accept 'potential' TC offers. The remaining VSers have no idea this is happening.

The only thing that comes to mind is WTF.

 

[Mvla]

Thoughts and feelings on this because it's really annoyed me. Certain US law firm is hosting an insight day for a select few of their vacation schemers before the VS begins to encourage them to accept 'potential' TC offers. The remaining VSers have no idea this is happening.

what? that's insane!!! if they're doing that, might as well not have y'all waste your time on the vac scheme!

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Thoughts and feelings on this because it's really annoyed me. Certain US law firm is hosting an insight day for a select few of their vacation schemers before the VS begins to encourage them to accept 'potential' TC offers. The remaining VSers have no idea this is happening.

This is genuinely insane. I cannot believe that any firms would do this

 

[Novaa]

Thoughts and feelings on this because it's really annoyed me. Certain US law firm is hosting an insight day for a select few of their vacation schemers before the VS begins to encourage them to accept 'potential' TC offers. The remaining VSers have no idea this is happening.

I don’t like the lack of transparency and almost sneakiness of it all. Let alone the clear favouritism going on if that’s what the purpose of the insight day is for…

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

Does anyone recall if the Latham & Watkins second stage assessment was automatic or selective based on the first stage application?

Anything concerning Latham isn't auto!