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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

This advice man :’) who knew there’s angels in law
We’ve had all of the following people on the forum now which is acc funny asf ngl:

Harvey Specter (Presiding Partner)
Jessica Pearson (Managing Director)
Donna Paulson
Mike Ross
Elle Woods
Louis Litt
Harold Gunderson (newest addition)
Lord Sumption (can’t forget the legend)

Are we missing anyone important? If we are who’s gna take it for the team and fill the gap?​
 
Last edited:

ABC234

Valued Member
Jun 11, 2024
107
176
We’ve had all of the following people on the forum now which is acc funny asf ngl:

Harvey Specter (Presiding Partner)
Jessica Pearson (Managing Director)
Donna Paulson
Mike Ross
Elle Woods
Louis Litt

Are we missing anyone important? If we are who’s gna take it for the team and fill the gap?​
Perhaps Samantha Wheeler and Alex Williams
 

Donna Paulsen

Legendary Member
  • Sep 23, 2025
    342
    1,098
    We’ve had all of the following people on the forum now which is acc funny asf ngl:

    Harvey Specter (Presiding Partner)
    Jessica Pearson (Managing Director)
    Donna Paulson
    Mike Ross
    Elle Woods
    Louis Litt

    Are we missing anyone important? If we are who’s gna take it for the team and fill the gap?​
    Harold Gunderson x
     

    abc124

    Legendary Member
    Aug 9, 2025
    215
    202
    Yes, I agree!! I have never used this test provider before and cannot find any online practice materials. Plus, I don't know how many stages there are for this role, since it is an immediate start, they don't really have much time to complete the recruitment process. Maybe they won't look at the cv and just chuck out apps based on the test results and then do a final interview, who knows 🤷‍♀️
    Yeah I couldn't find any practice tests either unfortunately. I looked at the test provider's website and I think ai calculates your overall 'alignment score' so they'll probably use that to quickly filter out a lot of applications. Then maybe they'll be able to afford spending a few days skimming cvs and cover letters before interviews. There's lowkey no info online :')
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: km20

    i-want-a-tc

    Esteemed Member
    Premium Member
    Feb 18, 2025
    82
    101
    Hi everyone,


    I have a vacation scheme with a US firm and am eager to convert it to a training contract—I don't want to go through another application cycle, as I'm sure you can all understand!


    I was wondering if anyone has tips for dealing with imposter syndrome? I'm not from a Russell Group or Oxbridge university and will likely be the only one there without that background. How can I stay confident, let myself shine, and not feel intimidated by the other vacation schemers?

    Thanks!
    Aside from confidence, show your interest in the work you're doing. Ask questions, go for coffee chats and ask insightful questions, offer your opinion when the situation calls for it, be bold, don't be a backbencher but also find balance so you're not talking too much, taking over the vac scheme, etc.

    Wishing you the best and hopefully you convert!
     

    ABC234

    Valued Member
    Jun 11, 2024
    107
    176
    Aside from confidence, show your interest in the work you're doing. Ask questions, go for coffee chats and ask insightful questions, offer your opinion when the situation calls for it, be bold, don't be a backbencher but also find balance so you're not talking too much, taking over the vac scheme, etc.

    Wishing you the best and hopefully you convert!
    Thank you so much!
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: i-want-a-tc

    msclm

    Valued Member
  • Oct 22, 2024
    115
    417
    Has anyone heard positively from Sidley for summer? Have seen a few PFOs but wondering if anyone has actually progressed to TI yet. Ta!

    People have contacted me asking for advice for the final round interview. But again, they don’t stop TI invites just because people have made it to the partner interview.
     

    Abbie Whitlock

    Administrator
    Staff member
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    Sep 11, 2025
    909
    1,010
    does anyone know what firm's policies tend to be re travel reimbursements for transport to ACs if I take a flight from abroad? The firm explicitly states they are willing to reimburse £90 for standard-class transport. Am I stretching it if I ask for that same £90 to cover part of my flights?
    Hey!

    Congratulations on the AC!!

    I couldn't say for certain what that specific firm's policy would be, as it really varies between firms. I would imagine that as it is the 'standard-class' travel to get from where you are to the AC, some firms would be happy to reimburse that, but I'd double-check with them.

    I definitely don't think it is unreasonable to ask - I would just frame it as a clarification, rather than an expectation. As long as you are polite and make it clear that you are simply checking whether it can be applied toward your flight, it shouldn't reflect badly on you :)
     

    Lord Sumption

    Esteemed Member
    Premium Member
  • Nov 11, 2022
    80
    180
    We’ve had all of the following people on the forum now which is acc funny asf ngl:

    Harvey Specter (Presiding Partner)
    Jessica Pearson (Managing Director)
    Donna Paulson
    Mike Ross
    Elle Woods
    Louis Litt
    Harold Gunderson (newest addition)

    Are we missing anyone important? If we are who’s gna take it for the team and fill the gap?​
    Still here too ;)
     

    Lord Sumption

    Esteemed Member
    Premium Member
  • Nov 11, 2022
    80
    180
    Hi @Abbie Whitlock

    I hope you are well! Thank you for answering my question last week by the way.

    Another silly question, but it's been on my mind a lot and haven't found an answer to it online but I genuinely love the idea of working late to close deals and thrive on the long hours of commercial law - it’s actually something I find exciting rather than draining. I know many people don’t feel this way.

    If asked in an interview, “Why this firm?”, would it be appropriate to say something like: after speaking to a trainee at [Firm X], I learned they often work late on M&A transactions, and for me personally, that’s exactly the kind of work I enjoy. I’m happy to put in the extra hours and work hard because I find it engaging and fulfilling.

    I know this might sound a bit unusual, but I’ve genuinely experienced this during a vacation scheme, often working until 1–2am, and I loved it. Would sharing that experience come across positively in an interview, or could it seem strange to a Partner?

    Thank you so much in advance and I hope I make sense in this question!
     

    Saul_specter

    Esteemed Member
    Jan 26, 2025
    79
    80
    does anyone know what firm's policies tend to be re travel reimbursements for transport to ACs if I take a flight from abroad? The firm explicitly states they are willing to reimburse £90 for standard-class transport. Am I stretching it if I ask for that same £90 to cover part of my flights?
    you shld be fine. my mates who are on years abroad all had their flights reimbursed for acs and even insight evenings as long as is under the cap
    (flights were inter europe ofc)
     

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