TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

hey would love some input - When doing a 5 min presentation client pitch for a law firm, is it bad if the slides are simple but flashy? What are they looking for here? Can the slides be nice (and still minimal) and should you try to use the a similar template or style as the firm you're interviewing at?

Hello!

I wouldn't worry too much about making the slides flashy (and you might not have time to!). For the presentation, they will be looking at your structure, commercial awareness, and how well you tailor your message to the client.

Therefore, it often helps to go with a simple and polished design for the slides - such as minimal text, clear headings, and clear formatting. This will avoid distracting the client from what you are saying, as you want the slides to support your overall pitch.

Using a similar colour palette or general style to the firm can be a nice touch as it shows attention to detail, but you definitely don't need to use an exact replica. Overall, I'd focus on professionalism and making your slides easy to follow for the client. Your presentation and pitch are likely to matter far more than the slides themselves

 

[174Tess9y3]

Hello!

This is a great question! I did something similar when I participated in BIUCAC, so I'm happy to share what worked for me then!

Generally, these presentations are less about listing everything the firm does, and more about showing that understand the client and what they need. I would structure it in the following way:

1. Opening

Briefly introduce yourself and the team and set out the purpose - why you are here and what you can help the client to achieve. I'd make sure to keep it confident and concise, and avoid rambling!

2. Demonstrate understanding

Show that you understand their commercial context, which can include key challenges in their sector, current market pressures, or what they're trying to achieve. This signals commercial awareness and that you have done your research!

3. Why this firm is the right adviser

This is probably the most important section, and I would focus on 3-4 tailored strengths of the firm that directly meet the clients needs. This could be relevant sector expertise, similar past transactions, cross-practice collaboration, international reach, partner involvement, etc. Make sure that you use specific examples and focus on how these features will help the client achieve what they want out of the transaction.

4. How you would work with them

It might help to briefly outline to the client what your approach would be - e.g. responsiveness, proactive risk management, cost transparency, etc. I'd make sure that you know the firms values and how it markets itself before the AC, as you could demonstrate those values.

5. Conclusion

End your answer by reinforcing how the firm will help them achieve their business objectives, utilise opportunities, and manage any risks in the transaction.

The key part is to avoid making it sounds like you are just listing features about the firm - you want to ensure that your pitch is client-focused and commercially aware.

I hope that assists!

Thank you so much!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Anyone heard from Katten post-app or Orrick post-wg?

I didn’t apply to Orrick but I know a connection received an AC invite

 

[👩🏼💼]

what would you guys take an ac ‘panel interview’ to entail? other tasks stated to be group exercise and WG resit

Is this for Osborne Clarke by any chance?! Which day is your AC? I know Abbie has responded to you already but the panel interview is a mixed interview (combination of strength, motivational and commercial awareness questions) with - in most cases -two partners or sometimes one partner and one AD/senior associate.

 

[helloworld45]

Does anyone know if the Dechert WE includes a VI component, or is it just the written task?

 

[PrayingforaTC2026]

Does anyone know if the Dechert WE includes a VI component, or is it just the written task?

Just written task

 

[hopingforamiracle]

Hey all! have a Cappfinnity assessment coming up and dreading it because the slide scale questions always get to me. So I'm preparing to the cognitive part separately but as for the slide scale, I have heard different experiences; people saying that for instance, if you put it in the middle that shows you're passive as opposed to assertive (just what I heard). Does anyone have any tips or insight into it as an SJT? Had done a few before and I feel like I always don't get something right. Any insight is always appreciated and I'm happy to help with firms like HD

 

[User093269823]

What are guesses for when Slaughters non-law VS offers will get sent out?

 

[user123987]

Does anyone have any advice for how to answer, " If given the opportunity to change or improve one specific aspect of the world, what would it be and why? Please discuss the significance of this change, the steps you would take, the potential benefits it could bring, and any challenges you anticipate."

 

[emma.d]

Anybody who had the Forsters AC today, PM me!

 

[user24710026]

I am worried that they have already sent out offers if they said results from friday as it is has been very very quiet
Hopefully we hear back soon tho cos I was in the first week of interviews so has been almost three weeks and the wait is so bad

Keep your head up! Likelihood is we would have heard if offers went out, sometimes these things just take longer than expected. I'm sure you'll smash it, so don't get down until you hear the result

 

[Applicant7874652]

Guys does anyone have an idea on W&C timeline for spring and summer VS

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

I don’t know how I’m feeling lol I’m so busy now but then there’s an app I made which requires some pre-recorded video responses (with limited prep time for each) and I kinda know I’m not gonna make it to the next stage now that I completed a few with one remaining. Don’t even know what’s the point lol

 

[ash_22]

I haven’t gotten one either but in past years it was the DTC applicants who got the holding email and I also applied for the spring placement scheme so maybe that’s why we haven’t?

That makes sense! Hoping for something this week

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Ropes & Gray PFO, what a day

 

[Cooooooooompany]

Has anyone heard back from Dechert after completing WE on 24th Dec 2025?

 

[GSJ]

anyone heard from debevoise post ac - saw last year staggered vs invites?

 

[User093269823]

Anyone know what the interview to offer rate is for Slaughter and May VS?

 

[sapphireoreos]

how did you find your AC last year? have one upcoming with them and wanting some insight please

Feel free to DM

 

[Saul_specter]

Anyone know how long travers take to get back