TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Has anyone had any luck reaching out to trainees etc on linkedin looking for insights into interviews?

Hey!

I did this before a few of my vacation schemes and I had a lot of success with it! I would actually encourage you to reach out to future trainees before trainees, as they will likely have more free time to assist you and will have gone through the process recently. I was lucky enough to have a few zoom calls with future trainees at the firms I had VS' with, and they were really useful in offering tips and helping to calm my nerves!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

As part of a written question, a firm is asking how would you approach working with people of different ages in the firm, does anyone have any tips on how to answer this?
In previous jobs (non-law) I've worked with people of all age groups, is it worth mentioning that here?

Hey!

Yes, I'd say it is definitely worth mentioning your non-law experience here. You could suggest things such as:

• A multi-generational firm will have different communication styles and levels of experience
• You'd adapt your approach depending on the individual (e.g. being proactive and receptive to feedback with senior colleagues, collaborative and supportive with peers, etc.)
• Your previous roles show you are comfortable working with people of different ages and can communicate appropriately (+ you might include a brief example here to demonstrate your point).

Therefore, it is definitely worth mentioning - I'd just try to keep it focused on respect and willingness to learn / adapt

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hey Abbie, hope you’re well!

I’ve got an interview coming up with Winston & Strawn and was hoping to get your view on how best to approach it given the merger with Taylor Wessing.

For my “why this firm” answer, I was planning to talk about Winston’s smaller, specialised London team and the exposure and responsibility that comes with that. With the merger though, I’m conscious that the firm’s structure and positioning are likely to change.

Do you think it’s still appropriate to reference the benefits of the smaller team environment, or would it be better to focus more on the opportunities created by being part of a larger, integrated platform? Do you have any other ideas for how to approach the merger in other aspects of the interview as well?

Thank you!

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too!

I would approach it by showing that your reasoning still holds, but that you understand the firm is evolving and merging. With Winston & Strawn, you can still talk about being drawn to a lean London office where trainees can gain meaningful responsibility and close partner contact. This doesn't necessarily disappear if the firm grows, and could even become more valuable within a larger firm.

Therefore, rather than choosing between "small team" or "big global firm", I'd try to position it as a combination - this could perhaps look like the entrepreneurial feel of the London office alongside the international strength and client base that comes with a larger scale. This shows that you are thinking commercially about the future of the firm.

However, if in doubt, I would say that it is best to reference the benefits of the firm as it is. It is difficult to predict how the firm might change once the merger takes place, and it is better to root your answer in facts than to speculate on the future.

If the topic comes up elsewhere, you could discuss how expansion can deepen sector expertises, strengthen cross-border work and create additional professional development opportunities. The key is to show that you are aware of the consequences of the merger, and can see the growth as purposeful.

Best of luck!

 

[Raven_111]

Anyone have any tips for Russell-Cookes Video Interview over teams. After not receiving anything from firms this cycle, I finally managed to get to a firms next stage. I heard it was quite informal but that was it. Any insight would be great please. I am struggling on how to prepare and feel like i'll fumble it.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Anything from Orrick today??

 

[AryanAgg]

@Abbie Whitlock

Hey Abbie, hope you’re well!

I’ve got an interview coming up with Winston & Strawn and was hoping to get your view on how best to approach it given the merger with Taylor Wessing.

For my “why this firm” answer, I was planning to talk about Winston’s smaller, specialised London team and the exposure and responsibility that comes with that. With the merger though, I’m conscious that the firm’s structure and positioning are likely to change.

Do you think it’s still appropriate to reference the benefits of the smaller team environment, or would it be better to focus more on the opportunities created by being part of a larger, integrated platform? Do you have any other ideas for how to approach the merger in other aspects of the interview as well?

Thank you!

do they send all interview invites at once or in batches?

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Hi guys,

I just have a question. If you applied this year for example and got rejections post VI, AC etc

Do you have a less chance next year just because you applied the year before? And they don’t want to assess you again? Or the same chance as last year? Thank you!

 

[hanz123]

@Abbie Whitlock Hey Abbie how would you approach the question why law for a telephone interview at a commercial law firm

 

[jagath]

(off topic) is anyone familiar with kaspas ice cream? i saw this in one of their stores today

i looked at their variety of flavours and i find it incredibly hard to believe that there is “nothing artificial” in the ice cream. is there any way i can force them to say what the ingredients are?????

 

[privateequitywarrior]

Hi guys,

I just have a question. If you applied this year for example and got rejections post VI, AC etc

Do you have a less chance next year just because you applied the year before? And they don’t want to assess you again? Or the same chance as last year? Thank you!

Differs for every firm. Some firms like Travers and Jones Day will not interview you a second time. I did a Weil VI 2 years ago, and made the AC this year

 

[astrid177]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu !!
I have an upcoming AC, it’s also my first ever one and I was wondering if you might have any tips on preparing for commercial awareness questions. In particular, I’d really appreciate any pointers on following current affairs or good starting points for topics like geopolitical issues, the use of AI, and key considerations for public companies. Thank you so much !

 

[boots pharmacy]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu !!
I have an upcoming AC, it’s also my first ever one and I was wondering if you might have any tips on preparing for commercial awareness questions. In particular, I’d really appreciate any pointers on following current affairs or good starting points for topics like geopolitical issues, the use of AI, and key considerations for public companies. Thank you so much !

Not Abbie or Andrei, but The Lawyer podcast is great. Law Disrupted also great, hosted by John B Quinn; managing partner of Quinn Emannuel. He gets some serious heavy hitters on for guests.

 

[boots pharmacy]

Has anyone had any luck reaching out to trainees etc on linkedin looking for insights into interviews?

Haven't had the most success with blind messages. Always best if you can ask a senior or friend from university to introduce you, even if it's just an acquaintance.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

What is going on with Gibson Dunn? Have they reached out for summer post assessment?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Not Abbie or Andrei, but The Lawyer podcast is great. Law Disrupted also great, hosted by John B Quinn; managing partner of Quinn Emannuel. He gets some serious heavy hitters on for guests.

I’m gna be the next guest speaker. We’re gna talk about my latest brand deal with Harvey AI and the future of US law firms so tune in guys!

Gabriel Macht Partners with Harvey

Harvey is the platform built to meet the standards of the world’s leading professional service firms.‌

www.harvey.ai

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Calls about AC invites?
I couldve sworn I saw people mention Dechert WEs not too long ago.

Yeah idk what's going on with dechert and if they do batches/rolling. And yeah it was surprising to get a call.

 

[boots pharmacy]

Does anybody know where or how to find conversion rate % statistics/word of mouth information on vac schemes?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

dla piper assessment centre rejection!

I was thinking maybe it’s because I’m 27 I have feedback in two weeks. I just feel so sad because I really vibed with the partner. He smiled continuously and said I asked super thoughtful questions and said I did well, but maybe they said this to everyone during the interview. No one from our group interview passed; we did have a dominant leader who lead the group and failed to keep the time and spoke over other people. I don’t know if it’s that, but I will wait for feedback.

It is what it is, we keep moving forward. eh maybe this is my 5th rejection post VI of the year but can’t do anything just to keep going.

Seriously questioning if there is something wrong with me. But then I remember before this forum, I’d get no interviews at all. Since I joined on here I get interviews. I also got an interview coach, im doing the most I possibly can. I can’t do more than I am already doing. It only takes ONE YES. Now I will just ask myself “ is this really the firm for me? Do I want this? “ instead of “ will they like me? What if they don’t”

we keep pushing forward. Hang in there everyone. Better days are coming.

Hey. Firstly, congratulations on making it to the AC. This is in itself a huge achievement.

Apologies in advance for the unsolicited advice that I am about to give.
Firstly, this is your first AC and they take practice. It's good that you're getting feedback as this is ofc going to give you a road map for how to improve going forward.

It is difficult to assess on your own how you did so I would say don't stress about it in the meantime.

I have had a similar situation where someone took control of the group. I have no idea of how they did outside of that and this may be incorrect advice but my thinking is that it is important to know how to navigate situations like this. You can try and be direct and say hey, I haven't heard from xyz or we need to move on to abc. Things like timekeeping shouldn't be relied on one person as if they are like this or make a mistake, it negatively affect everyone. At the end of the day, firms want to see how you work with people which includes collaborating with difficult personalities.

I hope this helps.

P.S. how do you know how people did?

 

[boots pharmacy]

What is going on with Gibson Dunn? Have they reached out for summer post assessment?

They were one of my first applications back in Sep IIRC. No news since then! 5 months! I've emailed to chase & will share results.

 

[boots pharmacy]

Not Abbie or Andrei, but The Lawyer podcast is great. Law Disrupted also great, hosted by John B Quinn; managing partner of Quinn Emannuel. He gets some serious heavy hitters on for guests.

Feels like there should be a secret forum achievement for gaining likes from both Harvey & Donna on the same post...