TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[TCComingSoon]

Is anyone still waiting from CMS for apprenticeship post wg. I know some got the VI today.

 

[user55998384]

Anyyyyy CMS VI insights woulld be appreciated!!!

 

[jamsparkle]

cleary gottlieb open day is virtual... i'm still kind of irritated that i had to write a cover letter for an online insight day? I feel like the whole benefit of an open day is getting to go and look at the office and get a feel for the people there (and the free merch) - anything that can be done on an online open day is surely something that they could've just put on youtube etc? also makes it feel like it was probably not that selective (so again why ask for cover letters?)

 

[TortillaTC]

cleary gottlieb open day is virtual... i'm still kind of irritated that i had to write a cover letter for an online insight day? I feel like the whole benefit of an open day is getting to go and look at the office and get a feel for the people there (and the free merch) - anything that can be done on an online open day is surely something that they could've just put on youtube etc? also makes it feel like it was probably not that selective (so again why ask for cover letters?)

Sad thing is it was probably still selective despite being online

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Congrats, same here! Do you have any idea of what sort of questions to anticipate?

Congrats to you too!! I’m guessing general motivational questions plus maybe some questions about what we’ve written on our application

 

[Donna Paulsen]

@Jaysen love the Corporate Finance YouTube video! Feeling like a finance bro now

Highly recommend to anyone who struggles with the financial side of commercial law #notsponsored

 

[user123987]

Any CMS VI insights for IP? Would be much appreciated

 

[Louis Litt]

Seeing conflicting advice on TikTok. Are roles like timekeeping in group tasks something to avoid?

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

Seeing conflicting advice on TikTok. Are roles like timekeeping in group tasks something to avoid?

I don't think any "role" per se is "bad" to take up (of course, unless it's the role of the dominator etc.) I think why some people tell you to avoid being timekeeper is because often people fight to keep time, but the person who ends up keeping the time doesn't participate as much in the actual group discussion because they're so focused on the timekeeping.

So if you can keep an eye on the time whilst still being an active participant, I don't think being timekeeper is bad. It is only when that thing becomes your only role is when I would advise against it. And of course, if you take responsibility for something, you have to see it through. If you volunteer as timekeeper but forget to inform everyone there are only 5 mins left...not a great look lol.

So in the true lawyerly fashion: the answer is, it depends.

 

[co1004co]

Hi @Jaysen @Abbie Whitlock , I was wondering whether anyone can offer guidance on case studies involving restructuring and capital markets? I known M&A case studies are very popular but the firm I have got an interview with is also known for restructuring. Any tips/resources would be very helpful, and just in general what would a non-M&A case study look like?

Thanks everyone,

 

[Dannie]

Wishing everyone a beautiful day!

 

[soph107048]

@Abbie Whitlock hey Abbie, would be grateful for some guidance on the below. I’ve just gotten my first VS offer and was informed yesterday that I should be aiming for 3-5 coffee chats a day?? My first question is, won’t I have work to do? If I do, do I still go up and ask for coffee chats, and if so, won’t that reflect badly on me?

Also I’m not quite sure how to approach people. Obviously you get plenty of exposure to trainees, but would one just waltz into a partners or associates office and ask to have a conversation? I’m assuming they will obviously be very busy.

Also do I just talk to them about ongoing commercial developments/deals they’ve done? Like “hey what do you think abour X development”? Or do they expect more open curiosity about their work specifically. This coffee chat concept has me mildly losing my mind

 

[thepfocollector]

How come you think that? But exciting and scary at the same time!

I contacted the early careers team and they said they should be able to communicate outcomes this week

 

[CharlieandLola]

I contacted the early careers team and they said they should be able to communicate outcomes this week

Fingers crossed for everyone!!

 

[nicoledm]

Does anyone have any SPB AC insights?

 

[law2026c]

What are the benefits of applying for a dtc over a vs as a second year?

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Hey everyone. And hi @Abbie Whitlock if you could please have some insight to this, that would be great.

Is it considered weird to reach out to trainee solicitors before an AC? Obv in regards to what they like about the firm. Reach out to them on LinkedIn? Or is this considered bad practice for future ACs? And would it be bad to ask how they found the interview- and whether the firm prefers a more formal ( neutral approach) or a chatty one

Thanks everyone!! Have a good day

 

[alphabravocharlie]

@Abbie Whitlock hey Abbie, would be grateful for some guidance on the below. I’ve just gotten my first VS offer and was informed yesterday that I should be aiming for 3-5 coffee chats a day?? My first question is, won’t I have work to do? If I do, do I still go up and ask for coffee chats, and if so, won’t that reflect badly on me?

Also I’m not quite sure how to approach people. Obviously you get plenty of exposure to trainees, but would one just waltz into a partners or associates office and ask to have a conversation? I’m assuming they will obviously be very busy.

Also do I just talk to them about ongoing commercial developments/deals they’ve done? Like “hey what do you think abour X development”? Or do they expect more open curiosity about their work specifically. This coffee chat concept has me mildly losing my mind

Surely 3-5 chats a day over two weeks is excessive ?

 

[summerzxa]

Anyone heard from Winston & Strawn after interview?

Have you heard back yet?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi there! Was the final TC interview different to the partner interview? If so, can you please outline how it was different, and what the final TC interview focused on?

Hi!

Unfortunately, I can't go into the specifics of the final TC interview, but I'd say it was pretty similar to the partner interview! There were a few additional elements, but nothing that was out of the ordinary - therefore, I would prepare for it like you would any final TC interview