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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Slaughter & May PFO. Yay so happy
honestly I'd be very wary of the VS vs DTC stats. For example, I applied to CRS DTC on the basis here that
50%-100% from direct TC applications
CRS
Plus:
"No, we recruit from both the placement scheme and direct training contract route. A placement scheme is useful if you also want to gain some legal work experience as part of your application process but isn’t required. We equally recruit our trainees from both routes, so we recommend applying for the route that best suits you. "
However, in reality
"
Thank you for your patience as we review your application.
We appreciate that it has taken longer than we hoped to get back to you. We experienced a significant increase in applications this year and reviewed our Placement Scheme applications first as these take place before our Direct Training Contract assessment days. We are still making decisions and appreciate your understanding."
Best IMO is to assume that unless there is no VS route, then VS is preferred.
They have an arcade in their office for a reason lol
So grateful to have embarked on this journey. It's had its tough times, but truly, the people I've met throughout this journey have made it worth it! I came into this field dreading the networking, but now, I am ecstatic whenever I make a new friend or have the opportunity to attend an event 
Here's to many more peaks and troughs, as well as new friendships along the way! 
Here's to many more peaks and troughs, as well as new friendships along the way! 
Freshfields DTC offer. Latham SVS offer. Been applying for three years. If you’ve just started this year or feel it’s all hopeless, just know that I fumbled my Ashurst AC last year and didn’t have a single other AC. Think it’s fair to say my options this year have turned around. Keep applying - it’ll come eventually!
Thank you so much Abbie, this is really helpful!Hey!
With restructuring case studies, the emphasis usually shifts from "should this deal happen?" to "how do we deal with a company in trouble?". Therefore, you'll typically be given a scenario where a business is under financial pressure, and your job is to diagnose what is wrong and think through realistic solutions to assist the business. This could involve looking at cash flow issues, debt levels, or external pressures, and then considering options like refinancing, selling parts of the business, or some form of insolvency process. I'd say that a big part of what they are assessing is whether you can think in a balanced way and reach a solution that benefits a wide variety of stakeholders (e.g. creditors, shareholders, and management).
Capital markets case studies are also slightly different, and tend to be more about advising a company on how to raise money or access the market. Therefore, you might be weighing up options such as issuing shares versus taking on debt. The focus is less on technical knowledge (so try not to panic too much!), and more on your ability to think through timing, market conditions, and risk - essentially, you should show why one option might be more attractive than another in a given situation.
In terms of structure, I would say that they are actually quite similar to M&A case studies. You still want to clearly set out the key issues, work through the options in a logical way, and then land on well-reasoned recommendation - the main difference is just the context.
For preparation, it might be worth getting familiar with the basics of restructuring (like the different routes a distressed company can take and how creditors rank) and keep an eye on the wider economic picture in your commercial awareness preparation, particularly things such as interests rates. I always found Investopedia handy for learning new concepts, so it might be worth checking those out! Additionally, Jaysen has recently released a video that explains Corporate Finance, which I'd definitely recommend to provide some wider context
Best of luck with the interview!!
I really had no idea where to start so i really appreciate you taking the time to help!
Thanks again
It is looking increasingly likely I may get a PFO from Mishcon on BTS's comeback date which is quite frankly rude 
I’ve heard from 2 people with interviews in late February that they received offers today. Mind if I ask you when your interview was? Mine was March so I’m hoping they’re starting with the earlier ones.
Hey! I got a call today for the scheme ! I'm assuming they will be calling over the rest of the week too as the call was quite late in the day
Wishing you luck!
Hi, I have a first-stage interview for an in-house internship tomorrow. This is basically the only interview I secured this cycle, so I am a bit nervous, ngl. The interview invite mentioned that the interview will focus on motivation and skills, and it will run for 45 minutes. It is going to be a 2-person panel with the Principal Counsel and Counsel. I would appreciate any advice anyone has for panel interviews. Thank you!
Hi!
No problem!
Yes, this is completely normal, I'd just give your supervisor a heads-up so they know where you have gone! It is expected that you will be popping in and out for scheduled sessions anyway, so I'd just communicate with your supervisor when you can.
In terms of asking for work, I'd say that this differs between firms, and I found that on most of my schemes I mainly received work from my supervisor and those in the same team. It is pretty normal to take a walk around the department you are in on your first day, and many people will usually offer to send you across some work (which I'd accept if you have capacity). However, for most firms, you don't have to necessarily reach out to other lawyers that aren't in your department to ask for work. Given the fact that you will likely have scheduled sessions, coffee chats, and work from your supervisor, you might not have any time to complete work for others in the office, so I'd focus on the tasks from your supervisor first and foremost.
I think there are differing opinions on your point about staying in the office longer, and it usually differs between firms and departments. In my view, during a vacation scheme, you won't be expected (+ probably shouldn't be!) staying much longer than the scheduled work hours. If you are finishing off a task or chatting to your supervisor, it is perfectly fine to stay a little later and this could show commitment and willingness to exceed expectations. However, I would generally avoid staying for extended periods outside of work hours, as this isn't expected on a vacation scheme (though I have heard stories from some US firms!).
I hope that assists, but do send across any other questions you have!
Hey!
I would treat this as a motivation + self-awareness question, rather than trying to name a "perfect" firm. In practice, I'd avoid saying that you have a single "dream firm" unless it is the firm you are interviewing with. Instead, I'd frame your answer around what your ideal firm looks like, and then link it back to them.
For example, you could say that you are looking for a firm with a strong international platform, high-quality work in X area, and a collaborative culture - then, I'd explain why that aligns with what you have learned about the firm. It also helps to back up any points that you make with evidence from your past experiences or future career goals (e.g. if you say you are interested in working in X area, back it up with your experience from studying it at university, etc.). If they push you to be more direct (which I think is unlikely!), it is fine to say that the firm you are interviewing with is your top choice based on your research and experiences. However, I'd keep this grounded in evidence and avoid saying anything that sounds overly rehearsed or unrealistic (as no firm is perfect!).
The key is to show that you have thought seriously about what you want, your criteria are commercially aware and realistic (e.g. go beyond "working with nice people"), and that there is a clear and genuine link to the firm you are interviewing at. It is less about naming a "dream" firm, and more about demonstrating why you are a good fit for this firm (based on clear reasoning).
Best of luck with the interview!
Hello!Advice needed! I have been fortunate enough to receive a direct TC offer from a firm, with only 1 week to accept the offer. I have another vacation scheme coming up next month with my dream firm. I really want to try my luck with my dream firm, but also don't want to turn down a guaranteed TC at the other firm (I have asked and they are unwilling to extend the offer deadline). Any advice on how to proceed ?@Abbie Whitlock
Congratulations on the TC offer, and the VS offer!!
In practice, many people in this situation will choose to accept the TC to secure the offer, and then still go ahead with the vacation scheme. If they later receive an offer from their preferred firm, they may withdraw from the first TC.
However, I'd definitely be mindful of a few important caveats. First, I'd check the terms of the TC and VS offers carefully - some firms include clauses that state you must not complete a vacation scheme if you have already accepted a TC, etc. Second, I'd make sure that you wouldn't be accepting any financial assistance from the DTC firm (e.g. PGDL or SQE funding) before reneging, as you might be required to pay it back.
If you do later renege, it is important to handle it professionally and give as much notice as possible. It is not an ideal situation, but firms are generally aware that candidates are navigating multiple processes, and this does happen. I'd just make sure that you consider the risks and proceed with what you are comfortable with. Best of luck!
Has anyone gotten good or bad news from SH post VI? I know one person did but just wondering if rejections come out first or offers!
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