TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Allura Grant]

anyone got a w&c pfo?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

just told i failed my Sidley HR call. i'm lowkey convinced im just unlikable because i've failed 2 ACs and couldn't pass this call. i did so much research so idk where im going wrong atp.

also they don't even give feedback?

Hey!

I'm really sorry to hear that - getting a rejection after you have clearly put in a lot of effort without research is definitely frustrating, and it is totally normal to feel upset about it.

However, I really wouldn't jump to the conclusion that you are "unlikeable" at all - that is almost never what these outcomes come down to. At the AC or interview stage, margins are extremely fine and decisions can hinge on really small things (such as slight differences in answers or even just how others performed in comparison). Being unsuccessful in a couple of ACs and interviews isn't a reflection of your personality at all, and is unfortunately just part of a very competitive process.

The fact that you have reached multiple ACs and interviews already is a really strong sign that you are doing a lot right! Plenty of candidates will get multiple rejections at this stage before receiving a TC offer! I know I definitely felt I similar way to you after being rejected after vacation schemes, and often worried it was based on personality, but ultimately I ended up at the firm that is the best fit for me anyway. Sometimes it might not be a good "fit" necessarily, even if you performed well and were likeable, and that's okay! You'll end up at the firm that is the right fit for you, and your prior experiences at these ACs and interviews will help you get there.

I can definitely see how the lack of feedback is frustrating, even if it is unfortunately relatively common in the process. If it helps, you could perhaps reflect a bit on:

• How you are coming across in terms of structure and clarity in your answers (this is one of the main things I worked on, as I knew I tended to ramble under pressure!)
• Whether you are being specific enough with examples and applying them well
• How you are demonstrating "fit" for the firm beyond research (e.g. motivations, commercial awareness applied specifically to them, etc.)

I know it is easier said than done, but try not to let this knock your confidence too much! You are clearly getting close, and that usually means it is a matter of making small tweaks to your technique, rather than that you are doing anything fundamentally wrong.

We'll all be rooting for you!

 

[Partcore22]

They get back on 6th April!

wait how do u kno?

 

[Partcore22]

Anyone heard from DACB Manchester?

vac scheme or training contract

 

[DennyCrane]

Sidley Austin PFO. Entirely expected since it was one of my first applications

 

[Partcore22]

Does anyone know if DWF Birmingham run two schemes and what the dates are

did u apply for bham office, i havent heard anything

 

[alanshore]

Sidley Austin PFO. Entirely expected since it was one of my first applications

There's always Crane, Poole and Schmidt to go back to

 

[DennyCrane]

There's always Crane, Poole and Schmidt to go back to

Denny Crane

 

[MET21]

Out of curiosity, is anyone else still waiting to hear back from Bakers post summer vac scheme AC?

 

[Hector123]

Stephenson Harwood post VI update anyone? x

 

[Justin]

Anyone heard from Irwin Mitchell AC?

 

[Bah Bah Pink Sheep]

As I have come to the end of this cycle, I wanted to do a small round-up! (I saw others doing this previously and wanted to do one of my own):

My Results From The 2025/26 Cycle
Out of a total of 17 applications (16 VS, 1 TC), here are my (not so amazing) results: Made it only to Application Review/ Online First Stage Test with: 10 Made it to Video Interview/ Written Exercise with: 7 Made it to Assessment Centre with: 6 Final number of Offers: 2 VS This sheep is hoping to leave this cycle with at least 1 TC!

Oh. 6 7... Anyways, it's quite clear that my main pitfalls are my application writing/test taking abilities, as well as my AC performance. It's quite helpful to lay it all out like this! Fingers crossed for everyone doing a scheme soon - let's hope we all convert! And best of luck to those who are waiting to hear back

 

[radicaloptimist]

Telephone interview for Browne Jacobson (Manchester office)!! Please if anyone can give any insight or advice, I’d really appreciate it! I’ve never done a TI before eeeek

 

[Florencejones]

Browne Jacobson TI (Birmingham office) I’m aware a few people have already had this so any insight would be appreciated

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

As I have come to the end of this cycle, I wanted to do a small round-up! (I saw others doing this previously and wanted to do one of my own):

My Results From The 2025/26 Cycle
Out of a total of 17 applications (16 VS, 1 TC), here are my (not so amazing) results: Made it only to Application Review/ Online First Stage Test with: 10 Made it to Video Interview/ Written Exercise with: 7 Made it to Assessment Centre with: 6 Final number of Offers: 2 VS This sheep is hoping to leave this cycle with at least 1 TC!

Oh. 6 7... Anyways, it's quite clear that my main pitfalls are my application writing/test taking abilities, as well as my AC performance. It's quite helpful to lay it all out like this! Fingers crossed for everyone doing a scheme soon - let's hope we all convert! And best of luck to those who are waiting to hear back

I love this (though I love most pink things, haha!)!! Definitely don't discredit yourself - two vacation scheme offers is an amazing result, and you should be super proud! Making it to 6 assessment centres is seriously impressive too, and it shows that your applications and interview skills are clearly strong!

Wishing you the best of luck with your schemes - I hope that you enjoy them too!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Telephone interview for Browne Jacobson (Manchester office)!! Please if anyone can give any insight or advice, I’d really appreciate it! I’ve never done a TI before eeeek

Hello!

Congratulations on the TI invite, that is amazing news!!

Whilst I don't have any specific insights into Browne Jacobson's telephone interview, I have made a few general posts previously on how I'd prepare for a TI - I have quoted them below. Wishing you the best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!

Hey!

Congratulations on being invited to the telephone interview stage!

Whilst I‘m not too sure on the specifics of Akin’s process, telephone interviews tend to focus on getting to know you and discussing your motivations for applying to the firm. If I was preparing for a telephone interview, I would focus on:

1. Motivational Questions

I would generally expect the classic three questions - why commercial law, why Akin, and why you. This can come in various forms, such as “why are you interested in our core practice areas” or “what makes you a good fit for Akin’s culture”. These approaches tend to blend a few of the motivational questions together, so I would just make sure that you address each aspect when answering the questions.

2. Competency Questions and Scenario Questions

I’d expect the common ones that are relevant to the role of a trainee solicitor - such as teamwork, resilience, handling pressure, solving problems, proactivity, etc. Using a clear structure such as STAR is ideal, as it ensures that you discuss each situation and competency in depth. I would always encourage you to read this guide by Andrei for competency questions

Scenario questions are quite similar to what would appear in an SJT, and could include things such as:

• ”What would you do if you had competing deadlines?”
• ”How would you handle a difficult colleague?”

They are not necessarily looking for a ‘right’ answer - they want to see your judgment, approach, and thought process. I’d make sure to talk them through each stage in your process, and outline what you’d take into consideration at each point.

3. Commercial Awareness

I would prepare for questions that follow the lines of “Tell us about a recent news story that interested you” or “Tell us about a recent news story that will impact the firm and our clients”. Make sure to research a few stories that you are able to understand well and that you are genuinely interested in, and explain:

1. The context of the story (i.e. what is actually happening)
2. The commercial implications
3. How it might affect Akin’s clients or practice groups.

As it is a telephone interview, it will be slightly different than a normal interview in a few ways. I would make sure to keep your answers structured and concise, and speak with energy and genuine interest - this will help you build a rapport with the interviewer! You might also find it useful to clearly signpost your answers so that the interviewers are able to clearly follow along.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with the interview!

Hey!

Congratulations on the TI invite! Whilst I wouldn't have any specific insights into Morgan Lewis' TI, I can offer some general tips on how you could approach this interview. Given the interview is only 20 minutes, I think preparation is less about covering lots of ground and more about having very clear and concise answers.

I would re-read your application carefully and be prepared to speak about anything that you mentioned on it, as questions are often taken directly from it. For example, in similar interviews, I have been asked about some of the academic modules that I studied or particular initiatives that I was a part of.

Additionally, I would create a mini-bank of competency examples that you can adapt to different questions, keeping the background / context of them structured and to the point. This could involve picking 2-3 main experiences from your work experience or academic background and highlighting what competencies you displayed.

I would make sure that you have a clear and specific answer to the more common interview questions - namely, "why Morgan Lewis", "why law" and "why you". Try to focus on a few genuine reasons, rather than trying to cover everything, and always make sure to back up your points with evidence.

As there is a time constraint, it will help to focus on clarity and structure - it might be the case that they are looking at how well you can communicate and prioritise under pressure rather than how much detail you give.

Best of luck!!

 

[radicaloptimist]

Hello!

Congratulations on the TI invite, that is amazing news!!

Whilst I don't have any specific insights into Browne Jacobson's telephone interview, I have made a few general posts previously on how I'd prepare for a TI - I have quoted them below. Wishing you the best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!

Thank you Abbie!!

 

[trainee4u]

Telephone interview for Browne Jacobson (Manchester office)!! Please if anyone can give any insight or advice, I’d really appreciate it! I’ve never done a TI before eeeek

So it was:

"why law & why Browne jacobson" (as one question)
several competency questions (so prepare a bank of stories about the time you overcame a challenge or whatever)
a commercial awareness question

There's not really a big difference to other types of interview except since you're over the phone you can read your notes more easily than on Teams, or not at all in-person.

This one felt like a video interview over the phone - so there was nothing personal about your application or your CV, and it wasn't clear who I was speaking to (e.g., HR, a partner).

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Should I assume PFO from W&C if I still haven't heard back post-FI on 5 March?

 

[DennyCrane]

As I have come to the end of this cycle, I wanted to do a small round-up! (I saw others doing this previously and wanted to do one of my own):

My Results From The 2025/26 Cycle
Out of a total of 17 applications (16 VS, 1 TC), here are my (not so amazing) results: Made it only to Application Review/ Online First Stage Test with: 10 Made it to Video Interview/ Written Exercise with: 7 Made it to Assessment Centre with: 6 Final number of Offers: 2 VS This sheep is hoping to leave this cycle with at least 1 TC!

Oh. 6 7... Anyways, it's quite clear that my main pitfalls are my application writing/test taking abilities, as well as my AC performance. It's quite helpful to lay it all out like this! Fingers crossed for everyone doing a scheme soon - let's hope we all convert! And best of luck to those who are waiting to hear back

6 ACs and 2 VSs is an amazing result!