TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[LawAspirer]

Did anybody get interviews for Dechert?
I've been waiting post WE for a really long time now.

 

[topkop]

Hi! So sorry to hear that, is this summer or spring? I haven't heard back yet for summer

Same I haven't heard about summer yet.

 

[anon78365222111]

Update- PFO after the Akin TI.

Genuinely gutted, I thought Akin was the best match for my Asset management/PE background.

I suspect it was the "What do you do to stay commerically aware" question I panicked, (edit: and forgot to mention I just did an MBA) because my life and job is current commercial awareness...I said I was studying for CFA level 2 and read the FT every day....and then remembered my actual commercial awareness is talking to my clients who are trying to raise funds. I don't know if that came through or was too non standard an answer.

I honestly wasn't prepared for situational questions like that, I prepared for more of a partner level interview about my motivations and fit. Oh well.

I feel you, had a 50 min call on my TI and it was mostly the grad member that kept conversation going. Waiting around 5/6 weeks for a reply and was really hopeful on it being successful. You live and you learn I guess 🤝

 

[Partcore22]

I haven’t heard from DWF but some people have been sent the games assessment? Are they sending it out in batches or does this mean I’ve been rejected as they haven’t sent it me?

 

[gmmd1012]

Hi, does anyone have any insight as to whether or not Direct TC ACs differ from Vac Scheme ACs? Would it be more difficult/rigorous or the same?

 

[LawAspirer]

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett just hired Paul Gascoyne.
We're about to see so many ads and communications from them next cycle just like Paul Weiss this year

 

[gmcaolaw]

Does anyone have any insight into Withers interview please? I have no idea what to expect

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Update- PFO after the Akin TI.

Genuinely gutted, I thought Akin was the best match for my Asset management/PE background.

I suspect it was the "What do you do to stay commerically aware" question I panicked, (edit: and forgot to mention I just did an MBA) because my life and job is current commercial awareness...I said I was studying for CFA level 2 and read the FT every day....and then remembered my actual commercial awareness is talking to my clients who are trying to raise funds. I don't know if that came through or was too non standard an answer.

I honestly wasn't prepared for situational questions like that, I prepared for more of a partner level interview about my motivations and fit. Oh well.

so sorry to heart that, it's okay you will be fine! keep your head up

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett just hired Paul Gascoyne.
We're about to see so many ads and communications from them next cycle just like Paul Weiss this year

speaking of, any thoughts about their unusual training structure?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

I feel you, had a 50 min call on my TI and it was mostly the grad member that kept conversation going. Waiting around 5/6 weeks for a reply and was really hopeful on it being successful. You live and you learn I guess 🤝

I'm so sorry to hear that Can I ask when did you do your TI?

 

[sadlawyer01]

Deb and Plimpton Open Day! Is this essentially their AC?

 

[yasmars]

Update- PFO after the Akin TI.

Genuinely gutted, I thought Akin was the best match for my Asset management/PE background.

I suspect it was the "What do you do to stay commerically aware" question I panicked, (edit: and forgot to mention I just did an MBA) because my life and job is current commercial awareness...I said I was studying for CFA level 2 and read the FT every day....and then remembered my actual commercial awareness is talking to my clients who are trying to raise funds. I don't know if that came through or was too non standard an answer.

I honestly wasn't prepared for situational questions like that, I prepared for more of a partner level interview about my motivations and fit. Oh well.

So sorry to hear this. I really doubt that answer would have lead to the rejection. Last year, I answered in a similar way and said that I read the FT and was invited to AC. So don’t beat yourself up too much

 

[yasmars]

I hope mishcon will stick to their promise and we'll hear back today or tomorrow...

Did they promise that?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Deb and Plimpton Open Day! Is this essentially their AC?

It's their AC, only 100 places maximum for their open day for 40-45 VS places so quite selective.

 

[LawAspirer]

Deb and Plimpton Open Day! Is this essentially their AC?

Congrats!
When did you apply if I may ask?

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Deb and Plimpton Open Day! Is this essentially their AC?

Got it as well!!

and yes - its less formal and structured than other AC's, but it is the only path to the a vac scheme, and they do run interviews

 

[sadlawyer01]

Congrats!
When did you apply if I may ask?

day of deadline!

 

[anon78365222111]

I'm so sorry to hear that Can I ask when did you do your TI?

Like early December

 

[sadlawyer01]

It's their AC, only 100 places maximum for their open day for 40-45 VS places so quite selective.

the AC or the VS? 45/100 seems much less selective than others...

 

[LawAspirer]

the AC or the VS? 45/100 seems much less selective than others...

Yeah but 100 for Open Day is quite selective. They probably get 5000 applicants.
50 VS for Summer + Spring