TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[lawyersum]

loool SPB dunno what you lot want, applied for 2 years in a row and even attended open day, aspire masterclass, still got rejected

 

[lawcool]

Clyde and Morgan Lewis pfo today

 

[Novaa]

What is this public hatred???? Me and @Lord Sumption will not stand for this x

I’ve blocked it out, I HATEEEEE IT!

But when they started talking about the PACE Act and all the steps involved I said “Wrap it up!!”

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, hope you are well!

Just wanted to ask how long my answer to why this firm should be in an interview. I timed myself and it's 5 mins, which is quite long. But I used the same lengthy answer in the initial interview (with grad recruitment) and they invited me back to the AC. Not sure whether this long answer would go down well with partners.

Thank you so much!

Hello!

I am doing well (despite the endless rain in the UK...), thank you! I hope you are doing well too!

Congratulations on being invited to the AC! I would say that 5 minutes is likely a bit on the long side for a "why this firm" answer. Even if it worked well with the graduate recruitment team, as you mentioned, partners tend to prefer clear and structured answers that get to the point more quickly.

As a general rule of thumb, I would aim for around 2-3 minutes - you could start with a strong opening that signposts the rest of your answer, and then move onto 2-3 well-chosen reasons. You can always expand if they prompt you or ask follow-up questions!

The fact that your longer answer worked before is a good sign, as it shows that the content is strong! The key now is refining it so that it is concise, rather than cutting entire ideas out.

I hope that assists, and best of luck!!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Sorry to hear this, when did you do your SJT+ VI? Just want to see if they are sending PFOs in order of applying

For reference I did my SJT and VI by 2 December! So not sure what their process is when sending PFOs hah

 

[jojo23]

EU:
Public:
Contract:
Criminal:
Tort:
Land:
Trusts:

Intellectual Property law:

 

[jojo23]

Hi - I have recently been invited to my first ever assessment centre (with Farrer & Co). I was hoping you might be able to offer some advice on how best to prepare. I believe there is a written exercise and then a group task. Thank you! @Abbie Whitlock

That's a uhhh... very interesting username

 

[yasmars]

For reference I did my SJT and VI by 2 December! So not sure what their process is when sending PFOs hah

Sorry to hear! I must be on hold or something cos I submitted my VI on 30th of October.

 

[Deleted member 43292]

That's a uhhh... very interesting username

a new siwa candidate!!! (I'm joking...)

how many other jojos are there out in the world... maybe I should become jojo24

 

[help]

Haven't gotten a Debevoise Open Day invite but no rejection either? Why is it taking so long to get rejected...

 

[kim wexler]

clyde and co rejection today and i lowk got only 3 firms left that i'm waiting a response from (for vacation schemes) ... might be cooked and it's my final year of uni

 

[adfs456]

SPB VI and NRF PFO within 10 mins of each other ... feeling true neutral I guess?

 

[adf43256]

3 PFOs today (Simmons, Pwc (both long overdue from October), and SPB.

Hey with PWC was this post AC?

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Hey with PWC was this post AC?

post VI

 

[trainee4u]

EU:
Public:
Contract:
Criminal:
Tort:
Land:
Trusts:

EU

 

[whywhy88]

clyde and co rejection today and i lowk got only 3 firms left that i'm waiting a response from (for vacation schemes) ... might be cooked and it's my final year of uni

I'm in the same boat. Coming to terms with the fact that I will most likely have to move back to my hometown and reapply next cycle. Hopefully my hatred for the place will spur me and my applications on

 

[Eriberrie]

clyde and co rejection today and i lowk got only 3 firms left that i'm waiting a response from (for vacation schemes) ... might be cooked and it's my final year of uni

Exactly the same boat lol

 

[kim wexler]

Exactly the same boat lol

are you an international student as well? everyday the image of shabana mahmood haunts me as i think about my visa status ... all these good grades and extracurriculars ... for what

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

EU:
Public:
Contract:
Criminal:
Tort:
Land:
Trusts:

eu:
public:
contract:
criminal:
tort:
land: at the start = , at the end =
trusts =

 

[kim wexler]

I'm in the same boat. Coming to terms with the fact that I will most likely have to move back to my hometown and reapply next cycle. Hopefully my hatred for the place will spur me and my applications on

yeah i think i might have to focus on my final stretch of law school and keep my grades as good as possible ... after graduating i can make applying to vac schemes and TCs my full time job (motivated by the haunting image of my home town as well)