TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[tc2026]

Hi does anyone have any last min Latham & Watkins advice please - literally anything that would be useful even confidence tips! I would really really appreciate it

 

[pepsicola96]

Hello everyone! Does anyone have experience with moving an AC date? I have been offered an AC with Irwin Mitchell but it is on the one date I cannot do due to a work commitment that I can't move. I have emailed them to let them know and informed them I can be flexible with any other date. Feeling a bit worried they will just reject my application

It will depend on how many ACs they have? For one bigger firm I managed to move an AC twice lol, because work and uni commitments moved around, and the firm was so understanding they just moved me to a later AC of my choice.

Another firm I unfortunately had to give up an AC completely, but this was a regional office, they were only running two ACs on back to back days, and I was unable to make either. The firm was apologetic but said these were the only available dates and encouraged me to reapply next year if I am unsuccessful elsewhere this year.

In all likelihood, there will be other dates, so I wouldn't worry too much at the moment!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any tips on how to answer what knowledge/skills do I want to develop if I get asked in an interview? @Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

I would say that you should try to strike a balance between being honest and showing that you understand what the trainee role actually involves.

Therefore, it might make sense to frame it around three areas:
1. Technical legal skills: e.g. developing a stronger understanding of core practice areas, drafting, research, etc.
2. Commercial awareness: showing that you want to better understand clients' industries, their commercial objectives, and how legal advice fits into wider business decisions that clients make.
3. Professional skills: softer skills like communication, managing competing deadlines, adapting your working style with different people, etc.

It can also help to tie the knowledge / skills back to the firm, which shows that you are thinking long-term and making your answer tailored to this specific firm.

I hope that assists!

 

[AryanAgg]

Im curious i got an overall 2:1 in uni but some modules were 2:2, is it a negative on the application even if overall it was 2:1 degree?

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Can I just say that before I found out about this forum I used to fail every single interview I get

Well I came here after I found this on google and this week I’ve passed two interviews! I’m so HAPPY AHHHHHH IM GONNA SCREAM thanks everyone and ty for being such a supportive and informative place

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Guys how long is a why the firm answer?

My answer is currently like 4 minutes as I discuss 3 reasons

Hello!

Generally, I would aim for around 2-3 minutes - if you feel your answer is slightly longer than you wanted, it might help to start by signposting (e.g. I am motivated to work at this firm for X, Y, Z) and then move onto discussing 2-3 well-rounded reasons individually. This helps keep you on track and ensures that you cover all of the points you set out to!

Just make sure that you rehearse beforehand so that you have a rough idea of how long it takes, and that you can discuss all of those points in that time frame. The interviewers may prompt you or ask follow-up questions, which can then allow you to go into detail on things that you may have had to cut to save time

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Im curious i got an overall 2:1 in uni but some modules were 2:2, is it a negative on the application even if overall it was 2:1 degree?

This probs depends on the firm tbf. Some firms are strict on academics (Slaughters, SullCrom, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk and Sidley Austin).

Other firms might want a 2:1 in every module but don’t specify whether it should be a low, mid or high 2:1 (e.g., HSF Kramer and Linklaters).

I have a very high 2:1 and had a few 2:2 modules (with mitigating circumstances), and have been able to progress with quite a few firms so far.

So far Akin Gump, Dechert, Debevoise, Freshfields, Gibson Dunn, Morgan Lewis, Skadden, Willkie and Weil progressed me to various stages.

I’ve had a few PFOs from these firms but they’re all post VI, WE or AC so not based on academics. All firms consider mitigating circumstances.

So as long as you can write a strong app and show evidence of academic ability elsewhere so maybe GCSEs or A-levels, you should be okay!

I’ve had PFOs from HSF Kramer, Cleary Gottlieb, Jones Day, Paul Weiss and Milbank post app this cycle who look for strong uni level academics.​

 

[hmevey]

does anyone have any tips for macfarlanes assessment. worried about choosing answers for the behavioural/sjt and dont want to score too low- any tips?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

does W&C send WE invites in batches?

edit: PLEASE TELL ME!!!!

 

[desk70]

Is it still worth applying for DTC at Stephenson Harwood given their rolling deadline?

 

[maxro]

does W&C send WE invites in batches?

edit: PLEASE TELL ME!!!!

I think so, I’d seen a few go out a while ago so assumed PFO but I got the WE on Thursday last week!

 

[radssss]

Just saw the Shoosmiths discover scheme email - We are currently screening applications and appreciate your patience while we complete this process. As a reminder, the placement selection process is made up of two stages: the application form and, for some candidates, an online strengths-based assessment.

What do they mean the assessment is sent to only some candidates? I’m so confused and thought it’s automatic

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

hi did you receive the WGT for cleary?

No, I haven't. Not sure if it is automatic or in batches but I'm just waiting patiently.

 

[zara elles]

Hi all, if in an VS interview I'm asked 'what are the challenges facing law firms atm' how should I go about answering it? Not too sure if I should talk about a specific commercial story that relates to the firm or something wider like AI and the implications of it across the board.

Also a question similar to 'how will law firms make money in the future' - this seems to broad to me and really wouldnt know where to start!

Any help would be appreciated

 

[LegalLigase]

HSF Kramer AC invite!!! This is my first ever AC, would really appreciate if anyone could provide any insights on what is most heavily assessed and how best to prepare in a firm-specific way! Thanks in advance!

 

[susie897]

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite, that is fantastic news!!

I would try not to worry - this is a relatively common issue, and firms are generally very understanding as long as you let them know promptly (which you have done!). I had a similar issue when I was invited to the Reed Smith AC last cycle as I couldn't attend any of the original dates, and was able to move to a later one with no issue - as long as you are polite and flexible, it shouldn't count against you at all.

Hopefully they should come back to you with a new date soon - you have done everything right here, so try not to panic

Best of luck with the AC!

Thank you so much Yes I let them know straight away, feels like bad luck that the one day that was picked was the only date in the next few weeks that I actually can't do I did let them know I can be completely flexible with any other dates so fingers crossed!

 

[susie897]

It will depend on how many ACs they have? For one bigger firm I managed to move an AC twice lol, because work and uni commitments moved around, and the firm was so understanding they just moved me to a later AC of my choice.

Another firm I unfortunately had to give up an AC completely, but this was a regional office, they were only running two ACs on back to back days, and I was unable to make either. The firm was apologetic but said these were the only available dates and encouraged me to reapply next year if I am unsuccessful elsewhere this year.

In all likelihood, there will be other dates, so I wouldn't worry too much at the moment!

Thank you so much! Hoping they have another date they can offer, my AC is in London so hopefully they are running more than one date

 

[AryanAgg]

This probs depends on the firm tbf. Some firms are strict on academics (Slaughters, SullCrom, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk and Sidley Austin).

Other firms might want a 2:1 in every module but don’t specify whether it should be a low, mid or high 2:1 (e.g., HSF Kramer and Linklaters).

I have a very high 2:1 and had a few 2:2 modules (with mitigating circumstances), and have been able to progress with quite a few firms so far.

So far Akin Gump, Dechert, Debevoise, Freshfields, Gibson Dunn, Morgan Lewis, Skadden, Willkie and Weil progressed me to various stages.

I’ve had a few PFOs from these firms but they’re all post VI, WE or AC so not based on academics. All firms consider mitigating circumstances.

So as long as you can write a strong app and show evidence of academic ability elsewhere so maybe GCSEs or A-levels, you should be okay!

I’ve had PFOs from HSF Kramer, Cleary Gottlieb, Jones Day, Paul Weiss and Milbank post app this cycle who look for strong uni level academics.​

Any insight regarding kirkland and latham?

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Im curious i got an overall 2:1 in uni but some modules were 2:2, is it a negative on the application even if overall it was 2:1 degree?

This probs depends on the firm tbf. Some firms are strict on academics (Slaughters, SullCrom, Cleary Gottlieb, Davis Polk and Sidley Austin).

Other firms might want a 2:1 in every module but don’t specify whether it should be a low, mid or high 2:1 (e.g., HSF Kramer and Linklaters).

I have a very high 2:1 and had a few 2:2 modules (with mitigating circumstances), and have been able to progress with quite a few firms so far.

So far Akin Gump, Dechert, Debevoise, Freshfields, Gibson Dunn, Morgan Lewis, Skadden, Willkie and Weil progressed me to various stages.

I’ve had a few PFOs from these firms but they’re all post VI, WE or AC so not based on academics. All firms consider mitigating circumstances.

So as long as you can write a strong app and show evidence of academic ability elsewhere so maybe GCSEs or A-levels, you should be okay!

I’ve had PFOs from HSF Kramer, Cleary Gottlieb, Jones Day, Paul Weiss and Milbank post app this cycle who look for strong uni level academics.​

Hello (I am briefly back lmao).
Just wanted to add that some firms will say that they consider mitigating circumstances if you ask but don't seem to in practice as they value it highly (just imagine two equal applications but one with higher academics).
On the other hand, I have a not-so-good 2:1 and modules across the spectrum of results BUT I have a Distinction in my PGDL if that is worth anything - I tie this into my mitigating section.
I have had post app PFOs from SullCrom, Jones Day, Morgan Lewis, Akin and Milbank, Gibson Dunn have progressed me to various stages. These are just the ones that @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner mentioned and I have, again, varying levels of success with firms that seem to have progressed me for one reason or the other.
All of this is to say that if you have the time, go for it and apply because it is hard to say exactly what a firm is looking for in that moment (and also what a particular person may be struck by in an application).
Hope this helps!

 

[user397485]

HSF Kramer AC invite!!! This is my first ever AC, would really appreciate if anyone could provide any insights on what is most heavily assessed and how best to prepare in a firm-specific way! Thanks in advance!

for summer? congrats !