TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Novaa]

Quantity over Quality without even thinking about it! These application cycles are brutal so fancy your chances as much as possible I have progressed with law firms I have researched for 3 hours

Ohhh, to take this advice and hop into a Time Machine (Idk why Apple keeps capitalising this? OHHHH THE APP)

Noted, thank you!!! Now if you guys see a DTC accountability thread with loads of firms, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe!

 

[whitelotus]

dechert and V&E ac!!! dechert we completed 19/01, and V&E vi completed 31/01

Congratulations! Is your Dechert AC for summer or spring?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

I completed the W&C WE last week and I’ve just been invited to another one is this supposed to happen or do I need to email grad recruitment on my allhires it’s assigned me another written exercise I’m so confused

hi is this for summer or spring?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

As I move to DTCs, I have a question about firm research… how often are people spending on it and do you feel like you KNOW the firm pre-AC stage?

Because I came into this cycle thinking five well researched firms would come in clutch 🫣 #QualityOverQuantity?

@Abbie Whitlock - would also appreciate any advice on how thorough you were with research

Ngl I was under the impression that quality over quantity was the way to go, until I made it to the Orrick WG cos I wrote that entire app, including researching and everything, in like 6-7 hours spread across 2 days lmao. The app had like 5 questions too so it was quite long…

Meanwhile I spent like a week on my Covington app and that’s pretty much a guaranteed PFO…

However, I’m gna assume DTCs are substantially more competitive than VS apps, so I’d try to take time on those apps. I guess it depends on which firm it is and how many trainees they’re taking in via the DTC route. Ashurst and Bakers do take a lot more via DTC than Fried Frank for example…​

 

[Mvla]

Quantity over Quality without even thinking about it! These application cycles are brutal so fancy your chances as much as possible I have progressed with law firms I have researched for 3 hours

SECOND THIS! Quality over quantity worked for me for my first year schemes - I did 7 applications, got 2 offers. Vac schemes/DTC's are a different beast altogether and that conversion rate deffo hasn't been my story for vac schemes! For my dtc apps though, I have 11 firms. Trust there would've been more if my interests were still open/allowed multiple apps in the same cycle! Finally, and sorry for the mini- essay haha - definitely still tailor your applications as much as possible and max out those chances!! xx

 

[ilikelaw]

Ngl I was under the impression that quality over quantity was the way to go, until I made it to the Orrick WG cos I wrote that entire app, including researching and everything, in like 6-7 hours spread across 2 days lmao. The app had like 5 questions too so it was quite long…

Meanwhile I spent like a week on my Covington app and that’s pretty much a guaranteed PFO…

However, I’m gna assume DTCs are substantially more competitive than VS apps, so I’d try to take time on those apps. I guess it depends on which firm it is and how many trainees they’re taking in via the DTC route. Ashurst and Bakers do take a lot more via DTC than Fried Frank for example…​

6-7 hours did you say

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

6-7 hours did you say

 

[tc2026]

Hi everyone! could anyone please send linklaters grad rec email? I cannot find it anywhere :/ tysm

 

[givemeajob]

I completed the W&C WE last week and I’ve just been invited to another one is this supposed to happen or do I need to email grad recruitment on my allhires it’s assigned me another written exercise I’m so confused

The same thing happened to me, I've emailed grad rec to ask why I have another invite

 

[EfficientBag123]

Bakers PFO

 

[SophiaW]

How long does white and case usually take to get back to you after final interview?

 

[tc2026]

sooooo.... has no one heard from perkins?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

sooooo.... has no one heard from perkins?

Post app or post interview? I know a few people who did interviews at Perkins Coie recently. Idk if they’ve heard back post interview though.​

 

[gmmd1012]

For anyone who has done the Goodwin AC or is aware - is the interview going to be competency/motivational or commercial? They haven't specified but my intuition says motivational/competency as its done by the Early Careers Team.

Hi! Have you managed to receive any answers ?