TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

AC tips - hope this is useful:
As someone who is going through their first cycles and just did their first ACs, my advice is to know the firm and know yourself.
Find insight into the firm's AC process as every firm is different but some things are consistent. One is that this is not a combative process. Technically you are competing with each other to get a place BUT the firm wants to know if you would be a good person to work with.
Also know what kind of firm you are going to. Is it a collegiate firm, if so don't be afraid to be more personable and make appropriate jokes. Is it more straight-laced, if so practise your responses so they flow naturally but you cover everything you want to.
Know all the commercial issues going on but ensure you know anything that you could mention in an interview back to front and inside out. Go on the firm's websites - what are their recent news, awards and deals. How does the firm describe themselves and what are they looking for.
Look through your application and research to make sure you are not caught off guard if they ask you about something.
Be normal and polite, professional yet not uptight. Align yourself with how the interviewers are (if you have an interview). If you have a presentation or group work, listen to other people and build on what they say. Don't try to catch them out but if you disagree, validate their response but provide an alternate perspective.
Don't talk just to talk. Only say something if it is relevant and useful.
Also if you have an interview, grab some water so you can take a sip if you need a moment to think.
Keep smiling and breathe.

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

??

What firm?

 

[helenaskelton]

congratulations ! Can I ask when you apply and if you heard back today?

Applied in December. Heard back today!

 

[Katie_aveline]

Irwin Mitchell AC! London office for individual stream. If anyone has any advice as it is specifically service for individuals that would be great as I’ve only ever done ACs catered towards the business route

 

[Shiv Lawy]

Wait people heard back from MoFo and Orrick? 😭

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Wait people heard back from MoFo and Orrick? 😭

Yeah Orrick sent all their WGs out on 10 Feb (same as last year it seems) and MoFo has began to send out interviews today. I’m sure that MoFo will send more out over the next few days and weeks though tbh, so nobody needs to assume a PFO.​

 

[ABC234]

Wait people heard back from MoFo and Orrick? 😭

I’m still waiting 😭😭

 

[ABC234]

Yeah Orrick sent all their WGs out on 10 Feb (same as last year it seems ) and MoFo has began to send out interviews today. I’m sure that MoFo will send more out over the next few days and weeks though tbh, so nobody needs to assume a PFO.​

So as I haven’t heard anything since app for orrick should I assume pfo?

 

[kukubird]

Yeah Orrick sent all their WGs out on 10 Feb (same as last year it seems) and MoFo has began to send out interviews today. I’m sure that MoFo will send more out over the next few days and weeks though tbh, so nobody needs to assume a PFO.​

Yeah MoFo is going to send out 50~ invites I think they’ll do them all this week though.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

So as I haven’t heard anything since app for orrick should I assume pfo?

If they’re following the same schedule as last year then yeah I think so, cos all WGs were sent on 10 Feb, with ACs sent around 28 Feb last year. This year so far they’re following the same pattern.​

 

[Shiv Lawy]

Yeah Orrick sent all their WGs out on 10 Feb (same as last year it seems) and MoFo has began to send out interviews today. I’m sure that MoFo will send more out over the next few days and weeks though tbh, so nobody needs to assume a PFO.​

Damn, really thought getting someone internally to recommend me would move the needle. Guess my grades really are too shit for TCs

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Does anyone know if the Simmons & Simmons stage 1 assessment is just SJT or is there a VI aspect?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Damn, really thought getting someone internally to recommend me would move the needle. Guess my grades really are too shit for TCs

Don't be so hard on yourself, I basically failed first year of uni (only Ds and resits in both Christmas and summer exams) and still managed to get an internship at a US firm last summer + have progressed to various stages this cycle It is a long and disheartening process, you've just got to hang in there

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Damn, really thought getting someone internally to recommend me would move the needle. Guess my grades really are too shit for TCs

If it helps, our grades are pretty similar and I’ve been able to progress with several US firms this cycle, some of which ask for AAA A-levels (obvs I don’t have that), so it’s defo possible!

As the person above said, don’t be too hard on yourself cos this process is rough. It’ll only ever take that one yes from one firm! Keep pushing. I am certain you’ll hear positive news soon!​

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any tips for converting a vac scheme to a TC offer in a US firm? their convertion rates are low, which terrifies me hahah

Thanks!
@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen @everyone

Hi!

Congratulations on the VS!!

It is completely normal to feel nervous about lower conversion rates, but I would try not to focus on it too much as you might psych yourself out.

My main advice would be to really use the scheme to engage as widely and proactively as possible. Ask lots of questions - about the work, about the firms strategy, about how matters fit into the wider deal, and about people's career paths. In my feedback call after being rejected post-VS for one of my schemes, one of the main points that was brought up was that I hadn't engaged with my supervisor enough and I should've asked more about their career path. You could speak to a wide range of associates, partners, and trainees, not just the people that you are directly sitting with. It shows genuine interest and will help you understand how the firm actually operates, which is handy for any interviews on the scheme.

Additionally, I would try to be proactive in asking for work and, just as importantly, feedback. If you finish something, let your supervisor (or whoever gave you the task) know and ask whether there is anything else you can help with. At the same time, it's important to be mindful of your tone - definitely try to avoid coming across as pushy or transactional. The key is to be enthusiastic and helpful, rather than adding more tasks to your supervisors workload!

One thing that is often overlooked is how you treat other vacation schemes. I would focus on supporting those around you, and ensuring that you are collaborative rather than competitive. Whilst you are technically "competing" with those around you, firms notice how you behave in a cohort, and being someone who contributes positively to the group says a lot about how you would be as a trainee. Graduate recruitment teams notice those who are being overly competitive on the scheme, and it often doesn't reflect well on them!

Overall, it is generally important to approach the scheme with a good attitude. Things such as being reliable, responsive, calm under pressure, and easy to work with are all key traits that they will be looking for. People will be thinking about whether you're someone they'd trust on a busy deal at 10pm, particularly at a US firm - competence definitely matters, but so does being someone that people enjoy working with!

Low conversion rates doesn't mean that you have low chances - if you focus on being engaged, proactive, and a good team player, you'll give yourself the best possible shot!

Best of luck with the VS, and I hope you enjoy it too!

 

[Shiv Lawy]

Don't be so hard on yourself, I basically failed first year of uni (only Ds and resits in both Christmas and summer exams) and still managed to get an internship at a US firm last summer + have progressed to various stages this cycle It is a long and disheartening process, you've just got to hang in there

If it helps, our grades are pretty similar and I’ve been able to progress with several US firms this cycle, some of which ask for AAA A-levels (obvs I don’t have that), so it’s defo possible!

As the person above said, don’t be too hard on yourself cos this process is rough. It’ll only ever take that one yes from one firm! Keep pushing. I am certain you’ll hear positive news soon!​

I must be going wrong in the written applications then, since it is my first cycle. Maybe I'm not portraying my work experience or desire to go from founding/PE consulting to legal advisory in the correct way. I tend not to use AI to draft, I always use specific examples from the firms work and tie it extensively to my experience/education or founding examples.
I got a 2:2 in my second year uni so it's not just my A levels but I had mitigating circumstances that actually motivated me to get legal work experience and committee positions in law societies during my third year.

The come down is hard from being told in person from every lawyer I get coffee with that I would do a great job in their specific area of law, and then being rejected from the firms they work for that are strong in that practice area 🫠

 

[ABC234]

Hi!

Congratulations on the VS!!

It is completely normal to feel nervous about lower conversion rates, but I would try not to focus on it too much as you might psych yourself out.

My main advice would be to really use the scheme to engage as widely and proactively as possible. Ask lots of questions - about the work, about the firms strategy, about how matters fit into the wider deal, and about people's career paths. In my feedback call after being rejected post-VS for one of my schemes, one of the main points that was brought up was that I hadn't engaged with my supervisor enough and I should've asked more about their career path. You could speak to a wide range of associates, partners, and trainees, not just the people that you are directly sitting with. It shows genuine interest and will help you understand how the firm actually operates, which is handy for any interviews on the scheme.

Additionally, I would try to be proactive in asking for work and, just as importantly, feedback. If you finish something, let your supervisor (or whoever gave you the task) know and ask whether there is anything else you can help with. At the same time, it's important to be mindful of your tone - definitely try to avoid coming across as pushy or transactional. The key is to be enthusiastic and helpful, rather than adding more tasks to your supervisors workload!

One thing that is often overlooked is how you treat other vacation schemes. I would focus on supporting those around you, and ensuring that you are collaborative rather than competitive. Whilst you are technically "competing" with those around you, firms notice how you behave in a cohort, and being someone who contributes positively to the group says a lot about how you would be as a trainee. Graduate recruitment teams notice those who are being overly competitive on the scheme, and it often doesn't reflect well on them!

Overall, it is generally important to approach the scheme with a good attitude. Things such as being reliable, responsive, calm under pressure, and easy to work with are all key traits that they will be looking for. People will be thinking about whether you're someone they'd trust on a busy deal at 10pm, particularly at a US firm - competence definitely matters, but so does being someone that people enjoy working with!

Low conversion rates doesn't mean that you have low chances - if you focus on being engaged, proactive, and a good team player, you'll give yourself the best possible shot!

Best of luck with the VS, and I hope you enjoy it too!

Thank you so so much!

 

[trainee1012]

How would one go about explaining low grades in an interview? I do not have any mitigating circumstances I can use but I did not do very well in certain modules in uni and am wondering what I could possibly say if this is brought up.

 

[mrebeccafr]

Has anyone heard anything from CRS Cheltenham Office?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Has anyone heard anything from CRS Cheltenham Office?

No I haven’t!! Omg I thought I was the only one here who applied to Chelts hahaha