TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Saul_specter]

I JUST GOT MY FIRST VAC SCHEME!!!

Thank you so much to everyone for all their support on here, I really didn't think this wld happen, especially not after 4 post AC rejections
As everyone says, it really just takes one yes and I believe in all of u and hope the good news comes soon for u guys too

Congrats which firm/ uk or us firm if u don’t mind me asking

 

[msclm]

For the people wondering about Sidley … grad requirement is in the middle of seat switches for current trainees! I imagine that will be their priority for the next few days.

 

[bmn45]

Just had a call offering a first stage interview with Mofo

Congratulations! May I ask when you applied? Thank you )

 

[ddalki]

Still looking for insight on the Stephenson Harwood VI, for a friend! Happy to assist with whatever (eg Jones Day AC, Latham AC, White & Case interviews), as well as give feedback & tips if that would be helpful.

 

[lawstudent2]

Congratulations !!!! I saw your previous post about struggling with the rejections so very happy you got a VS!!!

Congrats which firm/ uk or us firm if u don’t mind me asking

Thank you so much guys, everyone is so lovely )))))

For the person asking it was Mayer Brown

 

[helenaskelton]

Which US firms have the best outcomes for direct TC? For example I know last year HL didn’t even reply to people for direct TC. Thinking of Morgan Lewis and W&C but could anyone let me know if there are any others??

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Which US firms have the best outcomes for direct TC? For example I know last year HL didn’t even reply to people for direct TC. Thinking of Morgan Lewis and W&C but could anyone let me know if there are any others??

I think Baker McKenzie is pretty good. My mate did their DTC AC last year got an offer and said that apps they took c30-50% from the DTC route.

Firms like Paul Hastings, King & Spalding and Fried Frank only hire via the DTC route (12, 4 and 4 TCs respectively). Idk about other US firms though.​

 

[helenaskelton]

I think Baker McKenzie is pretty good. My mate did their DTC AC last year got an offer and said that apps they took c30-50% from the DTC route.

Firms like Paul Hastings, King & Spalding and Fried Frank only hire via the DTC route (12, 4 and 4 TCs respectively). Idk about other US firms though.​

For bakers, I was rejected post SJT this cycle. Am I able to apply for DTC do you reckon?

 

[Saul_specter]

For bakers, I was rejected post SJT this cycle. Am I able to apply for DTC do you reckon?

idt u can, website says cant reapply in same cycle

 

[sadlawyer01]

dechert PFO after WE, no VS secured, no more firms to hear from, and final AC is tmw...

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock Hi! do you have any advice on how to answer 'tell me about yourself' - thank you!

Hi!

I have previously made a post on how I'd approach this question - I have quoted it below! Just let me know if you have any other questions, and best of luck!

Hey!

Great question - this is definitely an interview question that used to throw me off, as it can feel very open ended!

I would say that a good way to structure this is to keep it concise, professional and forward-looking, rather than trying to cram your full life story into a few minutes. A structure that I used to follow is:

• Present: what you are currently doing (e.g. degree, role, or stage you are at) - for example, "I am current a final year Law student studying at X university..."
• Past: one or two experiences that are relevant and show key skills or interests - for example, "I completed a placement year in my third year that reaffirmed my interest in X area of law, and I am now..."
• Future: what you are looking to do next and why this firm fits - for example, "I am particularly interested in X type of law, and therefore I have applied to X firm as it aligns with..."

You could think of it as a 60-90 second overview that answers: who are you academically and professionally, what has shaped your interests and motivations, and what are your future goals. I would also try to link it subtly to skills that the firm you are applying to values (e.g. teamwork, collaboration, entrepreneurialism) and end your answer on a point that leads into "why law" or "why this firm".

Overall, you can use this question as a way of giving the interviewer a snapshot into your legal journey so far