TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[ChambersLoading]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I hope you’re well! I had a couple ofquestions as I’m preparing for my W&C interview, if that’s okay.

For my “Why W&C” answer, my first reason currently focuses on the firm’s strength in Corporate/M&A and its investment in private equity. Do you think that’s a sensible angle, given that it’s an area that the firm is actively building out and growing in, or would it be better to focus on areas it is stronger in and already particularly known for, such as project finance or capital markets?

My second reason focuses on the firm’s global reach and platform. Do you think two reasons are sufficient for this question, or would you recommend adding a third? For example, I was considering mentioning the guaranteed international secondment - would it make sense to include that within the global platform point, or is it better framed under training philosophy as a separate reason?

Also, when asked about practice areas I’m interested in, would it be better to stay aligned with my “Why W&C” answer and say Corporate/PE, or is it fine to say something different such as energy and litigation/arbitration? I’m just conscious of whether that might come across as inconsistent.

Sorry for the multiple questions, and thank you so much in advance for your help!

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Links pfo lol. They literally told me to reapply post ac last time 😭

may I ask whether it was spring/summer/direct tc?

 

[dyingforaTC]

Anyone heard from travers smith post interview

Is there any chance you can share any insights/when you hear back with an answer please? Have my interview tomorrow and am so nervous... I'm not sure about their interview structure

 

[abc124]

Not me reading it thinking i have done not so bad , let me just go sit back down lol

No no I'm just overthinking and speculating haha If your report is positive it's defo a good sign, what I meant is just that we don't know how the disney applicants did so it's hard to know what will count as strong, average, weak etc. 😭 Eg I wonder how many areas for development is too many lol

 

[legalgrad28]

have you emailed them yet?

DTC London - what about you?

I tried to call them and left a voicemail asking for an update. I hope we hear back soon...

Professional Liability - Leeds.

 

[Madison Pinewall]

thank you, yeah im gonna withdraw sadly, i dont want to potentially take a spot from someone else (thats if i got it hahahah).

you're good for this, many people would want the ego flattering lol

 

[soph107048]

If anyone has yet to hear back post WE for W&C, could you react to this post pls

 

[Donna Paulsen]

My head hurts after that SH amberjack… no brain juice left for the day x

 

[astrid177]

Hey all, this is a silly question but how competent are you expected to be for an AC? I have an AC on a very short notice and I haven’t done one before. My commercial instincts isn’t that great and I struggle in explaining commercial concepts, imposter syndrome kicking in so badly 😭

 

[lawcool]

you're good for this, many people would want the ego flattering lol

Ahh lmao I’d feel so guilty if I messed up that process for someone. I can deal with not knowing, I’m lucky to have a vs at all !

 

[ellamai0]

anyone heard hsfk post ac

I know two people who have been successful and they heard back straight after they left, but I’m not sure on their overall process

 

[legallybrunnette]

Has Dechert gone AWOL? Does anyone know if they tend to ghost people? I did the WE more than one month ago and I still have not received anything.

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

BCLP Summer Vac Scheme PFO - Having applied in October, I'm glad they finally responded.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

BCLP Summer Vac Scheme PFO - Having applied in October, I'm glad they finally responded.

What’s up with these firms that say they’re rolling basis yet take months to update applicants?! Why do they ghost most people for months lmao?!

So far I’ve seen Simmons, Slaughters, W&C, BCLP, Gibson, Dechert and Sidley who are all rolling basis but taking ages to respond…

Still waiting on Sidley post app it’s been 56 days and counting now idek what’s happening atp…​

 

[haribolover]

Has Dechert gone AWOL? Does anyone know if they tend to ghost people? I did the WE more than one month ago and I still have not received anything.

This post just reminded me that I even applied lol - still waiting too for that glorious pfo

 

[Life_of_PFOs]

What’s up with these firms that say they’re rolling basis yet take months to update applicants?! Why do they ghost most people for months lmao?!

So far I’ve seen Simmons, Slaughters, W&C, BCLP, Gibson, Dechert and Sidley who are all rolling basis but taking ages to respond…

Still waiting on Sidley post app it’s been 56 days and counting now idek what’s happening atp…​

For BCLP, I think they prioritised the Spring Scheme applications. Last year I made it to their AC, which happened in January.

I don't know about Sidley - did you apply for spring or summer?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

For BCLP, I think they prioritised the Spring Scheme applications. Last year I made it to their AC, which happened in January.

I don't know about Sidley - did you apply for spring or summer?

For Sidley I applied to all 3 VSs. I ranked Spring as 1st choice, Summer 1 as 2nd and Summer 2 as 3rd. I don’t even meet their A-level requirement so idk why it’s not an auto PFO they sent 5 PFO rounds alr and loads of TI/ACs went out since early Feb.​

 

[User093269823]

What’s up with these firms that say they’re rolling basis yet take months to update applicants?! Why do they ghost most people for months lmao?!

So far I’ve seen Simmons, Slaughters, W&C, BCLP, Gibson, Dechert and Sidley who are all rolling basis but taking ages to respond…

Still waiting on Sidley post app it’s been 56 days and counting now idek what’s happening atp…​

all these firms asking us how we'll use AI as solicitors... least they could do is to use AI to send their rejection pile a PFO rather than just ghosting

 

[adfs456]

Cooley AC completion acknowledgement email giving me heart palpitations for no reason like 😭 😭

 

[User093269823]

still no one heard for slaughters non law?