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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Does anyone know which firms take on more candidates from Direct TC applications?

Additionally, if we've secured a summer vac scheme, would it be ok to list this in a direct TC work experience section as 'incoming vac scheme intern', or would it not be recommended?
 
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Reactions: Abbie Whitlock
Hi!

Congratulations on the AC invite! I definitely wouldn't assume that you won't convert it, and it can often go much better than expected!

I have quoted a few posts below on case studies, interviews, and group exercises - I hope they are useful!

For a partner interview, I would suggest preparing bullet points rather than scripted answers. For example, have 2-3 clear points for questions like "Why this firm?", but don't memorise specific wording. You could practice your answer at home so that you have a clear idea of what you want to say, but leave room for flexibility so that you can adapt your answer if needed.

Aside from the typical motivational questions, I have previously had questions on the following in partner interviews:

1. CV or application questions (so make sure to read back over your original application!)
2. Competency questions (e.g. "tell us about a time when...")
3. Commercial awareness questions (e.g. a news story and why it matters to the firm and its clients)

In my experience, you will rarely be asked extremely technical questions in a partner interview (such as definitions of specific financial structures) unless the interview is explicitly described as technical. They are usually more interested in how you think about and analyse commercial issues - for example, how a specific commercial issue will impact the firm and its main clients.

Good luck with the AC!! :)
Thank you @Abbie Whitlock this is really helpful. Thank you for tagging those previous posts they are really helpful.
 
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Reactions: Abbie Whitlock
Does anyone know which firms take on more candidates from Direct TC applications?

Additionally, if we've secured a summer vac scheme, would it be ok to list this in a direct TC work experience section as 'incoming vac scheme intern', or would it not be recommended?
Hello!

We have a thread from last cycle that shows where firms primarily recruit from - there should be a section on DTC applications! Whilst it might be slightly outdated, you can find it here.

In relation to your second question, I think that it is okay to list an upcoming vacation scheme if it is for a DTC application - I did a similar thing last cycle too! :)
 
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Reactions: trainee1012
Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I have a written task coming up that I believe will be about summarising a dispute. I was just wondering if you had any tips on how to think of what next steps to suggest and if there are any next steps that you would always suggest putting in! I was also wondering in terms of next steps if they should be short and to the point or if you should explain the reasoning for them, even if you might have already covered it in the key issues part.

Any help would be massively appreciated!
Hi!

For next steps, I would try to suggest actions that naturally flow from the issue that you have identified. In a disputes setting, common tasks could include: reviewing the relevant contractual terms, gathering further evidence and documents, and considering whether negotiation or formal dispute resolution may be appropriate.

You don't need a long list - I'd say that 2-3 practical steps is usually enough. I would keep them fairly concise (and wouldn't repeat information) but it can help to include a brief line that explains your reasoning, as this shows your thought process.

Best of luck with the written task!! :)
 
I need VI success stories I just got cut off in one 😭
If this makes you feel better, during a VI that i (surprisingly) passed in January, I didn’t realize that I started recording for one of the questions and thought the prep time hadn’t begun, so I fully got up from my desk to quickly answer the doorbell and came back to see that i had 30 seconds left 😭 to say the least, those 30 seconds were violent at best, pretty sure i laughed at myself at some point too. You never know with these things, and they usually assess all questions + your app holistically. Good luck :)
 

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