TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bottega_Veneta]

I totally get you. My nervous system thinks I’m being hunted for sport

I do breathing exercises, put on music whilst I go over my notes, drink plenty of water and remind myself that it’s just me talking to a camera. Remind yourself to speak at a reasonable pace, and if you mess up, just take a breath and carry on. I have the habit of speaking fast because I want to get it over with, but speaking at a slower pace gives your brain more time to think and you’re less likely to mess up!!

It goes way quicker than you think, and by the time you get to the last couple questions, you become acclimatised and it doesn’t feel too scary

Good luck!!

Thank you so much, I was so nervous that I convinced myself to just not sit it

I will take your advice and attempt it tomorrow

 

[lawyersum]

is wearing a jumper okay for your VI? its just a black jumper but idk. speaking as a female.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Thank you so much, I was so nervous that I convinced myself to just not sit it

I will take your advice and attempt it tomorrow

You can do this!! Don’t let anxiety get in the way of your potential

I had a similar experience this week, I intended to do a video interview on a specific day but my nerves got the best of me. However, I took the opportunity to then spend the whole evening preparing and practicing, so that the next day, I felt fully confident. If you can, spend today doing the necessary prep that will reassure you that you will be okay and whatever they throw at you, you can answer.

You got this!!

 

[Bree]

Hello can anyone please help me with Weil VI? I can help with FF Stage 2, Macfarlanes Stage 2, Milbank Stage 1, Latham Stage 2, Hogan Stage 1 and other firms

 

[cookedlawstudent]

The people that have W&C VIs, when’d you guys apply? I’m assuming it’s a pfo myself as I haven’t got it (same for AG), applied early December

how could they cut off online asssessments so early when their applications close in mid january? i think you will be fine

 

[llblawstudent]

how could they cut off online asssessments so early when their applications close in mid january? i think you will be fine

No I mean the VI cos you only get that after you pass the SJT and they like your app no?. Since that’s competitive, it implies they’re looking at apps already. Which makes sense since they’re rolling

 

[Rads]

Hello, is there any difference in applying for Spring v/s Summer for Paul, Weiss today? does either impact my application in any way?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Incorrect. Akin you can apply up until the deadline I knew two people who applied on the deadline last year and made it to AC and subsequently got VS. I was told they hold roughly 4/5 AC's. with the last two being filled by those who applied closer to the deadline. All ACs are in Jan, but their process is fast-paced post-Christmas. so you can do the entire app-test-ti-ac all within 3 weeks. This is from a friend who converted their VS there this year.​

I’m just going based off of what Akin’s grad rec manager told us directly at Akin’s open day. She advised to submit apps before Xmas cos they’re not gna be screening all apps submitted on the deadline. If that’s incorrect take it up with their grad rec team lad. I’d like to think Akin’s grad rec team knows their own process and wouldn’t give misleading information to ppl. It’s possible they’ve changed the rules for this cycle.​

 

[cookedlawstudent]

No I mean the VI cos you only get that after you pass the SJT and they like your app no?. Since that’s competitive, it implies they’re looking at apps already. Which makes sense since they’re rolling

yes that makes sense, but i still think that you will be fine. they have an entire month left until they close applications so don't lose hope

 

[Bree]

Does Paul, Weiss not sponsor visas for vac schemes?

 

[Trophy]

I’m just going based off of what Akin’s grad rec manager told us directly at Akin’s open day. She advised to submit apps before Xmas cos they’re not gna be screening all apps submitted on the deadline. If that’s incorrect take it up with their grad rec team lad. I’d like to think Akin’s grad rec team knows their own process and wouldn’t give misleading information to ppl. It’s possible they’ve changed the rules for this cycle.​

You don’t need to be aggressive. chill out.

 

[zee_]

I'm answering this question for a vac scheme application - "Discuss a recent legal development or case that interested you (max 300 words)".

Does anyone know what the firm is assessing here, and what structure my answer should follow. I was thinking of using the following structure, and doing 100 words for each section - Background of the case, why it interests you, and how it links to the firm.

Does anyone have any guidance on how to approach this question

 

[Icantstopeatingfood]

Hello, is there any difference in applying for Spring v/s Summer for Paul, Weiss today? does either impact my application in any way?

they are non rolling and have not given next stages so it may not make a difference. I don’t think international students on visa can apply to spring as it is during term time i’m not sure if they sponsor visas for vacation schemes.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

You don’t need to be aggressive. chill out.

I’m not being aggressive champ. I was clarifying my initial comment cos you said it was incorrect. My bad if it sounded otherwise rkid.​

 

[Trophy]

I’m not being aggressive champ. I was clarifying my initial comment cos you said it was incorrect. My bad if it sounded otherwise rkid.​

Lad, champ, rkid. wth

You were aggressive end of. Tired of entertaining this 25/26 cycle persona you have.

 

[scoffee]

i’ve been invited to dla pipers AC does anyone have any specific advice regarding the firms AC?

Hey, congrats on the AC!

I did their AC and then VS last year, so I can say a little bit about my experience in case it helps. It was also the first AC I had ever done so safe to say I was absolutely terrified

I don't know if they're doing it differently this year but when I did it, there were three separate exercises, and we got quite a bit of time to talk to the other people at the AC in between interviews etc which I actually really enjoyed! It's always nice to bond with the people that are there with you, especially where there is a group exercise where you need to work with people.

I would just say make sure you've researched the firm well (which I imagine you have if you've reached this point!) and have a couple of questions handy for your interviewers. I found that the more personal interest I took in what they did, the more relaxed they seemed which in turn made me feel slightly more like it was a normal conversation rather than an interview. For example, I had a few questions about their One-UK approach which were relevant as I'm a Scots lawyer, and asked a bit about how this applied in my interviewers' specific practices.

I have also never met a lawyer in the firm who is not absolutely lovely and wanting you to succeed, so they are genuinely wanting you to do well in the interviews! Just take your time in responses, take a second to think if you need it (I would take small sips of water while I was thinking), and treat it like an opportunity to show your interviewers how great you are!

Best of luck, you'll smash it!

 

[llblawstudent]

I'm answering this question for a vac scheme application - "Discuss a recent legal development or case that interested you (max 300 words)".

Does anyone know what the firm is assessing here, and what structure my answer should follow. I was thinking of using the following structure, and doing 100 words for each section - Background of the case, why it interests you, and how it links to the firm.

Does anyone have any guidance on how to approach this question

Hey, what firm was this for out of interest?

 

[Bread]

Omg just kiss already

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

Hi, I just completed a winter vacation scheme and was wondering whether it makes sense to update applications I am waiting to hear back from by letting them know that I have done further legal work ex? Would appreciate any thoughts/ advice on this.

Hi, just my opinion here. Honestly might come across as a bit overconfident. To me, it would seem like you are contacting them only to say "well, I have just done another VS and am waiting on TC confirmation". Something about this tone doesn't really sit right. Besides, GR won't be making conclusions based on one single work experience addition. If it bolstered your overall application or genuinely contributed something meaningful to why they would want to hire you I'd probably say otherwise, but a multiple week scheme is unlikely to have that effect. Use it as good cannon fodder for the next round of applications if you are not successful.

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Guys is it too late to apply for W&C's Spring Vac scheme specifically? Ik that applications close in a month but I am debating switching my application to Summer because someone did mention that people are already being invited to VIs and I'm sure that AC invites for the Spring Scheme will come shortly after.