TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Anyone get a response for king and Spaulding insight day?

Got a response - PFO. Lol, at least it was just for energy ig

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

Just did simmons & simmons vi. would not be surprised if it was a PFO!

 

[Novaa]

WHEW MY THROAT HURTS! But I need to get this application done

Feeling: Resilient (Going to capitalise off of this, and mention it in a competency interview 😍)

Update: Finished my three questions!

Now to go redraft my work experience… 💔

 

[AMullin]

Does anyone know how much prep time you get for each question in the Clyde & Co VI?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hi @Afraz Akhtar
When answering strength-based questions such as "how would you react to a last-minute deadline" - should i add an example?

 

[SophiaW]

Is anyone else confused/nervous about how long the Kirkland & Ellis assessment day is, and if that means the format of the activities has changed from previous years?

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Is anyone else confused/nervous about how long the Kirkland & Ellis assessment day is, and if that means the format of the activities has changed from previous years?

I am too 😬 no clue what to expect but I hope they are telling the truth when they say there is nothing specific to prepare...

 

[Afuturetrainee]

does anyone know what the MoFo app process is like? Is it just cv and cover letter or with additional questions?

There isn't a cover letter. Just Cv and three questions with unlimited word count

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

what exactly do firms mean by 'cultural fit'? does it mean personality or just whether you are someone people can get on with? surely just the latter right, because law firms need and can benefit from both introverts and extroverts?

From my experience with work outside of law, It's often to do with the way you solve problems and your brain functions. It can also be independence vs supervision etc depending on the firm. Easygoing vs traditionally professional in presentation. How much you enjoy working in a team vs solo. Rate of work. The type of language you use vs the firm (both in writing and communicating). I imagine introvert vs extrovert is part of it, but only a small part of it.

 

[Donuttime]

just submitted TLT phewww thought I wasnt gonna get it in before the deadline!

 

[eggwoman78]

has anyone heard back from BCLP for summer vc

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hi @Afraz Akhtar
When answering strength-based questions such as "how would you react to a last-minute deadline" - should i add an example?

Hi @FutureTraineeMaybe good question! I don't think you necessarily need examples for these sort of questions, as opposed to competency questions which will specify "Tell me about a time...". However, I do think if you can manage to squeeze an example in here and there, it could bring some qualification to your answer - but only if you can find a way to do this naturally, by referencing how you've been able to build that ability. It doesn't need to be the STAR method, it can be as simple as "Having worked in a fast-paced investment firm, I've had my fair share of last-minute deadlines *cue the fake laugh*. As stressful as it may have been, I would say I've developed a mindset to deal with these sort of situations. So, in this instance I would...."

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

what exactly do firms mean by 'cultural fit'? does it mean personality or just whether you are someone people can get on with? surely just the latter right, because law firms need and can benefit from both introverts and extroverts?

Hey @floral.tcla although its a buzz-word that gets flown around a lot, if you're a good cultural fit, it simply means that you are someone that the hiring team can see as working at the firm and someone that would be easy to get along with - which I think is always being assessed regardless. This is particularly quite important for any company, as their environment could require a specific type of candidate e.g. fast-paced/time-dedicated - and having a candidate who seems a little less organised or wants a perfect work-life balance, probably won't be seen as a good fit.

 

[radssss]

just submitted TLT phewww thought I wasnt gonna get it in before the deadline!

Have they stopped offering tcs in the london office?

 

[zonnonomo]

Have they stopped offering tcs in the london office?

not on offer for this year💔

 

[dannyp123]

just submitted TLT phewww thought I wasnt gonna get it in before the deadline!

Hey sorry but did you also not have a work experience section for the TLT application. Im just a bit surprised since this is the only stage before AC and they seem to be relying only on application questions and grades with no work experience

 

[halogenz]

I just wrote an entire application for TLT just to realise they are not recruiting for London this year. Meanwhile, I have to prep for CMS and Bird & Bird's ACs 😭. If anyone reading this takes pity on me and has experience with those ACs pls pm me!! I have insights on the VI and other stages of a lot of firms that I'd be happy to share (Mishcon, Mayer Brown, White & Case, HSFK, Osborne Clarke, Simmons, Reed Smith, Gowling & more)

 

[radssss]

Hey sorry but did you also not have a work experience section for the TLT application. Im just a bit surprised since this is the only stage before AC and they seem to be relying only on application questions and grades with no work experience

Hi, if you look at their application questions, it requires you to use all your work experience briefly as examples

 

[radssss]

I just wrote an entire application for TLT just to realise they are not recruiting for London this year. Meanwhile, I have to prep for CMS and Bird & Bird's ACs 😭. If anyone reading this takes pity on me and has experience with those ACs pls pm me!! I have insights on the VI and other stages of a lot of firms that I'd be happy to share (Mishcon, Mayer Brown, White & Case, HSFK, Osborne Clarke, Simmons, Reed Smith, Gowling & more)

Same buddy! I also wrote it so just submitted it anyways because it’s so hard to get a tc anyways🤣🤣🤣 sorry I cannot be of help as I’ve not done acs at these places but best of luck, I hope you make it

 

[dannyp123]

Hi, if you look at their application questions, it requires you to use all your work experience briefly as examples

Yes of course, but its a shame because you really cant put the full context of most of these experiences in. Regardless at least not much left for me to do and I can submit before the deadline!