TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Novaa]

@Novaa haha to me this seems like you met the benchmark of the VI, which means they narrowed down the applicant pool, and then made any decisions based off the application form - hence its the standard PFO and not a benchmark failure. Confusing.... but don't fret onto the next.

@Afraz Akhtar WAIT LOVE THAT!!

 

[tcaspirer25]

Any insights into Latham AC will be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏🙏

 

[Donna Paulsen]

RPC’s marketing team when they see other firm’s marketing teams. BECAUSE THEY COULD NEVER!!

Maddy knew who she was from a very early age? Well so did RPC

The RPC recruitment team when they can sense someone is #StrikinglyFake

 

[IWillGetATC]

if V& E app is still open (despite 11 Jan deadline) do people think it's worth it to submit....

 

[rohing99]

where are my dentons, kennedys, ag, trowers, clydes ac invites 😪

 

[doodllaw29]

Any insights into Latham AC will be much appreciated 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Is this for the Spring Vac Scheme? Congratulations on getting to this stage!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Is there a difference as to how I would approach a strengths based rather than competency based interview? Especially re: how I approach examples - if I'm talking about for example communication, am I better off bringing in multiple examples fro my career to date to show it is a strength of mine rather than STAR analyse one specific situation?

@nbjani there is no set structure to any questions, just suggestions. You're right in thinking the best way to approach competency questions is to STAR them, but that strategy has been advised based off how the question is structured, it invites you to talk about a time or an example where you've displayed that particular skill.

With strengths based questions more generally, it heavily depends on the way the question is asked. Let's look at two different ones that I've been asked in the past:

1. "What would your friends say are your top qualities"
2. "Do you prefer focusing on the bigger picture or the smaller details"

Although both questions are strengths based, I can only qualify the second with an example naturally. It would just be plain awkward if I provided an example of a time my friends complimented me (they do so very rarely). However, with the second, I can talk qualify why I think I prefer focusing on the smaller details, and leverage an experience that made me come to that realisation.

So, look at the way the question is structured, and check to see if it invites any examples. Where it does, be sure to use it as it will give you more to say and help sell who you are as a candidate. However, where it doesn't invite examples, don't stress too much, providing one is just a bonus anyway.

 

[Willgetatc]

Anyone heard back from linklaters post holding email (for VS)?
Or from slaughters post holding email (for DTC)?

 

[Prudentia]

LOOOOOL honestly yes that’s the only address they had listed😂😂😂😂😂

 

[RowdtoTC2026]

I have done Clyde’s online assessmen yesterday and did not get the VI invite so should I assume pfo?

 

[Suii]

Is Trowers assessment deadline tonight as it says assessment link expired when I start it.

 

[radssss]

Is Trowers assessment deadline tonight as it says assessment link expired when I start it.

My email said 12 Jan - 11:59pm but I did the test a few days ago! It’s worth emailing grad rec and checking with them along with sending them a screenshot of the page which shows link expired asap as proof before its actually time for it to expire

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

@Afraz Akhtar I reached the final stage with a law firm three weeks ago - they haven't given out offers yet to anyone and I am yet to hear back on the outcome of that interview, maybe even this week. However, I am away for a week in another country and switched my sim card. If they were to call (hopefully) with an offer, that call wouldn't reach me. Am I right to assume that they would then email? A bit worried that I may come off as unprofessional and/or not receive comms from them at all for this reason.

Hey @Mikeross750 if you have an international number, it is best to provide that to them and let them know you can only be contacted on that or email. Give them the option, just in case they want to deliver the news directly. I know some seniors love hearing the excitement in your voice when you get any offer - which is why you typically get a call from a partner for the TC offer. Graduate recruitment do all the work, but the partners get all the glory.... and don't worry, they're able to make international calls.

Although if you don't provide the number, it is enough to ask them to email you due to your travels. Although its not unprofessional not to do so, it is just courtesy, given the fact you've gotten this far in the process.

Good luck!

 

[elle woods]

me when grad rec recommends you only apply to 5 firms. I understand that it allows you to tailor your application, but there is no way you can ensure you don't get cut off at any of the in between stages haha...

 

[nbjani]

@nbjani there is no set structure to any questions, just suggestions. You're right in thinking the best way to approach competency questions is to STAR them, but that strategy has been advised based off how the question is structured, it invites you to talk about a time or an example where you've displayed that particular skill.

With strengths based questions more generally, it heavily depends on the way the question is asked. Let's look at two different ones that I've been asked in the past:

1. "What would your friends say are your top qualities"
2. "Do you prefer focusing on the bigger picture or the smaller details"

Although both questions are strengths based, I can only qualify the second with an example naturally. It would just be plain awkward if I provided an example of a time my friends complimented me (they do so very rarely). However, with the second, I can talk qualify why I think I prefer focusing on the smaller details, and leverage an experience that made me come to that realisation.

So, look at the way the question is structured, and check to see if it invites any examples. Where it does, be sure to use it as it will give you more to say and help sell who you are as a candidate. However, where it doesn't invite examples, don't stress too much, providing one is just a bonus anyway.

As always thanks so much Afraz, you really are a legend!

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Hey guys, quick question, when a firm asks in an interview to speak about a recent commercial news story, do you typically pick a deal, a headline showing a wider trend or something else?

Would love some insight!

I usually pick a wider market trend / potential fluctuation in the market that could affect their clients (without directly saying xyz will affect clients unless they've asked)

 

[Saul_specter]

has anyone received slaughters interview for feb? or have they only given out interviews for jan

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Has anyone that did Milbank Stage 1 received a pfo? I did my test on the 3rd of Jan but not heard back

I haven't received a PFO but also haven't received a stage 2 test (did stage 1 Dec 30).....anxiety inducing

 

[user123987]

anyone heard from wedlake bell ?

 

[hanz123]

RPC’s marketing team when they see other firm’s marketing teams. BECAUSE THEY COULD NEVER!!

Maddy knew who she was from a very early age? Well so did RPC

LMAOOOO