TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Managing Director!! I’m gna change my name now to Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner lmao.​

Noooo! Its Pearson first and always

 

[lawstudent2]

Also, maybe discuss why it caught your attention enough to go away and research it more

Ooo yeh, thanks guys

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Does anyone have insights on how to approach this question? "Tell us how lawyers can add value for their clients beyond providing technical, legal expertise. Why is this especially important in today's market?"

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

Hi @Afraz Akhtar, if I have 60-90 seconds to answer a VI question on "why X law firm", would it be acceptable to talk about the general type of work that the firm has done in the past, rather than delve into in-depth specifics of a deal? I don't want to name-drop a deal and then not have enough time to connect it to my answer properly.

Hi @M_m I understand why you would want to lack depth here, given the time. Although we need to ensure the reason is specific enough to the firm and well qualified with why that appeals to you - and I feel like general work doesn't meet that mark. So, instead think about a specific type of work they do and whether they do it well, e.g. returning clients, heightened demand, a grip on a particular sector - you can do this without talking about a particular deal which cuts down on the amount of depth you would need to go into. Then ensure you can explain why that interests you and if it links to a particular skill/experience of yours.

 

[random6035]

how cooked are we if we didn't manage to answer all the questions in the OC deductive reasoning test??

 

[Donna Paulsen]

how cooked are we if we didn't finish the OC deductive reasoning test??

Did you put random answers at the end or leave them blank? I did the former for the last two because I ran out of time. If not, where did you get up to?

 

[yasmars]

how cooked are we if we didn't manage to answer all the questions in the OC deductive reasoning test??

I guessed the last two because I ran out of time. I heard they mark you down if you leave any questions unanswered

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

New username is here: Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner of Pearson Specter Litt LLP. 🤩

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

What are peoples tips for answering ‘why law/commercial law’ in an interview? follow a story approach or more structured? do you have different answers for law vs commercial law? would love to know how people have approached it !!

@lawyersum I don't imagine many firms specifically carving the two questions out, considering the limited time and wealth of content to cover. However, if they ask 'why law' be prepared to introduce what pushed you to the legal industry and focus the bulk of your answer on commercial law - particularly what interests you, why it interests you, and whether there was any skill/experience that qualified that interest.

This doesn't necessarily need to follow a story approach, so you don't need to showcase your journey as much as you do your interest - however you will have to explain where that interest comes from, as mentioned above you will need to qualify it.

 

[random6035]

Did you put random answers at the end or leave them blank? I did the former for the last two because I ran out of time. If not, where did you get up to?

i ran out of time on question 10 (didnt manage to click next for that one) so i think i left the last 3 questions blank 😭 😭

 

[I’m a celebrity get me out of here - VS/TC edn]

In the past, we used to have a general discussion thread and a vacation scheme thread. I'd be happy to do this again. One downside is I think it would split everyone into two places.

Would be curious to know everyone's thoughts, though, especially for next cycle. Could you react with the ✅ emoji on this post if you think a separate chat thread would be better? And the ❌ if you think one thread is better?

Damn the votes - Long live democracy 🫩🫩🫩🫩

 

[StressedByAMountainOfBooks]

Just out of interest when did you hear back from Latham? Also was it Summer or Spring VS?

Was an open day

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

May be a silly question but what do people wear to virtual written exercises?

@lawstudent2 if you're being recorded/proctored - then just like a VI, you should dress professionally. It's a little different to in-person interviews in that, this doesn't need to be formal wear - it could be a plain jumper or knitwear, but nothing too graphic or patterned.

Honestly, even if you did, I doubt it would be too much of an issue, but its best to not give them anything to fault you on - in case the candidate performance is overwhelmingly competitive and they need to whittle down.

 

[blcnko]

Hi, ive just received a final stage Gibson Dunn interview - does anyone have any insights on this? I can provide information on A&O Shearman Summer and Vinson & Elkins AC!

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Also, maybe discuss why it caught your attention enough to go away and research it more

oop... I see someone stealing my identity🤭

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Hi, ive just received a final stage Gibson Dunn interview - does anyone have any insights on this? I can provide information on A&O Shearman Summer and Vinson & Elkins AC!

Congrats! may I ask whether it was spring or summer (GD and V&E) Thanks!

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Hi guys, just wanted some advice. As someone who after graduating decided to go into legal tech at a MC firm and now a few years after graduating is looking to go into practice, do you think it is worth looking at TC applications? I’ve been so focused on VS applications but since not progressing as far as I would have wanted this application cycle, do you think I can apply for direct TCs? Despite not having done any VS but I have worked in a law firm just not in a directly legal capacity.

 

[RVD23]

Any tips for the Dechert AC?? First case study and I'm terrified :/

 

[BobThebIlly]

Anyone heard back post VI for Gowlings Bham TC, Goodwin’s VS? Also is there any update for sidley post app for spring, Davis Polk post app?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Anyone heard back post VI for Gowlings Bham TC, Goodwin’s VS? Also is there any update for sidley post app for spring, Davis Polk post app?

I saw someone on LinkedIn received a vac scheme offer from Davis Polk so I’m assuming that they’re commencing interviews atm?​