TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[maylawwww]

I sound like a broken record LOL, but the way firms have approached accessibility this cycle is very disappointing…

EDIT: LOL just to confirm, they gave you 7.5 minutes as opposed to 37.5 minutes??!

YUP

 

[needatrainingcontractasap]

has anyone heard back for summer vac schemes (even for vis) from

links
hsf
latham
mishcon
baker
white & case?

 

[wrpark]

I just tried to do a WG for a firm, but instead of 25% extra time (so 125% total), they just gave me 25% of the regular time LOL

Lmfaooo if they don't know how %s work then they shouldn't expect any better common sense from us either

 

[elle woods]

sorry to bring everyone's minds back to lego, but did anyone else see Jaysen's LinkedIn post about the AI analytics of the chat over the past few weeks?

really funny to see LEGO mentioned, as well as the Mishcon AI chatbot popping up in more than 1 place hahah

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

hey i'll dm you!

ewpsieee j saw ur bigger text

 

[FoodieMcFoodieBigBack]

Does anyone here know whether Weil is running ACs beyond the immediate next week? They sent me an email yesterday inviting me to an AC, but the only available date is this coming Monday but I have an immovable class/tutorial on Monday. I was busy writing exams in person the whole of yesterday, so by the time I saw the email it was outside working hours and I couldn't reach gradrec to ask for alternative dates.

 

[whywhy88]

Have Links sent out all of their ACs for spring?

 

[A worried paralegal]

Burges salmon AC Wtff 😭😭😭

Me too. My first!!

 

[A worried paralegal]

Me too. My first!!

Does anyone here have some good resources on either Burges Salmon or more general tips for AC's?

 

[calebnash]

Anyone have any advice on how to prepare for a scenario discussion and a written exercise at an AC? @Afraz Akhtar or anyone with any idea please help hahah

 

[londonlawyer]

Any advice on how long the answer to why this firm should be in an interview? Just timed myself and mine is around 2 minutes. Is that good or should it be a bit longer?

 

[wrpark]

NRF PFO, scored 4,3,3,3 on Arctic Shores :/

 

[axelrod901]

Hi guys, what do you think a good answer would be for 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?
I was thinking maybe something along the lines of AI / Tech but I do think it's a cliche answer so if you guys have any ideas, that would be great. Thank you!

 

[Prudentia]

NRF PFO, scored 4,3,3,3 on Arctic Shores :/

They sent a PFO at the weekend? Cold.

 

[Prudentia]

Hi guys, what do you think a good answer would be for 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?
I was thinking maybe something along the lines of AI / Tech but I do think it's a cliche answer so if you guys have any ideas, that would be great. Thank you!

A good way to approach this question is to move beyond “lawyers give technically correct advice” and focus on how lawyers create value outside of live matters. One useful framing is reactive vs proactive. Many clients only approach lawyers when something has already happened (e.g a transaction, a dispute, or a regulatory issue that’s crystallised). However, lawyers can also add value by working upstream, through horizon scanning and foresight. That means identifying emerging legal, regulatory, and market issues before they become urgent, and helping clients understand what’s coming and how to prepare. In this sense, lawyers can be powerful strategic partners and advisors who help clients plan, reduce uncertainty, and make better decisions before risks and issues crystallise and become (expensive) problems.

You can then ground this in practical examples. For example, lawyers running training for boards or trustees on upcoming regulatory changes, hosting seminars and workshops, publishing weekly newsletters, hosting podcasts, publishing client briefings, or tailoring updates to specific sectors. The key is showing that lawyers translate complex developments into actionable insight, not just legal analysis. In terms of why it matters now, today’s market is fast-moving and uncertain. Regulation is evolving quickly, technology is changing business models, and clients face overlapping risks across compliance, governance, and strategy. Clients don’t just want answers to today’s problem. They want advisers who can help them anticipate tomorrow’s.

 

[rabialegal]

Would anyone be happy to share any tips for the Clyde and Co's VI? Have mine due tonight and scrambling atm

 

[TheGeek12]

Akin PFO. Turns out it got sent yesterday and straight to my spam.

 

[TheGeek12]

Also haven't gotten a Weil invite. I assume PFO?

 

[Novaa]

Also haven't gotten a Weil invite. I assume PFO?

From what I’ve seen, they’ve PFO’d loads of people, given ACs to some people with dates which are short notice. So I’m assuming you’re more likely still being considered for an AC rather than not being considered.

Not a PFO, until it lands in your inbox 🤩

 

[startupgeek]

Akin PFO. Turns out it got sent yesterday and straight to my spam.

ur inbox was trying to protect ur energy