TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[futuretrainee10123]

FORSTERS VI YAYY!!!

Samee did it a couple weeks ago - have you heard back yet?

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Any insight into Debevoise AC? Is the interview based solely on the article read? Do they tend to challenge you and try arguing or just check commercial awareness and the general understanding of the article? Thanks!

(btw I got my invitation last week)

 

[TCLAAAA]

Any insight into Debevoise AC? Is the interview based solely on the article read? Do they tend to challenge you and try arguing or just check commercial awareness and the general understanding of the article? Thanks!

(btw I got my invitation last week)

I did last year: dm me.

 

[Legalfreak212]

Got to Bristows partner review stage, now we wait

 

[kukubird]

Anyone heard from Akin?

 

[Arv_329]

Still haven't heard from NRF (post-vi) or Cleary (post-WG), should I presume PFO for both?

 

[elizabethkate]

Got to Bristows partner review stage, now we wait

i got this email too, is this automatic or just part of the process?

 

[ssch7]

CRS VI completed.

They have a very good practice interview which is specific to their office. 9 practice questions from the actual grad recruitment team, whereas the real interview is only 5. That gives candidates a very good run-up to the real thing.

I think I did a better job on the practice interview than the real one, however! Oh well.

do they assess your practice ones? bit of a strange way to do things no? 9 practice questions is crazyyyy

 

[henry1050]

does anyone have insights into goodwin AC, like timings etc? i know its group exercise, written exercise and interview, wondering if the interview is also about the written exercise or completely separate?

was wondering the same thing

 

[James Wakefield]

i got this email too, is this automatic or just part of the process?

I got this too. Not automatic!

Grad rec filter down the video interviews and they’re then marked again by a Partner (along with your application).

So we’ve made it past the initial sift.

 

[elizabethkate]

I got this too. Not automatic!

Grad rec filter down the video interviews and they’re then marked again by a Partner (along with your application).

So we’ve made it past the initial sift.

so surprised my answers were weak ahhaha

 

[zara elles]

Got to Bristows partner review stage, now we wait

I got this email too! Not sure how as I said a completely wrong firm for competitors when my mind went blank

 

[silonthesofa]

I got this email too! Not sure how as I said a completely wrong firm for competitors when my mind went blank

Now I have to ask, what firm did you say?

 

[amb303]

Hi where do you see that in the email?

Just from this wording I think the shortlister deadline is probably okay!: 'You will have five days to complete the interview from receipt of the Shortlister invite – you can view the deadline on the Shortlister platform when you click through.' --that was from the email that came directly from CRS

 

[Isobel.liddle]

CRS VI !! (London ) I applied around Christmas !

Well done, this is amazing! I’m still yet to hear from them. Do they send in batches?

 

[zara elles]

Now I have to ask, what firm did you say?

Clyde & Co :/ I was trying to think of the other alliterated firm (Bird & Bird)

 

[Legalfreak212]

Clyde & Co :/ I was trying to think of the other alliterated firm (Bird & Bird)

how did you answer it??

 

[legal18]

How do people get information to stick in their brain pre-AC... have one tomorrow

 

[pepsicola96]

Has anyone got some advice on how to dress for an assessment centre where the following instructions were sent re dress code:

"There is no specific dress code. At the firm we adopt a 'dress for your day' policy meaning when colleagues have client meetings or court visits, they will dress a lot smarter, and some may be dressed more casually. We would recommend wearing whatever you feel comfortable in, whilst presenting yourself in a professional manner."

I'm thinking about playing it safe and wearing a full suit and tie anyway, but don't want to look out of place in case everyone else does actually follow these instructions and dresses much more comfortably?

Anecdotally, I was violently ill at an AC earlier this cycle, pretty sure with food poisoning (vomited twice on the 3hr train down to London ). Still attended the AC lol because I needed the train reimbursed, but ended up taking my tie and jacket off and unbuttoning my shirt because I could barely breathe, was sweating profusely and felt sick. I was mortified and definitely looked an absolute state, but still got the offer! So I definitely think people overestimate the importance of your appearance. Though it is still important, if you do meet all the benchmarks you will not be rejected for not wearing a tie you know? (top US firms may vary).

Still though, be on the safe side and go for business dress for an AC and the first day of a vac scheme. Full suit for men, full suit or similarly smart dress/skirt/blouse etc for women.

Another anecdote, I had an insight scheme last year at a firm's regional office that I know to be super super chill. It was bang in the middle of summer and hit like 34 degrees or something so I opted for a polo shirt and trousers on day 1. Was promptly told to be more professionally dressed for the rest of the scheme (the rest of the team was in sundresses and t-shirts)

 

[Isobel.liddle]

do they assess your practice ones? bit of a strange way to do things no? 9 practice questions is crazyyyy

Where were you able to access the practice interviews? Did they send you a link? I haven’t received a VI invite as of yet but hoping to be prepared if I do.