TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Hi sorry to hear this, is this post application or post TI?

Post app, applied a week before deadline. Bittersweet as I don't get PFO post TI so I can reapply for DTC this cycle.

 

[privateequitywarrior]

Freshfields DTC AC, shout out to Harvey Specter for his utmost belief in me.

 

[Myparentsdream]

can you guys say what stage you got the pfo and what day you got the invite/applied would mitigate questions being asked

 

[PinkZebra67]

still not heard back from Morgan Lewis ( app stage) the end of week scaries waiting for replies continue …

 

[thedonnabrief]

3 PFOs in a single day, I'm about to lose all my hope that I had for this cycle :')

 

[legal18]

Farrer AC if anyone has done it in previous cycles I’d be grateful for insight

 

[SamiyaJ]

Farrer AC if anyone has done it in previous cycles I’d be grateful for insight

Omg yayyy congrats!!!

 

[legal18]

Omg yayyy congrats!!!

Thank you

 

[Applicant7874652]

still not heard back from Morgan Lewis ( app stage) the end of week scaries waiting for replies continue …

Friday at 6pm is crunch time

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Any insight on Morgan Lewis TI?
@Abbie Whitlock, the interview is a mix of competency questions and application-form questions. How would you say is the best way to prepare, given the interview is only 20 mins?

Hey!

Congratulations on the TI invite! Whilst I wouldn't have any specific insights into Morgan Lewis' TI, I can offer some general tips on how you could approach this interview. Given the interview is only 20 minutes, I think preparation is less about covering lots of ground and more about having very clear and concise answers.

I would re-read your application carefully and be prepared to speak about anything that you mentioned on it, as questions are often taken directly from it. For example, in similar interviews, I have been asked about some of the academic modules that I studied or particular initiatives that I was a part of.

Additionally, I would create a mini-bank of competency examples that you can adapt to different questions, keeping the background / context of them structured and to the point. This could involve picking 2-3 main experiences from your work experience or academic background and highlighting what competencies you displayed.

I would make sure that you have a clear and specific answer to the more common interview questions - namely, "why Morgan Lewis", "why law" and "why you". Try to focus on a few genuine reasons, rather than trying to cover everything, and always make sure to back up your points with evidence.

As there is a time constraint, it will help to focus on clarity and structure - it might be the case that they are looking at how well you can communicate and prioritise under pressure rather than how much detail you give.

Best of luck!!

 

[Erin Brockovich]

Farrer AC! Grateful for any insight

 

[whyisthissohard]

Has anybody heard back post AC for the Pinsent Masons regional offices? x

 

[Myparentsdream]

Farrer AC! Grateful for any insight

well done!!

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Any advice on how to make a why this firm answer sound genuine when you mention a deal that they did? I'm afraid I'll sound like their website. Also, is it okay to use the example I used in the application or should I find a new one? @Abbie Whitlock

 

[sooae]

Hehe another post AC rejection! (Skadden)

Hey sorry to hear! May I ask when you did your interview?

 

[lawcool]

I saw someone get a freshfields ac and I checked my inbox thinking this might be my time!! And forgot they rejected me yesterday

 

[Eriberrie]

Hey do you have insights for the Trowers Hamlins AC?

 

[Eriberrie]

Written exercise AC in 3 hours with Trowers…

Not sure how I feel or if I feel prepared at all. Is this how first time AC attendees felt?!!

How did the written exercise go?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

also does anyone have any insight into how you'd best answer 'which one of our clients would you most want to work with'

Hello!

This is an interesting question! I would approach it as a commercial reasoning question rather than a test of technical knowledge. The most important thing is to choose on client and clearly explain why they interest you, instead of trying to name a few clients or show off specific detail.

I'd start by briefly explaining what the client does and the sector they operate in, and then link this to the type of work that the firm does for them. From there, you can explain what kinds of matters you might be exposed to as a trainee and why you would find that interesting or challenging (based on your past experiences or future career goals).

It might also be helpful to mention a current issue or trend that is affecting that client or sector, and how the firm could support them. You definitely don't need to go into legal technicalities - the interviews / graduate recruitment team are usually looking for you to display commercial awareness and clear motivation.

As long as your answer is specific and genuinely reasoned, it should come across well! Best of luck!

 

[ChambersLoading]

Skadden rejection big big ouch