TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[mariikulia]

Has anyone who did the Dechert Written Exercise last week got an AC?

Hi, have you heard back from them yet?

 

[trainee4u]

Not sure what you should do but this question is literally the reaosn why I did not apply to them last year. I think it's really private and a very weird thing to ask. People can, for example, go to counselling for a variety of reasons and I don't think firms are entitled to know every little bit of your private life.
Anyway just a rant.

Regarding the "lying", applications usually have a statement at the end saying that you acknowledge that everything you said was true so not sure whether they could do anything if they learnt you lied... although quite unlikely they would unless you told them later

It's slightly ambiguous, but in my view

"Have you ever required any treatment or counselling, or been the subject of any disciplinary action by an employer, relating to alcohol, drugs or gambling?"

Means

• Have you ever required any treatment or counselling for either alcohol, drugs, or gambling or
• Have you ever been subject to disciplinary action for alcohol, drugs or gambling.

They're not asking if you've had counselling for anything else - depression, relationship issues, etc.

So if you have not had treatment/counselling for one of those things, but have had treatment/counselling for something, else you should answer no.

There is also a "give details", so it's not disqualifying.

Note https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/60

1)A person (A) to whom an application for work is made must not ask about the health of the applicant (B)—

(a)before offering work to B, or

(b)where A is not in a position to offer work to B, before including B in a pool of applicants from whom A intends (when in a position to do so) to select a person to whom to offer work.


There are exceptions, but for example, a person who is a "high-functioning alcoholic" (i.e. who has not got into trouble at work) and who has been successfully treated for that, is of no relevance to the firm at all, so this question does appear unlawful.

 

[mariikulia]

Hi, have you heard back from Dechert after the WE?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Dechert PFO post WE for Spring VS. I did the WE around 2 weeks ago. I applied in early Dec and got the WE like 6 weeks post app. I find these middle stages hit or miss tbh. I just got the PFO for this.

However in other news…

Willkie partner interview invite!! I honestly didn’t expect it cos I literally flopped the Skadden WE. I received the email earlier this week, for anybody interested in knowing that info.​

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When asked ab an interesting news story what exactly is the interviewer acc looking for? I get you have to link it to the firm and its sectors is that it?

Hey!

That is definitely part of the answer that they are looking for, but I'd try to expand slightly!

When interviewers ask this, they're mainly testing how you approach the story (rather than the story itself). They want to see that you keep up with commercial or legal news and understand why the story matters, and that you can then explain it clearly and concisely. Importantly, you should also be able to spot the implications for clients and, where relevant, the firm itself.

Linking it to the firm or its sectors definitely helps, but it doesn't need to be forced. A structure that I would usually follow is:

1. Brief context: set out what happened in one or two sentences, focusing on the core facts rather than details. The aim is to show that you understand the story well enough to explain it clearly and concisely.
2. Why it is interesting and important: explain why this caught your attention. This might be because it affects a particular industry, highlights a wider market trend, creates legal or regulatory uncertainty, or shows how businesses are responding to change
3. Implications for businesses or clients: discuss the practical consequences. This could be who is affected, what risks or opportunities arise, and what commercial decisions companies may now need to think about in response.
4. Relevance to the firm: if appropriate, link this back to the firm's practice areas, sectors, or client base. This doesn't need to be forced - it can be as simple as noting where the firm might advise clients navigating the issue, and what practice areas might be involved.
5. Your view: you could end with a short comment that shows your own judgment on the situation (i.e. whether you think the development is positive, challenging, or uncertain - and why)

You don't need to go into lots of technical detail - simply having an awareness of how the news story will affect clients in that sector and how the firm might assist them should demonstrate good commercial awareness! I hope that helps

 

[DoNotRedeem]

Dechert PFO post WE for Spring VS. I did the WE around 2 weeks ago. I applied in early Dec and got the WE like 6 weeks post app. I find these middle stages hit or miss tbh. I just got the PFO for this.

However in other news…

Willkie partner interview invite!! I honestly didn’t expect it cos I literally flopped the Skadden WE. I received the email earlier this week, for anybody interested in knowing that info.​

Hey Harvey, massive congrats on Willkie! Could I ask when you got the pfo from Dechert post WE, I did mine for spring 3 weeks ago (15/01) and nilch :/

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hey!

I'm doing well, thank you - I hope you are too! 😁

Whilst I couldn't say for certain, it might be that this wording is included as a standard line in their emails and isn't targeted at you specifically. It just means they'll be available shortly before the interview in case anyone has approved adjustments.

Therefore, it is unlikely that you need to mention it in your reply unless you actually require an adjustment - a simple email confirming your availability should be perfectly fine!

Best of luck with the interview, I'm sure you'll do great! 💪

Thank you!!!

 

[legallybrunettte]

Hi all. I'm super curious as to when we'll get ACs from Linklaters. I've seen some discussion on the forum but could anyone please catch me up? Should I be expecting a PFO if I've not heard anything by this point? Thank you.

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Addleshaw Goddard VI. My question is, they’re saying that they operate on a blind recruitment policy- in the email it says the video isn’t sent to them, only the audio, it is a voice interview but the camera is on but the recording isn’t sent to them. Does that mean I can cover my camera? My adhd is bad and I tend to look at myself instead of the camera.

Also anyone any insight about the questions? Thanks.

Have done VI and AC for Dentons, PM,and can offer insight about Bird&Bird and Dechert.

Hiya, Congratulations on getting the VI. Could I ask, which office is this for ?

 

[Legalfreak212]

WBD telephone interview

 

[sadlawyer01]

just saw someone on linkedIn accept a TC from kirkland and they’ve also got VS offers from so many amazing firms

sheesh the people who end up there are always so promising!😅

i know who you are talking about lol

 

[elle woods]

Hi all. I'm super curious as to when we'll get ACs from Linklaters. I've seen some discussion on the forum but could anyone please catch me up? Should I be expecting a PFO if I've not heard anything by this point? Thank you.

they seem to be giving them out on a weekly (ish) basis - they will be running until the end of February, so there are still lots of chances! I'd say don't write them off for another couple of weeks at least.

 

[Ernesto]

Womble Bond telephone invite Bristol

 

[Bob142]

Did anyone hear back from CC for DTC today?

 

[starbar_3]

Hey!

That is definitely part of the answer that they are looking for, but I'd try to expand slightly!

When interviewers ask this, they're mainly testing how you approach the story (rather than the story itself). They want to see that you keep up with commercial or legal news and understand why the story matters, and that you can then explain it clearly and concisely. Importantly, you should also be able to spot the implications for clients and, where relevant, the firm itself.

Linking it to the firm or its sectors definitely helps, but it doesn't need to be forced. A structure that I would usually follow is:

1. Brief context: set out what happened in one or two sentences, focusing on the core facts rather than details. The aim is to show that you understand the story well enough to explain it clearly and concisely.
2. Why it is interesting and important: explain why this caught your attention. This might be because it affects a particular industry, highlights a wider market trend, creates legal or regulatory uncertainty, or shows how businesses are responding to change
3. Implications for businesses or clients: discuss the practical consequences. This could be who is affected, what risks or opportunities arise, and what commercial decisions companies may now need to think about in response.
4. Relevance to the firm: if appropriate, link this back to the firm's practice areas, sectors, or client base. This doesn't need to be forced - it can be as simple as noting where the firm might advise clients navigating the issue, and what practice areas might be involved.
5. Your view: you could end with a short comment that shows your own judgment on the situation (i.e. whether you think the development is positive, challenging, or uncertain - and why)

You don't need to go into lots of technical detail - simply having an awareness of how the news story will affect clients in that sector and how the firm might assist them should demonstrate good commercial awareness! I hope that helps

This is really helpful, thank you

 

[Jennifer2003]

WBD telephone interview

Well done! For which office?

 

[Legalfreak212]

Well done! For which office?

London!

 

[hmevey]

On the shoosmiths app on the first page it asks- Please provide a brief explanation for why you have chosen to apply for a particular location (or locations). - do i need to write something? I just live in london so i'm applying for london

 

[hanz123]

Are AG still sending out VI's?

 

[Applicant7874652]

Bro this app cycle is lowkey so stressful