TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Yea I would have applied anyway. But to some who really dislike tests like this, this could've wasted their time beyond the application form, such as research, attending sessions, etc.

 

[soph107048]

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite! I totally understand your perspective, and I remember feeling the same way when people would post about offers when I was still waiting to hear back post-AC.

When I completed my DTC AC for Reed Smith, I believe I was one of the later (if not the latest!) ACs, as I had to reschedule due to a clash with a VS. Firms wouldn't continue running ACs or invite candidates if there were no realistic places left, and offers going out early doesn't mean that later ACs are judged more harshly.

It's also worth bearing in mind that online posts can be misleading, as they only show a small snapshot of what is actually happening. Firms expect some candidates to decline offers, so they may plan their recruitment accordingly. If you have been invited to the AC, it is because the firm sees potential, and that doesn't change just because your AC is later in the cycle. Graduate recruitment teams know that there will be strong candidates at the later ACs too, so there is definitely still a chance!

Best of luck with the AC!

thanks so much

 

[a114]

Anyone done the Fladgate online assessment? Just to want know about the format (not questions and answers), happy to trade insights/conversation, please let me know!

It's a pretty standard, nothing surprising or exciting. Had a numerical section, critical thinking (conclusions/assumptions etc.), situational judgements, and then a couple of personality questions with sliders.

 

[User2640]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock !

I hope you are doing well.

I was wondering how best to approach the question of "why commercial law rather than social justice-focused work" when it comes in interviews. I've also been asked directly if it's because of money. I honestly wasn't sure how to answer it and got rejected as expected.

Any advice would be very appreciated and thank you so much in advance!

 

[irza.t13]

Hiya! I submitted mine about half an hour ago - just wanted to check if anyone got a confirmation email after submitting because they said there would be one but I don't seem to have received it...?

you get any updates on the AI competition?

 

[nonliquetagain]

you get any updates on the AI competition?

yep got an email from them around 3pm

 

[Leader of the Night Watch of the Contractless]

Do we have a list of Direct TCs still open somewhere on TCLA?

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

DAC beachcroft Vi. Apparently 5 questions? That seems like a lot.

I can provide insight into Dentons, dechert, Bird&Bird and PM if anyone could provide some insight about DAC! Are they difficult questions?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Anyone heard from W&C post-VI for Summer?

 

[EfficientBag123]

DAC beachcroft Vi. Apparently 5 questions? That seems like a lot.

I can provide insight into Dentons, dechert, Bird&Bird and PM if anyone could provide some insight about DAC! Are they difficult questions?

I’m curious did u get that email at 2:30am?

 

[marshall]

Does anyone know if Debevoise gives out vacation scheme offers after each AC or after the end of all 3 ACs? The same question with TCs (after each VS or after all 3?) Thank you!

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Does anyone know if Debevoise gives out vacation scheme offers after each AC or after the end of all 3 ACs? The same question with TCs (after each VS or after all 3?) Thank you!

It was much later in 2019.

 

[Eriberrie]

Hiya - congrats!! Did you manage to get any insight into the written exercise, please

Nope, have you seen any?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

This is gonna be the breakthrough week! I feel it! (Leave me to my copium pls)

 

[anonymous.15]

guys if anyone needs insights from akin, Kirkland and ellis and bird&bird pm I attended their open days.

 

[alphabravocharlie]

@Abbie Whitlock Do you have advice for telephone interviews

 

[Unknowncabbage]

@Abbie Whitlock Do you have advice for telephone interviews

Make sure to smile

 

[jojo23]

Hold on, let me just add my name next to yours on that dotted line.

Yes firm this TC is ours!

View attachment 7908

You, me and @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner turning up to the same ac:

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

Anyone else get a rejection email from Marriott Harrison after they sent an invitation to complete their test? I didn’t even get the opportunity to complete the test and got rejected…

 

[ABC234]

Anyone else get a rejection email from Marriott Harrison after they sent an invitation to complete their test? I didn’t even get the opportunity to complete the test and got rejected…

That’s actually crazy behaviour