TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock What are the biggest challenges facing law firms (other than AI)?

Looking for some ideas if anyone else wants to chime in

Hello!

This is a great question - aside from AI, I think some of the biggest challenges that you could do some further research on are:

• Talent Retention: there are changing expectations around work-life balance and flexibility, and firms need to adapt their recruiting processes to keep the top junior lawyers
• Client cost pressure: clients are price-sensitive and are increasingly looking for efficiency and alternative fee arrangements instead of the traditional hourly fee model
• Increased competition: particularly from US firms and alternative legal service providers. You could talk about the recent mergers that have happened in the legal industry, as this relates to this point!

I hope that provides you with a couple starting points to have a think about

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock! I have an AC tomorrow and the case study is "strategy based" not M&A what should I focus on! Thank you in advance

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hey @Abbie Whitlock I was thinking of questions I can ask at the end of my ac interview and I was considering maybe asking that given the trend of Uk firms merging with US firms for numerous reasons, I would ask if the firm see themselves engaging in a transatlantic merger?

I dont know if this is too forward but wanted to ask something interesting to a Partner!

Hey!

I think this is a really thoughtful question, and shows that you are commercially aware and thinking about market trends.

It might help to slightly reframe it so it feels less like you are asking for a definitive answer on their strategy. Instead of directly asking whether they plan to merge, you could say something along the lines of: ”We have seen an increase In transatlantic mergers between UK and US firms - how does the firm view that trend, and how does it see its international strategy developing?”

This keeps it focused on strategy rather than speculating about the firms next moves, and invites the partner to talk about the long-term vision of the firm (and shows you are thinking about how the firm is a fit for your long-term career). I wouldn’t say it is too forward - just make sure that the tone is curious rather than probing

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Can you apply to DTCs without having done a vac scheme before? I feel like it’s expected that you have if you apply to DTC but maybe that’s just in my head lol

Hey!

It depends on the firm, but you absolutely can! I totally understand where you are coming from, as I also thought it was a requirement to have legal experience when applying for the direct route, but what matters most is that you write a strong application and perform well in the assessments.

From my understanding, there is usually a higher benchmark for DTC ACs and interviews (as they are only assessing you on that one day, compared to a week or two for a VS), but if you are confident in those exercises it is definitely worth a shot! There are a few people in my DTC cohort that had no prior legal experience, so it isn’t a prerequisite at most firms

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

As I move to DTCs, I have a question about firm research… how often are people spending on it and do you feel like you KNOW the firm pre-AC stage?

Because I came into this cycle thinking five well researched firms would come in clutch 🫣 #QualityOverQuantity?

@Abbie Whitlock - would also appreciate any advice on how thorough you were with research

Hey!

I would definitely agree with quality over quantity, especially when it comes to DTC applications. For me, it wasn’t about knowing everything about the firm before the AC (and I definitely didn’t prep as much as I would’ve liked to!), but knowing the right things well. The main areas that I aimed to be confident in were:
1. The firm‘s key practice areas and sector strengths
2. A couple of recent deals and cases from a mix of practice areas / sectors
3. The culture of the firm and what their training programme involves
4. Most importantly, why those points genuinely appealed to me based on my interests, past experiences, and future career goals.

In terms of time, I probably spent a few focused hours on research before the AC spread out over a few days. This was more beneficial to me than cramming the night before, and as I didn’t have loads of time to prepare, I focused on the key areas.

I wouldn’t necessarily say I ever felt like I “knew” the firm completely - I think the most important thing is to understand its market position and the key strengths that make it competitive, and ensure that you can demonstrate why the unique features of the firm appeal to you personally. This seemed to be enough!

I hope that assists!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Im curious if it would be good to just discuss 2 reasons with personal experience for a why this firm answer? Or is 3 more of a necessity for a dtc application?

Hey!

Two well-developed reasons that you can link to your personal experiences will work well! I would always aim for depth over number, and if you feel that the third point isn’t necessary, it is absolutely fine to stick to two. I would just make sure that you can:

1. Clearly link each reason to the firm (i.e. avoid generic points), and
2. Tie them to your own personal experiences or motivations

If you can do that and fill the word count, that should make a strong answer! Best of luck

 

[sbbusybee]

How long does white and case usually take to get back to you after final interview?

Last year took them nearly 2 months for me… obviously was a pfo

 

[AryanAgg]

Hey!

Two well-developed reasons that you can link to your personal experiences will work well! I would always aim for depth over number, and if you feel that the third point isn’t necessary, it is absolutely fine to stick to two. I would just make sure that you can:

1. Clearly link each reason to the firm (i.e. avoid generic points), and
2. Tie them to your own personal experiences or motivations

If you can do that and fill the word count, that should make a strong answer! Best of luck

Would a firm having rankings in both contentious and transactional work be a unique enough selling point if I can relate it to my personal choices? And also include an interesting deal and a case in the same?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey @Abbie Whitlock! I have an AC tomorrow and the case study is "strategy based" not M&A what should I focus on! Thank you in advance

Hello!

Congratulations on being invited to the AC!

If it is strategy-based, I would focus on:

• Commercial Awareness: they want to see that you understand that businesses don’t operate in a vacuum. I would have a think about things such as market conditions, competitors, industry trends, etc., and apply them to the scenario you have been given. Even more basic points such as inflation and ESG pressure show that you are thinking commercially.
• Client’s Objectives: focus on what the business is actually trying to achieve. This might be growth, entering a new market, reducing costs, reputation management, diversifying, etc. If you are asked to make recommendations, they should always relate back to these goals. You are essentially being asked to provide legal advice that aligns with the business’ wider commercial strategy
• Risk Analysis: strategy will also involve showing that you can spot and weigh risks in a situation. This might be financial risks, reputational risks, regulatory risks, or operational risks. You won’t necessarily be expected to eliminate the risks - just make sure that you show that you can spot them and prioritise them accordingly.
• Clear Structure: as a more general tip, I would ensure that you construct your points in a clear and structured way. A simple structure could be: identify objectives, analyse options (i.e. the pros and cons), assess the risks, and make a recommendation.
• Practical and Decisive Recommendations: when you make recommendations at the end of the exercise, try to avoid sitting on the fence. It is completely fine to not give a completely definitive answer if the situation is unclear, but I would weigh up the options, choose one, and justify why you have chosen it. The best advice I was given during my placement year is that partners don’t want trainees to just highlight problems, they want trainees who can offer solutions and make decisions too.

You don’t need any specialist knowledge on commercial strategy - I would say it is all about being logical and structured to reach a practical solution that makes sense based on the situation.

Best of luck with the AC tomorrow - I’m sure you’ll do great!

 

[Partcore22]

Has anyone heard from DWF who applied to the Birmingham office post application? Haven’t heard anything but my friends who applied to other offices have

 

[user397485]

Bakers PFO

pre or post ac

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Does anyone also have difficulty accessing some pages of Clyde & Co - not partiuclar articles but some of their services pages - my AC is tomorrow ☠️ e.g.,
https://www.clydeco.com › services › cyber-risk-expertise

 

[adf43256]

Does anyone have insights on the WFW AC? Is there no partner interview??

 

[marshall]

Still waiting for HSF Kramer 😭😭😭

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

Still waiting for HSF Kramer 😭😭😭

same LMAOAO

 

[justagirl23]

Does anyone also have difficulty accessing some pages of Clyde & Co - not partiuclar articles but some of their services pages - my AC is tomorrow ☠️ e.g.,
https://www.clydeco.com › services › cyber-risk-expertise

so is mine lol cant even get myself to sleep

 

[SamiyaJ]

so is mine lol cant even get myself to sleep

Best of luck to you both!

 

[justagirl23]

Best of luck to you both!

thank you girl!!