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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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The same thing happened to me, I've emailed grad rec to ask why I have another invite
Post app or post interview? I know a few people who did interviews at Perkins Coie recently. Idk if they’ve heard back post interview though.
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Hey- it’s not the early careers team, the interview is 2 members of their early careers panel which is mainly made up of senior fee earners.
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?
I’d assume it’s probs 1,600 apps for the VS, 160 get to VI, 80 get to the AC, 40 VS slots, 10 TCs.
Then for the DTC route, maybe 400 apps, 40 get to the VI, 20 get to the AC and then 4/5 TCs.
This is just a rough estimate idk the acc numbers but they do get c2,000 apps per year for VS/TCs.
Then for the DTC route, maybe 400 apps, 40 get to the VI, 20 get to the AC and then 4/5 TCs.
This is just a rough estimate idk the acc numbers but they do get c2,000 apps per year for VS/TCs.
its for summer! the email said 'We have now concluded interviews for our spring vacation scheme'
I think it's for all routes, spring is first and then summer. Grad Rec said they're running 3 more so 4 in total.
Thank you, my fingers and toes are crossed!Interesting. Thank you! Hope yours went well
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!
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
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
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
Hey!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
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!
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