TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[radssss]

Hey!

I'm not too knowledgeable on these areas myself, so my advice would be quite general! However, when I was starting to learn more about specific areas my starting point is usually Investopedia. For example, I've had a look for posts on Funds and Private Credit and have found:

• Private Credit vs Private Equity: What's the Difference?
• Fund: Definition, How It Works, Types and Ways to Invest
• What Investors Should Know About Investing in Private Debt

If videos are what work best for you, I would definitely have a look at YouTube and search things such as "How private equity works", "What is private credit", "How a fund is structured", etc. When I was preparing for an interview at a PE-focused firm last cycle, I found this video from TCLA really helpful as an introduction: "What Private Equity Lawyers Actually Do? - with Bernie Rivard"

In a case study, they are usually testing:

• Can you spot key risks?
• Do you understand the client's overall commercial objective?
• Can you think commercially and offer practical solutions?

For example, in an M&A case study, you need to think about what the buyer is actually trying to achieve and what are the main risks to highlight in due diligence. For PE, this might be how the fund will exit and what could impact returns from the investment. Lastly, for private credit, you would want to consider what the lender would be worried about (e.g. repayment, security, etc.).

A simple structure that might help you as you approach these exercises is:

1. What is the client's goal?
2. What are the main commercial risks?
3. What would you prioritise as their lawyer?

Try to focus on keeping it logical and commercial - they won't be expecting you to address the technical complexities of an LBO model, but rather to show that you understand the client's objective, can identify the key commercial risks, and can think practically about how a lawyer would help protect the client's position.

I hope that helps!

Thank you so much Abbie, you’re a star🥹

 

[ddalki]

I hope everyone is getting good news!
Does anyone know whether Hogan Lovells / Ashurst / Linklaters are still sending AC invites? Thanks!

 

[Ernesto]

Lewis Silkin email saying we should hear back ‘early next week’

 

[tc2026]

hi! does anyone have any last min advice for HL stage 1? I would really appreciate it : )

 

[BeanaGoalGetter]

Lewis Silkin email saying we should hear back ‘early next week’

Had a mini heart attack seeing the email

 

[Madison Pinewall]

hey guys, just wondering on reflection. for most law firms, I havent put in my 'work experience' things that weren't like paid. for example, I volunteer to tutor students online and write for a widening participation blog. should I be adding these to my experience? similarly. are open days relevant? I found that I had more luck with CV based firms where they could see my range of extracurricular + mooting experience.

 

[hanahana]

Bird & Bird Vacation Scheme offer!!!

 

[Prudentia]

I was speaking to one of the lawyers in my organisation about applying for VS and TCs. He said that he applied to almost every single law firm for a VS as a student (he went to Oxbridge) He was rejected from every regional and national firm, but ended up securing VSs with Baker McKenzie, Slaughter & May and Freshfields, and getting TC offers from BM and FF. Not sure where I’m going with this, but as the wave of offers/PFOs are coming through, don’t let rejection knock you back too much. Being rejected from one firm can sometimes lead to you getting an offer from a much better one.

 

[lawyersum]

Lewis Silkin email saying we should hear back ‘early next week’

Had a mini heart attack seeing the email

I didn't get anything...strange

 

[laurenstew99]

I didn't get anything...strange

Me neither

 

[lawyersum]

Me neither

Cue the mind games lol why do firms do this

 

[radssss]

I didn't get anything...strange

Same

 

[kukubird]

Anyone heard from Morgan Lewis post TI for summer?

They said they'd get back this time next week.

 

[Donuttime]

Same

Check your junk. I got the email from Lewis Silkin

 

[Jennifer2003]

BIRD AND BIRD SPRING VAC SCHEME OFFER !!!

 

[lawyersum]

Check your junk. I got the email from Lewis Silkin

I also checked my junk - not there.

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

Me neither

Cue the mind games lol why do firms do this

Same

Oh I thought they were like Fieldfisher 🤣

If they didn't send you a holding email, it could be (with examples of firms) :
• Firms haven't reviewed your app yet, it really depends on when you submitted your app (Gibson Dunn, Sullivan & Cromwell)
• Firms won't progressed you further (Cooley, Slaughter and May)

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

hey guys, just wondering on reflection. for most law firms, I havent put in my 'work experience' things that weren't like paid. for example, I volunteer to tutor students online and write for a widening participation blog. should I be adding these to my experience? similarly. are open days relevant? I found that I had more luck with CV based firms where they could see my range of extracurricular + mooting experience.

I usually include all of them in my application form if they have no dedicated sections for ECAs or have not specifically asked me not to include them. I got progressed by international and national firms so I don't think it's an issue. Some even encourage you to put ECAs, volunteering, open days, and everything else in work experience

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Bird & Bird Vacation Scheme offer!!!

BIRD AND BIRD SPRING VAC SCHEME OFFER !!!

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Director]

Back to say I sadly got a Sidley PFO..,after going to an insight day yesterday LMAO