TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[mooonoo123]

Hi, has anyone heard back from VWV post-presentation?

Not yet but they said last week of feb to me so should be this week !

 

[user397485]

under consideration back to interview confirmed... i'm thinking probs a rejection or it would say successful. that or it means they've made up their mind and just waiting to send out a response ?!

are you law or non law

 

[NLegal]

How did the Irwin Mitchell AC go for people in the individual service stream?

 

[Madison Pinewall]

are you law or non law

law

 

[fbtrainee]

Morgan Lewis & Macfarlanes allow you to reapply in the same cycle if you are rejected before AC stage.

The rest is unlikely to offer you a place after being rejected in the same cycle. BCLP and White & Case would still consider if you ever had an AC in previous cycle but failed, but others three are difficult and certainly least possible.

So if I applied to a vac scheme this cycle I can reapply directly to bclp?

 

[Dannie]

hey would love some input - When doing a 5 min presentation client pitch for a law firm, is it bad if the slides are simple but flashy? What are they looking for here? Can the slides be nice (and still minimal) and should you try to use the a similar template or style as the firm you're interviewing at?

 

[lawcool]

Anyone know anything about wedlake bell ac?🙏🙏

 

[ZB]

Hi which firms are still open and people would recommend applying to?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Hi which firms are still open and people would recommend applying to?

For vac schemes Faegre Drinker and Haynes and Boone are still open. FD closes Feb 28 and HB on Apr 6. Both are US firms pretty decent I think.

Idk if they’re rolling or non-rolling or the ins and outs of the recruitment process. I just saw all their posts on LinkedIn and decided I should apply…

For direct TCs loads of firms are accepting apps with deadlines ranging from March to June: BCLP, Ashurst, Bakers, Macfarlanes, White & Case etc.​

 

[jagath]

under consideration back to interview confirmed... i'm thinking probs a rejection or it would say successful. that or it means they've made up their mind and just waiting to send out a response ?!

hmm hopefully it’s an offer for you! mine hasn’t changed from under consideration non law

 

[Partcore22]

Has anyone done the Irwin Mitchell AC yet in any of the offices?

 

[Mikeross750]

@Abbie Whitlock I hope you are well! Could I please PM you with a query?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Madison Pinewall]

hmm hopefully it’s an offer for you! mine hasn’t changed from under consideration non law

i know they change to successful eventually but i'm assuming portal can also say unsuccessful so im going to try not to read into it! good luck btw, i hope it's good news for all of us !!!

 

[sleepless.ly]

hi i have my debevoise OD tomorrow and im super nervous 😭 could anyone who's already done theirs or has any insight into the process be kind enough to share how it went - i think i'm mostly just scared about the technical article interview aspect of it

 

[CupOfTea17]

Hey everyone!
As VS deadlines are practically over, I am now looking at DTC's. I am a current GDL student and have some legal work exp, i.e. in clinics, but I have never done a VS. Do you think I have a shot at a DTC or should I just focus on next year?

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

So if I applied to a vac scheme this cycle I can reapply directly to bclp?

No, you can't in any stages. I said you CAN reapply if PREVIOUS cycle you reached AC, but failed. Usually firms won't consider your app if you ever reached into AC/final interview stage like Greenberg, Travers Smith, FF, etc.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock I hope you are well! Could I please PM you with a query?

Thank you in advance.

Hi!

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

Happy for you to PM me if the query is private or personal in nature

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When completing the work history section on various applications, should I aim to use the entire 250 words that are usually given, or should it just be a brief overview?

Hi!

I would avoid trying to fill the entire 250 words if the entry doesn't require it - it's completely fine to use less if it is a less substantive experience! Generally, I would aim to discuss the role you had, the responsibilities it involved, and the transferable skills that you gained. If you have done this, it is completely fine if it is less than 250 words

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone done the Irwin Mitchell AC yet in any of the offices?

Which office & stream is yours for?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I was wondering if you have any tips on structuring/going about a presentation that pitches the firm to a client?
@Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

This is a great question! I did something similar when I participated in BIUCAC, so I'm happy to share what worked for me then!

Generally, these presentations are less about listing everything the firm does, and more about showing that understand the client and what they need. I would structure it in the following way:

1. Opening

Briefly introduce yourself and the team and set out the purpose - why you are here and what you can help the client to achieve. I'd make sure to keep it confident and concise, and avoid rambling!

2. Demonstrate understanding

Show that you understand their commercial context, which can include key challenges in their sector, current market pressures, or what they're trying to achieve. This signals commercial awareness and that you have done your research!

3. Why this firm is the right adviser

This is probably the most important section, and I would focus on 3-4 tailored strengths of the firm that directly meet the clients needs. This could be relevant sector expertise, similar past transactions, cross-practice collaboration, international reach, partner involvement, etc. Make sure that you use specific examples and focus on how these features will help the client achieve what they want out of the transaction.

4. How you would work with them

It might help to briefly outline to the client what your approach would be - e.g. responsiveness, proactive risk management, cost transparency, etc. I'd make sure that you know the firms values and how it markets itself before the AC, as you could demonstrate those values.

5. Conclusion

End your answer by reinforcing how the firm will help them achieve their business objectives, utilise opportunities, and manage any risks in the transaction.

The key part is to avoid making it sounds like you are just listing features about the firm - you want to ensure that your pitch is client-focused and commercially aware.

I hope that assists!