TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[summersun]

Hi sorry to hear about all these PFO for SH. Were these all for Spring? I think thye ad both srping and summer? trying to see if I should be delulu or more realistic

 

[Legal12345]

Congratulations!!! I’m still waiting to hear back. I’m very hit or miss on how I did it was my first ever in person AC :/ what date did u do your AC?

Thank you!! It was also my first AC and I did it on the 29th Jan

 

[Maria123]

No way congrats that’s an amazing achievement!! I’m on the fence with how I did; I am telling myself not to be optimistic because it was my first one. I did my AC in Feb so let’s see. Either way it was a really amazing experience to combat nerves etc. congrats again so happy to hear you received good news!

 

[SueD]

Has anyone who had a Bristows WE deadline for 23rd Feb managed to hear back regarding first round interviews?

I had deadline of 19 Feb (did WE on 16 Feb) and haven’t heard anything.

 

[Legal12345]

No way congrats that’s an amazing achievement!! I’m on the fence with how I did; I am telling myself not to be optimistic because it was my first one. I did my AC in Feb so let’s see. Either way it was a really amazing experience to combat nerves etc. congrats again so happy to hear you received good news!

Thank you so much, I hope you get positive news!

 

[amb303]

Oh damn! I’m going to take it as a pfo from them then

I think there isn’t necessarily cause for concern yet! They’ve also previously done two rounds of vac scheme offers, and the first round also might not have gone out yet!

 

[helenaskelton]

Shoosmiths reserve list London, is everyone else on reserve list for London or regional?

Is this after the SJT for the TC?

 

[Donuttime]

Thank you so much, I hope you get positive news!

Congratulations!! Did they say or allude to how many spaces were left by any chance?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

CRS VI (Cheltenham) finally!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock
I hope you're well!
I have an AC coming up and there's a presentation where I have to speak to a client and choose an option out of five and say why it's the best one.
What do you think would be the best way to structure this?

Hey!

I am doing well, thank you - hope you are too! Congratulations on the AC invite!

For this type of presentation, structure and your judgement usually matter more than getting the "right" option. I would structure it as:

• Start with a brief introduction confirming that you understand the client's objectives, and quickly go over what you'll cover
• Summarise the options concisely, and highlight key pros, risks, and the wider commercial implications of each. This shows that you have taken them into account when making your final decision, demonstrating balanced judgement.
• Next, clearly recommend one option. It is usually important to be decisive and link your reasoning directly to the client's priorities (e.g. cost, risk, timing, reputation, etc.). Additionally, I would acknowledge any downsides but explain why this is acceptable (+ therefore still the best option)
• Finish with a short conclusion that reinforces why your recommendations best meets their objectives, and invite any questions.

I hope that assists, and best of luck with the AC!

 

[ellabella135]

Do slaughters people have under consideration on their portal - I still have just interview confirmed

 

[Prudentia]

RPC vac scheme offer! Got the call 10 mins ago I can’t believe it

You strikingly smashed it! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself )

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi, I am applying to Dentons' Middle East VS and one of the application questions asks about a time I received constructive feedback. I recently did an AC for a VS but couldn't make it to the VS and I received some feedback for this from the law firm. Can and should I mention this or would it be perceived negatively?

Q2. Tell us about a recent instance when you received constructive feedback. Please outline 1) the context, 2) the feedback you received, 3) the learning points and 4) the actions you have taken to improve your performance.

Hey!

I'd say it is absolutely fine to use that example, and it won't automatically be perceived negatively.

Being unsuccessful at an AC isn't a red flag at all - in fact, using that feedback can show maturity, resilience and a genuine commitment to improvement (which is exactly what this question is testing).

I would just make sure that you frame it in the right way. For example, make sure that you keep the context neutral and professional (e.g. "Following an assessment centre for a vacation scheme...") and focus on the specific feedback that you received, rather than the outcome. They'll be looking for self-awareness, so I'd demonstrate that you understood why the feedback was given and have reflected on the experience. Most importantly, I would spend the bulk of your answer discussing what you have changed since the AC and how you have improved as a result.

For example, if the feedback was on commercial awareness, showing that you have taken steps to regularly keep up-to-date on commercial news and practice applying it will show proactivity and maturity.

Overall, firms are looking far more at a genuine willingness to learn than for a "perfect" candidate on paper, particularly at a training contract level where will be expected to take on constructive feedback and develop accordingly.

I hope that assists, and best of luck with the application!

 

[aimeeochin]

anyone know how long HSFK take post-ac

i got mine the same day of the AC, but they said it can take up to 2 weeks

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Do slaughters people have under consideration on their portal - I still have just interview confirmed

I did until it changed back to interview confirmed the other day haha, who knows atp

 

[flower1]

I applied to a few firms on this list, and the Debevoise application stood out for asking an unusually large number of first-stage questions. It look me a long time to draft the answers, and knowing what you're getting into is helpful here. These may not be verbatim (2025):

• Please explain why you have decided to pursue a career as a solicitor and what has attracted you to Debevoise? (250)
• Please indicate if there are any preferred practice areas that interest you. (250)
• Please detail any extra-curricular activities and leisure interests, including any relevant responsibilities and achievements. (250)
• Please tell us about a difficult or demanding achievement that you are particularly proud of, focusing on why it was challenging and the contribution you made towards achieving the end goal. (250)
• Please tell us something that not many people know about you. (250)
• Please tell us about a recent commercial deal that has captured your interest. If you could represent a side, which would it be and why? (300)
• What do you hope to get out of a career at a Firm like ours? (250)

Thank you

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi everyone! Can anyone give me advice on how to mentally prepare for an interview? While I feel excited to be given this opportunity, I am genuinely an anxious person and I feel like it is more nerve-racking than exciting for me at the moment. For any fellow anxious friends, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Hi!

Congratulations on the interview invite!

I would echo what others have said already, and try to reframe that anxiety into excitement instead. @thesauce made a great post on this a few days ago, so I have quoted it below!

The most valuable advice I received was from a partner at a firm where I previously completed a vacation scheme, just before my interview for the TC. He emphasised that feeling nervous or anxious isn't a negative thing at all - it usually reflects that you care about the opportunity and are invested in the outcome. That in itself is a positive sign.

Therefore, I would encourage you to not try to suppress the nerves, but to channel that energy into demonstrating genuine enthusiasm, curiosity and motivation for the firm. Rather than focusing on delivering perfectly rehearsed and polished answers, concentrate on having a thoughtful and engaged conversation with the interviewers. You can do this through listening carefully, responding directly, and showing authentic interest in the people and the work.

As someone who was a bundle of anxiety for days before every interview too, I personally found that reframing nerves as a sign of commitment, rather than a weakness, made a significant difference in my mindset (+ I received positive feedback after that interview, which I'd say is a sign it works!).

Wishing you the best of luck - you've got this!!

As someone said before, other candidates are defo feeling the same way as you. Interviewers expect you to be nervous and take that into consideration, in my experience. But something that's really helped me, surprisingly, is just reframing those 'nerves' into excitement. Studies say that the symptoms of being nervous and excited are actually the same (heart rate increases, being short of breath, even shaking). We've worked really hard to get to the interview stage and I found it useful to think of these feelings as excitement to finally be in that position, rather than being nervous. You finally get your chance. If they called you to interview, they're willing to make you an offer. If you're prepared, there is no reason to be nervous at all. Reframing my mindset (as cheesy as it sounds) genuinely helped me get rid of those nerves and negative thoughts and turn them into confidence in my interviews. Hopefully this can help you too. There are some videos about it on YT.

 

[justagirl23]

i received a pfo over the phone earlier and i was too upset to continue the conversation about my feedback so I asked for a call back later. Is it rude if I just ask to receive my feedback via email, just really upset and can’t be asked for a conversation tbh.

 

[TCLAuser2002]

i received a pfo over the phone earlier and i was too upset to continue the conversation about my feedback so I asked for a call back later. Is it rude if I just ask to receive my feedback via email, just really upset and can’t be asked for a conversation tbh.

A rejection by call is a torture tbh! heads up you will do great!

 

[silonthesofa]

i received a pfo over the phone earlier and i was too upset to continue the conversation about my feedback so I asked for a call back later. Is it rude if I just ask to receive my feedback via email, just really upset and can’t be asked for a conversation tbh.

You can always ask, but it’s probably more work for them than a phone call and admittedly, they’d probably be less inclined to put feedback in writing.

Maybe take a few days and then have the call?