TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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Congrats which firm/ uk or us firm if u don’t mind me asking
For the people wondering about Sidley … grad requirement is in the middle of seat switches for current trainees! I imagine that will be their priority for the next few days.
Which US firms have the best outcomes for direct TC? For example I know last year HL didn’t even reply to people for direct TC. Thinking of Morgan Lewis and W&C but could anyone let me know if there are any others??
I think Baker McKenzie is pretty good. My mate did their DTC AC last year got an offer and said that apps they took c30-50% from the DTC route.
Firms like Paul Hastings, King & Spalding and Fried Frank only hire via the DTC route (12, 4 and 4 TCs respectively). Idk about other US firms though.
Firms like Paul Hastings, King & Spalding and Fried Frank only hire via the DTC route (12, 4 and 4 TCs respectively). Idk about other US firms though.
For bakers, I was rejected post SJT this cycle. Am I able to apply for DTC do you reckon?
idt u can, website says cant reapply in same cycle
dechert PFO after WE, no VS secured, no more firms to hear from, and final AC is tmw...
Hi!
I have previously made a post on how I'd approach this question - I have quoted it below! Just let me know if you have any other questions, and best of luck!
Hey!
Great question - this is definitely an interview question that used to throw me off, as it can feel very open ended!
I would say that a good way to structure this is to keep it concise, professional and forward-looking, rather than trying to cram your full life story into a few minutes. A structure that I used to follow is:
- Present: what you are currently doing (e.g. degree, role, or stage you are at) - for example, "I am current a final year Law student studying at X university..."
- Past: one or two experiences that are relevant and show key skills or interests - for example, "I completed a placement year in my third year that reaffirmed my interest in X area of law, and I am now..."
- Future: what you are looking to do next and why this firm fits - for example, "I am particularly interested in X type of law, and therefore I have applied to X firm as it aligns with..."
You could think of it as a 60-90 second overview that answers: who are you academically and professionally, what has shaped your interests and motivations, and what are your future goals. I would also try to link it subtly to skills that the firm you are applying to values (e.g. teamwork, collaboration, entrepreneurialism) and end your answer on a point that leads into "why law" or "why this firm".
Overall, you can use this question as a way of giving the interviewer a snapshot into your legal journey so far
Has anyone ever progressed with a low amberjack score?
Depends what you consider low. Usually it seems firms set the benchmark to at least 50% so 18/36. I got 24/36 and got the Weil AC.
If the SJT has a VI with it, more weighting is probs placed on the VI than the SJT. But it probs differs between firms as far as cutoffs go.
So 20/36 could be above the cutoff for one firm but significantly below the cutoff for another. It’s best to get at least 60% to be safe I think.
If the SJT has a VI with it, more weighting is probs placed on the VI than the SJT. But it probs differs between firms as far as cutoffs go.
So 20/36 could be above the cutoff for one firm but significantly below the cutoff for another. It’s best to get at least 60% to be safe I think.
I have progressed with quite a poor amberjack before and have got PFOs on ones I scored very highly on. I think its highly dependant on your VI performance and the firm
hey! may I ask where exactly it says so? I do not see that for myself, I only see the progress bar that is still on the 'in review' circle. Also, when did you apply? maybe they have processed you before me, since I sent out the app on the 14th February - pretty late
I thought there wasn’t a test worse than the CC or Orrick WG. Then I took Ropes’ Thrive test…
I think it’s just used to feed into the questions we get asked during the partner interview tbh.
I don’t think it influences post AC decisions tbh but who knows anything could happen.
I think it’s just used to feed into the questions we get asked during the partner interview tbh.
I don’t think it influences post AC decisions tbh but who knows anything could happen.
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