TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thanks Abbie!! Would you say its normal to then just step away mid work day for such a coffee chat? As in, should these be planned during work hours or only during lunch/after work? I’m worried that i will come across as disengaged if i step away for these chats for longer periods mid work day.

Also, is it usual to ask for work during VS from the lawyers youre interested in working with? Or is it rather that you wait for your supervisor to give you work, as youre not yet qualified and thus expected to spend your time networking. I was very much under the impression that we’re meant to appear proactive and ask for work, but spoke to someone who said this isn’t something we should focus on as we’ll have tasks from supervisors and expected to network more.

Finally, is staying in the office longer than expected a red flag? I work for a US firm at the moment, and found that they appreciate when one stays longer as it demonstrates commitment and willingness to exceed expectations. However, I had someone mention that during vac schemes this is actually a red flag, as you aren’t technically qualified and therefore should not be staying after work hours

Hi!

No problem!

Yes, this is completely normal, I'd just give your supervisor a heads-up so they know where you have gone! It is expected that you will be popping in and out for scheduled sessions anyway, so I'd just communicate with your supervisor when you can.

In terms of asking for work, I'd say that this differs between firms, and I found that on most of my schemes I mainly received work from my supervisor and those in the same team. It is pretty normal to take a walk around the department you are in on your first day, and many people will usually offer to send you across some work (which I'd accept if you have capacity). However, for most firms, you don't have to necessarily reach out to other lawyers that aren't in your department to ask for work. Given the fact that you will likely have scheduled sessions, coffee chats, and work from your supervisor, you might not have any time to complete work for others in the office, so I'd focus on the tasks from your supervisor first and foremost.

I think there are differing opinions on your point about staying in the office longer, and it usually differs between firms and departments. In my view, during a vacation scheme, you won't be expected (+ probably shouldn't be!) staying much longer than the scheduled work hours. If you are finishing off a task or chatting to your supervisor, it is perfectly fine to stay a little later and this could show commitment and willingness to exceed expectations. However, I would generally avoid staying for extended periods outside of work hours, as this isn't expected on a vacation scheme (though I have heard stories from some US firms!).

I hope that assists, but do send across any other questions you have!

 

[alanshore]

Does anyone have any experience applying to the Goldman Sachs Legal Summer Analyst programme? Thinking of applying next year

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi Abbie,

I was wondering how you would go about answering "What is your dream firm?" during an interview.

Thanks! @Abbie Whitlock

Hey!

I would treat this as a motivation + self-awareness question, rather than trying to name a "perfect" firm. In practice, I'd avoid saying that you have a single "dream firm" unless it is the firm you are interviewing with. Instead, I'd frame your answer around what your ideal firm looks like, and then link it back to them.

For example, you could say that you are looking for a firm with a strong international platform, high-quality work in X area, and a collaborative culture - then, I'd explain why that aligns with what you have learned about the firm. It also helps to back up any points that you make with evidence from your past experiences or future career goals (e.g. if you say you are interested in working in X area, back it up with your experience from studying it at university, etc.). If they push you to be more direct (which I think is unlikely!), it is fine to say that the firm you are interviewing with is your top choice based on your research and experiences. However, I'd keep this grounded in evidence and avoid saying anything that sounds overly rehearsed or unrealistic (as no firm is perfect!).

The key is to show that you have thought seriously about what you want, your criteria are commercially aware and realistic (e.g. go beyond "working with nice people"), and that there is a clear and genuine link to the firm you are interviewing at. It is less about naming a "dream" firm, and more about demonstrating why you are a good fit for this firm (based on clear reasoning).

Best of luck with the interview!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Advice needed! I have been fortunate enough to receive a direct TC offer from a firm, with only 1 week to accept the offer. I have another vacation scheme coming up next month with my dream firm. I really want to try my luck with my dream firm, but also don't want to turn down a guaranteed TC at the other firm (I have asked and they are unwilling to extend the offer deadline). Any advice on how to proceed ? @Abbie Whitlock

Hello!

Congratulations on the TC offer, and the VS offer!!

In practice, many people in this situation will choose to accept the TC to secure the offer, and then still go ahead with the vacation scheme. If they later receive an offer from their preferred firm, they may withdraw from the first TC.

However, I'd definitely be mindful of a few important caveats. First, I'd check the terms of the TC and VS offers carefully - some firms include clauses that state you must not complete a vacation scheme if you have already accepted a TC, etc. Second, I'd make sure that you wouldn't be accepting any financial assistance from the DTC firm (e.g. PGDL or SQE funding) before reneging, as you might be required to pay it back.

If you do later renege, it is important to handle it professionally and give as much notice as possible. It is not an ideal situation, but firms are generally aware that candidates are navigating multiple processes, and this does happen. I'd just make sure that you consider the risks and proceed with what you are comfortable with. Best of luck!

 

[CharlieandLola]

Has anyone gotten good or bad news from SH post VI? I know one person did but just wondering if rejections come out first or offers!

 

[CharlieandLola]

Hey! I got a call today for the scheme ! I'm assuming they will be calling over the rest of the week too as the call was quite late in the day Wishing you luck!

That’s amazing congratulations!!!!! Can I ask what time they called?

 

[soph107048]

is anyone still waiting on W&C summer scheme/did anyone else get an interview this week?

 

[CharlieandLola]

haven’t heard anything - did that person get good news or bad news?

Good!!

 

[uraijom]

v&e post ac pfo - did ac on the 24th.. 3rd post ac pfo this season honestly not sure what to do anymore

 

[lycheelattle]

I’ve heard from 2 people with interviews in late February that they received offers today. Mind if I ask you when your interview was? Mine was March so I’m hoping they’re starting with the earlier ones.

just received v&e pfo lol. I had my interview last week

 

[Donna Paulsen]

On my SH application I ticked all three dates - were the recent test invites only for the Spring vac scheme, meaning I was being considered for that one? Or would they consider me for all dates? Sorry if this is confusing lol

 

[ABC234]

Hey!

I would treat this as a motivation + self-awareness question, rather than trying to name a "perfect" form. In practice, I'd avoid saying that you have a single "dream firm" unless it is the firm you are interviewing with. Instead, I'd frame your answer around what your ideal firm looks like, and then link it back to them.

For example, you could say that you are looking for a firm with a strong international platform, high-quality work in X area, and a collaborative culture - then, I'd explain why that aligns with what you have learned about the firm. It also helps to back up any points that you make with evidence from your past experiences or future career goals (e.g. if you say you are interested in working in X area, back it up with your experience from studying it at university, etc.). If they push you to be more direct (which I think is unlikely!), it is fine to say that the firm you are interviewing with is your top choice based on your research and experiences. However, I'd keep this grounded in evidence and avoid saying anything that sounds overly rehearsed or unrealistic (as no firm is perfect!).

The key is to show that you have thought seriously about what you want, your criteria are commercially aware and realistic (e.g. go beyond "working with nice people"), and that there is a clear and genuine link to the firm you are interviewing at. It is less about naming a "dream" firm, and more about demonstrating why you are a good fit for this firm (based on clear reasoning).

Best of luck with the interview!

Thank you so much!

 

[Marble_Moth]

That’s amazing congratulations!!!!! Can I ask what time they called?

Thank you so much! Of course - they called at 5:30pm. Wishing you the best of luck

 

[Marble_Moth]

For my SH application I ticked all three dates - were the recent test invites only for the Spring vac scheme, meaning I was being considered for that one? Or would they consider me for all dates? Sorry if this is confusing lol

Hey. I hope this offers some clarity (apologies if I’ve misunderstood your post) - When they called they asked what my preference was and offered all three dates. But they did note I only ticked one set of dates on the call. I would take that as all three date preferences are being considered together. Wishing you luck!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Hey. I hope this offers some clarity (apologies if I’ve misunderstood your post) - When they called they asked what my preference was and offered all three dates. But they did note I only ticked one set of dates on the call. I would take that as all three date preferences are being considered together. Wishing you luck!

Thank you so much that helps a lot! and big congratulations!! X

 

[User2640]

Has anyone heard anything from Tatham & Co? It's been 2 months since I applied and radio silence.... Also feel their spring scheme should start soon so I probably have been PFO'd

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Does anyone have insight aboutDACB written exercise? Thank you. Can offer different insights

 

[mooonoo123]

Hi, I wanted to know if anyone here has done a VWV AC before and has any insights!

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

HAS ANYONE!! RECEIVED!!! A W&C SUMMER OFFER!!! I DID MY INTERVIEW ON 5 MARCH <3 w love. and peace obviously.

 

[at1234]

Anyone gave the FD interview? How did it go?