TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[The Boy]

Jones day interview! If anyone has any specific experience pls dm x

Same here!! Can anyone also dm their experience

 

[FAS444]

Has anyone heard back from the Macfarlanes 2nd simulate assesment - how long did it take?

 

[Maddy]

Hi Everyone,


I know the new cycle has just opened, and I really want to make the most of it. This is my third cycle, and while I feel my writing has improved, I would be so grateful if someone who has received an offer could spare some time to review my answers and share any feedback on how I can improve further. Of course, anyone else who is willing to help is also very welcome, any guidance would mean a lot.

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[mx.jsn]

Jones day interview! If anyone has any specific experience pls dm x

Just got my Jones Day interview!

Congrats on the interviews! May I ask when you both applied? Thanks!

 

[abbietc03]

Hi Everyone,


I know the new cycle has just opened, and I really want to make the most of it. This is my third cycle, and while I feel my writing has improved, I would be so grateful if someone who has received an offer could spare some time to review my answers and share any feedback on how I can improve further. Of course, anyone else who is willing to help is also very welcome, any guidance would mean a lot.

Thank you so much in advance!

Hi Maddy!

Wishing you the best of luck this cycle!!

I did three vacation schemes last cycle and got my TC through a DTC application at another firm, so I'd be happy to have a look at some of your answers. I'm by no means an expert, but I know it can be useful to have another set of eyes review it! Feel free to send me a DM if I can help

 

[R2D2]

Same here!! Can anyone also dm their experience

Did you apply for the Winter scheme or the latter ones?

 

[Shahenshah]

Congrats on the interviews! May I ask when you both applied? Thanks!

A bit late - 3rd Sep, took me a few hours to do their Forage and then I was also doing Gibson Dunns application and they both opened Sep 1.

 

[confusedbird]

Has anyone heard back from the Macfarlanes 2nd simulate assesment - how long did it take?

Hi,

If you don't mind me asking, how were the VI questions? and are there any tips you might have for the assessment as a whole?

 

[applicant457]

For all those with Jones Day interviews, is it for the winter scheme or the later ones?

 

[ZNadeem]

Hi Everyone,


I know the new cycle has just opened, and I really want to make the most of it. This is my third cycle, and while I feel my writing has improved, I would be so grateful if someone who has received an offer could spare some time to review my answers and share any feedback on how I can improve further. Of course, anyone else who is willing to help is also very welcome, any guidance would mean a lot.

Thank you so much in advance!

Hi! Wishing you the best of luck with this cycle — and well done for taking initiative!

 

[Jamtaz12]

Can anyone give any insight on how to approach this question, How do your extra-curricular activities align with a career at Paul, Weiss?

 

[The Boy]

Did you apply for the Winter scheme or the latter ones?

Winter Scheme

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

For those who got a jones interview, Congratulations!!!
I just wanted to ask if you all got high 2.1's or first
Thank you!

 

[Jamtaz12]

For those who got a jones interview, Congratulations!!!
I just wanted to ask if you all got high 2.1's or first
Thank you!

Tbh I think that is a big part of it. Jones Day seems to place quite a lot of importance on grades, last year I was on mid 2:1 and didnt get to interview, then i graduated with a first this year and i did

 

[RaniaH062002]

Is anyone available to look at and review the work experience section for my applications?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

do you think its too late to apply to jones day vs

I would not say so! As another community member has kindly said, the applications opened only a week ago - this is still very early, even in light of the rolling deadline. Good luck!

 

[Serendipity2026]

Hi everyone! For the work xp section in the linklaters application, is it 250 words total for the job description and achievements together, or 250 each?

 

[BillSikes]

Do firms know if you have completed their forage work experience? Is it useful to complete them?

Anyone know what firms it is believed favour Forage completion when assessing candidates?

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Can anyone give any insight on how to approach this question, How do your extra-curricular activities align with a career at Paul, Weiss?

Hi @Jamtaz12,

Good question!

I'd try to pick two to three USPs of the firm and link each of them to an extracurricular experience of yours.

You may find it helpful to follow a structure similar to this one:

1. Pick an extra-curricular activity, being as specific as possible in terms of describing your key actions.
2. Explain how the extra-curricular activity aligns with one of the firm's USPs - how would the skills and qualities from your experience make you a good fit for Paul, Weiss?

I would also encourage you to use simple words and sentence structures to maximise impact. Good luck!

 

[vera.mekhonoshina]

Do firms know if you have completed their forage work experience? Is it useful to complete them?

Hi @BuddyingLawyer744,

While I can't advise on the firms' tracking policies regarding the completion of Forage experiences, I'd say that there are definitely a few pros to completing them:

• You can use the experience as a way to demonstrate your interest in a specific practice area at a firm. The trainee-level tasks you complete can serve as good evidence for your motivations.
• You may discover more refined, in-depth information about the firm's day-to-day work and broader strategy. What sort of tasks can trainees anticipate to complete at the firm? In what specific ways does this align with you?
• Finally, it's also a great way to practise your writing, research, and presentation skills in the context of legal work.

However, I'd say that if you don't have the time to complete a Forage experience, it's definitely not the end of the world. You can still write a compelling and well-researched application without it. Good luck!