TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Andrei Radu]

Hi ! Does anyone know what the general recommended format is when completing the work experience section for vac scheme applications? Are we supposed to use bullet points or paragraphs? I spoke to a couple of firms at a careers fair and they both gave contrasting answers, so I was wondering what the safest approach would be in general. Thank you !

As some forum members already explained, it's always best to go with what the firm says they want, if you can find that out on their website or from a recruiter. Nonetheless, in many cases this information will not be available. In these situations, I would advise you to go with prose: while I know a minority of firms have a preference for bullet points, when asked, they invariably told me they have no issue with prose. Their preference just had to do with the fact that they found information presented in a bullet point form to be more digestible. However, there are also firms who want all sections to be written in prose. When asked whether they would accept bullet points, their reaction was more adverse, as the rationale behind wanting you to write in prose apparently had to do with wanting to test your drafting skills.

 

[coolwizard22]

Do you think it is now a PFO if I still haven't got the written assessment?

IIRC I was told that my group (last Friday) were the last group to do the written assessment. However, don't count yourself out if you haven't been sent an email about the outcome of your application

 

[Andrei Radu]

Thanks for your reply, Abbie. Just to piggy back off of this, what about the flip side where you give a single, detailed example, but that example ties in many of their values? The wording says "through AN example ... ONE of these...", but it's also very likely that a single example demonstrated multiple values e.g. you took responsibility for the project and came up with a creative solution to achieve excellence. Should you still just highlight only one of these? Because going by the STAR approach, your result is usually going to conclude in excellence or perhaps respect, so it's a bit difficult to totally decouple the values from one another when leading to the example's logical conclusion.

Just to jump in - as long as you keep it to one example which you explain in depth, I cannot imagine the firm would have an issue with you connecting that to more than one of their values. That said, to hedge against any such risk I would perhaps:

1. Choose one value as the "dominant" value, which you explore in more depth and make more central to your point; and introduce the others more like "Also" points rather than points of equivalent importance to the main one.
2. Still ensure you prioritise depth over depth - I would ensure that you properly analyse the importance of its value and how it connects to your experience; as if the firm had any reticence in terms of you mentioning more than one value, it would probably have to do with you not fleshing out your points in enough detail.

 

[s123]

If a firm tells you to wait 7 days for an outcome of your application and you’re on day 5, does that mean PFO

 

[TortillaTC]

Still no news about Weil’s second Insight Day… it’s in 5 days so probably a PFO but it’s annoying that they wouldn’t even send it

 

[stargirl22]

Did anyone receive PFO from NRF post-VI?

 

[thepfocollector]

has anyone heard from Linklaters for wvs?

 

[bjelostan]

Anyone heard from ashurst post written exercise?

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Reed Smith PFO xx

Hii, so sorry to hear this. But if you don't mind me asking, was this post app or VI?

 

[emily3827]

is the white and case test just an sjt or is there a vi or wg element?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

If a firm tells you to wait 7 days for an outcome of your application and you’re on day 5, does that mean PFO

Not necessarily! If they said 7 days, you're still within their timeline. Some firms take the full period (or potentially even a bit longer) to review applications. There are often many factors they need to consider before making a decision, so no news yet doesn't mean a PFO - I'd wait until you hear back either way before assuming anything!

 

[Bbhu19]

any one know their linklaters Watson glasser score

 

[emily3827]

if I haven't heard back from a firm for winter and it was rolling am I able to withdraw my app and apply for spring

 

[student101!]

Hi guys! Any news from Vinson & Elkins spring / summer schemes?

 

[flower1]

Hello, is Why would you chosen to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm? - the same as why Latham & Watkins, so motivational? If not, how do you go about answering it?

Also, do you think it's acceptable to talk about only one point, but go into lots of detail. I have a point in mind and there's many angles to it. There's a 300 word limit. Or, is it better to mention 2 well-developed points instead to show greater understanding?

@Abbie Whitlock

Thank you

 

[qaz99]

is the white and case test just an sjt or is there a vi or wg element?

SJT and i think a critical reasoning. no VI

 

[e_turbo2]

Hii, so sorry to hear this. But if you don't mind me asking, was this post app or VI?

Post app

 

[busybee070]

anyone heard from Latham RE Oct 22nd open day? PFO or acceptance

 

[johnsmith]

Hi guys! Any news from Vinson & Elkins spring / summer schemes?

No nothing!

 

[tosin4774]

SJT and i think a critical reasoning. no VI

So just to clarify after the application question is the SJT and critical reasoning. No VI