TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

Wow, thanks for telling me. It is a real shame, I feel like this might worsen social mobility. Now they basically only have grades and the university you went to when filtering applications :/

I'm sure there will still be Watson Glaser tests, but I do feel like the application questions gave everybody an opportunity to shine.

My gut says it will be the VIs that are the solution to this - they probably test aptitude for speaking under pressure better but can also demonstrate structure and knowledge but with 2 min prep times you lower the efficacy of AI.

 

[c.t.tc]

Why have a bunch of firms completely removed application questions?

Mishcon in particular mentioned that their application numbers have shot up in the last year or two because of ChatGPT and that it was getting harder and harder to actually pick the right people to progress because answers were getting so generic through using AI. That might not apply to every firm but there is a good chance it is the reasoning behind a few of them.

 

[c.t.tc]

Why have a bunch of firms completely removed application questions?

I can agree that it's super frustrating though if you write well and feel like you're not getting the chance to prove you would stand out regardless!

 

[tom-sawyer]

Why have a bunch of firms completely removed application questions?

I think it's to combat the use of AI in applications. I spoke to grad rec at Weil and Freshfields as the AS Law Fair (both firms application processes have switched entirely to online assessments) and they mentioned they believe these assessments are a much better way of getting to know candidates now!

 

[BT0901]

Has anyone heard from Taylor Wessing or Freshfields TC since completing the online assessment?

 

[ACHat8r]

Has anyone heard back from Linklaters for the Winter Vac Scheme?

I know 2 people who got an AC this week

 

[applicant3000]

Would anyone be able to share the vac scheme conversion rate at Goodwin? Unfortunately I was unable to attend the application webinar

 

[TCSeeker999]

How quickly do links usually tell candidates the final decision after an AC?

 

[Amgrad]

Would anyone be able to share the vac scheme conversion rate at Goodwin? Unfortunately I was unable to attend the application webinar

I did! And I've asked this to y'all... https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2025-26.9717/post-219622

 

[msclm]

Hey guys, has anyone heard back from Sidley regarding spring / summer?

hi - I think sidley finalises their winter before moving moving to spring/summer

 

[Amgrad]

Confirmed! These firms would not sponsor visa for vac scheme at all cost (no direct TC route):

• Vinson & Elkins
• Akin
• Jones Day
• Ropes and Gray
• Latham & Watkins
• Katten
• Squire Patton Boggs
• Pinsent Masons
• Bird & Bird
• Orrick
• NRF

For international applicants outside of the UK, don't waste your time to apply as they don't offer Visa if you don't have right to work in the UK

These firms recruit solely from VS as well, but have very slight chance to get sponsored and/or have DTC, but got cancelled in the last few years:

• HSF Kramer
• Kirkland & Ellis
• Sullivan & Cromwell
• Osborne Clarke

Potentially sponsor visa for VS as they don't recruit DTC if your profile stand out and from EM:

• Cooley
• Skadden
• RPC
• Milbank
• Weil
• Cleary
• Dechert
• Davis Polk

Clearly stated on the FAQs or events that they will sponsor anybody without exception of nationality

• Taylor Wessing
• Macfarlanes
• Paul, Weiss
• Sidley Austin
• Reed Smith
• Willkie

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Burges Salmon WVS Q, "Can you share a specific instance during your research, a conversation, or an event that convinced you that Burges Salmon was the right firm for you’ - for this question, I was planning on mentioning a virtual event I attended last year but I have also attended an AC with them, so now I'm quite unsure of which example to use. Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi, does anyone know the Winter Vac scheme assessment centre dates for Hogan Lovells?

 

[Chelsea101]

For people that applied to Taylor Wessing - how long was your cover letter?

 

[abc124]

Hi, does anyone know the Winter Vac scheme assessment centre dates for Hogan Lovells?

Have they started sending invites?

 

[iklawapps]

For people who took the HL Job Sim, how do you feel about it :’ ) I’m pinching myself because I don’t think it was as bad as it could’ve been but I know I made the stupidest mistakes and missed out on so many stupid little details and probably seemed so stupid and nervous. idk VIs aren’t my thing and I keep getting rejected at this point, but I’m wondering how other people are feeling and if anything felt this horrible but ended up passing to AC. Anyway, sorry for the ramble but good luck to everyone!!! < 3

 

[Andrei Radu]

Burges Salmon WVS Q, "Can you share a specific instance during your research, a conversation, or an event that convinced you that Burges Salmon was the right firm for you’ - for this question, I was planning on mentioning a virtual event I attended last year but I have also attended an AC with them, so now I'm quite unsure of which example to use. Any help would be much appreciated!

I do not think the fact that you attended an AC should significantly influence your decision to discuss the virtual event or not; in my opinion, this should simply come down to which of the two events was actually more impactful in terms of you realising the "fit" between you and the firm. If you learned more about the firm at the virtual event, you should not feel like you have to discuss the AC instead just because it is the more impressive achievement. As most people see it, ACs are not generally designed to make you learn the firm, but about assessing candidates who already know the firm is the right fit for them.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi guys, I am currently facing a scheduling dilemma and I figured it might be helpful for me to hear some advice and opinion in this forum.

So, I've got my first training shift at my current job on next Wednesday, 22nd. but there's a chance I might get invited to an insight day on the same day. I haven't heard back from the law firm yet, the application deadline was the 15th and today's the 18th, so I'm not sure if invites are still coming. The law firm said application is non rolling and they reviewed after deadline.

Now I don't want to seem unreliable with my new manager, and risk my reputation and first impression, but the insight day could be a great opportunity if it comes through. And now I'm not sure how long I should wait to confirm my availability to my current boss? Should I wait until next monday or Tuesday to confirm? Because if the insight day is happening on Wednesday, I doubt I will get invite on tuesday, which is a day before.

Would love to hear how others handled something like this. Ahhh
would really appreciate your help as well! )) @Abbie Whitlock

Hi @chiichii I agree that Monday is the latest you should wait to confirm - it would be highly unusual for a firm to send invites only one day before an event, as they know many applicants have to juggle busy schedules and to travel significant distances to attend. In case you are accepted, I would to be very candid and transparent but also apologetic when communicating with your new manager. I think you should address the situation upfront, specifying that you really want to avoid causing any inconvenience or starting off on the wrong foot and not appearing committed enough to your new job; but that a quite unique and important opportunity has appeared in your pursuit of your long-term dream of a career in commercial law. As such, you should try to explain that it would mean a lot to you if they would make an exception and allow you to start one day later so that you can attend the event; perhaps offering to also take an extra shift when they will need you to compensate for the present inconvenience. If you approach the manager in this manner, I think there is a high chance they will be very understanding and that they will try to accommodate your request.

 

[johnsmith]

Hi, does anyone know the Winter Vac scheme assessment centre dates for Hogan Lovells?

I was wondering today if anyone knows anyone who's heard on next steps with Hogan Lovells

For people that applied to Taylor Wessing - how long was your cover letter?

I think I kept to one page

 

[johnsmith]

For people who took the HL Job Sim, how do you feel about it :’ ) I’m pinching myself because I don’t think it was as bad as it could’ve been but I know I made the stupidest mistakes and missed out on so many stupid little details and probably seemed so stupid and nervous. idk VIs aren’t my thing and I keep getting rejected at this point, but I’m wondering how other people are feeling and if anything felt this horrible but ended up passing to AC. Anyway, sorry for the ramble but good luck to everyone!!! < 3

I really enjoyed the tasks. Unsure how I'm performing with VIs yet, as not heard positively or negatively from any I've completed VIs for.