TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is referring to Paul Weiss’s developing litigation practice and wanting to learn more about this in relation to core practice areas, as one of 4 points in an open day application an immediate red flag. Some people have said this would be enough to get an application binned and why would Paul Weiss offer an open day to someone who mentioned litigation (no matter how briefly) over candidates who mentioned PE, even though PE is mentioned elsewhere in the application and among other points?

Hello!

I would agree with other forum users on this point - I don't think that mentioning Paul, Weiss' developing litigation practice is a red flag in itself, especially if it is framed in a way that shows genuine awareness of the firm's broader strategy and focus areas. I think it is important to mention that you are also interested in the firm's core strengths (e.g. private equity), but as you have stated that you do mention an interest in this, I can't imagine mentioning litigation would be a problem

If you positioned it as one of several points (for example, acknowledging the firm's elite transactional work while expressing curiosity about how it's building out its litigation practice) I think this shows good commercial awareness. It shows you understand the firm's expansion and want to see how that integrates with its core practice areas.

As long as your application shows an interest in Paul, Weiss for its current strengths as well, it's unlikely your application will get binned for mentioning their growing litigation practice!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Thank you all for the lovely responses❤️

 

[Donna Paulsen]

To be honest, I've felt somewhat validated over the past year because law firms haven't exactly practiced what they've preached.

You can probably guess what I'm alluding to here which does make me feel somewhat better lol.

I’m not quite sure haha, please do enlighten me

 

[shadowboxer909]

What are you alluding to?

I’m not quite sure haha, please do enlighten me

Hint: Paul, Weiss was heavily criticized for being the first firm to do this.

I'm not naive and I realize that law firms have to face commercial realities but it made me feel that values really are quite hollow when push came to shove. I guess it makes me feel better when I get rejected but I'd also face commercial reality myself if I was offered a role at a firm like Paul, Weiss as I would be the first to accept with really no qualms about it

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

I don’t mean to get soppy on here, but does anyone have some tips on how to deal with rejection? This is my first proper VS application cycle (I’ve applied to a handful previously but didn’t take it as seriously as I am now) and two firms that I really love have rejected me lol. They were the ones at the top of my list. I know it’s not a personal thing and I know it’s competitive, but how do you all motivate yourselves to push through despite the inevitable rejections you encounter along the way? Would love any advice😅x

Hey

I totally get where you're coming from - it really does sting, even when you know it's not personal at all. It's hard not to feel deflated after putting so much effort in, especially at firms you were most excited about.

I would really echo the sentiment from other forum users that rejection is redirection - I was devastated after each application I didn't progress for or VS I didn't convert but ultimately, I've ended up with a TC at the firm that is genuinely the best fit for me. Rejection doesn't mean you're not good enough - it just means that you weren't the right fit for that specific process at that time, and there are so many factors that go into these processes that have nothing to do with your potential or capability.

I think it's important to try to reframe it as part of the learning curve rather than setback. Each application makes you sharper and more confident - you start understanding how to tailor it better, communicate more clearly, and really refine your narrative and profile as a candidate. Even if it doesn't feel that way right now, you are learning and getting closer with every application. It's okay to take a breather before diving back in, and you can come back with more perspective and energy.

Everyone who eventually lands a VS or TC has had their fair share of "no's" along the way (and I've had more than I can count!). The most important thing in this competitive process is to remain reflective and resilient - all you need is that one yes!

You're clearly putting in the work and care - that will pay off! Sending lots of good vibes and encouragement your way, and we'll be here to cheer you on

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Abbie Whitlock are you aware by any chance if Reed Smith sponsors for vacation schemes?

Hello!

Yes, they do!

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Hey

I totally get where you're coming from - it really does sting, even when you know it's not personal at all. It's hard not to feel deflated after putting so much effort in, especially at firms you were most excited about.

I would really echo the sentiment from other forum users that rejection is redirection - I was devastated after each application I didn't progress for or VS I didn't convert but ultimately, I've ended up with a TC at the firm that is genuinely the best fit for me. Rejection doesn't mean you're not good enough - it just means that you weren't the right fit for that specific process at that time, and there are so many factors that go into these processes that have nothing to do with your potential or capability.

I think it's important to try to reframe it as part of the learning curve rather than setback. Each application makes you sharper and more confident - you start understanding how to tailor it better, communicate more clearly, and really refine your narrative and profile as a candidate. Even if it doesn't feel that way right now, you are learning and getting closer with every application. It's okay to take a breather before diving back in, and you can come back with more perspective and energy.

Everyone who eventually lands a VS or TC has had their fair share of "no's" along the way (and I've had more than I can count!). The most important thing in this competitive process is to remain reflective and resilient - all you need is that one yes!

You're clearly putting in the work and care - that will pay off! Sending lots of good vibes and encouragement your way, and we'll be here to cheer you on

Thank you so much Abbie!!

 

[DavidJC]

Is referring to Paul Weiss’s developing litigation practice and wanting to learn more about this in relation to core practice areas, as one of 4 points in an open day application an immediate red flag. Some people have said this would be enough to get an application binned and why would Paul Weiss offer an open day to someone who mentioned litigation (no matter how briefly) over candidates who mentioned PE, even though PE is mentioned elsewhere in the application and among other points?

Similar to everyone else, I don't think this is an issue. I've submitted a 2nd application for the Open Day with significant changes this time and one of those changes includes noting their stated objective of providing a full-service offering in London which inevitably includes Litigation.

I think it's also been reported in a few places that there's been a shift among PE firms towards hiring one firm for almost everything to save costs rather than hiring one firm for finance and M&A, another for antitrust, and another for tax/employment on a single transaction. At the very least, it was part of a discussion I recently had with a structured finance partner at CC at an event two weeks ago.

 

[l789]

Similar to everyone else, I don't think this is an issue. I've submitted a 2nd application for the Open Day with significant changes this time and one of those changes includes noting their stated objective of providing a full-service offering in London which inevitably includes Litigation.

I think it's also been reported in a few places that there's been a shift among PE firms towards hiring one firm for almost everything to save costs rather than hiring one firm for finance and M&A, another for antitrust, and another for tax/employment on a single transaction. At the very least, it was part of a discussion I recently had with a structured finance partner at CC at an event two weeks ago.

Thank you so much for this insight!!!

 

[lawstudent2]

How long does the Mayer Brown first test take, am trying to figure out when to do it this week and am not sure how much time to set aside?

 

[Lawlawland]

Can anyone who has taken Cleary's WGT temme if it's similar to or tougher than the CC WGT (both have the same provider)!

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Weil test invite.

 

[Afuturetrainee]

So Who exactly then got the White & Case Open day, or did they PFO everyone??!🤨🤨🤨🥺

 

[johnnysins]

Have White & Case sent new AC invites after Friday for the Winter Vacation Scheme?

 

[Suii]

Thank you appreciate it.

 

[Trophy]

Hint: Paul, Weiss was heavily criticized for being the first firm to do this.

I'm not naive and I realize that law firms have to face commercial realities but it made me feel that values really are quite hollow when push came to shove. I guess it makes me feel better when I get rejected but I'd also face commercial reality myself if I was offered a role at a firm like Paul, Weiss as I would be the first to accept with really no qualms about it

struggled to understand what you were “alluding to” at so asked ChatGPT incase anyone else wanted to know !

 

[boots pharmacy]

(Regarding WGT)

Is having 70 percentile in Assessment day practice test, 68 in allaboutlaw, 70 in jobprep test and 68% in Clifford chance test decent enough practice for a timed WGT test?

Likely OK, but you should try pushing for an 80pct+ score (heard some firms cutoff around 70--buffer to be safe). Practice helps a ton; pattern recognition etc. I started around the 50/60th pct and after a few weeks of consistent practice managed 90pct+'s. That said, a strong WG score alone isn't enough, got 99th pct for Links last year but wasn't progressed past stage 1...

Love the pfp/user by the way. LOL

 

[shadowboxer909]

struggled to understand what you were “alluding to” at so asked ChatGPT incase anyone else wanted to know !

View attachment 7341

Lol, I guess that's a clear solid lesson in why you don't rely on AI.

I didn't want to spell it out because I appreciate everyone has different opinions on it. I was referring to the deals that law firms including ones on here made with the US administration just a few months ago. It's been well-reported that law firms have been doing pro-bono work for the Trump administration and while details are scant, the administration has a very different concept of pro-bono versus what the firms were thinking when they made deals with the administration.

That's why I was referring to commercial realities of law firms needing to exist while also bowing down to deep political pressure. And instead of the legal industry standing together, the co-chair of Sullivan & Cromwell was putting pressure on other law firms to sign a deal and law firms were trying to poach other partners from Paul, Weiss who were under attack (i.e. law firms' commercial realities for making deals). I was responding to someone asking how to pick themselves up from rejection by making a cynical remark about how firms don't really practice what they preach but that I'd also be the first one to accept an offer if it came to me (i.e. my commercial reality)

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/29/paul-weiss-brad-karp-trump-fallout-00420354

When Donald Trump calls, one Big Law firm answers

As President Trump waged war on Big Law, the head of Sullivan & Cromwell played double duty as his personal lawyer and a White House go-between.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[Lawlawland]

Likely OK, but you should try pushing for an 80pct+ score (heard some firms cutoff around 70--buffer to be safe). Practice helps a ton; pattern recognition etc. I started around the 50/60th pct and after a few weeks of consistent practice managed 90pct+'s. That said, a strong WG score alone isn't enough, got 99th pct for Links last year but wasn't progressed past stage 1...

Love the pfp/user by the way. LOL

Thanks for the input! Are there any platforms that you would recommend to practice them? I have to complete the test by tomorrow for the current firm so it's highly unlikely to be of any use, but I would like to be prepared for the next ones.

Thanks for the pfp/user appreciation. I just changed it an hour ago, as my my previous one was my real name and just wanted privacy XD.

 

[DavidJC]

struggled to understand what you were “alluding to” at so asked ChatGPT incase anyone else wanted to know !

View attachment 7341

I assume this might be to do with Paul, Weiss striking a deal with the Trump administration to remove DEI initiatives and DEI sections from their websites and provide $100m worth of pro bono services, followed by a bunch of other US firms under pressure. Totally support Perkins Coie and WilmerHale for standing up to Trump but I also think it's quite pragmatic and commercial to succumb to the threat from the Trump administration. In a way, FF may have been the most pragmatic as they've somehow gotten away with both striking a deal with Trump and signing an amicus brief supporting Perkins Coie's challenge to the order from Trump to purge DEI from their firms.

There's a letter out there defending Paul, Weiss somewhere in the FT from Charlie Geffen (ex-Sr Partner Ashurst and ex-Head of PE Gibson Dunn London). He also talked about it in a Non-Billable podcast episode a few weeks ago where he mentions how the US is really the central axis for law firm revenue globally today and how these firms could've been completely crippled by the US govt in a very cutthroat market where any other firm would happily swoop in to take your clients. There's also a view out there that these firms are businesses that employ thousands of support staff as well as lawyers, and a crippled firm would mean their people lose job security due to lower revenues etc.

I've also accepted that if I want a career in commercial law in the current climate, I've just gotta bite down and live with it, but there's nothing stopping me from finding other ways to combat political pressure like this and promote DEI more subtly (I'm an ethnic minority so that's a start!) until more inclusive climates come along. There's also that cliché of "be the change you want to see", and I think that we as the future of the profession can have a hand in preventing this kind of pressure in future (but maybe that's just wishful thinking). Anyway, just my two cents, didn't mean to ramble about this in a thread for VS applications 🤣 but hopefully someone finds this info helpful 😅