TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Dannie]

How was the Latham first test?

 

[FutureTrainee100]

If it’s clarity you’re after, I’m afraid we’re all stepping through the same foggy tide of vacation scheme and training contract applications, where clarity truly is a rare current. Many of us, if not all, have asked ourselves “wtf are firms looking for?” Yet, I hope 2 things should, ironically, become clear here for you:

(I) Don’t be disheartened by the rejections. They are often random and out of your control. As Andrei revealed, him and his friend were rejected numerous times before receiving an eye-watering amount of success. If you were to isolate their first few rejections you would assume they weren’t great candidates. Clearly that wasn’t the case for them, and it isn’t the case for you. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

(ii) The issue with my first point is that it might imply that you have a lack of agency within the application process. That is certainly not the case. Having seen your background, both academically and professionally, the question you should ask yourself is not if you get a TC, but rather, when! Yet, again echoing Andrei’s advice, aim to make far more quality applications. People often create a false dichotomy for applications; one must choose either quality or quantity. That is just not the case. Rather than 7 applications, strive to make 15, if not more! Another reason I prefer this strategy is because, not only does it give you a better chance statistically (playing the numbers game), it also removes any sense of ‘what if.’ By that I mean, if unsuccessful during the cycle, beating yourself up by asking “what if I sent those extra few applications?” So, even if it means a few extra late nights, I’d say it’s worth it. Hell, if you get a TC at a US/MC firm, this is nothing in comparison haha.

Overall I would reiterate that a few rejections don’t define you, nor do they act as any sort of early-trajectory-predictions for the rest of the cycle.
I’m looking forward to seeing you post WHEN you get a VS/TC. Best of luck!

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me, I really needed the nudge. You are right: some of this is noise, but there’s still plenty I can own. I’m doubling down on tailored applications and pushing the volume up (aiming for 20 this cycle, is that enough?), with a simple weekly target of three firms so I don’t second-guess myself later.

One thing I’ve noticed this cycle though is recruitment feels completely different to last year. Just as I felt like I was finally getting the hang of the process — I’ve been slammed by a lot more tests, a lot more VIs, and honestly just a wall of immediate rejections. It’s been demoralising. Feels like I’ve gone backwards. Any advice on how to prepare for the tests and VIs?

Appreciate the vote of confidence, I’ll be sure to report back when the VS/TC lands!!!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

I would assume PFO if you submitted early

Yeah, such a shame, they were really high on my list.

 

[JBM]

do you know if theyve started interviewing for the summer scheme?

this week was first ac but first stage interviews were a month ago

 

[JasmineM9]

Anyone knows if W&C is likely to send further VI invites? It’s been radio silence 💔

 

[YS391]

How bad is a 3/9 on grit and creative force (amberjack)…I’m happy with the other scores but the language the report uses for the 3/9 scores indicates this is really far from good performance in these two pillars and I’m scared Reed Smith really won’t like that 😭

Ahh it depends what ur other scores were and numerical/verbal scores.

 

[Suii]

My

My question would be what was your goal from trying to develop your commercial awareness? What did you achieve from it?

Good question and yes will think about it. Tbh in my opinion it got me into a habbit of reading the news daily and reaching the AS commercial awareness conp seni last year.

 

[abc124]

Ahh it depends what ur other scores were and numerical/verbal scores.

It was high for both and 7/9 for applied intellect and 9/9 for digital mindset so I’m happy with the rest 😭

 

[Happy Law Student]

Anyone knows if W&C is likely to send further VI invites? It’s been radio silence 💔

You’re not alone. At this point I’m assuming there’s no hope 😭

 

[Bread]

My friend got summer offer today 30 mins post ac

Kind of insane that they’re offering places before the open day has even taken place

 

[lawyersum]

Kind of insane that they’re offering places before the open day has even taken place

At a law fair grad rec said that waiting for the open day is not a good strategy since they take so few people on it anyway...then lowkey just get rid of the open day at this point its madness

 

[Snickerdoodlesolicitor]

Baker McKenzie open day invite and CC insight day PFO 🌟

Congrats on Bakers open day!! may I ask which one you applied for?

 

[llblawstudent]

Anyone heard anything for Simmons ai vac scheme?

 

[Suii]

Hello!

That has potential to be a good example! To make it stand out, make sure you clearly explain how and why this was an ambitious goal. For instance, improving commercial awareness takes sustained effort over time, especially where you are taking the initiative to organise discussions and lead sessions outside your studies.

You could explain that your goal was to develop a deeper, more practical understanding of commercial issues (something that many students find difficult to maintain consistently), and then explain how you pushed yourself (i.e. setting up the Whatsapp group).

Make sure you also show the outcome - how your confident or analytical ability improved, or how it helped you perform better in interviews or applications. That way, you are demonstrating ambition and drive, and linking these to tangible results.

I hope that helps!

Thank you this is really helpful and it is really helpful. I agree with you about explaining why. Just a follow up would you say including figures help to make it a stronger answer.

 

[Lawlawland]

Anyone heard anything for Simmons ai vac scheme?

When I met them this week, they said they'll make decisions only around the deadline, as this is new and they're evaluating the kind of applications and interests people display.

Thay said, they're offering around 8 seats for this!

 

[c.t.tc]

When I met them this week, they said they'll make decisions only around the deadline, as this is new and they're evaluating the kind of applications and interests people display.

Thay said, they're offering around 8 seats for this!

Did they give you any insights into how they were structuring rolling out ACs for the usual vac scheme?

 

[JBM]

Kind of insane that they’re offering places before the open day has even taken place

open day is for first years vac scheme for second and third i would assume is their logic

 

[Lawlawland]

Did they give you any insights into how they were structuring rolling out ACs for the usual vac scheme?

I didn't question anything on that, as you can only apply to one and I am choosing the AI internship 🙈

 

[Bread]

At a law fair grad rec said that waiting for the open day is not a good strategy since they take so few people on it anyway...then lowkey just get rid of the open day at this point its madness

The way certain firms manage recruitment makes me wonder how dare they think I’m not good enough for them 😂😂

 

[Harvey Specter]

Cleary Gottlieb WVS PFO​