TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[silonthesofa]

HSF Kramer WVS! Thank you to @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu for their posts- super, helpful, do you both have any advice for the scheme specifically?

Congrats! Would you mind if I asked what your background is and if you’re still in uni/recently graduated?

 

[bh.sa]

How long do JD usually take to inform you if your application has progressed to interview stage?

Jones Day get back to you really quickly - I got my 1st stage interview invite 2 days after I submitted my application

 

[sjm251102]

Any news on the Sidley Austin spring/summer scheme? Any interviews?

Nothing yet for me!

 

[cookedlawstudent]

Apologies if this has been asked before, but under the work experience section for the Freshfields sv app, should we also include extracurricular positions, such as society roles, alongside insight days and events?

What I've gathered from different law firms is that you do not include them in the work experience section, as that is usually reserved for paid roles. I only mentioned paid work experience as well as non-law work experience. For Freshfields I didn't include them in mine, but then again I was confused because there was no section dedicated to extracurricular activities.

 

[Alturistic whale]

Congrats! Would you mind if I asked what your background is and if you’re still in uni/recently graduated?

Sure, graduated

 

[TCComingSoon]

Does Links send the % for WG in a separate email?

You have to request it. If I find their email address will send it to you here.

 

[yk1906]

You have to request it. If I find their email address will send it to you here.

I have found one on their website, thank you

 

[wrloyst]

What I've gathered from different law firms is that you do not include them in the work experience section, as that is usually reserved for paid roles. I only mentioned paid work experience as well as non-law work experience. For Freshfields I didn't include them in mine, but then again I was confused because there was no section dedicated to extracurricular activities.

the thing is, i've had grad rec from firms like A&O Shearman suggest that extracurricular roles (especially society positions) should be included in the section and linked back to the firm. Not sure how it works for FF esp since, as you've mentioned, there is no space to mention extracurriculars at all.

 

[l789]

Is anyone able to advise me on what to do.

I applied for CC open day and HSF disputes open day. I never received any confirmation email for the HSF open day.

Similarly, I believe the CC open day also used candid, but never heard anything or recieved the holding email. Did the CC open day offer come through a candid email or candid format?

I’m very concerned about what is going on and why I’ve sent off applications and not heard anything despite everyone hearing back with a PFO or offer.

^ can anyone advise on what I should do. Is it a fault with vantage that I’m not receiving any communications? Shall I create a new account?

Has anyone experienced this before

 

[cookedlawstudent]

the thing is, i've had grad rec from firms like A&O Shearman suggest that extracurricular roles (especially society positions) should be included in the section and linked back to the firm. Not sure how it works for FF esp since, as you've mentioned, there is no space to mention extracurriculars at all.

You see you're absolutely correct and now I'm certain I'll get a PFO from them. Now that I'm comparing the description for the work experience section to other firms, I would recommend you mention your extracurriculars. I excluded exec positions, writing for a legal blog and so many others 😭

 

[boots pharmacy]

For people who completed the Freshfields Stage 2 Assessment, how long did it take before you received confirmation of assessment completion? Finished mine a few minutes before the deadline and am slightly worried.

 

[V2002]

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu Do you have any have examples of interview questions I could use to prepare for my uncoming AC, especially the obsure questions thanks!

 

[cookedlawstudent]

For people who completed the Freshfields Stage 2 Assessment, how long did it take before you received confirmation of assessment completion? Finished mine a few minutes before the deadline and am slightly worried.

Hi considering that FF doesn't have a section in their application form dedicated to extracurriculars, did you just mention them in your work experience section instead? I just submitted mine yesterday and because of this I didn't mention any of my extra-curricular activities </3

 

[xMontmorency]

You see you're absolutely correct and now I'm certain I'll get a PFO from them. Now that I'm comparing the description for the work experience section to other firms, I would recommend you mention your extracurriculars. I excluded exec positions, writing for a legal blog and so many others 😭

In my opinion, the standard is not to include extra curriculars in the work experience section. If a firm wants to hear abour your position as treasurer of the water polo club they usually have an additional section where you mention extra curriculars. Work experience is for paid work, internships and you can get away with law firm open days and forage programmes.

Problem is with a lot of firms switching away from written questions it becomes less clear what they want in the WE section.

 

[applicant3000]

Does anyone have any advice for the Bird & Bird VI? Is it timed etc? I'm terrible at VIs so would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone has

 

[jojo23]

In the initial Freshfields applications, I wrote that I required extra time as an adjustment, but didn't specify anything else. In the stage 2 email, they've provided a form to fill in, in case you hadn't mentioned it previously. Is it worth filling in that form to be more specific, or is it likely they've already implemented it?

 

[ORB]

have you heard back from the AG watson glaser test? It's been 3 days and i've heard nothing, assuming that's a bad sign

have you heard back yet?

 

[xMontmorency]

In the initial Freshfields applications, I wrote that I required extra time as an adjustment, but didn't specify anything else. In the stage 2 email, they've provided a form to fill in, in case you hadn't mentioned it previously. Is it worth filling in that form to be more specific, or is it likely they've already implemented it?

Fill it in. You'll be doing a lot of form-filling as a solicitor so it's good practice.

 

[silonthesofa]

Does anyone have any advice for the Bird & Bird VI? Is it timed etc? I'm terrible at VIs so would greatly appreciate any advice that anyone has

Assuming it hasn't changed from last year, timed. Otherwise, general advice of making sure you are clear in your motivations for law and know the firm. Sorry if that doesn't help much. If it's of any help, no one likes VIs. My best recommendation is to try not to panic, even if things go a little sideways or you get a curve ball of a question.

 

[BealMcAlly]

Taylor Wessing PFO post verbal reasoning and critical reasoning test.