TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[GT1205H]

Hogan Lovells WVS PFO

Same but very much expected

 

[abc124]

Hi, the VI Questions did not seem very weird so I would not do more prep than what you usually do for a VI
Good luck !

Thanks a lot, you just saved my weekend haha

 

[lawyersum]

My vacuum went off during the Freshfields’ VI 😭 I just said sorry and carried on.

I noticed a spider in the middle of my Hogan Lovells VI and did a full dramatic head turn with a terrified look on my face and also said sorry and carried on hahaha

I never thought I would hear dogs, vacuums, and spiders in the same sentence as a video interview🤣

 

[lawyersum]

So ... every firm?🤣🤣🤣

Very true🤣🤣

 

[NomenEstOmen]

The 1st Meet Cooley open day app closed on the 23rd Oct and invites were sent last Fri (31st Oct). I reckon the 2nd Meet Cooley open day will follow a similar process so invites might be sent around the 13th to 15th of Nov, since apps closed yesterday. If open day invites aren’t sent by the 20th, I can ask them for a timeline on when they will.​

Has anyone received the invite yet for the 2nd Meet?

 

[anon78365222111]

Really surprised at my HL PFO thought I did the best on their VI than any other. Shows that it doesn’t just come down to VI they view the whole application when deciding

 

[JBM]

Congrats! is this for spring or summer please (gdc)

spring

 

[johnsmith]

HL rejection is finally through!

 

[Chelsea101]

For those who applied to CMS, did you get sent the Watson immediately? Or was it more like a few days after? Thanks!!

 

[Amgrad]

Has anyone received the invite yet for the 2nd Meet?

I did on Monday! Today is the deadline for RSVP

 

[Bread]

Any Davis Polk open day invites/rejections? It's on tuesday...

Was put on the reserve list. Is this automatic for everyone who isn't allocated a place?

 

[DavidJC]

Was put on the reserve list. Is this automatic for everyone who isn't allocated a place?

Seems like it, I got the same, and had an identically worded email for the one last month too

 

[johnafleck6]

They do something called PHirst Steps which is a 1 week work experience for both students and graduates. But I can’t find any info that this scheme will lead to a TC

Hey, I did their PHirst Steps scheme this summer. It is basically a vac scheme in the sense that it leads to a final interview (process is expedited as opposed to applying for direct TC). After this, they do offer TC's if you're successful.

 

[A worried paralegal]

Any Davis Polk open day invites/rejections? It's on tuesday...

Just got a reserve list spot

 

[A worried paralegal]

Was put on the reserve list. Is this automatic for everyone who isn't allocated a place?

Me too

 

[A worried paralegal]

Does anyone know how long it takes Mayer Brown to get back to us after completing the online assessment and VI?

They took 3 months last yr

 

[BatmanBeyond]

Gimme unlimited prep time

 

[l789]

Hey, I did their PHirst Steps scheme this summer. It is basically a vac scheme in the sense that it leads to a final interview (process is expedited as opposed to applying for direct TC). After this, they do offer TC's if you're successful.

Hey could I ask what advice you would give for the application questions. Is it possible to DM you about this?

 

[hmevey]

Hey guys, with application answers if the word count is 500 words or 300 words, is hitting 50 so words under e.g. 420 or 230 sufficient or should you bump this up. I feel like ive said everything i want to say but not sure if this means im not saying enough? any help would be appreicated!

 

[boots pharmacy]

There's something about the Freshfields vi that causes chaos to happen 🤣

Literally... some stranger started buzzing my doorbell in the middle of my first VI, caused a commotion.