TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Kirsty Wilkins]

Not the most important thing rn but I’m guessing this might extend the time to hear back after VI?

Hi @Goodbyetc

Applications are being reviewed as usual so we don't expect any significant time delays in anyone hearing back after video interview, but there will be a couple of days where our new Graduate Recruitment Manager has to get set up on all our IT systems etc., so just keep an eye on your emails over the next couple of weeks.

Thanks!

Kirsty

 

[Harvey Specter]

Clifford Chance PFO post WG. These online tests are hit or miss for me. 🥲​

 

[Kirsty Wilkins]

Anyone heard from Willkie post app recently?

Hi @ExcitingEasting

Applications are being reviewed as usual, but it takes a long time to read each one thoroughly and wonderfully we've received a large number so far, so it's taking me some time to get through them all. Rest assured you will hear from us.

Thanks!

Kirsty

 

[jacksollaf]

documenting my rejections which I am collecting like pokemons -
BCLP post interview (haven't gotten feedback as in why I was rejected so atp idk)
PW post app
Akin post app
DLA post app
CMS post WG
Covington post app
HSFK post test
Bird and Bird post app
Reed Smith post app
Gibson dunn post test
Links post app
WnC post app
FF assuming PFO bec blabbered nonsense in the VI
MB assuming PFO
Jones Day post app
HL post job sim
Davis polk post app
Mac post 2nd test
A and O post app

I have no ounce of hope left and I hope my rejections help someone feel better that you are not alone in this.

I applied to about 75 firms so far, and I got rejected from 12 so far; im going to join you soon, and catch up! 😂 😂

 

[CharlesT47]

Have people starting hearing back from Sullivan & Cromwell yet?

 

[Lawlawland]

A general tip for research:

Thomson Reuters Practical law is an insanely good database for research as it's clearly organised and have knowledge maps to navigate interlinked concepts. Additionally, it also has almost every single sample documents across sectors.

IK it's insanely expensive, but I would suggest to sign up for a 7 day free trial and use it for the important application research. I got lucky and sourcing it from my employer.

 

[Lawlawland]

Clifford Chance PFO post WG. These online tests are hit or miss for me. 🥲​

I heard they have two different sets, one tougher than the other.

 

[Harvey Specter]

I heard they have two different sets, one tougher than the other.​

To make things worse, they made sure to email me three separate rejections with the following text as the header in all capitals: CLIFFORD CHANCE REJECTION: FAILED WATSON GLASER. That did rub salt in the wound for real lmao. 😂​

 

[Prudentia]

Clifford Chance PFO post WG. These online tests are hit or miss for me. 🥲​

So sorry to hear this! WG is an annoying test, but it can be mastered. Use AI to your advantage. I failed my first mock woefully, but used ChatGPT to explain what the test is actually asking and how to find the right answer.

 

[Prudentia]

I applied to about 75 firms so far, and I got rejected from 12 so far; im going to join you soon, and catch up! 😂 😂

75?!

 

[Amgrad]

To make things worse, they ensured to email me three separate rejections with the following text as the header in all capitals: CLIFFORD CHANCE REJECTION: FAILED WATSON GLASER. That did rub salt in the wound for real lmao. 😂​

At least they don't give you jump scare like A&O Shearman, sending confirmation/feedback email everyday

 

[firmfirm]

I applied to about 75 firms so far, and I got rejected from 12 so far; im going to join you soon, and catch up! 😂 😂

really curious to know how you guys are able to apply to so many firms

 

[Amgrad]

I applied to about 75 firms so far, and I got rejected from 12 so far; im going to join you soon, and catch up! 😂 😂

That's a lot mate!! Equal to what I did in a year when I was in my final year. You better taking them seriously before you regret in doing so.

 

[Prudentia]

really curious to know how you guys are able to apply to so many firms

I didn’t even know there were 75 law firms in the country.

 

[Harvey Specter]

I applied to about 75 firms so far, and I got rejected from 12 so far; im going to join you soon, and catch up! 😂 😂

How do you even manage to submit that many in such a short time frame? Think I have sent 8 to 9 applications so far and I am working on 3 currently to submit by the end of November. Bro is just built differently, I need to up my game! 🥲​

 

[SoonToBeTrainee]

I applied to about 75 firms so far, and I got rejected from 12 so far; im going to join you soon, and catch up! 😂 😂

This is crazy! Gotta respect it. That’s practically one per day.

How many have you progressed with so far?

 

[noahsmiit01]

I applied to about 75 firms so far, and I got rejected from 12 so far; im going to join you soon, and catch up! 😂 😂

There are probably more chances for someone in this chat to win a lottery tomorrow than for you to receive a TC, because applying to 75 firms is silly, as you wouldn't be able to know as much in detail about each of the firms, nvm about structuring and writing the motivation answers or cover letters properly along with WE linking it back to each of a firm which would require to change them every time. It is quality over quantity, always.
But good luck, I guess

 

[anonymous.15]

Slow down. It’s November and you’ve applied to more firms that I have in two cycles!

You get better writing them the more you know what forms want and understand the process. Most of these are rejections after application. Which means you’re either rushing the tests or the application itself.

The next 5 you apply to try and gather information from at least 3 different websites. Look for a case that interests you and hone on that. Use AI as a tool not as a reliance. Ask it to judge what you’ve written in the past and what you can improve then put that into your other applications. No need to rush even if it’s rolling just plan a day. I’ve done applications last day of a rolling firm and been successful.

You’re not alone and there are plenty of firms left keep your head up

I think personally for me its because I have 2 resits due to my health condition but I'm averaging 2.1 overall and I think ,most of the time It depends on luck like for example I was rejected last year from bclp as I applied late and this year I submitted the same application well before the deadline. Plus I also think it is a numbers game as I agree with you VI are not really my forte as I get super nervous and mess things so hopefully taking that into consideration.

 

[anonymous.15]

I applied to about 75 firms so far, and I got rejected from 12 so far; im going to join you soon, and catch up! 😂 😂

WHAT 75 that's impressive that u managed to pull them off , I have given up after this cycle .Hopefully this cycle is your time to shine xx

 

[noahsmiit01]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

She is the best Grad Recruiter I've ever had the chance to speak with, and I loved that she was straightforward and brutal. I wonder what firm she'll be joining next.