TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

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.

 

[Lawlawland]

Everyone's wondering about how to apply for 75 firms, I'm more worried about a parallel reality where, if you get into atleast half of them, how do you even choose one, as most dates are clashing.

That decision fatique would take my soul away rather than not having any offer at all smh.

 

[anonymous.15]

Everyone's wondering about how to apply for 75 firms, I'm more worried about a parallel reality where, if you get into atleast half of them, how do you even choose one, as most dates are clashing.

That decision fatique would take my soul away rather than not having any offer at all smh.

I KNOW RIGHt but I think for me it's about practise the more apps you write and progress through , you get to know about the firm and its culture in depth . Like I applied to around 20 plus and got thru 1 post app and didn't make it to an AC so it was horrifying and I have less than 0 hope.

 

[zara elles]

Given that the CMA deadline is looming as applications are rolling, is it worth me applying at this point? Wondering if anyone has any experience with this. Thanks!

 

[noahsmiit01]

Everyone's wondering about how to apply for 75 firms, I'm more worried about a parallel reality where, if you get into atleast half of them, how do you even choose one, as most dates are clashing.

That decision fatique would take my soul away rather than not having any offer at all smh.

I'd rather apply to 12 firms, putting in effort and understanding the firm properly, than send out 75 rushed applications that rely on luck. - 16 is the max and still only if you attend their open days and start applying from early September.

 

[lawstudent2]

Did anyone get a second email from Mischon post chat interview asking them to do the feedback form?
They asked me to do it the day I did the interview about 10 days ago, then, today they sent an identical email again. Not sure if it is a glitch or what.

 

[i-want-a-tc]

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.

Looking at this, it seems that you are good with cappfinity, general SJT and WG. You may benefit from doing less applications so you can do more research and tailor your answers. On average, 19 apps in 2 months means you spent less than 3 days (or more if you started applying in August). That's not enough time if you consider that you also have to prepare for online tests and take them, which means you might not be putting in your best applications. One tip I got is to link every paragraph to the firm and why it interest you, instead of introducing a topic in first paragraph and then linking it to the firm in another paragraph. Also, in the why you section or what skills do you have question, you should be as specific as you can. For instance, if you were in a society, state exactly what you did as opposed to 'I had great success leading the football team'. What did you actually do? Leading is generic. Did you organise weekly training sessions and encourage your team during losing streak? Imagine you are trying to visualise your words. it is easier to visualise someone doing a motivational speech than the generic phrase of leading a team. I hope you get what I mean and good luck with your future applications.

 

[abc124]

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

Well I think it depends. A lot of firms now place heavier emphasis on the tests (lots of firms have dropped application questions, and stuff like why commercial law, competency stories etc. can be reused anyway - firms look for very similar skills). You can then do focused, thorough research on the firm before AC.

No strategy is perfect, and 75 is a lot, but I think given how much luck is often required in this process, you do boost your chances by submitting as many applications as you can.

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Hi @Kirsty Wilkins, I have attended close to 10 virtual events that Gemma hosted. I recently started a new job and had a few things in my schedule so I haven't submitted my application yet. I want to submit by next week and I was wondering if it is a bit late to submit my application now?

 

[jamsparkle]

just seen a Freshfields AC invite

 

[Lawlawland]

If it's also helpful, we've just released a new application guide for Dentons covering this question

Hi Jaysen!
I would like to know how can one access this.

 

[lawstudent2]

just seen a FF AC invite

DTC or vac scheme - also which FF is this cos I have seen a lot of different firms under that title recently

 

[manifestingthetc]

Should i assume PFO if i haven't heard back from Fieldfisher post test? I applied early

 

[i-want-a-tc]

just seen a FF AC invite

Who, what, where, how, why?😂

 

[jamsparkle]

Who, what, where, how, why?😂

sorry! Friend completed the video (for freshfields) 2 ish weeks ago for the summer vac scheme and got the AC a few mins ago, I completed it a couple of days before but haven't heard anything