TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[DavidJC]

I've spent the last two days working on my Skadden application and I'm very nervous as I really like the firm. I've now done multiple rereads constantly trying to figure out how replaceable "Skadden" is with another firm in my answers but remain unsure about it :/

At the very least, I think it's almost always replaceable with Latham or Kirkland and possibly any other firm doing cross-border M&A except where specific deals/names are mentioned lol

Just wondering if anyone else ever feels like this when trying to tailor their applications (not necessarily in relation to these firms and cross-border M&A specifically)?

 

[A worried paralegal]

I've spent the last two days working on my Skadden application and I'm very nervous as I really like the firm. I've now done multiple rereads constantly trying to figure out how replaceable "Skadden" is with another firm in my answers but remain unsure about it :/

At the very least, I think it's almost always replaceable with Latham or Kirkland and possibly any other firm doing cross-border M&A except where specific deals/names are mentioned lol

Just wondering if anyone else ever feels like this when trying to tailor their applications (not necessarily in relation to these firms and cross-border M&A specifically)?

I took a look and from what I can see, Skadden has a smaller cohort than Latham and offers slightly more broad work than Kirkland who are more PE-heavy

 

[firmfirm]

I took a look and from what I can see, Skadden has a smaller cohort than Latham and offers slightly more broad work than Kirkland who are more PE-heavy

They also have a strong international arbitration practice that you can point out as well

 

[johnsmith]

When did you do it?

24th October

 

[sadboi]

I've spent the last two days working on my Skadden application and I'm very nervous as I really like the firm. I've now done multiple rereads constantly trying to figure out how replaceable "Skadden" is with another firm in my answers but remain unsure about it :/

At the very least, I think it's almost always replaceable with Latham or Kirkland and possibly any other firm doing cross-border M&A except where specific deals/names are mentioned lol

Just wondering if anyone else ever feels like this when trying to tailor their applications (not necessarily in relation to these firms and cross-border M&A specifically)?

I said I read a book about Skadden's history. Not sure if it's useful though but I'm sure it was something out of the ordinary

 

[Harvey Specter]

I've spent the last two days working on my Skadden application and I'm very nervous as I really like the firm. I've now done multiple rereads constantly trying to figure out how replaceable "Skadden" is with another firm in my answers but remain unsure about it :/

At the very least, I think it's almost always replaceable with Latham or Kirkland and possibly any other firm doing cross-border M&A except where specific deals/names are mentioned lol

Just wondering if anyone else ever feels like this when trying to tailor their applications (not necessarily in relation to these firms and cross-border M&A specifically)?

In the same boat here. Have tried tailoring it best I could by mentioning some statistics and specific USPs. Besides their M&A practice, it is probably worthwhile discussing either their arbitration or tax practices (ranked highly on Chambers UK). Just submitted my application. It is reviewed holistically so stronger answers to the questions about an alternative career to law and developments that will impact Skadden’s clients will help. Good luck to everyone that has applied! Hopefully we hear back positively from Skadden.​

 

[lawstudent2]

I think it should be fine, as the additional information form will serve as concrete proof the mistake was unintentional and that you gave the firm notice of it as soon as you realised it. Nonetheless, if you want to be extra safe, there is no problem with emailing grad rec about it to ensure they are actually aware of it.

Okay thank you!!

 

[Lawlawland]

Scored exceptionally well in both the numerical and verbal expertise of Simmons and did the Video interview pretty good, but the success area scores are 655.

Idk what's in store for me!

 

[jamsparkle]

does anyone know what first year schemes are open to 2nd year non-law?

tbh it's never clear on websites, I just email grad rec if im unsure or it doesn't say anything about non-law

 

[sinirs]

For HSF Kramer's sv application, are we also supposed to complete the online assessment before the deadline? or just the online application form before the deadline, and the online assessment before the invite expires

 

[iklawapps]

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how many spots Simmons has for their London VS? On their FAQ, it seems like they say 15, but they recruit 20 trainees a year, so I'm just wondering how that works haha

Also would anyone know if they're likely to send out more ACs or if they've probably already filled out those 15 spots. Thank you!

 

[DavidJC]

For HSF Kramer's sv application, are we also supposed to complete the online assessment before the deadline? or just the online application form before the deadline, and the online assessment before the invite expires

Online assessment before the invite expires

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how many spots Simmons has for their London VS? On their FAQ, it seems like they say 15, but they recruit 20 trainees a year, so I'm just wondering how that works haha

Also would anyone know if they're likely to send out more ACs or if they've probably already filled out those 15 spots. Thank you!

15 in London and 5 in Bristol, I believe

 

[CharlesT47]

Which stories did you guys pick for Skadden? I'm struggling to find inspiration if anyone has any solid ideas. Is the budget overdone?

 

[Harvey Specter]

Which stories did you guys pick for Skadden? I'm struggling to find inspiration if anyone has any solid ideas. Is the budget overdone?

I wrote about UK/EU Competition Law and some of the latest developments in that, since I find it super interesting. The budget is fairly new so it’s probably okay to write about it, but perhaps try find a unique angle to discuss.​

 

[bh.sa]

How long after the first one did you find out you had the 2nd?

1 week

 

[RJ Ruban]

does anyone know what first year schemes are open to 2nd year non-law?

Osborne Clarke, CMS, Reed smith and Simmons and Simmons - this is what I can remember from the top of my head they were open last year not sure about this year haha!

 

[DavidJC]

Which stories did you guys pick for Skadden? I'm struggling to find inspiration if anyone has any solid ideas. Is the budget overdone?

I wrote kinda generally about UK/EU interest rates and how it's shaped the markets this year and how it might shape up next year for transactional activity

 

[studysquirrel]

Hi, does the HSF Kramer online assessment need to be completed before the deadline today?

 

[anjali20]

@Andrei Radu Hi Andrei, this is a silly question and also entirely my mistake but in my Davis Polk cover letter, I accidentally wrote 'I am writing to apply for the 2025 Spring Vacation Scheme' instead of 2026. Should I email grad rec to point this out or just leave it? Do you think it would affect my application?

 

[johnsmith]

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how many spots Simmons has for their London VS? On their FAQ, it seems like they say 15, but they recruit 20 trainees a year, so I'm just wondering how that works haha

Also would anyone know if they're likely to send out more ACs or if they've probably already filled out those 15 spots. Thank you!

Some spots are for Bristol!