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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
I’m still waiting. Put my phone on dnd because i dont want to cry on my way to the airport.
We can hope until we get that email 🥲 I’m just really hoping they won’t make us wait until the eveningRejecting in alphabetical order?
HI!
You’re absolutely right that the process can feel exhausting and disheartening, especially when you’re putting in so much effort in and not receiving much feedback. (I had my share of pessimism at the process after getting rejected by firms I had poured so much effort into applying to).
That said, there are ways to learn more about the process and build a strategy. These include attending firm events both in person and virtually and building strong skills that will serve you well when you do land a vacation scheme. From my own experience, one of the biggest turning points was learning how to craft really tailored applications. I went through a cycle of complete rejections with very little advancement through the process and have seen the same in many strong candidates with great academics and experience ( like yourself) who struggle to stand out in the process if their applications aren’t structured in the right way.
It took me a while to get the hang of this skill myself, and its only something that I built through applying and getting feedback. TCLA’s application review service is a great tool to get 'fresh eyes' and thoughts to strengthen your responses, but there is also usually useful support available through your university’s career service or reaching out to trainees who might be willing to give your applications a quick look. It’s tough, but please, please don’t lose hope! If you need any advice about particular firms or particular aspects of the application process, please don't hesitate to reach out on here.
On the point about grades, so long as you are meeting the requirements firms set such as achieving a 2.1 I wouldn't be too worried unless you were applying to firms who are known for being strict with academics.
I hope you feel much better and, more importantly, I hope you know that you definitely have what it takes to secure a vacation scheme/training contract with a firm. Hang in there - I am rooting for you!
(This guide by Andrei of building a winning application strategy may clear up aspects of the process and help give you direction with the process - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....building-a-winning-application-strategy.9080/)
Is Milbank's first test automatic? I submitted 3 days ago
Good morning all,
I take a glance at the forum here and there nowadays and it’s so nice to see how supportive everyone’s being!
Time for my quarterly (or monthly??!) update:
PFOs so far:
• Reed Smith post app
• Taylor Wessing post SJT
• HSF Kramer even after passing SJT
• Skadden post app (today) 😭
• NRF post VI but I’ve reapplied for summer lmao
• Paul, Weiss post app
• Hogan Lovells post 1st test
• Covington post app
• Willkie post VI
• Bird & Bird post VI
• CMS post WG
• WFW post app
Waiting to hear back from:
• Clyde & Co VI (pleaseeee give me an AC 😭😭😭)
• Goodwin post app
• Cooley post app
• Mishcon post chat interview
• Withers post SJT (assuming PFO)
• Hill Dickinson post app
• Stephenson Harwood post app
• Travers Smith post app
• NRF post Arctic Shores (recycled my score lmao please gimme another VI)
• Ropes & Gray post app
• Farrer & Co post app (got to 1st stage interview for DTC last year, hopefully I progress)
• HFW post app
Will do Womble Bond Dickinson and other DTC apps from next month… 😭😭 planning my wedding is a delight compared to this and that’s saying something !!!
I take a glance at the forum here and there nowadays and it’s so nice to see how supportive everyone’s being!
Time for my quarterly (or monthly??!) update:
PFOs so far:
• Reed Smith post app
• Taylor Wessing post SJT
• HSF Kramer even after passing SJT
• Skadden post app (today) 😭
• NRF post VI but I’ve reapplied for summer lmao
• Paul, Weiss post app
• Hogan Lovells post 1st test
• Covington post app
• Willkie post VI
• Bird & Bird post VI
• CMS post WG
• WFW post app
Waiting to hear back from:
• Clyde & Co VI (pleaseeee give me an AC 😭😭😭)
• Goodwin post app
• Cooley post app
• Mishcon post chat interview
• Withers post SJT (assuming PFO)
• Hill Dickinson post app
• Stephenson Harwood post app
• Travers Smith post app
• NRF post Arctic Shores (recycled my score lmao please gimme another VI)
• Ropes & Gray post app
• Farrer & Co post app (got to 1st stage interview for DTC last year, hopefully I progress)
• HFW post app
Will do Womble Bond Dickinson and other DTC apps from next month… 😭😭 planning my wedding is a delight compared to this and that’s saying something !!!
That is so impressive!!! You applied to a lot of firms so I am sure you will eventually succeed!! Fingers crossed 🤞🥹
Hi!
I would just keep it skills focused. Do mention what you did on the scheme (i.e. what departments you sat in) and what you took away from it, This could be insights gained from the scheme or particular examples from workshops or masterclasses held on the scheme alongside skills you developed.
The crucial point is showcasing how the experience helped you grow and shape your interest in the firm you're currently applying for. It is very normal to have done schemes at different firms, and this will not negatively impact your application - rather it shows that you made it through a very competitive process!
Sorry I was just messing around - I don’t think anyone would know!
Thank you so much lovely! Likewise. 🫶🏾 I do feel like I am getting “better” each cycle (this is my 2nd cycle) but there’s so many stages this time round and idk how they expect us to be perfect in every single stage. But have to keep on going 😭😭
Thanks so much!!Hi!
It's mainly there for mitigating circumstances, but you can also use it for anything genuinely relevant that hasn't fit elsewhere in the application.
If you don't have mitigating circumstances, it's completely fine to leave it blank. If you do use it, try to keep it concise and factual - for example, explaining extenuating circumstances affecting grades, non-traditional routes, caring responsibilities, or anything that adds helpful context to your application.
I wouldn't use it to repeat strengths or motivation that you've already covered in other answers
Hi!
I would strongly advise against doing this just because you might have new information to add, such as change in your grades, new and more valuable work experiences, as well as amending your 'Why X firm' response. For example, you might want to add a more recent deal with new commercial information that is more relevant.
Hi, best of luck with everything, all it takes is 1 app!! It's definitely harder to get past the first hurdle than it is to progress once you get to interviewing / AC stage. Do you mind saying when you heard back from HSF? They are my dream firm and I'm tired or refreshing my inbox haha
Oh I hope not I applied 12 hours ago haha
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