TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[FutureTrainee_101]

I hope to get 1 TC this year... so far I've been rejected from 4/8 firms I've currently applied to. Sigh

looking to apply to another 6-8 more firms

Hi there,

Totally get how demoralising that feels - this part of the process is tough, especially when the rejections start stacking up. But honestly, what you’ve described is still very normal.

• Four rejections at this point really isn’t a red flag. A lot of candidates who go on to get TCs (sometimes more than one) have a pretty rough early run.
• You’ve still got half of your current applications outstanding, and you’re planning another 6–8. That’s a solid number- you only need to land one.
• Each firm looks at you in isolation. A rejection from one doesn’t 'carry over' or say much about how the next firm will see you. Plus, you'll likely improve at the highly unique skill of application writing, online tests etc.
• Applying to more firms isn’t a sign you’re failing - it’s just how the odds work in a competitive process, especially if you’re being selective and reflective.

It can help to reframe things slightly: the goal isn’t to get through without rejections (almost no one does), it’s to give yourself enough well-prepared chances that one converts.

If it helps, this is often a good moment to pause and lightly recalibrate rather than panic - maybe check whether your firm spread makes sense, or whether there’s one small tweak you could make to answers for the next batch.

You’re not behind, and you’re not out. Keep going - this stage is draining, but it’s still very much in play!

 

[FutureTrainee_101]

has anyone here asked Links for their WG score (wondering if its worth asking or not but I do wanna know)

Hi Panon,

If this helps - I asked for my WG score from Links last year after a successful Open Day application (which includes the WG).

They responded within two days or so with my score.

Therefore, there's a good chance they'll do the same for you this year.

Goes without saying, but just make sure your email is politely and professionally worded, as you don't want any perceived miscommunication to count against you!

Hope this is helpful!

 

[Suii]

Has anyone heard from Pinsents regional?

 

[DavidJC]

Is Mayer Brown's test not automatic? It's been 2-3 days and I still haven't had any updates

 

[Harvey Ross]

Last year, it was late Dec and early Jan.
Hope that helps!
And hsf does send out rejections first for most candidates and then gives out AC's.

How many days do they give you to prepare? Like how many days in advance is the invitation? Thanks

 

[zxkwok]

NRF PFO post VI. Expected but sucks

Hi there! Sorry to hear about the NRF VI I was wondering if I could get some insights from you about what kind of questions and how many were asked during the VI?

 

[FutureTrainee_101]

Does anybody have any tips on how to write about a different firm's vacation scheme that you have completed in the work experience section of job apps?

Hi there,

This is great question, as previously completed vacation schemes can be very powerful in an application, when you convey your experiences effectively.

A few important things to note:

• You can include other firms’ vacation schemes. Recruiters expect it, and it’s not seen as disloyal or awkward.
• Keep the focus on what you did and learned, not on praising the firm itself. Frame it around skills, exposure, and insight rather than 'how great Firm X was'.
• Translate the experience into transferable takeaways: teamwork, commercial awareness, drafting, client exposure, feedback, managing deadlines, etc.
• Where helpful, subtly bridge to the firm you’re applying to by showing how the experience clarified what you’re now looking for - without naming comparisons.

For example, instead of:

“At Firm X, a leading US firm, I gained excellent exposure to its Band-1 private equity practice.”

You might write:

“During a vacation scheme at firm X, I worked on a simulated acquisition, assisting with due diligence and drafting ancillary documents, which strengthened my interest in transactional work.”

Used properly, prior vacation schemes can really strengthen an application - they show commitment and that you’re making informed choices.

I hope this helps!

 

[Harvey Specter]

Would it be too late to apply to akin? Could someone kindly lmk what qs are on the app form please

1) what motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor, and why do you see Akin as the right place to begin that journey? (250 words)

2) Akin’s London office works across a range of practice areas. Which area(s) interest you most, and why? (250 words)

3) What are you looking for in your legal career, and how do you see a firm like Akin helping you achieve these goals? (250 words)

4) Please identify a commercial issue currently in the news and explain how it is likely to impact the clients that Akin represents and the type of work the firm undertakes. (250 words)

5) Tell us about an achievement you are most proud of and why. What skills did you develop? (250 words)

6) Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (250 words)​

 

[RJ Ruban]

1) what motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor, and why do you see Akin as the right place to begin that journey?

2) Akin’s London office works across a range of practice areas. Which area(s) interest you most, and why?

3) What are you looking for in your legal career, and how do you see a firm like Akin helping you achieve these goals?

4) Please identify a commercial issue currently in the news and explain how it is likely to impact the clients that Akin represents and the type of work the firm undertakes.

5) Tell us about an achievement you are most proud of and why. What skills did you develop?

6) Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application.​

Thank you so much!! What are the word limit for the questions?

 

[FutureTrainee_101]

Skadden PFO. Caught me pretty off guard as it was my best application so far and sent it to get reviewed😭. I also have a decent amount of legal experience and hold a few positions of responsibility

Really sucks. That’s my 5th rejection out of the 8 firms I’ve applied to currently

Hi there,

Completely understand your frustration here - it’s especially tough when it’s an application you’d invested in and felt confident about. Having strong legal experience and positions of responsibility should make this easier, but unfortunately even very good applications don’t always convert, particularly with firms like Skadden where the margin for progression is tiny.

Try not to read this as a judgment on your overall profile. Rejections at this stage are often about fit, timing, or sheer volume rather than capability - and 5 out of 8, while miserable emotionally, is still very much within the 'normal' range in this process.

What does matter is that you’re reflecting, getting applications reviewed, and continuing to apply. One offer is all it takes, and plenty of people who end up with TCs have a similar (or worse) ratio along the way.

Just make sure you're leveraging those valuable experiences you have the to their fullest extent. If you are highly specific with examples from these experiences that evidence your competencies, motivations for working in law, and skills - then you will be in a good spot with upcoming applications.

Keep your head up!!

 

[elle woods]

Is Mayer Brown's test not automatic? It's been 2-3 days and I still haven't had any updates

I would think it's automatic, but maybe sent out in batches by Grad Rec? I assume they might be waiting to send out the last batch, so after today's deadline maybe? I'm also waiting lol

 

[FutureTrainee_101]

Is there a list of firms you can apply to more to a once on this website? I know NRF and Covington allow it. Any more?

Hi there!

Short answer: there isn’t a central list on this website that sets out which firms allow multiple applications per cycle.

As a general rule, most firms only permit one application per recruitment cycle, and they’ll usually make this clear on their own careers pages or application portals. That normally means one vacation scheme or one training contract application in a given year, rather than multiple.

You’re right that NRF and Covington are commonly cited examples of firms that allow more flexibility, but they’re very much the exception rather than the norm.

A few general points that might help:

• Many firms will let you apply to both an open day and a vacation scheme, as these are often treated as separate programmes.
• Some firms allow applications to different intakes of the same scheme (e.g. winter and summer vacation schemes), but others treat this as a single application - it really varies.
• Even where multiple applications are technically allowed, firms expect them to be consistent and well-reasoned, not duplicated.

The safest approach is always to check each firm’s recruitment FAQs and make a simple tracker noting:

• how many applications are allowed per cycle,
• which programmes count as separate,
• and any restrictions on offices or intakes.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[elle woods]

1) what motivates you to pursue a career as a commercial solicitor, and why do you see Akin as the right place to begin that journey? (250 words)

2) Akin’s London office works across a range of practice areas. Which area(s) interest you most, and why? (250 words)

3) What are you looking for in your legal career, and how do you see a firm like Akin helping you achieve these goals? (250 words)

4) Please identify a commercial issue currently in the news and explain how it is likely to impact the clients that Akin represents and the type of work the firm undertakes. (250 words)

5) Tell us about an achievement you are most proud of and why. What skills did you develop? (250 words)

6) Please give details of any prizes, scholarships, positions of responsibility and any other noteworthy achievements that will support your application. (250 words)​

that's so long 😭 wow I respect grad rec for having to read through SO many

 

[nicoledm]

Does anyone have any insight into Fieldfisher first stage interview? (DTC)

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Has anyone heard from Kirkland since applying?

 

[lawyersum]

weird question but does anyone know if grad rec watches the part of amberjack recording when you’re just doing the sjt and other non-vi questions? i just realised i looked like an actual homeless person while doing those questions with all my weird expressions coming out…also today was not a good hair day if my frizzy hair girlies can relate!!!

 

[elle woods]

weird question but does anyone know if grad rec watches the part of amberjack recording when you’re just doing the sjt and other non-vi questions? i just realised i looked like an actual homeless person while doing those questions with all my weird expressions coming out…also today was not a good hair day if my frizzy hair girlies can relate!!!

haahah i hope they don't (it sure would take them a long time if they do) - for mine I was speaking to myself and making these contorted expressions too HAHA, literally sounded like a mad-woman 😂

 

[Harvey Specter]

weird question but does anyone know if grad rec watches the part of amberjack recording when you’re just doing the sjt and other non-vi questions? i just realised i looked like an actual homeless person while doing those questions with all my weird expressions coming out…also today was not a good hair day if my frizzy hair girlies can relate!!!

I hope they don’t because I was pulling all sorts of faces at some of the questions I had for Weil’s SJT and lowkey look homeless asf rn. I was speaking to myself to try work out the answers to the maths questions lmfao. Maths isn’t my strength sadly. 😭​

 

[Suii]

Eversheds pfo thank you for letting me know.

 

[sjm251102]

Eversheds pfo thank you for letting me know.

me too lollll - I got the AC 2 years ago when I was in uni and had no legal experience.... I applied again this year and now have 1.5 years of paralegal experience and I got a PFO!!!! crazy....