TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Trophy]

Why are there soo many new accounts providing lengthy generic AI responses🤔 maybe I’ve spent too much time on this forum today 😭

 

[Meena]

I appreciate everyone reacts to PFOs differently, but when someone announces they have gotten a PFO can people stop ambushing them immediately with questions on when they have applied? I'm sure there's no malicious intent but can we just be slightly more considerate with each other and understand that someone who has just gotten rejected is probably unlikely going to be in a mood to tell you when they're probably still processing the rejection. This post isn't directed towards anyone btw but just a general observation

I agree! but I think it's just generally how this forum has been since the beginning of TCLA. If people come on here to announce a PFO, it's most likely because they want to keep people on the forum updated and also share any details.

 

[anon78365222111]

Got Bakers VI with a very high verbal and 20/36 on the amberjack. Must’ve been carried by my questions and verbal because how😭

 

[iwatchsuits]

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

So sorry to hear❤️ it sucks so much I know. My Simmons rejection made me want to give up because I thought it was definitely my best application and I had made so much effort attending in-person events and networking. Just remember all it takes is one yes, keep applying and you will get a VS. You never know, whilst those 5 firms said no, the 3 remaining firms could say yes!! And every time you apply to another firm, you increase your chances. It’s a long and painful process but at least it is strengthening our resilience

 

[Winter]

Got Bakers VI with a very high verbal and 20/36 on the amberjack. Must’ve been carried by my questions and verbal because how😭

I had Bakers AC in previous cycle, similar scores, they honestly take a holistic approach. You just have to reach the benchmark.

 

[Sharkfin]

Bakers VI - any insights would be much appreciated 🙏 🙏

 

[legallycurly]

Got Bakers VI with a very high verbal and 20/36 on the amberjack. Must’ve been carried by my questions and verbal because how😭

Congrats!!!! Although I thought Bakers was non-rolling?

 

[p2bv]

Why are there soo many new accounts providing lengthy generic AI responses🤔 maybe I’ve spent too much time on this forum today 😭

I got an email from TCLA saying they’re opening applications for new moderators for christmas so maybe it’s them?

 

[anon78365222111]

I had Bakers AC in previous cycle, similar scores, they honestly take a holistic approach. You just have to reach the benchmark.

Had bakers AC last year too, honestly loved the firm and they encouraged me to reapply. Was annoyed thinking I messed it up with the test. Glad they take that approach, reaffirms why I think so highly of them

 

[e_turbo2]

Why are there soo many new accounts providing lengthy generic AI responses🤔 maybe I’ve spent too much time on this forum today 😭

Was literally thinking the same thing??????? I know they're actively trying to hire new people on the TCLA team so maybe AI bots are taking over until then it seems!

 

[anon78365222111]

Congrats!!!! Although I thought Bakers was non-rolling?

This is for spring I believe it closed a few weeks ago

 

[Trophy]

I got an email from TCLA saying they’re opening applications for new moderators for christmas so maybe it’s them?

That makes sense! Although they all sound super lengthy as AI generated sigh

Was literally thinking the same thing??????? I know they're actively trying to hire new people on the TCLA team so maybe AI bots are taking over until then it seems!

🤣🤣🤣 AI bots, tcla Christmas party comes first 💃

 

[Winter]

Had bakers AC last year too, honestly loved the firm and they encouraged me to reapply. Was annoyed thinking I messed it up with the test. Glad they take that approach, reaffirms why I think so highly of them

omg yes I totally agree, and same!!!

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Bakers VI - any insights would be much appreciated 🙏 🙏

congrats!! Me too!! Looking for any insights

 

[BealMcAlly]

Hi all! Is there any list on TCLA yet about firms that sponsor international candidates for vacation schemes? I do understand that Reed Smith does, are there any others that have expressly mentioned/with prior history of sponsoring or indicating to any candidate that they are sponsoring? Thanks!!


@Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam

Ram is not on this forum anymore, he's off to greener pastures doing his TC now.

 

[rr1809]

Hi all! I applied to Skadden's VC / TC but was unsuccessful. The text below (with redactions) was my answer to "What are your reasons for applying to Skadden?" Does anyone have any tips on what I could have done different? I never seem to get anywhere with my applications, so grateful for any advice.

***

There are two main reasons I am applying to Skadden.

First, despite its status as a leading full-service firm, Skadden has retained the mentality of a determined newcomer who continuously strives to prove themselves. Speaking with [Skadden Associate] at a [University] alumni event confirmed that this drive defines the firm that surpassed £1tn in deal value in 2015 and then became a top-two global dealmaker in 2024.

Having moved to the UK at 14, I know that success takes precisely that — proving yourself over and over again. To get accepted into a top university, I stayed up most Friday nights mastering an unfamiliar education system. Later, when qualifying as a commercial solicitor became my goal, I took on trainee-level work at [Law firm I worked at] to demonstrate my capabilities. For example, I built Excel models used by an international wholesaler in settlement negotiations to assess the commercial feasibility of offers. Although this required analysing granular data and conducting extensive legal research, showing myself I could do this was worth it. I want to work at a firm that shares this approach to work.


The second reason is Skadden's recent active growth in FinTech M&A set against its broad transactional practice. Taking financing, private equity and M&A modules at [University], I realised I would enjoy transactional work. Deals are firmly grounded in the present, something that the influential yet decades-old competition disputes I administered at [Law firm I worked at] could not offer. Through my dissertation on barriers to FinTech growth I became particularly interested in innovation and its future. I want to train in an environment where I can explore diverse transactions while focusing on how innovation scales. Skadden offers both. Alongside a wide choice of transactional training seats, the firm supported several major crypto- and stablecoin companies with entering US capital markets, where innovation accelerates. Together, these factors make Skadden the ideal environment for me to develop.

Hi,
Hope the application season is going well for you. In regards to your application, I can see a real desire to work at the firm but the way you have phrased certain motivations don't best display them.
1) Some of your language is sometimes emotive and casual, where it could be more succinct and formal. e.g calling Skadden a firm that wants to 'prove itself', 'proving yourself over and over again', 'showing myself I could do this was worth it'. You could condense some of this down into neater and more formal phrasing. They are an esteemed firm with offices worldwide working on massive deals, and you clearly resonate with this breadth and depth- you can hone in on that in a clearer and more formal way that best displays your own skills and research into the firm.
2) Wanting to work at a firm that is keen on expansion is a very good reason to write about, but you need to display how this growth makes them unique, as many firms share this mindset- some more research into the firm could help tailor this point e.g you could find a noteworthy deal, a longterm client or new firm initiative that interests you and include this.
3) Your second paragraph is stronger, but again has some casual language e.g 'I realised I would enjoy transactional work'- what was it specifically about your module? Many candidates may have studied these modules, what makes your interest note worthy?
4) Further, in any application or interview try not to mention things you don't like (e.g competition) as you will be a trainee at the firm (hopefully) and have to sit in a variety of seats, so you should appear open to everything!

Overall, your application could do with more signposting of your research into the firm which you can then link to your own skills in a better manner. Try to avoid casual language in the future too as lawyers need to be clear and concise.

I hope this helps, you can message me if you need more advice/need me to elaborate on any points.

 

[EfficientBag123]

Baker McKenzie VI!!

 

[BealMcAlly]

I had Bakers AC in previous cycle, similar scores, they honestly take a holistic approach. You just have to reach the benchmark.

Currently cooking up a Bakers app, is the VI automatic after the Amberjack the same way as it is for Simmons and RS?

 

[adh3]

Why are there soo many new accounts providing lengthy generic AI responses🤔 maybe I’ve spent too much time on this forum today 😭

That's an astute observation! There are multiple reasons why new TCLA accounts might appear to be providing generic AI responses. But this doesn't necessarily mean these accounts aren't genuine. The amount of time you've spent on this forum definitely could have made you more cynical towards others' submissions – this is a totally normal response!

 

[elle woods]

Hi all! I applied to Skadden's VC / TC but was unsuccessful. The text below (with redactions) was my answer to "What are your reasons for applying to Skadden?" Does anyone have any tips on what I could have done different? I never seem to get anywhere with my applications, so grateful for any advice.

***

There are two main reasons I am applying to Skadden.

First, despite its status as a leading full-service firm, Skadden has retained the mentality of a determined newcomer who continuously strives to prove themselves. Speaking with [Skadden Associate] at a [University] alumni event confirmed that this drive defines the firm that surpassed £1tn in deal value in 2015 and then became a top-two global dealmaker in 2024.

Having moved to the UK at 14, I know that success takes precisely that — proving yourself over and over again. To get accepted into a top university, I stayed up most Friday nights mastering an unfamiliar education system. Later, when qualifying as a commercial solicitor became my goal, I took on trainee-level work at [Law firm I worked at] to demonstrate my capabilities. For example, I built Excel models used by an international wholesaler in settlement negotiations to assess the commercial feasibility of offers. Although this required analysing granular data and conducting extensive legal research, showing myself I could do this was worth it. I want to work at a firm that shares this approach to work.


The second reason is Skadden's recent active growth in FinTech M&A set against its broad transactional practice. Taking financing, private equity and M&A modules at [University], I realised I would enjoy transactional work. Deals are firmly grounded in the present, something that the influential yet decades-old competition disputes I administered at [Law firm I worked at] could not offer. Through my dissertation on barriers to FinTech growth I became particularly interested in innovation and its future. I want to train in an environment where I can explore diverse transactions while focusing on how innovation scales. Skadden offers both. Alongside a wide choice of transactional training seats, the firm supported several major crypto- and stablecoin companies with entering US capital markets, where innovation accelerates. Together, these factors make Skadden the ideal environment for me to develop.

I got to the WE so hopefully I'm qualified to give some advice haha
This is just my personal opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.

- Usually I would use up as much as the word count as possible - I see your draft is at around 320, so it's close enough, but I personally would always aim for at least 340 if it's a 350 maximum. But don't fill it with words for the sake of it, each line or word you write has to add value and substantiate your answer.
- Usually I would also try to stay away from any negative phrasing such as "despite..."
- The use of the em dash stood out. Grad Rec usually think em dashes equal AI so just try to stay away from using them nowadays.
- The question is on why SKADDEN, and not why you, so I personally wouldn't include your second paragraph here unless you can link it to a concrete Skadden USP (in which case it still may need to be made more concise).
- I usually give 3 concrete reasons for Why the Firm (3 distinguishing factors that the firm has that draws me to them) and then substantiate that with WHY it appeals to you (maybe by linking it to a personal characteristic or alignment), but the main focus of the answer must be on the firm specifically, and then why THAT particular aspect of the firm motivates you.
- You could also be slightly more concise. For example "the second reason is" isn't needed. You could use "secondly" or just go straight into the reason. But then again, that's just a personal writing preference of mine (it definitely helps with cutting word count to use for more reasons though)!
- Usually I would reference a deal in your practice area paragraph as that helps tailor the answer to the firm - as this means you can't apply this answer to any other firm.
- Also idk if the extra paragraph space was intentional or an accident, but if that was how it was on your application, I think grad rec may care about small details like that too.

I do like how personal your answer sounds though and your use of varied sentence lengths which help readability! Once again, take this lightly as I'm not grad rec!! Best of luck with your future apps - you're doing really good!