TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Deleted member 43292]

man I was so excited to see a new fresh email in my inbox until I saw it was Amazon asking if I wondered if my reviews were getting noticed... then the second I deleted that email, a new email came in and I got all excited again...until I saw it was Ryanair asking me to book a flight away to Ibiza or something (lowkey tempting)

 

[nbjani]

3 PFOs today… might cry

2 here

 

[RSC2001]

Did anyone else get a HSF Kramer PFO today? I'm not sure what I else I can do to improve because I passed the assessment benchmark

 

[Winter]

omg are they just constantly handing out PFOs? I'm so scared ahhhh honestly I feel like most people have amazing applications already and sometimes it comes down to which one resonates with grad rec more... imo (especially for the question on a topic that interests you)

I went to one of their open days previously and they said someone even progressed with talking about Taylor Swift for the topic that interests you question!! I’ve been rejected by them 2 cycles in a row, though, so don’t know what they’re looking for!! But the general idea is that they take a holistic approach

 

[SemperParatus]

Guys I need some help, its for DTC but might as well post here, I applied to Fieldfisher 16th November and still no news, haven’t even got an online assessment invite, I exceed the entry requirements and there is genuinely nothing wrong on my application form to stop me progressing, what could it be?

 

[Winter]

Guys I need some help, its for DTC but might as well post here, I applied to Fieldfisher 16th November and still no news, haven’t even got an online assessment invite, I exceed the entry requirements and there is genuinely nothing wrong on my application form to stop me progressing, what could it be?

If it makes you feel better, I submitted my app on 12th Nov received the test on 5th Dec (completed on same day), and still haven’t heard back til this day. I think they’re just being quite slow? Because haven’t heard much about people progressing

 

[Deleted member 43292]

I went to one of their open days previously and they said someone even progressed with talking about Taylor Swift for the topic that interests you question!! I’ve been rejected by them 2 cycles in a row, though, so don’t know what they’re looking for!! But the general idea is that they take a holistic approach

haha yes I've heard about the Taylor Swift one lolll
yea honestly it's so hard to tell with these things!

 

[ACHat8r]

Did anyone else get a HSF Kramer PFO today? I'm not sure what I else I can do to improve because I passed the assessment benchmark

I'm so sorry. I know this is insensitive but can I ask when you applied. I think from what I've seen they give PFOs first and are screening the earlier applications. I didnt apply til the day before the deadline.

 

[radssss]

Guys I need some help, its for DTC but might as well post here, I applied to Fieldfisher 16th November and still no news, haven’t even got an online assessment invite, I exceed the entry requirements and there is genuinely nothing wrong on my application form to stop me progressing, what could it be?

They said they would get back to all once deadline has closed. Its hardly been any time since the apps closed. They have started recruiting on a non rolling basis which is different from last year. They said test invites would be sent in December. Let’s wait till the end of the month!

Source : grad page fieldfisher

 

[nbjani]

Did anyone else get a HSF Kramer PFO today? I'm not sure what I else I can do to improve because I passed the assessment benchmark

Exactly the same here. It was also (what I thought was) one of my strongest apps.

 

[radssss]

Has anyone got an ac invite from HSF Kramer post passing the test? I’m very anxious as it’s one of my top choice firms

 

[radssss]

I'm so sorry. I know this is insensitive but can I ask when you applied. I think from what I've seen they give PFOs first and are screening the earlier applications. I didnt apply til the day before the deadline.

I’m in the same boat as you

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

To those who’ve applied to Weil, I just had my VI over zoom with early careers. They confirmed in the call that they haven’t made decisions yet but will send AC outcomes early in the new year. The team are currently reviewing SJT and VI and will update people over the coming weeks. I imagine this means ACs go out early Jan.​

 

[yuhhhh]

To those who’ve applied to Weil, I just had my VI over zoom with early careers. They confirmed in the call that they haven’t made decisions yet but will send AC outcomes early in the new year. The team are currently reviewing SJT and VI and will update people over the coming weeks. I imagine this means ACs go out early Jan.​

 

[Deleted member 43292]

To those who’ve applied to Weil, I just had my VI over zoom with early careers. They confirmed in the call that they haven’t made decisions yet but will send AC outcomes early in the new year. The team are currently reviewing SJT and VI and will update people over the coming weeks. I imagine this means ACs go out early Jan.​

Thank you for confirming for us Harvey!! Hope your VI went well!!

 

[abhuzaifa02]

Hey everyone,

I am currently working as a paralegal, and I hold a training contract at a global firm. I have completed a mixture of internships and vacation schemes across UK, US and boutique firms.

I am a Russell Group law graduate. My GCSE results were not my strongest, but I achieved solid A-level grades. I am from an ethnic minority background, attended a state school, and grew up in one of the most disadvantaged boroughs in the UK, so I understand first-hand how challenging the path into corporate law can feel.

I started applying for training contracts in my final year at university and faced repeated rejections without a single interview. After graduating, I kept going while working first as a sales assistant and later as a paralegal. After over 100+ applications, I eventually secured a vacation scheme and converted it into a training contract this summer (I used all my annual leave to attend the scheme, which was dreadful, but worth it).

Happy to help where I can and share anything useful from my own experience!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

Has anyone got an ac invite from HSF Kramer post passing the test? I’m very anxious as it’s one of my top choice firms

I don't think anyone has, they're probably working on cutting down the number of applications they have rn - I would expect them to get back in the new year

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Milbank AC wtf lol

 

[abhuzaifa02]

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

Hi @yuktiverma96

The link below should be helpful in determining which firms sponsor international candidates. However, I would advise that it is always a good idea to reach out to the firm directly and explain your situation to graduate recruitment for the most accurate answer.

https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2025-26.9717/post-219702

Hope the above helps!

 

[Amgrad]

Milbank AC wtf lol

Congrats! For spring or summer?