TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[anon78365222111]

Wait, where did u see the AC dates? On the timeline email it says Jan - Feb for Spring AC dates?

On the email they sent I forgot which one it said first AC’s are 9th and 14th Jan also in line with last years dates

 

[llblawstudent]

Anyone know when we might expect a response from PW?

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Reed Smith PFO post app lmao. At least I finally got an update from a firm. Maybe applying on the day of the deadline wasn’t such a bright idea.

 

[GKT]

Anyone applied to these firms, would love some insights:

Browne Jacobson
Boodle Hatfield
Glaisyers ETL
Capsticks
VWV
Joelson
Gide Loyrette Nouel
Howes Percival
Lockton?

Can't search more other than their websites, it's not on legal cheek firm's most list directory

Applied for Capsticks and VWV (attended open day). Also planning to apply to Joelson

 

[radssss]

Reed Smith PFO post app lmao. At least I finally got an update from a firm. Maybe applying on the day of the deadline wasn’t such a bright idea.

Exact same situation mate!

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

I am really struggling to think of how I would answer when is a time you made a serious mistake, does anyone have any tips for coming up with examples @Afraz Akhtar ?

@alphabravocharlie this has always been my favourite question, and if its one that's asked in an interview, it's a great chance to add some humour in there and really built a rapport with your interviewer.

This question, although it may seem negative, is actually assessing a strength and thats your ability to rectify something or learn from something that has set you back. The truth is, we all make mistakes, so think deep about what sort of issues you've made in the course of work and the impact that this may have had on operations. Once you've explained that, focus the bulk of your answer on what you did to rectify this, and how you've learned to approach/avoid similar situations in the future.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

I think i'm a bit too careful when i'm writing apps. I sit there going over wordings etc and always take ages finding the best deals to talk about. A simple why this firm can take me like 1-2 hours and even tho i have a couple commercial stories im following i always try and be uber specific to why it impacts their practice area by naming a deal they've worked on and how transactions similar to this would be impacted

I’m exactly the same, I do want to speed up to hit my applications target but rn it takes me a good few days to finish an application

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

I’m exactly the same, I do want to speed up to hit my applications target but rn it takes me a good few days to finish an application

Quantity does improve odds, but without quality then quantity is pretty useless. To get through early stages, the application needs to stand out - and I guess unless you can do this at a big quantity, then it's better to take more time.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Jheeze Akin selective online test invite! I sent my app mid Dec (13th - 15th).​

 

[Donuttime]

Reed smith test and VI! Is this automatic or do they read the app first?

 

[BealMcAlly]

Reed smith test and VI! Is this automatic or do they read the app first?

I've attended a few of their events and they said multiple times they review before the test and then don't look at them again.

Well done!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Reed smith test and VI! Is this automatic or do they read the app first?

Make sure to take your time with the amberjack, everyone I know who's done it says this was a hard one - I can also confirm. Hah

 

[ladyhaleinthehouse]

I wonder how Bakers expect people to do the AC on the 9th if they don’t reply by today legit will be like 2/3 days notice 😭

This is what I'm thinking aha

 

[radssss]

It’s so interesting because the applications I spent the least time on, and that weren’t particularly well researched, ended up getting the most positive responses. Meanwhile, the ones where I really took my time, did loads of research, completed FYS, attended open days, etc., haven’t been successful at all.

I do think quality is important, but I don’t think it matters all the time. That definitely hasn’t been the case for me, and I think quite a few other people have experienced the same thing.

I also wonder if luck plays a huge role. Maybe it’s not always about how many applications you submit or how strong they are, but factors outside your control, like applying at the right time, your application being read by the right person, or even mentioning a detail that happens to resonate with the reviewer.

I agree with you!

 

[Deleted member 43292]

It’s so interesting because the applications I spent the least time on, and that weren’t particularly well researched, ended up getting the most positive responses. Meanwhile, the ones where I really took my time, did loads of research, completed FYS, attended open days, etc., haven’t been successful at all.

I do think quality is important, but I don’t think it matters all the time. That definitely hasn’t been the case for me, and I think quite a few other people have experienced the same thing.

I also wonder if luck plays a huge role. Maybe it’s not always about how many applications you submit or how strong they are, but factors outside your control, like applying at the right time, your application being read by the right person, or even mentioning a detail that happens to resonate with the reviewer.

I agree with you - this has been my experience too for most of my applications

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Jheeze Akin selective online test invite! I sent my app mid Dec (13th - 15th).​

Big congrats🎉 - did you apply for spring or summer?

 

[M85672]

I haven’t even submitted the Milbank test, I don’t know why I got happy seeing an email from them. Can confirm the email said, “Hurry! This expires soon - You have until Tuesday to complete!”

 

[anon78365222111]

Big congrats🎉 - did you apply for spring or summer?

They only have a spring vac I believe

 

[M_m]

Reed smith test and VI! Is this automatic or do they read the app first?

Congratulations! As far as I know, they read your app first and then shortlist for the test. Could I ask when you submitted your application?

 

[maylawwww]

hellur ppl just a little check-in has anyone heard from:
Cooley Spring
Withers Summer (post test)
HFW spring post app
Addleshaw London VS post VI
TW spring post WE
Dechert Summer post app
WFW spring post VI
OC post test