TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lawlawland]

A few questions:

Is it normal for the recruiters from law firms you've applied for to look at your profile in LinkedIn? Is that a good sign or a bad sign?

3 recruiters (I can't see who) from this firm I'm waiting to hear back from has looked at my profile, and I'm wondering why... I really hope nothing in my profile through them off😂😭!

 

[DiploSha361]

Hi all,
Applied for Linklaters Spring VS. Not heard back but seen others have. Can I assume this is a PFO? Would think logically that they look at all apps, decide the PFOs but keep a few in reserve just in case of AC dropouts etc. But then again who knows what these firms do...

 

[legallybrunnette]

Its only an SJT right or is there a VI too?

Hi! Did you end up finding out what this first assessment stage entails or whether the VI comes later?

 

[legallybrunnette]

A few questions:

Is it not for the recruiters from law firms you've applied for to look at your profile in LinkedIn? Is that a good sign or a bad sign?

3 recruiters (I can't see who) from this firm I'm waiting to hear back from has looked at my profile, and I'm wondering why... I really hope nothing in my profile through them off😂😭!

Akin?

 

[reelovesit]

hi has anyone heard back about ACs after passing benchmark for the phone interview at dla piper? (i had my TI + found out i passed on the 6th jan)

 

[xMontmorency]

A few questions:

Is it normal for the recruiters from law firms you've applied for to look at your profile in LinkedIn? Is that a good sign or a bad sign?

3 recruiters (I can't see who) from this firm I'm waiting to hear back from has looked at my profile, and I'm wondering why... I really hope nothing in my profile through them off😂😭!

Yes it happens and it's not a bad sign.

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

hi has anyone heard back about ACs after passing benchmark for the phone interview at dla piper? (i had my TI + found out i passed on the 6th jan)

In my experience, it takes about a week

 

[BobThebIlly]

i feel sick waiting on these firms

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

i feel sick waiting on these firms

The fact we're unlikely to get PFO'd on a Saturday should ease the anxiety...it doesn't

 

[JustwantaTC]

If people got ACs and done VIs after you did does that mean pfo is likely or is each firm different in that sense?

 

[Bread]

If people got ACs and done VIs after you did does that mean pfo is likely or is each firm different in that sense?

Unfortunately I find it’s always best to set my expectations low in these cases. That way, you’re either prepared or pleasantly surprised!

 

[ilikelaw]

The fact we're unlikely to get PFO'd on a Saturday should ease the anxiety...it doesn't

i got pfo’d from a&o on a saturday ☹️

 

[LehmanBrothersRiskManagementIntern]

How long it takes to receive Gibson Dunn's online SJT?

 

[Deleted member 43292]

How long it takes to receive Gibson Dunn's online SJT?

I got mine the day after I submitted my app

 

[carrotteacup]

Hello all! Really worried about something and would love some guidance! All of my Uni Exams are next week and yet the RS interview deadline is next Friday. I probably won't have time to do it until the deadline day what with revision and sitting the exams. Is this going to negatively impact my application? I understand RS are rolling so quite worried.

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Yes it happens and it's not a bad sign.

*Rapidly spruces up profile, interacts with people and thinks of clever posts to write*

 

[TortillaTC]

Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith I did my RS test+VI first week of December and have heard nothing since… I think I met their benchmark with my scores + saw that others got PFOd so I’m assuming its down to my VI answers now..

What stage am I likely in atm?? Someone posted here that firms usually put candidates on hold while assessing new incoming test results, so am I in the “maybe AC” pile and will only progress if new test takers aren’t that good? Or should I be expecting a PFO?

 

[Novaa]

Hello all! Really worried about something and would love some guidance! All of my Uni Exams are next week and yet the RS interview deadline is next Friday. I probably won't have time to do it until the deadline day what with revision and sitting the exams. Is this going to negatively impact my application? I understand RS are rolling so quite worried.

Idk if I’m explaining clearly, but I think with rolling firms, they would buffer time for this.

So like you and a group of people would have been set a similar deadline for your interview. Then they’ll review your batch collectively once everyone has submitted within the 5/7 days deadline.

I don’t think they’d progress someone who submitted on day 1 of the VI deadline to AC, before someone who did it on day 4 in the same group. And even if they did that, they wouldn’t then not progress the person on day 4 just because they did it 3 days later.

I know rolling deadlines are scary, but I honestly think firms put measures in place to ensure everyone in each batch has a chance to be reviewed.

 

[legal18]

For a cover letter, is it ok to weave 'why you' throughout the 'why commercial law' and 'why firm' section rather than doing it standalone?

 

[carrotteacup]

Idk if I’m explaining clearly, but I think with rolling firms, they would buffer time for this.

So like you and a group of people would have been set a similar deadline for your interview. Then they’ll review your batch collectively once everyone has submitted within the 5/7 days deadline.

I don’t think they’d progress someone who submitted on day 1 of the VI deadline to AC, before someone who did it on day 4 in the same group. And even if they did that, they wouldn’t then not progress the person on day 4 just because they did it 3 days later.

I know rolling deadlines are scary, but I honestly think firms put measures in place to ensure everyone in each batch has a chance to be reviewed.

This is really helpful and reassuring, much appreciated!