TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Afraz Akhtar]

@Afraz Akhtar Hi, How do you recommend answering the interview question asking to compare other firms you have applied to. I understand that they’re ultimately trying to understand what distinguishes us, but how do you balance showing that you are a competitive candidate that has progressed elsewhere but not making them think they are not your first choice (especially since I have been asked before what stages I’ve reached with other firms specifically)
Thank you!

@spongebob for these sort of questions, they're usually checking two things:

1. If you've applied to firms that are similar to them
2. How dedicated you are to their firm in particular

The reason being, if you apply to firms that aren't necessarily this firms competitors, it could signal that your interest in their offering isn't particularly strong enough and you may leave upon qualification. Instead, they want to see that they are your top choice (as you said) so there is no risk of wasting investment here.

The way to approach is therefore, focus in on 2-3 firms that are very similar that you have applied for. Either similar is international reach, practice area strength, think back to your reasons for applying to this firm and try to get them to align with that (even if it is very minimal). They may want to know why it is you applied for them, so be sure to keep your interest in law consistent here. As for setting them as the top contender, I'd hope they don't ask directly (that feels a little gauche) but even if they do/don't - you should still naturally end with this, by honing in on what makes them better or why they interest you more. It helps to be as specific as possible here, so if talking about a case they worked on, or the types of clients the engage with helps then reference that. Their services/client base will differ slightly.

 

[hanz123]

Anyone from from AG Leeds office post critical thinking?

 

[Novaa]

me when grad rec recommends you only apply to 5 firms. I understand that it allows you to tailor your application, but there is no way you can ensure you don't get cut off at any of the in between stages haha...

Me looking at my 5th PFO, I fear if I took that advice in… I would have had to personally go and start the 2026-27 thread.

 

[AMullin]

I have done Clyde’s online assessment yesterday and did not get the VI invite so should I assume pfo?

I’m in the same boat, did the assessment yesterday morning and radio silence from them today 👌

 

[Donuttime]

@Novaa haha to me this seems like you met the benchmark of the VI, which means they narrowed down the applicant pool, and then made any decisions based off the application form - hence its the standard PFO and not a benchmark failure. Confusing.... but don't fret onto the next.

wait so ive gotten this email for very PFO amberjack email ive gotten- Unfortunately, at this stage in the recruitment process, we are unable to provide feedback. We wish you every success in your future career in law and thank you sincerely for your interest in XYZ

so does that mean i passed the benchmark for the VI and not the amberjack>

 

[user123987]

Anyone from from AG Leeds office post critical thinking?

I applied to Manchester, haven’t heard back!

 

[BatmanBeyond]

if V& E app is still open (despite 11 Jan deadline) do people think it's worth it to submit....

It is for the winter/autumn vac scheme they recruit from there if have vacancies after the summer scheme ends and TC offers have been made. It definitely is worth submitting; however, for the past 2-3 years they have not really reviewed any winter/autumn scheme apps since they fill up their vacancies.

 

[IWillGetATC]

It is for the winter/autumn vac scheme they recruit from there if have vacancies after the summer scheme ends and TC offers have been made. It definitely is worth submitting; however, for the past 2-3 years they have not really reviewed any winter/autumn scheme apps since they fill up their vacancies.

i meant the spring/summer link is still up!

 

[elle woods]

Me looking at my 5th PFO, I fear if I took that advice in… I would have had to personally go and start the 2026-27 thread.

LMAOOO I'd be right behind you hahaha

I'm currently at my 7th PFO haha 😂 But on the bright side, we would be so ready for the 2026-27 cycle when it rolls around...am I right?

 

[BatmanBeyond]

i meant the spring/summer link is still up!

Oh lmaoo go for it (the other scheme's app cycle should have started from 12th Jan but if it says spring atm then def go for it)

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Anyone from from AG Leeds office post critical thinking?

I applied to Edinburgh - haven't heard back either

 

[Madison Pinewall]

has anyone received slaughters interview for feb? or have they only given out interviews for jan

i have one very early feb

 

[Novaa]

I need MDR’s AI bot to act like it knows me, because if we’re about to be texting. We need to have a good time and you need to throw in a lil “PLSSSSS YOU SO REAL NOVAA, LET ME PROGRESS YOU”

 

[BatmanBeyond]

Me looking at my 5th PFO, I fear if I took that advice in… I would have had to personally go and start the 2026-27 thread.

Firms saying all that and then adding random ass tests in between without even reviewing your application till you pass em

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Me looking at my 5th PFO, I fear if I took that advice in… I would have had to personally go and start the 2026-27 thread.

Lowkey went into this cycle with this approach (applied to five and thought I would stop there because I researched them for months) and then got rejected by my two favourite firms at the start of November. I was like:

Now I'm applicationmaxxing hahaha let's make it 25🤪🤪🤪

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

wait so ive gotten this email for very PFO amberjack email ive gotten- Unfortunately, at this stage in the recruitment process, we are unable to provide feedback. We wish you every success in your future career in law and thank you sincerely for your interest in XYZ

so does that mean i passed the benchmark for the VI and not the amberjack>

@Donuttime I'm not entirely sure and I hope I'm not confusing any of you, but where VI's or online assessments are used, typically the process for grad rec looks like this:

1. Application is checked for minimum criteria/mitigating circumstances
2. If the minimum criteria is met, the applicant is invited to the next stage which is the VI/online assessment OR it is an automatic invite upon application submission and stage 1 will be considered in stage 4
3. If you fail the test, you are notified that you weren't successful before the application is carried on to screening BUT if you pass the test, your application is progressed and they should notify you, but there isn't really a need to as they're screening you anyway
4. Application is now being manually reviewed - this is where your answers/cover letters etc are checked.

At stage 4, if you're not successful, then you'll be sent the generic PFO. So, I assume if you didn't get a specific email stating that you didn't meet the benchmark, then you probably did but you fell short in the actual application for whatever reason - however, I can't say for sure. This is just how I would assume it went.

This process may look different dependent on the firm, but the above is pretty much the standard.

 

[TortillaTC]

Yea, I did it 11:00pm last night and got VI at 10am today

I did mine yesterday afternoon and haven't got the VI yet:/ but also no PFO. Is this bad news? Or they assess test results in batches?

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Starting to tweak as I haven't received stage 1 tests or PFO's from the following:
- Cooley
- Dechert
- Akin
Anyone have any insight as to whether these are PFO's in abstentia 😪

 

[hanz123]

I applied to Edinburgh - haven't heard back either

stressing me out

 

[Elsie07777]

anyone share insights on Clyde & Co VI? Happy to exchange with other firms' insights I have experiences with