TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[kim wexler]

In Mishcon's email about the SJT they said they will get back to everyone in late January

Ohh you're right, thanks a ton! Praying for us

 

[helenaskelton]

hey guys would love advice. am getting pfod for legit everything LOL. Winter cycle was easier as I had a VS but I didn’t convert it so we goin again. I also got a SVS but didn’t convert that either. Sometimes I’m like…should I continue? It looks bleak from now.

 

[SBD total 1000lbs (and an applicant)]

Mate.

smoking gun

 

[radssss]

How much do you think law firms care about grades? I understand they don’t want 2:2s but my university basically never gives out firsts and I just got a mid 2:1 on an essay I was really proud of so I’m just feeling super demotivated . I go to a top 10 Russell group that’s a top target for employers so I’m hoping individual grades don’t matter that much

Hi, I went to a top 10 Russell group uni too and my uni was also too strict with grades (to a point that there were students dropping out and having mental health issues) I have had a few 2:2 modules and graduated with a mid 2:1. If it comforts you, I have progressed with silver circle and a few us firms too.
Don’t give up! Most firms look at more than just grades! Ofc there are some firms like Kirkland which focus too much on grades so I avoid applying there just to not waste my time.

 

[AGB2060]

Skadden interview

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

hey guys would love advice. am getting pfod for legit everything LOL. Winter cycle was easier as I had a VS but I didn’t convert it so we goin again. I also got a SVS but didn’t convert that either. Sometimes I’m like…should I continue? It looks bleak from now.

Honestly keep trying, the fact that you are getting VS offers is so positive! It means you are super close so don’t give up. I also didnt convert my SVS and I feel like not enough people talk about it when it happens.

 

[radssss]

hey guys would love advice. am getting pfod for legit everything LOL. Winter cycle was easier as I had a VS but I didn’t convert it so we goin again. I also got a SVS but didn’t convert that either. Sometimes I’m like…should I continue? It looks bleak from now.

You’re more than deserving if you have got 2 vac schemes! Try talking to people and figuring out what you could do better on your vac schemes and apply for a few dtcs

 

[maylawwww]

I’ve not heard anything from HFW since application submission, but I’ve also not read about anyone else hearing back either?

Sorry I didnt mean to freak anyone out! One person pmed me and said they had an HFW AC for spring- I know for a fact (bc I got to AC last cycle) that they release them staggered- I am just a lil freaking out personally bc I applied pretty early this year

 

[summersun]

hey guys would love advice. am getting pfod for legit everything LOL. Winter cycle was easier as I had a VS but I didn’t convert it so we goin again. I also got a SVS but didn’t convert that either. Sometimes I’m like…should I continue? It looks bleak from now.

Hi
just wanted to say that one of my friend obtained her TC after her fourth vac scheme (failing to convert the first three in the three previous years). As I also failed to convert a VS last summer that is what gives me hope and it shoudl give you hope too . You had 2 VS so definitiely have the skills and one day a firm will recognise that ! Good luck with the rest of your cycle !!

 

[trainee4u]

Hi! Do you guys think ChatGPT is a reliable source to practice the WG test? I’ve been using it to come up with mock tests, but sometimes I find its reasoning odd and I’m a little worried it’s making me worse lol

Relatedly, anyone knows of any reliable practice tests beyond this mock one by CC?

Depends on the ChatGPT. If you have it on "smartest" paid-for settings maybe. But the default one is dumb as hell.
I would trust Gemini Pro maybe a bit more (you can get a free version for students - although might be closed now).

 

[anon78365222111]

Inshallah

Inshaallah thread keeping it going

 

[helenaskelton]

Honestly keep trying, the fact that you are getting VS offers is so positive! It means you are super close so don’t give up. I also didnt convert my SVS and I feel like not enough people talk about it when it happens.

Yeah it’s DEVASTATING LOL. And the feedback they give you sometimes feels a little made up… but I will keep going if that’s what people think. I also work a 9-5 so going home to do VI and applications just feels like oh mannnn. But I know others are in the same boat w this

 

[emma1203]

Through to second stage for Cooley!

Did you apply for spring or summer?

 

[radssss]

Honestly keep trying, the fact that you are getting VS offers is so positive! It means you are super close so don’t give up. I also didnt convert my SVS and I feel like not enough people talk about it when it happens.

I worked at a top firm for one year and they didn’t give me a tc offer because I didn’t do v well on the end of scheme ac it’s so so painful

 

[helenaskelton]

Hi
just wanted to say that one of my friend obtained her TC after her fourth vac scheme (failing to convert the first three in the three previous years). As I also failed to convert a VS last summer that is what gives me hope and it shoudl give you hope too . You had 2 VS so definitiely have the skills and one day a firm will recognise that ! Good luck with the rest of your cycle !!

Wait that makes me feel better thank you ! :

 

[Novaa]

hey guys would love advice. am getting pfod for legit everything LOL. Winter cycle was easier as I had a VS but I didn’t convert it so we goin again. I also got a SVS but didn’t convert that either. Sometimes I’m like…should I continue? It looks bleak from now.

Oh, you have to continue!! The finish line is so near

Just make sure you’re getting that feedback and reflecting on what’s been raised. It should hopefully be things which you can apply for a DTC application or even a summer application. YOU GOT THIS!!

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Reed Smith’s grad rec team watching the forum beef between jamieclarke vs spamelinazoid like:

 

[Prudentia]

Did you apply for spring or summer?

Oh sorry! Should have said. I applied for Cooley summer.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Yeah it’s DEVASTATING LOL. And the feedback they give you sometimes feels a little made up… but I will keep going if that’s what people think. I also work a 9-5 so going home to do VI and applications just feels like oh mannnn. But I know others are in the same boat w this

The firm I interviewed with literally based it only on my interview performance because I was ‘lacking commercial awareness’ despite performing really well during the scheme. It’s the worst feeling and I really get you about working and doing VIs. I did my interview for RS yesterday after a full day at my job which I hate anyway so the mood was not right