TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[marshmallow]

Anyone got a White & Case response?

not yet

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Two batches of Weil AC’s yeah I’m cooked

litch me rn. feel like firms should just reject people as they go so ik if i need to do more applications LOL.

 

[marshmallow]

Should I assume PFO from Ashurst then for Summer

it’s not over until the PFO lands in your inbox!!

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Hi! as someone with reasonable adjustments too, I would probably complete it tomorrow. If you can leave it till the afternoon to give them enough time to respond in the morning (but not too late in case technical difficulties etc). So sorry this happened tho that is SUCH poor form from them

to follow on this, i would call if they have a number

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

I would also like to know!! @Afraz Akhtar ??

Anyone on here got any advice to do well in exit interviews / be more ‘commercially aware’. They tend to really rip you apart in these final final ones so I am also wanting to know what to do LOL

@Gottagetthroughthis101 @helenaskelton I think when it comes to displaying commercial awareness in any conversation, whether that be an interview or professional interaction - there's two layers:

1) Being able to show that you're commercially knowledgeable
2) Being able to show that you think in a commercial way

The first is pretty simple, it comes with research. And, the way most tend to go about this is either through LinkedIn, News Articles, Press Releases, Firm Websites etc. Essentially, you need to show a basic understanding of what is going on in the world that could impact the firm, their clients, or their clients' industries. So, when you read up on something - dissect it and consider how impactful is this to the firm you're applying for, and aim to be as specific as possible.

Where I feel most stumble, is however the second layer. Sure, you know what's going on in the world. You likely read up on it on FT but how can you leverage that information to bring about some value. After all, what good is knowledge if it doesn't amount to anything. So, you need to be able to display how you're a commercial thinker, and identify where such an approach has helped you in the past. Often or not, the examples aren't as intense as Open AI's 2026 growth strategy, they're as simple as link-selling products in your retail job to drive sales - so long as you can showcase that you're the type of candidate that can consider market conditions/customer needs/business performance etc.

So, talk through your knowledge, but also offer some examples where you can for your ability to think commercially in any given scenario.

 

[jojo23]

I know bro is an avid K-pop fan and probably knows half of the EXO dances, but I...

 

[SubpoenaColada]

EXACTLY THIS!!

I’ve peer-pressured ChatGPT into the right answer, like how do you get it wrong AND have no backbone??

omg truly!! the amount of times I've said "but Chat, you've just got this wrong, how do I trust you??"

 

[Meg_Thee_Applicant]

Norton Rose Summer VS PFO!!!! Question though, the email says "We are sorry to inform you that following the Arctic Shores assessment we are not proceeding with your application on this occasion."

- anyone know if this means they dont read applications unless AS benchmark is met?? Or does that mean they read my app? Also WHAT is the benchmark as i got 3/4, 3/4, 3/4, 3/4?? TYSM

 

[FutureLawyer_]

Does anyone know if ashurst send in batches

 

[bmn45]

Those with Cooley's PFO or second stage progession email today, may I please ask when did you apply? Thank you very much )

 

[Prudentia]

Those with Cooley's PFO or second stage progession email today, may I please ask when did you apply? Thank you very much )

I got through to the second stage. I applied on 31 December.

 

[an03]

Does anyone known how many days u have to complete the Cooley WG

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

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

I definitely wouldn't get down on yourself - I pretty much failed my way through first year and have had a fair few 2:2s (currently on a 2:1) from a non RG and I've still progressed /completed an internship at a US firm

 

[Prudentia]

Does anyone known how many days u have to complete the Cooley WG

I was given a deadline of 4pm on 20 Jan.

 

[TheSlapDotCom]

has anyone heard from hl, bclp or mishcon summer vs?

 

[letthisbethefinalcycle]

Hey, was this after the VI or test?

post test!

 

[marshmallow]

has anyone heard from hl, bclp or mishcon summer vs?

nothing from bclp here

 

[ik06]

Does anyone know who will be conducting the Davis Polk interviews?

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

Does anyone know who will be conducting the Davis Polk interviews?

Have you received an interview offer from DPW?

 

[Eudora]

Another day of waiting on Latham…
It feels like a lot of people have had some kind of update, while my inbox is still completely empty.
I submitted Stage 2 quite early on, so I was just wondering whether there are still AC slots left later in the cycle.