TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[axelrod901]

did u apply for the pathway to practice or direct tc for fieldfisher

I applied for the direct TC

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Hi Guys!! I have a Gibson Dunn first stage interview early next week, any insights are highly appreciated!! Can share insights about NRF VI, BAKERS VI, Hogan Lovells Job sim, Freshfields Job Sim, Akin TI, PwC VI, Pinsent Masons VI

 

[ExcitingEasting]

Any update from RPC or Clyde & Co post VI today?

 

[user55998384]

anyone still waiting to hear for latham spring?

 

[Shiv Lawy]

Cleary PFO post WG

Did my Akin TI today and walked away feeling like it was a box ticking exercise and disappointed I didn't get a chance to have a conversation as such.

Double whammy feeling uneasy rn. Might fuel this into more applications even though I'm meant to be on a family holiday

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Those who recently got first stage GD, when did you apply? I applied 2nd Jan and nothing so far!

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Those who recently got first stage GD, when did you apply? I applied 2nd Jan and nothing so far!

12 November, received the invite yesterday

 

[Chak]

Cleary PFO post WG too btw

 

[HopefulTC]

When did you do the WG if you don't mind me asking? I haven't heard back from them in over a month

on the 10th Jan!

 

[TCLAuser2002]

Cleary PFO post WG

Did my Akin TI today and walked away feeling like it was a box ticking exercise and disappointed I didn't get a chance to have a conversation as such.

Double whammy feeling uneasy rn. Might fuel this into more applications even though I'm meant to be on a family holiday

I'm so sorry this happened to you with Akin, I did the TI and the questions were very basic so maybe they changed the questions I guess

 

[Madison Pinewall]

12 November, received the invite yesterday

Thanks a lot, I'll keep holding hope!

 

[Alfredo1234]

How have people tackled the Ropes and Gray VS question -

Describe three characteristics that you believe make an outstanding Ropes & Gray lawyer and how that lawyer would drive our business.
Max 500 words

Have you tied in your own personal characterisitics to sell yourself? Have you tied in any personal experiences? The way im currently thinking about approaching this is defining why and how the three characterisitcs i am chosing are great for RG and then relating them to myself, including a breif example of how i have shown or learnt this characterisitics through my current role at a law firm. Obviously this is an oversimplified layout of my plan, i was just curious if you guys had vastly different ideas?

 

[Shiv Lawy]

I'm so sorry this happened to you with Akin, I did the TI and the questions were very basic so maybe they changed the questions I guess

This was actually my problem with the questions- I feel like I overprepared for pushback/ a conversation around my answers but the questions were very basic so idk if I under or over elaborated. Must have just been a standard list for tickboxing.

Do you have your Akin outcome yet?

 

[sqe4676]

Still not heard from Withers post SJT - I completed it 31 December - should I assume a PFO?

 

[sqe4676]

Hi! Has anyone heard back from Withers post SJT?

Hey! No haven't heard back yet, I did it end of December.

 

[TCLAuser2002]

This was actually my problem with the questions- I feel like I overprepared for pushback/ a conversation around my answers but the questions were very basic so idk if I under or over elaborated. Must have just been a standard list for tickboxing.

Do you have your Akin outcome yet?

No they did not get back to me yet, I did my TI 30th of December and they said that I will hear back in two weeks it has been 3 now so idk

 

[Madison Pinewall]

finally a milbank PFO post stage 1. no idea how i managed to fail that

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Finally a Milbank PFO post stage 1🤣🤣an hour before my AC is lethal, out of all the times they could have sent it

 

[TS.Law]

Milbank Spring VS LevFin ❌
I did my critical thinking assessment 2 weeks ago.

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Hello!

Huge congratulations on receiving an AC invite! It's totally normal to not feel prepared - I only had a couple days to prepare for my Reed Smith AC as I completed it the week following a vacation scheme, so I'm sure you've done more prep than I did!

I have quoted a post below on some previous general advice I have given for the types of tasks that might come up during the AC (although they may have changed the process!) - hopefully it is a helpful starting point! My main tip would be to make sure that you have a good understanding of the sectors that the firm works in, and how recent events and news stories could affect the firm's clients in those areas. I'd also prepare your answers for the most common interview questions (e.g. 'Why Law', 'Why X Firm', 'Why You', etc.), as it is always useful to know these in case you get asked. Lastly, have confidence in yourself and your abilities - the firm clearly sees that you have the potential, now it's about showing your interest and fit!

Best of luck - I'm sure you'll do great!! 💪

Thank you so so much for your reply- that has been super helpful!