TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Rosie_Kitten]

Have you had no updates at all so far?

Last week I had a couple PFO's, but I haven't had any updates this week (I guess nobody has had updates yet for those firms). I know not to expect every week, but there are a few that I made to 1st/2nd stage of testing (but ACs are usually scheduled early Feb for these firms.)

EDIT: Just looked back into past forums, and most have AC's that run nearer the end of February as well? (Specifically clyde & co, white & case, osborne clarke etc?) Can anybody who has applied in previous rounds comment?

 

[legal world]

Does anyone have any advice for the HFW AC?
It's my first AC haha

Hi! Congrats on securing an AC with them and good luck!! If you don't mind me asking, when did you apply?

 

[Afraz Akhtar]

How long does it usually take to hear back after AC? I know some people tend to hear back day after / same day for some firms - the wait is so agonising!

@Chelsea101 it really depends on the firm, but I would say the average is a week. That being said, the wait time is actually dependent on resource and who makes the offer. Often or not, it is an assessor as many partners love delivering the offer and they don't have the capacity to - so sometimes waiting isn't always the sign of a rejection.

 

[yasmars]

Does anyone know whether OC automatically reject you if you don't reach the benchmark for their test?

 

[Donna Paulsen]

Anyone hear from TLT today?

 

[asplawyer100]

Mishcon AC anyone?

 

[Lissa06]

Yeah, they said at the open day that once you submit the written app for the scheme you can ignore all the testing part, because you've hit the minimum benchmark for the test, and for the VI they'll use the scores of the answers you gave when you did it for the open days because the questions are the same.

Hi, thank you so much for the response! What about the situation when you do not get the open day, do you think they would look at your re-attempt of the VI/WGT or is it just auto-rejection?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Okay I think I bombed that Bristows VI

But got a Reed Smith email in the middle, thought for sure a rejection since it was an email but no, vac scheme offer! Win some you lose some.

Congratulations!!! You should be super proud (+ I’m sure your Bristows VI went better than you think!)

I hope you take some time to celebrate!!

 

[floral.tcla]

Gowling should get back to us today for the London VS if their ACs are next week… right

well… I guess not

 

[soph107048]

Anyone with experience on topscore? Do they record you, or can I do my WE in my comfy pyjamas TT

they do record you you'll be on a vid call w the recruiter and other candidates while writing

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Kirkland PFO

Genuinely curious to know if anyone who applied early to this firm got a VI invite

 

[soph107048]

guys anyone whose done a Jones Day interview before: I just did mine and wanted to gauge how long the wait usually is/how anyone thats done it before felt it went prior to getting good news

 

[lolasparks]

Birketts Cambridge office, has anyone heard anything or should I expect a PFO thank you!

 

[Miles Edgeworth]

well… I guess not

I fully believe the ACs will be delayed cause ain't no way they're giving four days notice. I wish they were just transparent about it and told us

 

[OliviaHB]

Birketts Cambridge office, has anyone heard anything or should I expect a PFO thank you!

Haven’t heard yet! Did test on 11th Jan

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Hi, congratulations! what office is this for? at the open day we were told that VIs would not be sent out until mid February!

Is this for the London office?

 

[floral.tcla]

I fully believe the ACs will be delayed cause ain't no way they're giving four days notice. I wish they were just transparent about it and told us

Yeah that’s the thing! It’s the uncertainty I don’t like!

 

[qwerty!]

Mishcon AC anyone?

Did you get one today?

 

[Fsayers]

do we think CMS give out all ACs, didn’t get one and thought my VI went well

Hey I did my assessment centre last week for a direct TC

 

[TCGrad1642]

Really hoping that Freshfields release more ACs for DTC

have they even released any? i’ve not seen anyone talking about them