TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[8law]

loads of my friends recruited for finance - they normally progress to vi stage very quickly if u pass hr screening, but it seems that they just leave you in limbo forever if you don't. if you submitted a while ago i'd regard it as a lost cause tbh (but never say never)

ooh ok yh i submitted back in november 😭 i was wondering bc they still have applications open

 

[Wanda Maximoff]

I'm really surprised by how calm and composedly you can approach the Ropes & Gray application question because it's commercial based.

The only thing that makes me anxious about Ropes is the huge cut between application and AC. They mentioned in the TCLA webinar they only take 80 people to AC after screening applications. No other processes in-between. Chunky cut !

 

[ladyhaleinthehouse]

Has anyone had a PFO from Baker Mckenzie post-VI for spring yet ?

 

[Mvla]

I'm really surprised by how calm and composedly you can approach the Ropes & Gray application question.

This was the first application where it felt like there's nothing I thought the firm is expecting to hear so my judgment while writing wasn't getting clouded. It's just firm research and your understanding and insights into law firms as a business which is such a hot commercial awareness topic this year anyway!

The only thing that makes me anxious about Ropes is the huge cut between application and AC. They mentioned in the TCLA webinar they only take 80 people to AC after screening applications. No other processes in-between. Chunky cut !

That's what makes it so crazy. It's a huge jump, so even strong candidates will get cut. Fingers crossed for us all

 

[noahsmiit01]

Does anyone know when the Ropes deadline is? Is it tomorrow at 23:59?

 

[Mvla]

Does anyone know when the Ropes deadline is? Is it tomorrow at 23:59?

tomorrow

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

That would be great because I added in bits about myself and also about the firm's deals. LMAO

Hi: https://vimeo.com/1142361085?fl=pl&fe=vl - at around 12minutes (although, I don't think it's a blunder if you do, or at least I hope it's not)

 

[LawAspirer]

I imagine if no Debevoise Open Day invite then its PFO?

 

[TCTC]

I'm really surprised by how calm and composedly you can approach the Ropes & Gray application question.

This was the first application where it felt like there's nothing I thought the firm is expecting to hear so my judgment while writing wasn't getting clouded. It's just firm research and your understanding and insights into law firms as a business which is such a hot commercial awareness topic this year anyway!

The only thing that makes me anxious about Ropes is the huge cut between application and AC. They mentioned in the TCLA webinar they only take 80 people to AC after screening applications. No other processes in-between. Chunky cut !

I think there's a psychometric test before the AC

 

[maylawwww]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

I think it is such an example of the expectation of privilege in this process (maybe im too woke) but like who has the money for overnight accom and a short-notice day off work ??

 

[Ananya123]

Are we supposed to hear from Kirkland this week?

Yeah im sure they already gave out the rejections

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

You also get more attached, I lowkey loved my interviewers so I will be double sad if I am rejected !

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

I think it is such an example of the expectation of privilege in this process (maybe im too woke) but like who has the money for overnight accom and a short-notice day off work ??

I don't think it should happen for the 5 places per 1 spot firm. But when it's 2 places per 1 or less, I think it's acceptable.
Many firms do subsidise travel expenses (not enough do), but also expecting people to make free time during exam periods/work / etc is also a bit unfair.

 

[Ananya123]

hey guys, has anyone received an AC with Linklaters for their summer scheme? I would also appreciate if anyone did the slaughter and may AC and tell me about how that went

 

[Hopeful applicant]

I imagine if no Debevoise Open Day invite then its PFO?

i would imagine couple more AC's are still possible - they would have no reason to keep people guessing if they would not send a single more. However, now it would likely be driven by people missing the response deadlines/not being able to come etc.

 

[pepsicola96]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

I think it is such an example of the expectation of privilege in this process (maybe im too woke) but like who has the money for overnight accom and a short-notice day off work ??

Yessss, especially when there's not even a group exercise. I have coming up soon, just a case study and interview, absolutely no reason it can't be virtual but instead I'm getting a 3 and a half hour train each way to london, paying £80+ for that train that may or may not be reimbursed, and I've had to give up an 8 hour shift at work which is £100 in lost earnings, and I may not even be successful 😂

To take it one step further, there is a huge discrepancy in the compensation for the vac schemes themselves. If I am successful at this AC, I will once again need to pay for travel to London, and accommodation for 2 whole weeks, on £500/600 per week. The costs will easily exceed anything I am paid, and I have to account for the fact I'm not working for 2 weeks, which for me is another £250 per week-ish. In effect, I'm going to be probably not far off £1000 poorer following the scheme, and this is the primary route of starting a legal career in the UK.

I think if firms are truly committed to widening access to the legal profession, there needs to be a much greater provision of accommodation or higher pay

 

[Bob142]

Has anyone heard back post-AC for Kirkland

 

[Wanda Maximoff]

I think there's a psychometric test before the AC

From what they mentioned in the webinar, those who get invited to the AC have to do the psychometric test prior to attending the AC so not everyone will get it

 

[user397485]

anyone heard back post AC for bakers and slaughters

 

[Hopeful applicant]

Does anyone else hate in-person ACs just for the inconvenience ! I think its so silly for firms to drag people from all across the UK to an in-person assessment, with often only a 20% chance of being progressed-- only reimbursing for train travel (if that) and never overnight accommodation (which is necessary if you're over 3hrs away imo)

I think it is such an example of the expectation of privilege in this process (maybe im too woke) but like who has the money for overnight accom and a short-notice day off work ??

I totally get this point. That being said, I despise video interviews, so I do appreciate being able to do them in-person.

On a related note, I would be interested if anyone knows if firms are willing to a) reimburse any accomodation for people who show need and/or B) be flexible as to time of the AC or C) do it in a virtual format