TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[AryanAgg]

well W&C PFO.

 

[ilikelaw]

w&c pfo, why do i lowkey feel relieved 😭

 

[AryanAgg]

I feel like a PFO was bound to happen as I applied on the deadline when they see applications on a rolling basis.

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Joining the W&C PFO team

 

[Zimpakos]

Anyone got a Mishcon Spring PFO judging by the fact some got ACs a week ago I’m accepting it’s a lost cause 🤷‍♂️

 

[lawcool]

Anyone got a Mishcon Spring PFO judging by the fact some got ACs a week ago I’m accepting it’s a lost cause 🤷‍♂️

im still waiting

 

[applicant457]

Links rejection post-AC.

They said my competency interview went well, but basically my commercial awareness interview, which I thought went well, was really poor.

The feedback indicated an anxious presentation, unclear structuring of answers, and insufficiently articulated reasoning. It also noted limited responsiveness to interviewer prompts and an overreliance on legal terminology at the expense of clear, commercially grounded analysis.

I thought I wasn't anxious and I really tried to show my thought process, however it seems that I tried to show legal knowledge and that wasn't what they wanted at all.

Really demoralised by this and am wondering if I just come off poorly as a person.

 

[sadlawyer01]

w&c PFO arghhh double rejection today

 

[lawcool]

are clifford chance doing okay

 

[Carrington Lane]

are clifford chance doing okay

Oh what's the tea? ☕️☕️☕️

Edit: nvm, I see what you mean. Tbh, the grad team has been ... since Laura Yeates left. Allegedly (so I dont get sued.)

 

[ilikelaw]

clifford chance are a little too active in my inbox today considering i have no intention of applying there ever…

 

[toughcookie]

Is shoosmiths online test automatic?

I don't think so, because the email for the strengths-based assessment invite ends it with "congratulations on reaching this stage".

 

[Novaa]

TOO LATE CC! Already added you to the 2025/2026 logbook of shamelessness!

 

[elle woods]

Links rejection post-AC.

They said my competency interview went well, but basically my commercial awareness interview, which I thought went well, was really poor.

The feedback indicated an anxious presentation, unclear structuring of answers, and insufficiently articulated reasoning. It also noted limited responsiveness to interviewer prompts and an overreliance on legal terminology at the expense of clear, commercially grounded analysis.

I thought I wasn't anxious and I really tried to show my thought process, however it seems that I tried to show legal knowledge and that wasn't what they wanted at all.

Really demoralised by this and am wondering if I just come off poorly as a person.

First of all, it is NOT a reflection of you AT ALL. I know it can feel extremely demoralising and like it's an attack on you as a person, but trust me, they've only had like 4hrs to see you, that is NOT you at all. And remember, different firms look for different things - perhaps your legal reasoning and use of jargon would've impressed partners at a US firm for example.

I am really proud of you for getting this far - take some time off for yourself and push on forward soldier! Rejections do not define you - like I said earlier today, applying to firms is like dating - if you're not a match for each other, then it would be a disservice for both you and them to continue the relationship - I trust you will find the one (law firm) for yourself!!

And a lot of the times, these outcomes are a result of a mixture of luck, timing, and mood etc. You could get lucky and get a partner that resonates well with you, or the opposite could happen too. Don't hinge your self-worth on these things - it's not accurate at all. You are clearly really bright to have made it to the AC, and it sounds like you did really well overall! Good job, and use this opportunity as an experience to take forward with you in the future - whether as motivation, improvement, or overall personal growth.

This hits home for me too, I also got PFOed post AC today - let's both do our best going forward okay? 💗

 

[RJ Ruban]

HSF K summer PFO 🥲

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

HSF Kramer Summer PFO

 

[TCLAAAA]

Joining the HSFK pfo community

 

[Maria56]

HSFK pfo 2
Dream firm and been to so many events

 

[silonthesofa]

Has anyone heard anything from Bristows post VI? I wonder if they will let us know whether our VI reached partner review stage or just progress successful applications to WE

Nothing yet. Based on past years, it seemed like people would hear back quite quickly if they didn't make it to partner screening – and I THINK would also be explicitly informed if they did, so I was hoping to hear from them late last week. However, given the lack of PFO posts, I have to assume they just haven't sent anything out yet because it does seem that at least in the earlier stages, they send decisions out all at once in one go and do not stagger them.

 

[BobThebIlly]

Is anyone still waiting to hear back from the following:

Goodwin post vi
Sidley post app
Paul Weiss summer vac scheme post app