TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Bottega_Veneta]

just looking at the email i got from linklaters in december which says "We invite successful applicants on a rolling basis throughout January and February" ... could this mean that they invite people to ACs throughout feb as well? holding onto hope here 😭 😭

They do!!! Don’t lose hope!🥳

 

[hmevey]

Same here. I completed my VI on 17 Jan and haven’t heard anything since. AG has quite a large intake across its VCs, so I’d be surprised if this was the only AC batch, but who knows.

When did you apply? I haven't heard since doing the online assessment, hearing everyone getting to VI and AC stage does not sound like good news to me eek

 

[Eudora]

When did you apply? I haven't heard since doing the online assessment, hearing everyone getting to VI and AC stage does not sound like good news to me eek

I applied on 17 Dec. Fingers crossed there are still more VIs/ACs to come.

 

[desk70]

Hi, does anyone have any update on:

- Squire Patton Boggs
- Travers Smith
- Hogan Lovells post-VI
- Baker McKenzie post-VI
- Clyde & Co post-VI
- Taylor Wessing post-AC

Thanks!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

When discussing commercial trends affecting law firm clients, can I discuss increased compliance requirements following legislative/regulatory changes?

Hey!

Yes, definitely - increased compliance requirements following legislative or regulatory change are a well-established commercial trend.

I would just make sure that you focus on why it matters to clients (e.g. cost, risk, operational impact) rather than only describing the change itself, and explain how the firm helps clients manage or adapt to those changes. If you can link it to the firm's practice areas or sector expertise, that is even better!

 

[desk70]

Hi, does anyone have insight into what the Osborne Clarke virtual AC commercial interview entails? Thanks!

 

[Bread]

What’s a good answer to the question “talk about a time when you demonstrated integrity”? I feel like any genuine answer would be giving tmi ngl

 

[asplawyer100]

Can anyone share some insights into the Osborne Clarke online "assessment centre" (aka commercial interview)? I can share insights into Trowers & Hamlins and Mishcon de Reya.

 

[lawyersum]

What’s a good answer to the question “talk about a time when you demonstrated integrity”? I feel like any good or realistic answer would be giving tmi ngl

I once used an example of when I was mentoring a first-year student and they asked me for my lecture notes and sample answers - but I declined as this would be academic misconduct/plagiarism, instead i helped them build a better study routine where they wouldn't have to rely on others' notes. Something like that if you've been in a comparable situation?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock
I hope you are well!
I have a quick question regarding a firm's interview slot confirmation email. At the end of this email, they added 'please join the call 10 minutes before for your adjustments to be facilitated'. But I haven't requested any adjustments - so I'm really not sure whether to address this in the reply 'thank you' email or to let it be.

 

[vweewcvew]

Anyone heard back from Stephenson Harwood for those that applied around the deadline? Thanks

 

[jagath]

86 days since i applied for HSF summer 😍

 

[Bree]

Hi is there any news on Hogan Lovells for Summer, is it a PFO?

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone gotten a PFO from Dentons post-VI?

Yes

 

[msclm]

I submitted Sidley on the deadline and now kinda regret😭 i feel like it was a strong application but I’m not sure if they evaluate all applications or fill the spots rolling

I can promise you this isn’t true. I applied an hour before deadline and got the vac and tc! They read everything.

 

[yasmars]

86 days since i applied for HSF summer 😍

It’s a good thing . Don’t worry

 

[SueD]

Hi, does anyone have any update on:

- Squire Patton Boggs
- Travers Smith
- Hogan Lovells post-VI
- Baker McKenzie post-VI
- Clyde & Co post-VI
- Taylor Wessing post-AC

Thanks!

TW told me I’d hear by 12/2.

 

[lawgical]

Do I really have to disclose the treatment I have undergone for drug addiction in the past? What if I (shudders) don't tell them?

Application question, for reference: Have you ever required any treatment or counselling, or been the subject of any disciplinary action by an employer, relating to alcohol, drugs or gambling? (Russell-Cooke)

 

[kim wexler]

I completely agree. I understand the frustration of waiting when you feel like it's going to be a pfo, but Willkie have arguably been the most transparent out of any firm this cycle. The fact that their graduate recruitment is willing to take the time out their day to answer all of our questions on the TCLA forum is both laudable and certainly NOT the norm. They let us know that we'd all hear back by Friday, which they will ofc stick to, but the reason they cannot reject everyone else now, is because some people may still be invited to Partner Interview.

Also, I cannot understand why people are annoyed that the process is different this year; it has been improved this year in order to allow for more partner interviews. Previously, when they sent out all invites and PFO's at the same time, it didn't allow for what is happening right now, that being, some people saying no to doing the interview, and that place being passed onto someone else. Previously, that didn't happen!

Finally, out of all firms, they seem to be the most meritocratic with regard to each individual recruitment stage. Everything was marked anonymously, and it was reviewed by TWO separate associates in order to ensure upmost fairness. I'm not sure if some people are aware, but an associate at a top US firm like Willkie can be billed out every hour for eye watering amounts of money. So, the fact that they are willing to forego that revenue in order to allow us to compete in a fair process is again tremendously laudable.

We can all relate to rejections as 90% of the time, that's what we all face, yet, unfairly taking it out on their graduate recruitment just seems wrong, especially when they seem to be trying their hardest for us.

Even as someone who is probably gonna get PFOd today, I completely agree. Willkie is the only law firm in this recruitment cycle that is able to get back to applicants quickly and quite transparently. Obviously it sucks that you have to wait for 2 days after everyone gets an interview offer and you do not, but it is much better than firms like ... Mishcon de Reya.

Despite their small size, the Willkie grad rec team is very very quick and keeps most (if not all) of its promises. The selection process is also a lot fairer than other firms in London that give you an arbitrary personality test and some graphs to work out. If I do not get a vac scheme this year, I will most certainly apply to Willkie again in the next cycle

 

[sbbusybee]

Do I really have to disclose the treatment I have undergone for drug addiction in the past? What if I (shudders) don't tell them?

Application question, for reference: Have you ever required any treatment or counselling, or been the subject of any disciplinary action by an employer, relating to alcohol, drugs or gambling? (Russell-Cooke)

Kind of crazy they ask this I’ve never seen this in an app before?

I mean if you don’t tell them and it comes out later on, it would likely be seen as dishonesty. I guess it somewhat depends what their intentions are when asking this question.

If you tell them and they reject you, would you really want to be at that firm?

I think having counselling for a personal issue and disciplinary action for conduct that affects your job are two very different things…