TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[pepsicola96]

No Bristows WE invite, so I'm assuming its a PFO. I have faced many rejections in the past two years, but I have always known it was coming. I always knew exactly where I went wrong. But I genuinely thought I had done well in the VI, and in the app. Honestly, feeling so so gutted. How am I supposed to find the motivation to do any more apps when this entire process is so draining?

Also not heard back. However, post VI I also heard back about partner screening a day after a lot of people on here. I don't know whether you'd consider that batches, but I saw loads of people getting the email on here and presumed PFO, only to get my email the next morning lol, hoping it's the same case here!

 

[pepsicola96]

Either way, I'm ready for it all to be done. Two outcomes left with 2birds and Bristows. Haven't received Bristows WE yet, still hopeful I guess. Kinda expecting 2birds pfo as I know my written exercise/case study was dreadful, and while my interview was really comfortable and friendly I definitely answered a few things poorly.

But at least then I can stop refreshing my inbox every day

 

[Legalgirl]

hi!!

does anyone have any tips for the Dechert WE? any tips would be greatly appreciated.

for reference, I applied on 19/12 and got invited to do the WE on 10/2

 

[silonthesofa]

Also not heard back. However, post VI I also heard back about partner screening a day after a lot of people on here. I don't know whether you'd consider that batches, but I saw loads of people getting the email on here and presumed PFO, only to get my email the next morning lol, hoping it's the same case here!

That’s interesting that you heard back post VI a day later. I was sure that up until then, it was all in one go because it’s entirely up to HR.

To be fair, no one’s posted a PFO yet, so no news is surely good news.

Think this is going to be the most anxious, wired trainee intake Bristows ever had…

 

[hxnnahrobinson]

Still waiting on a response post VI (Manchester office)

Same here! I’ve emailed them today and they said we will hear a response maximum 10 weeks post application deadline

 

[lalalailovelife]

Hi guys, I'm a penultimate yr non-law international student. I applied to 4 vac schemes and got a PFO from 3 and a rejection post-AC from 1 this year. I want to secure work experience for the summer to build my CV before applying to vac schemes next year, and was thinking of applying to consulting/finance/macro analysis summer internships bc i feel extremely lost and hopeless tbh. What do you think? I honestly feel like law is so competitive and want to increase my chances for next year

 

[gmmd1012]

What are the odds of being successful on your first AC?

 

[silonthesofa]

What are the odds of being successful on your first AC?

Absolutely doable (I did last year), but as ever, there’s an element of luck involved. Good luck!

 

[Eriberrie]

Anyone who did Trowers Hamlins AC, do you have any advice/care to share your experience? Or even just a simple how it went

 

[gmmd1012]

Absolutely doable (I did last year), but as ever, there’s an element of luck involved. Good luck!

Thank you so much! Keeping my fingers crossed. If you dont mind me asking, which firm was it? And do you have any tips for just how to go about the prep? No pressure!

 

[m.0untainhermit]

hey, does anyone know how many applicants are invited for TW's ACs (spring & summer combined)? read previously it was around 100 for 30 spots but that was 2 years ago!

 

[MZJxLadha]

Has anyone had the same experience with Addleshaw Goddard? - I did the WG wayyy back in October and I haven’t heard back about the VI or anything, just complete silence? I don’t think I even got a confirmation email after the WG.

Not too sure what’s going on and if I’ve just been ghosted lmao, bc it seems like everyone has progressed with the firm atp?

Exact same here..

 

[AtticusFinch]

Hey guys has anyone heard from the following who applied on or around deadline?

Orrick (VS Summer)
Gibson Dunn post online assessment
Hugh James (VS Summer)
Addleshaw Goddard (London)post online assessment (VS Summer)
Marriot Harrison post online assessment (VS Summer)
Akin (VS Spring)
Ropes & Gray (VS Summer)
Russel Cooke (VS Summer)
K&L Gates (VS Summer)

Hii heard back from orrick applied on the deadline 💕

 

[Donna Paulsen]

got a holding email for browne jacobson

Which office pls?

 

[AtticusFinch]

Not tone deaf at all. You should be so proud!!

Thank you all so much🙏 fingers crossed it works out!! You’re all such a great community

 

[SueD]

Exact same here..

And me too.

 

[SueD]

hey, does anyone know how many applicants are invited for TW's ACs (spring & summer combined)? read previously it was around 100 for 30 spots but that was 2 years ago!

I did TW AC for the Easter scheme and they said 28 candidates invited for 15 places.

 

[m.0untainhermit]

I did TW AC for the Easter scheme and they said 28 candidates invited for 15 places.

tysm!! i hope yours went well

 

[Donuttime]

A friend of mine just received a vac scheme offer from Reed Smith at this time for anyone wondering

 

[Donuttime]

They will communicate outcomes on 27/2. Attended AC and that's what they said.

A friend of mine received a holding email today