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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
867
948
Has anyone heard back from Stephenson Harwood/ know when they got back to people last year?
Hey!

I’ve had a look through my emails from last year and can see that I received the SJT invite on the 11 March, and the VS offer on the 17 March. Seems like there’s still plenty of time if they’re following a similar timeline! :)
 

Hopeful applicant

Distinguished Member
Nov 18, 2025
58
80
Gibson Dunn, September 4th 2025
I've noticed that there are several people who applied very early (around September) for summer VS to Gibson Dunn and have not received anything post-app. Does anyone have an idea what that is about?

@Laurel Lance - Black Canary suggested that if you have not gotten a holding email it means they have not reviewed your application yet, but is there a reason why that would be the case? They are supposed to be rolling, and we've applied so long before deadline...
 
I
I've noticed that there are several people who applied very early (around September) for summer VS to Gibson Dunn and have not received anything post-app. Does anyone have an idea what that is about?

@Laurel Lance - Black Canary suggested that if you have not gotten a holding email it means they have not reviewed your application yet, but is there a reason why that would be the case? They are supposed to be rolling, and we've applied so long before deadline...
I know handful of ppl not hearing back too, I think for VS you have the possibility to wait until end of the last AC to hear back. I applied to their TC, so a bit different (also someone mentioned GD TC is a pile of reserve as they were not sending PFO until spring last cycle).

Pls update lewis silkin at DTC thread (as the only route), sometimes ppl are confused to mix between 2 routes if the timeline, like deadline on the same day
 
I

I know handful of ppl not hearing back too, I think for VS you have the possibility to wait until end of the last AC to hear back. I applied to their TC, so a bit different (also someone mentioned GD TC is a pile of reserve as they were not sending PFO until spring last cycle).

Pls update lewis silkin at DTC thread (as the only route), sometimes ppl are confused to mix between 2 routes if the timeline, like deadline on the same day
I’ve seen a few people post TC offers on LinkedIn from Gibson Dunn for this cycle so I’m assuming they’ve been progressing VS and DTC apps, but it may be DTCs were for earlier intakes.

It’s strange though cos I sent my app just before Xmas Eve and my AC is in less than 2 weeks (for the VS). They sent me a holding email just over a week post app as well (around NYE).

So idk why they haven’t gotten back to people who applied way earlier than me in Sept.​
 
Last edited:

Abbie Whitlock

Administrator
Staff member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 11, 2025
867
948
Hi @Abbie Whitlock

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I understand that corporate lawyers generally work in four main areas:
  • Advisory/Regulatory – would trainees mainly be updating clients on legal developments, doing legal research, and drafting advice?
  • Contentious – would a trainee’s work involve assisting with litigation, preparing witness statements, supporting court preparation, and conducting legal research to develop arguments?
  • Transactional – would trainees primarily draft and negotiate contracts? Also, in M&A deals, do trainees ever get involved in negotiating the deal price, or is that mainly handled by investment bankers?
I’d love to know if this is an accurate view of what trainees do in each area, or if there are other key responsibilities I should be aware of.

Thanks in advance! :)
Hello!

This is a good breakdown, and you are broadly right - I would just add a few tweaks on what trainees actually do!

Advisory / Regulatory

Yes - this involves lots of legal research, drafting first versions of advice or client updates, and preparing compliance and board documents (to ensure they meet legal obligations). A trainee is likely to be supporting the analysis of the regulations, rather than giving independent advice

Contentious

You would typically assist with disclosure, draft chronologies and parts of witness statements, prepare bundles, and carry out research. Trainees will often contribute to building the case itself, but won't necessarily lead the strategy.

Transactional

I'd say that trainees don't usually negotiate commercial terms. Instead, they run due diligence, draft some ancillary documents, manage checklists, and help co-ordinate signing and completion. The headline deal price is normally negotiated between the buyer and seller (often with input from investment bankers), rather than trainees.

Overall, I'd say that trainees play a key supporting and coordination role across all areas, rather than leading things such as negotiations or strategy :)
 

ACHat8r

Star Member
Jan 30, 2025
44
121
Come Here Lets Go GIF by Bounce

akin you have about 30 mins til I march into your office demanding my PFO. AI exists now, it doesnt take that long to generate a rejection email
 

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The Corporate Law Academy (TCLA) was founded in 2018 because we wanted to improve the legal journey. We wanted more transparency and better training. We wanted to form a community of aspiring lawyers who care about becoming the best version of themselves.

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