TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[James Wakefield]

Any news from Goodwin post-AC?

 

[WS]

Any news from Goodwin post-AC?

they said decisions will be around 6 march

 

[ash_22]

Does anyone know if Ropes usually does ACs in batches? Bit stressful that they’ve sent out rejections and then also ACs but some of us haven’t heard…

 

[ladyhaleinthehouse]

Hey! Does anyone have any insights/tips on the White & Case Written Assessment?

I can offer insights into the Baker McKenzie, Hogan Lovells, and Freshfields assessments if needed. Thank you!

 

[user55998384]

Nothing so far - I wonder if they're waiting for everyone to complete the SJT/VI before progressions (I'm delusional)

true the last ones would have been today I think so hopefully we hear soon!!

 

[LegallyBrunette_]

Does anyone have any insights into Katten's video interview with HR and their assessment centre? I've just been invited to complete both and there is limited information on the firm's recruitment process online!

 

[za123]

Nope! Still nothing lol

Any updates? At this point its so disrespectful if its a PFO

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

any news for bakers spring?

i heard they would get back to everyone by the end of this week.

 

[wrpark]

Why's K&L Gates sending out a holding email at 4am lol.

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Ropes AC WTF?! Idek how I’ve managed this one and the AC looks intense too. I’m cooked bruh…

This has got to be the most unexpected plot twist of the entire app cycle so far for me.

I got the email a few hours ago. Sent my app on the deadline for spring and summer I believe.

 

[Hopeful applicant]

I emailed a firm to withdraw my attendance at their AC, explaining that another vacation scheme overlapped with the start of their vacation scheme. They told me they could accommodate my circumstances (so, if I’m successful, only do the second half of their VS) and to come anyway. I do like this firm a lot, but 1) their VS to TC conversion rate seems low and 2) they don’t allow applications once you’ve been rejected at the AC stage. Based on how nicely their email was worded, it seems they’d like me to attend. Does anyone have any advice? 😭

I would suggest attending - you have no better chance of succeeding at the AC next year than this year, and it is possible you will not be invited to an AC next year. That chance is probably bigger if do not come this year after having been invited (a "clashing" vac scheme is not really a good reason not to come, as it is not really clashing - or at least that is how it can look from their perspective)

 

[Laurel Lance - Black Canary]

I am waiting for Dechert summer post app too! Did you apply to HL summer VS?

Any updates on MoFo and Dechert post-app or Hogan Lovells post-job sim?

 

[Diana54]

Is Dechert still doing ACs? I haven’t heard anything post app

 

[TCTC]

Ropes AC WTF?! Idek how I’ve managed this one and the AC looks intense too. I’m cooked bruh…

This has got to be the most unexpected plot twist of the entire app cycle so far for me.

I got the email a few hours ago. Sent my app on the deadline for spring and summer I believe.

 

[Cristiano Ronaldo sui]

Has anyone previosuly done a Ropes AC and can shed some light on what to expect/how to prepare? Looks like a very packed day ahaha

I swear to God haha , GL!

 

[soph107048]

Has anyone got a TW VS offer yet? If so, how long post AC?

 

[ManifestingTC2026]

Has anyone heard from Gateley regarding AC yet (Leeds office)?

No not yet, still waiting, also for leeds office... think i completed the online simulate around 29th Jan

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I’m pleased to announce that after 37 days post app, I’ve received a PFO post app from Travers! I’m still looking forward to nothing here!

Unfortunately this means Travers Smith failed to surpass Milbank on the league table. I wish them the best of luck in the next app cycle though!

This is the updated version of the league table:

1st place: Freshfields (43 days) RECORD HOLDER
2nd place: Sidley (42 days) CATCHING UP??!!
3rd place: Milbank (38 days) RUNNER UP??!!
4th place: Travers Smith (37 days) [PFO post app]
5th place: Ropes & Gray (22 days) [NEW ENTRY]​

As there have been a few changes since my last post for the league tables here’s an update:​

1st place: Freshfields (49 days) RECORD HOLDER
2nd place: Sidley (48 days) CATCHING UP??!!
3rd place: Milbank (38 days) RUNNER UP??!!

4th place: Travers Smith (37 days) [PFO post app]
5th place: Covington (30 days) [PFO post app]
6th place: Ropes & Gray (27 days) [AC invite]
7th place: Orrick (14 days) [NEW ENTRY]

I wonder whose gna win the race between Sidley and Freshfields, almost at 50 days for both…

Then again, Orrick could easily catch up if they’re gna ghost me until the end of the year lmao.

I’m sure there are other firms I applied to which would probs rank high but I didn’t track them…​

 

[Bread]

Just got orrick pfo post app

 

[Ancika]

Just got orrick pfo post app

Thanks for the heads up! Mine just came in now too.