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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

NomenEstOmen

Active Member
Premium Member
Oct 7, 2025
10
1
Hi everyone,

After passing the HSF SJ test in December, I received an email saying they would be in touch as soon as possible. However, after more than two months, I still haven’t received any further communication from them.

Normally, I would assume it’s a PFO, but I submitted my application together with 10 friends on the same day. We all passed the SJ test around the same time (within a day or two of each other). They have all already received PFO emails (on 3 February), while I haven’t received anything.

I’m now worried that I might have missed a rejection email. It would therefore be really helpful if anyone who has been contacted by HSF could let me know which email address they send rejections from (there’s nothing on the portal), or whether this might mean they’ve simply forgotten about my application. Would it make sense to email them at this point, given that it’s already quite late?

Thanks!
 

helenaskelton

Esteemed Member
Feb 18, 2025
92
99
Hi Lawlawland,

So glad to see you have succeeded in securing a VS! And with Simmons no less! I recall your being particularly excited about that firm. Really well done and happy for you.

Copypasted are sample intros from another firm with a similar system. I hope they are useful.

Example 1
Joe Smith
University: Warwick
Subject: Law
Languages (Fluent):
Interests/Activities: I have just completed the penultimate year of my degree. In my spare time, I
work as a Venues Assistant at the Student Union and have previously volunteered at my local
Citizens’ Advice Bureau in the role of Advisor. I also enjoy playing football for my university team. In
the last year, I have attended open days at Slaughter and May, Jones Day and DLA Piper and more
recently, have completed work experience at Hollis Whiteman Chambers and Barclays Bank.

Example 2
Amy Jones
University: St Andrews
Subject: English
Languages (Fluent):
Interests/Activities: I am currently undertaking my GDL at BPP, having graduated last year. During
my gap year, I worked as an English language assistant in Beijing and also taught at an orphanage in
Nepal for three months. I have gained legal experience at Freeth Cartwright and Pinsent Masons. At
BPP, I am the Director for Street Law which involves organising presentations for secondary schools
and at St. Andrews, I was an active member of the Dance Society.
So we deffo shouldn’t do ‘Hi! I’m X, a graduate from …
 

rachl_shep

Standard Member
Dec 28, 2025
7
3
Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I had a quick question on how deep our insights are expected to be in interviews when looking at case studies. Obviously, we can talk about general trends but are we expected to mention very specific aspects of the deal e.g potential risks or threats or why it might take a long time? I'm a bit confused in general about commercial awarness in how deep our knowledge is expected to be.
 

Lissa06

Star Member
Sep 16, 2025
35
17
I'm waiting since WG... I've heard from someone who applied for their Pathfinder programme last year and they didn't get back to that person at all.
yeah I think it's common with them. as someone waiting to hear back from pathfinder, I literally know I've been rejected - because they seem to be done with the next stage (interviews). Yet it's been over a month and they haven't updated me
 

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