TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Applicant7874652]

For Sidley VS post-ac how quickly did people hear back/ have you heard back? Just had ac today and wondering when I’ll hear.

I had quick turnaround - 2 days for offer

 

[WillKitchen]

Do we know the current situation with CRS applications? Apologies if this has been covered recently on the forum; I’ve been busy teaching and preparing for an AC elsewhere.

Thanks!

 

[amb303]

Do we know the current situation with CRS applications? Apologies if this has been covered recently on the forum; I’ve been busy teaching and preparing for an AC elsewhere.

Thanks!

No one has shared that they have an offer yet but if last year is any indication some probably do and will be able to share soon. There would also be more decisions sent out potentially next week if things play out how they did last year!

 

[asplawyer100]

Anyone waiting on AC (for summer VS) outcome for OC, grad recruitment said start to middle of next week

Thanks so much for the update! Could I ask how you found out about this? Did you reach out to them? Also is this for a specific office or is this the case for all of their offices? Thanks again!

 

[trainee4u]

Michelmores with the 10:30pm PFO

 

[florrrrnnn76]

Michelmores with the 10:30pm PFO

same lol

 

[summersun]

Michelmores test at 10:30pm 😅

 

[James Wakefield]

Just completed Ropes & Gray’s Thrive assessment. Not sure what to make of the feedback- let me know if anyone wants to compare! Thanks!

 

[i_need_a_holiday]

Hi everyone! Just got through to Mishcon AC. Any tips? Also, is there a group activity because by the looks of it there isn't? But I've also heard from previous cycles that there are (I believe).

yayyy!! congratulations! 🥳 🥳

 

[boots pharmacy]

Did they get back to you...?

Nope!

 

[boots pharmacy]

Sidley Pfo. I genuinely feel like crying. That’s my 15th PFO and haven’t had a single AC

Stay strong Bob. I had 40+ PFO's last cycle with a grand total of 0 AC's. Sidley also PFO'd me this, and last, cycle. I reflected, improved, and now have managed to snag a few vacs. Persevere, reflect, review, and seek guidance from friends & other people. Am happy to share my advice if you think it might be helpful. Keep going! 💪

 

[boots pharmacy]

Has Dechert gone AWOL? Does anyone know if they tend to ghost people? I did the WE more than one month ago and I still have not received anything.

Have heard they received a record amount of apps this year. The GR team is small, and not many trainees available to mark the WE; so long waits not unusual.

 

[boots pharmacy]

What’s up with these firms that say they’re rolling basis yet take months to update applicants?! Why do they ghost most people for months lmao?!

So far I’ve seen Simmons, Slaughters, W&C, BCLP, Gibson, Dechert and Sidley who are all rolling basis but taking ages to respond…

Still waiting on Sidley post app it’s been 56 days and counting now idek what’s happening atp…​

Suspect these firms will have placed our apps into a 'middle pile'/waitlist. If 'stronger' candidates falter at the later stages and GR needs to fill slots, they'll tap the middle pile. Heard this at an open day (forgot which firm), and would not be surprised if a number of firms use a similar system. My GD app's been AWOL since October! 😂

 

[boots pharmacy]

it's like 67 days for me with sidley but at least that's post app and not post interview hahahaha

How many days?
...
...

 

[ellamai0]

Sorry to hear that, I am sure you will be back even stronger and secure that offer! I was just curious, was the Mayer Brown PFO post AC and if so, when did you do the AC? I am pretty certain I am getting a PFO as I have not heard back for ages.

Thank you! Yep, it was post AC, and I did mine in the final week of AC’s which was W/C 23rd Feb

 

[boots pharmacy]

any last minute tips for my ac tomorrow would be super appreciated, so nervous!! - esp on how to approach a cast study!!

Don't overthink the analysis. Interviewers know you are not experienced, and are not expecting high-level, complex analysis from you. Rather, clear communication, resilience, and the ability to stand your ground & respond in a positive way to the interviewer's nudges way more important.

 

[boots pharmacy]

Update on me spiralling- I got the vac scheme offer in the end. Thanks for the emotional support chat!!!!

So glad to hear this. Told you!

 

[boots pharmacy]

I have a first stage interview tmr morning and they've said in the email to ask about the training process / training contract and I always blank on these types of qs in the moment, does anyone have any good questions to prepare? TIA

"Is the training here going to be better than at Davis & Main'?"

Jokes aside, you could ask about client secondments, international secondments, what your interviewer thinks the best seat combinations at the firm would be, whether there's a difference in picking seats first/last, whether they trained at the firm & how they found it, etc.

 

[boots pharmacy]

Guys following question: i know that firms usually call with VS offers, and some even call with PFOs and then send an email if you don’t reply. However, when it comes to offers: if one misses the call, would the offer come per email just as a PFO would? Or do firms tend to wait for you to call back and give offers exclusively by call? I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone with experience

Depends on the firm. Some firms will ask you to schedule a call back via email. Others will just make you the offer via email. Have heard that at PW the big man himself (Neel Sachdev) calls those offered TC's, and waits to reschedule in the event of a missed call.

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Michelmores with the 10:30pm PFO

same, absolutely diabolical