TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[aliiiisonxooox]

Had DLA post AC feedback. Honestly gutted.

They told me that the partner was super impressed w me for the motivation of the firm, but that I lacked structure ( it was a motivational and strength based interview, and they recommended me to use a very structured STAR. ) I did use STAR although not as structured as I would in a competency interview.

Positive feedback for the group, I took ownership and was able to interact well?

Presentation with partner- really good presentation, good commercial awareness, was able to pick up lots of points, lack of structure again. Although it has said not to use formal language so I didn’t give executive summary.. just gave an intro and moved on.

It’s really hard to comprehend that I failed because of the structure. They told me to be more succinct. English is my second language and sometimes it’s hard to express myself properly.

I’m really confused by lack of structure in both interview and presentation. Can someone help me how to improve on this? thanks.

 

[TsulaE]

Goodwin summer vac !!!

 

[alanshore]

I think one person on here said they got an interview invite today morning. I haven’t heard yet

its so odd because on every other platform, nobody has received anything. don't know what cc is up to.

 

[law123456789]

Anyone heard from Clifford Chance? The date was meant to be yesterday…

I know at least 2 people with VIs

 

[alanshore]

also as a general question, i've seen people say on linkedin they had internships at dubai offices of firms like baker mckenzie and nrf, but they dont advertise those positions anywhere. are they just sending out unsolicited applications or is it connections?

 

[user397485]

slaughters vac scheme offer

congrats! r u law or non law

 

[Saul_specter]

its so odd because on every other platform, nobody has received anything. don't know what cc is up to.

Wdym other platform

 

[phoenix11_]

How many people does Goodwin take for their vac schemes (both Spring and Summer)

 

[alanshore]

Wdym other platform

reddit, WhatsApp groups, uni groups, etc.

 

[kukubird]

How many people does Goodwin take for their vac schemes (both Spring and Summer)

They take up to 20 for each, in past years though it’s been around 16/17

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

I am delighted to announce that I’ve received my long-awaited post WG PFO from Orrick! Looking forward to absolutely nothing here!

For those interested, I applied 28 Jan, received the WG 10 Feb (1st batch), took the WG a couple of days later and got the PFO earlier today.

This is my 22nd PFO of the cycle. Can’t wait to add Ropes and Sidley to the list to make it 24…​

we actually need a support group
And I might need to get my head checked cause no progressions past WG or SJTs (so far?) has got to mean something is wrong with me atp
I'm actually so disappointed with myself on that

 

[Futuretrainee002]

OC summer vac scheme!!! Omg im actually in disbelief especially after i got a post vac scheme rejection yesterday.

 

[trainee4u]

Practice amberjack question but I’m actually not sure so wondering what people think?
The question is “Whilst checking your emails, you see an invite for an event that the senior team will be at. This is the perfect opportunity for you to network with the senior team, but you’ve never been to an event like this before. What do you do?
• Attend the event, speak to as many people as possible and ask questions, so that you can expand your network and learn.
• Before attending the event, find out further information about the senior team so that you know more about who you will be talking to.
I’ve narrowed it down to these answers but I don’t know, would you want to speak to everyone to expand network and show you don’t just care about sucking up to seniors, or or say finding out more about seniors since that’s who’s referenced in question? I feel like these online tests are so unbelievably difficult!!

it's kinda dumb because the correct answer is obviously research them first AND ask questions.

however I'd say that option 2 is much better because it shows you're not lazy and actually prepare for the event.

 

[Shaky_Pete]

For the SH test I got high verbal and mid numerical (not sure how that happened, have always got high on numerical and I was confident the questions were right!). Did anyone get high in both?

On the pillars 22/36. One pillar was only 3, so I'm assuming this low pillar might rule me out meaning the video interview part might not even get watched by the firm

 

[haribolover]

For the SH test I got high verbal and mid numerical (not sure how that happened, have always got high on numerical and I was confident the questions were right!). Did anyone get high in both?

On the pillars 22/36. One pillar was only 3, so I'm assuming this low pillar might rule me out meaning the video interview part might not even get watched by the firm

I got the exact same. My numerical was mid but thats just dumb considering I have degree with heavy maths components - a very artifical process tbh

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Since I’ve had no response yet from several firms I’ve decided to update the league tables post:
​

1st place: Freshfields (55 days) RECORD HOLDER
2nd place: Sidley (54 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 (21 days) Where’s the PFO??!!
8th place: Faegre Drinker (3 days) [NEW ENTRY]

At this point I’m gna assume Sidley is gna be my Simmons or Slaughters of this cycle and I’m just gna get ghosted forever. Sad times ig.​

Since I’ve gotten an update I might as well post a newer version of this league table now too:

Sadly Orrick didn’t make it past 7th place! I wish them the best of luck for the next app cycle…
​

1st place: Freshfields (58 days) RECORD HOLDER
2nd place: Sidley (57 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 (24 days) [PFO post WG]
8th place: Faegre Drinker (6 days) [NEW ENTRY]

 

[Hanzeeb]

Has anyone progressed with an Amberjack getting mid numerical and mid verbal

 

[haribolover]

I got 3 on a pillar recently (not SH) despite always scoring quite high but I still got through to the next stage. I think it just varies from firm to firm as to what they prioritise and I’m sure they put more emphasis on the VI anyway!

Mine was creative force?? Normally that's quite high but my other ones tend to suffer because I don't factor feelings of people, but when I do that went down like a lead balloon. There was definitely one dodgy numerical which i think caused my overall to suffer

 

[ABC234]

It's actively encouraged! For sure bring your notebook everywhere you go, and if you're going to actively take notes, maybe politely ask them would it be alright if you took notes, but generally speaking, for the duration of the vac scheme, that notebook is glued to your hand and goes everywhere you go. Keep track of everyone you spoke to, everything you did, everything you were asked to research, etc.

Thanks!!

 

[l842]

Dentons Spring VS! Just got the call

Same! Which office are you going to?