TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[jessyjimmiejupiter]

just bumping this incase anyone sees it:
Hi everyone — I’m due to attend Burges Salmon’s upcoming spring vacation scheme and I’m keen to make the most of the opportunity and hopefully convert it into a training contract.

If anyone who completed the 2025 winter vacation scheme would be open to sharing any advice or insights, I’d be hugely grateful. Please do message me if you’re happy to chat — thank you so much.

 

[Ijustwanttobealawyer]

@Ijustwanttobealawyer No for Arnold & Porter (I did not apply to Mayer Brown). You?

I have heard from Mayer Brown but I have not heard from Arnold & Porter post application for DTC.

 

[BigFO]

Michelmores PFO after HR Interview. Annoyingly, I know exactly where I messed up, a rookie mistake...

 

[summersun]

Michelmores PFO after HR Interview. Annoyingly, I know exactly where I messed up, a rookie mistake...

same ...very dissapointed as I really liked them ...

 

[corplawperson23]

Hi, just wondering if anyone has heard back from CRS chelt office post VI?

 

[8law]

Has anyone heard back from DAC vac scheme post app

 

[AS24]

Can someone explain me how Perkins Coie application works? Do we need to draft a cover letter? Does it also include a VI element?
@Jaysen do you advise answering why this vacation scheme in the cover letter? Thank you in advance guys!

 

[aliiiisonxooox]

Hi @Abbie Whitlock thank you for your reply last night.

I just wanted to clarify something if that’s ok, when you said you mostly provided examples for competency questions- from your Subway role, is this for VS? Or does this apply for TC interviews too?

For example, if you’re interviewing for a TC for the same firms, do they expect you to only give legal job competency examples? As I said, I only had one legal job so it would be hard for me.

So sorry to bother you. Think I’m just being overly anxious .
Thanks a lot!!

 

[Isobel.liddle]

For SH Amberjack Assessment peeps that got a PFO, could you please share your scores? Thank you!

4, 6, 6, 9 - mid numerical high verbal

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Could anyone that got the SH VS share what their test scores were? Cos seeing some of these scores from people w/ PFOs is making me think that their benchmark is really high…

Just want to manage expectations for if I get the SJT and VI for the DTC. I’ve figured I’d probs need high verbal and numerical but not sure what the benchmark is gna be for each of the pillars…​

 

[AryanAgg]

My guess is at 7 each pillar but no idea

 

[Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner]

@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen
I have a question. I have been invited to an assessment centre on the same dates as a vacation scheme. I have informed the AC team but the have no alternative dates. Should I ask the VS firm or withdraw from the process? The AC is for a DTC.

 

[axelrod901]

Just had my TI with BJ, soo nerve wrecking to wait for the results. For those who have had it, how long did it take for them to get back?

 

[Marble_Moth]

Could anyone that got the SH VS share what their test scores were? Cos seeing some of these scores from people w/ PFOs is making me think that their benchmark is really high…

Just want to manage expectations for if I get the SJT and VI for the DTC. I’ve figured I’d probs need high verbal and numerical but not sure what the benchmark is gna be for each of the pillars…​

Hey, my guess is that the onus is on the VI. I think my scores were lower than some posted suggesting that perhaps the benchmark for the test is lower than people are guessing. Hope this helps!

 

[Lollipopx]

Hey! Is the Video Interview element automatic for Perkins Coie Vacation scheme?

No, they said it is completely separate. They pass the first stage and then if they like you they will proceed to VI stage.

 

[WillKitchen]

I just received a Capptivate invitation from Gibson Dunn. That application was a long time ago now - October 4th!

Best of luck if you have also received this.

 

[Jaysen]

@Abbie Whitlock @Jaysen
I have a question. I have been invited to an assessment centre on the same dates as a vacation scheme. I have informed the AC team but the have no alternative dates. Should I ask the VS firm or withdraw from the process? The AC is for a DTC.

Hey @Jessica Pearson - Managing Partner,

This is tricky. I'm not sure the VS firm would be too happy if you took the time out to do an AC at another firm.

Of the two, which firm do you prefer?

 

[yuhhhh]

Does Gibson Dunn send Capptivate invites to all applicants? Or is it selective?

Thank you!

 

[Sophia L]

!

Could anyone that got the SH VS share what their test scores were? Cos seeing some of these scores from people w/ PFOs is making me think that their benchmark is really high…

Just want to manage expectations for if I get the SJT and VI for the DTC. I’ve figured I’d probs need high verbal and numerical but not sure what the benchmark is gna be for each of the pillars…​

I know a couple of people that have done the scheme their scores were not that high and lower than some of the ones that people with PFOs got. I think when they say score they mean the VIs scores as well but the way the email is written makes it sound like its purely bc of the amberjack score but I dont think thats the case.

 

[mrebeccafr]

Just had my TI with BJ, soo nerve wrecking to wait for the results. For those who have had it, how long did it take for them to get back?

I had mine yesterday evening and I asked how long it would be until we hear anything and I was told should be by Monday!