TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

[user55998384]

So has anyone else noticed HSF Kramer have quietly snuck back in A-Level requirements of AAB? Oh the joys of merging with US firms

Website:View attachment 8394

Candid:
View attachment 8395

63 and above in each module is insane too wtf

 

[tosin4774]

A

So has anyone else noticed HSF Kramer have quietly snuck back in A-Level requirements of AAB? Oh the joys of merging with US firms

Website:View attachment 8394

Candid:
View attachment 8395

At least it is SPECIFIC

 

[legallytired]

63 and above in each module is insane too wtf

it's crazy. i think white & case also say 64 for each module, at least that's what I heard at an online event from one of their graduate recruitment, im not sure if its explicitly set out though

 

[user55998384]

it's crazy. i think white & case also say 64 for each module, at least that's what I heard at an online event from one of their graduate recruitment, im not sure if its explicitly set out though

SORRY WHAT I THOUGHT THEY WERE MEANT TO BE MORE LENIANT?

 

[JunoCarpenter]

Got the GD second stage invite. Is it selective?

Wow congrats!! How long after stage 1 did you hear back?

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

I’m starting a new internship from the beginning of October. I think it will be helpful for my applications going forward as it relates to comms and finance. Should I wait for some apps until I start so that I can talk about it on my application? Or just write incoming in the work exp section.

Hi, congratulations !! I would personally wait to include it as currently Graduate Recruitment will not be able to see our tangible responsibilities and impacts.

 

[Antoni Trochimowicz]

hi @Antoni Trochimowicz j wanted your advice on something. during my second year (i am non-law) i was still applicable for the US "fys" which essentailly were insight days. Moreover, my open day section is basically j us firms (bar 2 which are MC/SC) but this cycle i do j want to apply to as many as i can given how comp numbers have gotten.

However, when i apply to smaller firms, eg Fieldfisher/Clyde&Co/Addleshaw/Evershed etc - should i j literally take my OD section out as would it make them think if this candidate has primarily gone to US firms why is she applying here?

Hi, that's a completely valid concern! I think when applying to those smaller firms, rather than plainly removing the Open Days, I would try to focus on how you frame them. At the end of the day, each one of those experiences perfectly showcases your drive and motivation towards the career. This is alongside teaching you various skills that would be useful. However, at the same time, you're right it may potentially make you seem like a candidate who isn't truly targeting their firm.

As such, I would see if maybe you could rewrite the entry without namedropping each firm. For instance, I wrote: "I have been selected after competitive application processes to Insight Experiences at 10+ top city firms". This is then followed by slightly more detailed insights without directly mentioning where I learnt each thing. As a result, I was able to retain the necessary information that I wanted Graduate Recruitment to see, without any overthinking as to whether the MC recruiter thinks I'm too US heavy (I was haha).

Hopefully this helped !

 

[tabashtabash]

If I applied for macfarlane’s spring VS and haven’t got an invite to stage 2 yet is that a rejection?

 

[CHILOVE]

Did anyone get a confirmation email for submission after applying to A&O Shearman? Asking because I did not receive one

 

[NM23x]

Did anyone get a confirmation email for submission after applying to A&O Shearman? Asking because I did not receive one

It comes after a little bit

 

[Hugo2004]

Has anyone heard from Jones Day WVS if you submitted on Wednesday or after? Am concerned I'm too late as maybe they've massively slowed down?

Submitted Tuesday heard nothing

 

[user55998384]

Hi, that's a completely valid concern! I think when applying to those smaller firms, rather than plainly removing the Open Days, I would try to focus on how you frame them. At the end of the day, each one of those experiences perfectly showcases your drive and motivation towards the career. This is alongside teaching you various skills that would be useful. However, at the same time, you're right it may potentially make you seem like a candidate who isn't truly targeting their firm.

As such, I would see if maybe you could rewrite the entry without namedropping each firm. For instance, I wrote: "I have been selected after competitive application processes to Insight Experiences at 10+ top city firms". This is then followed by slightly more detailed insights without directly mentioning where I learnt each thing. As a result, I was able to retain the necessary information that I wanted Graduate Recruitment to see, without any overthinking as to whether the MC recruiter thinks I'm too US heavy (I was haha).

Hopefully this helped !

that you so much that is super helpful! were u then asked ab where those ODs were in interviews?

 

[user4647464]

Hi, would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this.

I am a recent non-law graduate (2026) from a Russell Group uni. Completed a vac scheme this summer (not quite magic circle / US but not far off), but didn't manage to convert it. I graduated with a first, however the further back you go, my grades slip a little (averaged 70-74% in last 2 years vs 63% in 1st year).

I'm really keen to apply to Freshfields, but now that they've changed their requirements for the SVS, I happen to be eligible for both the SVS and DTC route. As far as I can tell, the assessment criteria for both is similar (form, online assessment + AC). Is there a recommendation as to which I should apply for? It seems the DTC is a much more condensed application with fewer hurdles to fall at, yet I presume they'll probably expect a higher standard of commercial awareness? Meanwhile, I'm guessing that taking the SVS route would put me alongside current students, meaning more emphasis may be placed on grades throughout university, which may not be ideal for me...

As far as I can tell it seems Freshfields have a pretty even split of DTC vs SVS within their trainee cohort, so right now don't really feel like I'm being pushed either way on a purely strategic front. Not really sure what to think tbh; would appreciate anyone's insights as to which route they'd go!

 

[Novaa]

Helloo!! For anyone who has done the Ashurst Perkins Coie SJT, did they email you afterwards to say they’ve received your responses?

I’m at my desk, now wondering if I had a typo in my email on the registration page.

 

[sagekensuke]

Hi @Antoni Trochimowicz, I found your example of your work experience entry really helpful. I was wondering if you'd be able to post an example of an entry about an open day (or all the open days you did if you bunched them together in one entry). I think I've written about the substantive work experiences well, but am finding open days slightly harder to talk about. Thank you!

 

[Thanks@2025]

Anyone think there’s any point in submitting a Gibson Dunn application now? Noted it’s rolling but quite late in.

Hi, while most people advise sending applications in the first third or half of a rolling window, I know many that have succeeded with last-minute applications (including myself!). If you believe your application is strong enough, definitely send it in because you never know! You can only make the shots you take, so I would suggest going for it. If it works out, that's incredible! If not, it is still good practice. That being said, if you are also juggling other deadlines and have limited time to write the application, it might be worth dedicating the time the GD application takes to another firm you're really interested in where it's much earlier in the window or nearing the end of a non-rolling window. All the best!

 

[Thanks@2025]

Hello everyone, does anyone have any tips for the Amberjack assesment? How different is it compared to Cappfinity assesments?

Hi, I know that these tests can be quite difficult to differentiate, and have largely similar components. However, the key point of difference I noticed is that Amberjack tests you on its four pillars (quoted below) regardless of which firm you apply to. Following that however, each firm might have certain preferences among those four. Cappfinity on the other hand, tests you based on each firm's specific values, so it is helpful to have those handy during the assessment. Amberjack also has both verbal and numerical reasoning questions whereas I have only encountered verbal reasoning questions on Cappfinity. Additionally, Amberjack's video interviews usually have unlimited prep time for each question, whereas video interviews on cappfinity have limited prep time (varying from firm to firm). Outside of these points, they are mostly similar. Let me know if you wanted to know anything specific from these points!

Digital​

Technological Embracement, Digital Creativity.

Creative​

Agent of Change, Future Focused, Original Vision.

Applied​

Learning Agility, Cognitive Ability, Social Awareness.

Grit​

Resilience, Passion, Delivery.

 

[Thanks@2025]

This is my first proper vacation scheme application cycle. I’m a bit late to the game as I’m already full-time employed, but thought I’d post here to hold myself accountable and wish everyone else applying the best of luck!

SUBMITTED
Slaughter and May
Macfarlanes
A&O Shearman
Ashurst
Jones Day
Sidley Austin

TARGETING IN SEPTEMBER
Reed Smith
Dechert
Hogan Lovells
Freshfields
Paul Weiss
HSF Kramer
Milbank
Skadden
Mayer Brown
Gibson Dunn
Latham & Watkins
Goodwin

This looks great! As someone that applied to a large number of firms before seeing any progress, I just wanted to say don't be too hard on yourself with any rejections that start coming in midway through the cycle. Keep applying to the later ones at the same pace and treat each rejection (if any) as practice. The right firm will surely come around sooner or later. And if you succeed at a lot of initial applications but plateau midway or find it tough to get through intermediate stages, don't be disheartened by that either! There isn't a specific graph or trajectory that the application journey follows - there are unexpected ups and downs. Just keep seeking feedback, learning from errors and shortcomings, and most importantly, believe in yourself. All the very best!

 

[Saul_specter]

anyone heard from A&O for winter vac scheme?

 

[Thanks@2025]

Hey guys, I need advice.

I have a million different firms I to apply for, but I don't know if I should do winter or summer.

Honestly, I just want to get one! I hope once I get it I will do a good job and get TC. I know people spread out the applications to maximise how many schemes they can do in the year, but I'm choosing to maximise actually getting one in the first place.

What is easier? Does anyone know whether Winter or Summer (or Spring?) is more competitive?

For reference I'm a fourth year student with a predicted first.

Thanks!

Hi, based on what I observed last cycle, firms usually treat all their vacation schemes equally. So you wouldn't be at an advantage or disadvantage by applying for one scheme over another. Additionally, both are usually similarly competitive. However, one thing to note is that winter/spring vacation schemes (December ones) are usually attended exclusively by those who are NOT on a student visa, since visa holders are barred from working during term time (which these schemes often coincide with). Summer schemes on the other hand, allow them to attend since they are usually on summer break. That being said, I would say base your choice on your availability during each window, your prioritisation of firms (i.e. people often apply to different schemes for their top choice firms to avoid a situation where they have to drop out of one scheme for another in case they make it to both), and how many options firms provide (i.e. if one of your top choice firms only provides a summer scheme and another offers three schemes, you could choose an alternate scheme for the other firm).

Hope this helps, all the best!