TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[coolwizard22]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

I did their Flying Start Programme last year and the grad rec team said that we should definitely mention if we have met them. It sounds like it's something they look for. However, if you haven't, I wouldn't worry - there are plenty of other ways to have a strong application.

 

[DavidJC]

Sorry to hear do you mind tellig when you applied?

12 Oct on the deadline

 

[c.t.tc]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

I mentioned briefly something a trainee said at a law fair I went to but that's all so I don't think it's an absolute deciding factor

 

[lawyersum]

If so, would grad rec possibly give results for the online test? just so one can know what areas to work on since lots of firms are using similar tests this cycle

I wish that firms just sent us our scores instead of a feedback report trying to psychoanalyse our best and worst traits

 

[s123]

Anyone know when you hear back after Sidley VS final round for winter?

 

[johnsmith]

I wish that firms just sent us our scores instead of a feedback report trying to psychoanalyse our best and worst traits

The issue for them is that could open up a can of worms for them. You get rejected but know you had a strong score you ultimately may end up asking them why you were rejected - far easier to leave it vague based on the volumes they get.

 

[silonthesofa]

Congratulations to all who got to Bird & Bird's VI!! I haven't met them anywhere and I was wondering if all of you included a personal connection (met X at Y event) when answering the question ' Why Bird & Bird'

It obviously always helps to have met the firm, but it's not a deal breaker. I made it through having never interacted with them at all. What you need to do is demonstrate that you know the firm. Mentioning a recent deal of theirs is a good way to do that, or something about them that makes them stand out. Meeting them at events helps to provide that insight, but it's definitely still doable without. Also, I strongly recommend their Forage course. I did it prior to my AC, but it would still help with your VI because you'll really understand what their IP practice is about.

 

[msclm]

Anyone know when you hear back after Sidley VS final round for winter?

After partner or HR?

 

[s123]

After partner or HR?

partner

 

[Jessica Pearson]

HSF WVS pfo (after passing the test benchmark). Applied 18th Sept

 

[an03]

HSF WVS pfo (after passing the test benchmark). Applied 18th Sept

Same

 

[jacobn04]

HSF Kramer AC for the WS! Any tips? It's next Tuesday... 🥲

 

[silonthesofa]

HSF Kramer AC for the WS! Any tips? It's next Tuesday... 🥲

@jacobn04 Congrats. That's the first HSF Kramer AC I see. Could I please ask when you applied?

 

[jacobn04]

@jacobn04 Congrats. That's the first HSF Kramer AC I see. Could I please ask when you applied?

I applied hours before it closed on the 1st

 

[Kjaerlighet]

Completed Ashurst Written Case Study last Thursday (9th Oct).

Did not hear anything since.

Anyone heard from Ashurst about progressing onto AC? How long does it take them to tell the results?

 

[Paul @ Paul Weiss]

If anyone is attending the PW open day today, could you please ask if any further interview invites will be sent out? It would be really helpful.

Hi Maddy,

Might be helpful if I chip in here. We have sent out a batch of interview invitations today. We are asking people to book their interview slots by tomorrow.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[floral.tcla]

How did we find the AOS AC..?

 

[JackJohnGibson]

Freshfields online test invite!!!

How long did it take to come through?

 

[lissa2006]

Hi Maddy,

Might be helpful if I chip in here. We have sent out a batch of interview invitations today. We are asking people to book their interview slots by tomorrow.

Thanks,

Paul

Hi!
May I ask if these invites were for the October or for the November open day? Additionally, if one is rejected for one of the two slots selected, is there any chance for them to be successful for the later slot? Thank you in advance!

 

[Paul @ Paul Weiss]

Hi!
May I ask if these invites were for the October or for the November open day? Additionally, if one is rejected for one of the two slots selected, is there any chance for them to be successful for the later slot? Thank you in advance!

Hi - these invites are for Winter Vacation Scheme interviews, not open days.

But, on open days, yes, you can apply for another open day if you have been rejected for one previously. They are very competitive!