TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[qaz99]

After the written assessment grad rec said it would be the end of business this week that we should hear back. That means today!

Do you think it is now a PFO if I still haven't got the written assessment?

 

[silonthesofa]

Hi ! Does anyone know what the general recommended format is when completing the work experience section for vac scheme applications? Are we supposed to use bullet points or paragraphs? I spoke to a couple of firms at a careers fair and they both gave contrasting answers, so I was wondering what the safest approach would be in general. Thank you !

Go with what the firms prefer. That said, the majority of firms I've heard from say both are fine, but have a preference for prose, so I'd say it's safer if you're unsure to stick to (short) prose. Again though, ultimately, go by whatever the firm tells you they're looking for.

 

[Amgrad]

Go with what the firms prefer. That said, the majority of firms I've heard from say both are fine, but have a preference for prose, so I'd say it's safer if you're unsure to stick to (short) prose. Again though, ultimately, go by whatever the firm tells you they're looking for.

Hi I did both for bullet points and description:

I used bullet points to describe my role and responsibility based on my KPI

I used description for telling what is the company about

Usually this works at 150 - 250 word limit:

• Broadened non-profit network in emerging markets; received deals from Indonesia, China, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia.
• Attended hybrid AGM with WHO, WEF, UNICEF, WTO, and Government in Pune, India, to observe the annual reports involved in an on-site meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to deliver the strategic planning and expansion strategies.
• Provide advice and reviewing materials for 100+ biotech or healthcare product streams including Covid-19, TB, Malaria, HPV, Polio, Yellow Fever, and Influenza.

The X is an alliance manufacturers from 15 developing countries dedicated to the innovation, research, development, manufacturing, and supply of high-quality products to 170 countries striving for equitable access. The X seeks to protect people worldwide from known and new infectious illnesses by expanding manufacturing in impoverished nations. It strives to boost makers by providing advocacy, professional training programs on technology and manufacturing advances, and serving as a liaison to create collaborations and financing. The X is also promotes technology transfer programs and educates the public about the availability of safe, effective, and inexpensive for all people.

Hope this helps :')

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi ! Does anyone know what the general recommended format is when completing the work experience section for vac scheme applications? Are we supposed to use bullet points or paragraphs? I spoke to a couple of firms at a careers fair and they both gave contrasting answers, so I was wondering what the safest approach would be in general. Thank you !

As some forum members already explained, it's always best to go with what the firm says they want, if you can find that out on their website or from a recruiter. Nonetheless, in many cases this information will not be available. In these situations, I would advise you to go with prose: while I know a minority of firms have a preference for bullet points, when asked, they invariably told me they have no issue with prose. Their preference just had to do with the fact that they found information presented in a bullet point form to be more digestible. However, there are also firms who want all sections to be written in prose. When asked whether they would accept bullet points, their reaction was more adverse, as the rationale behind wanting you to write in prose apparently had to do with wanting to test your drafting skills.

 

[coolwizard22]

Do you think it is now a PFO if I still haven't got the written assessment?

IIRC I was told that my group (last Friday) were the last group to do the written assessment. However, don't count yourself out if you haven't been sent an email about the outcome of your application

 

[Andrei Radu]

Thanks for your reply, Abbie. Just to piggy back off of this, what about the flip side where you give a single, detailed example, but that example ties in many of their values? The wording says "through AN example ... ONE of these...", but it's also very likely that a single example demonstrated multiple values e.g. you took responsibility for the project and came up with a creative solution to achieve excellence. Should you still just highlight only one of these? Because going by the STAR approach, your result is usually going to conclude in excellence or perhaps respect, so it's a bit difficult to totally decouple the values from one another when leading to the example's logical conclusion.

Just to jump in - as long as you keep it to one example which you explain in depth, I cannot imagine the firm would have an issue with you connecting that to more than one of their values. That said, to hedge against any such risk I would perhaps:

1. Choose one value as the "dominant" value, which you explore in more depth and make more central to your point; and introduce the others more like "Also" points rather than points of equivalent importance to the main one.
2. Still ensure you prioritise depth over depth - I would ensure that you properly analyse the importance of its value and how it connects to your experience; as if the firm had any reticence in terms of you mentioning more than one value, it would probably have to do with you not fleshing out your points in enough detail.

 

[s123]

If a firm tells you to wait 7 days for an outcome of your application and you’re on day 5, does that mean PFO

 

[TortillaTC]

Still no news about Weil’s second Insight Day… it’s in 5 days so probably a PFO but it’s annoying that they wouldn’t even send it

 

[stargirl22]

Did anyone receive PFO from NRF post-VI?

 

[thepfocollector]

has anyone heard from Linklaters for wvs?

 

[bjelostan]

Anyone heard from ashurst post written exercise?

 

[Jessica Pearson]

Reed Smith PFO xx

Hii, so sorry to hear this. But if you don't mind me asking, was this post app or VI?

 

[emily3827]

is the white and case test just an sjt or is there a vi or wg element?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

If a firm tells you to wait 7 days for an outcome of your application and you’re on day 5, does that mean PFO

Not necessarily! If they said 7 days, you're still within their timeline. Some firms take the full period (or potentially even a bit longer) to review applications. There are often many factors they need to consider before making a decision, so no news yet doesn't mean a PFO - I'd wait until you hear back either way before assuming anything!

 

[Bbhu19]

any one know their linklaters Watson glasser score

 

[emily3827]

if I haven't heard back from a firm for winter and it was rolling am I able to withdraw my app and apply for spring

 

[student101!]

Hi guys! Any news from Vinson & Elkins spring / summer schemes?

 

[flower1]

Hello, is Why would you chosen to train at Latham & Watkins over another firm? - the same as why Latham & Watkins, so motivational? If not, how do you go about answering it?

Also, do you think it's acceptable to talk about only one point, but go into lots of detail. I have a point in mind and there's many angles to it. There's a 300 word limit. Or, is it better to mention 2 well-developed points instead to show greater understanding?

@Abbie Whitlock

Thank you

 

[qaz99]

is the white and case test just an sjt or is there a vi or wg element?

SJT and i think a critical reasoning. no VI

 

[e_turbo2]

Hii, so sorry to hear this. But if you don't mind me asking, was this post app or VI?

Post app