TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

Why have a bunch of firms completely removed application questions?

AI! What do they really add when everyone has the potential to write something really well? It’s almost not testing anything anymore though I would argue some will just paste in the word salad it generates without any real substance or personality so probably still some value to questions for now.

 

[johnsmith]

Oh this is so disheartening to hear especially since this has been my best application yet. I’m worried now lol hopefully we will hear back

Sorry that’s just my personal thoughts don’t read anything in to it! Keep your chin up 😄

 

[abc124]

I have a 2:2 in 3 modules, finished with a mid 2:1. I've managed to interview at Slaughters, White & Case, Jones Day etc. I had the same concern, but I really don't think the law firms are bothered, especially if you have a first!

If you don’t mind sharing, did you have extenuating circumstances? And congrats!

 

[Apple]

If you don’t mind sharing, did you have extenuating circumstances? And congrats!

Nope!

 

[Apple]

AI! What do they really add when everyone has the potential to write something really well? It’s almost not testing anything anymore though I would argue some will just paste in the word salad it generates without any real substance or personality so probably still some value to questions for now.

Wow, thanks for telling me. It is a real shame, I feel like this might worsen social mobility. Now they basically only have grades and the university you went to when filtering applications :/

I'm sure there will still be Watson Glaser tests, but I do feel like the application questions gave everybody an opportunity to shine.

 

[johnsmith]

Wow, thanks for telling me. It is a real shame, I feel like this might worsen social mobility. Now they basically only have grades and the university you went to when filtering applications :/

I'm sure there will still be Watson Glaser tests, but I do feel like the application questions gave everybody an opportunity to shine.

My gut says it will be the VIs that are the solution to this - they probably test aptitude for speaking under pressure better but can also demonstrate structure and knowledge but with 2 min prep times you lower the efficacy of AI.

 

[c.t.tc]

Why have a bunch of firms completely removed application questions?

Mishcon in particular mentioned that their application numbers have shot up in the last year or two because of ChatGPT and that it was getting harder and harder to actually pick the right people to progress because answers were getting so generic through using AI. That might not apply to every firm but there is a good chance it is the reasoning behind a few of them.

 

[c.t.tc]

Why have a bunch of firms completely removed application questions?

I can agree that it's super frustrating though if you write well and feel like you're not getting the chance to prove you would stand out regardless!

 

[BT0901]

Has anyone heard from Taylor Wessing or Freshfields TC since completing the online assessment?

 

[ACHat8r]

Has anyone heard back from Linklaters for the Winter Vac Scheme?

I know 2 people who got an AC this week

 

[applicant3000]

Would anyone be able to share the vac scheme conversion rate at Goodwin? Unfortunately I was unable to attend the application webinar

 

[TCSeeker999]

How quickly do links usually tell candidates the final decision after an AC?

 

[Amgrad]

Would anyone be able to share the vac scheme conversion rate at Goodwin? Unfortunately I was unable to attend the application webinar

I did! And I've asked this to y'all... https://www.thecorporatelawacademy....ns-discussion-thread-2025-26.9717/post-219622

 

[msclm]

Hey guys, has anyone heard back from Sidley regarding spring / summer?

hi - I think sidley finalises their winter before moving moving to spring/summer

 

[Amgrad]

Confirmed! These firms would not sponsor visa for vac scheme at all cost (no direct TC route):

• Vinson & Elkins
• Akin
• Jones Day
• Ropes and Gray
• Latham & Watkins
• Katten
• Squire Patton Boggs
• Pinsent Masons
• Bird & Bird
• NRF
• CMS
• DLA Piper
• Covington
• Debevoise & Plimpton
• Simmons & Simmons

For international applicants outside of the UK, don't waste your time to apply as they don't offer Visa if you don't have right to work in the UK

These firms recruit solely from VS as well, but have very slight chance to get sponsored (case by case basis) and/or have DTC, but got cancelled in the last few years:

• HSF Kramer*
• Mishcon de Reya
• Gibson Dunn
• Osborne Clarke*
• Sullivan & Cromwell
• Orrick
• Kirkland & Ellis

Potentially sponsor visa for VS as they don't recruit DTC if your profile stand out and from emerging markets:

• Cooley
• Skadden
• RPC
• Milbank
• Weil
• Cleary
• Dechert
• Davis Polk

Clearly stated on the FAQs or events that they will sponsor VS for anybody without exception of nationality

• Taylor Wessing
• Macfarlanes
• Freshfields***
• Clifford Chance**
• Stephenson Harwood**
• White & Case**
• Paul, Weiss
• Sidley Austin
• Reed Smith
• Willkie

Notes:
* Sponsor Indian candidates for the scheme in India
** Sponsor Arabic speakers for their Dubai/Middle East Vacation Scheme
*** Sponsor Mandarin, Korean, and Indonesian speakers for their Hong Kong Scheme

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

Burges Salmon WVS Q, "Can you share a specific instance during your research, a conversation, or an event that convinced you that Burges Salmon was the right firm for you’ - for this question, I was planning on mentioning a virtual event I attended last year but I have also attended an AC with them, so now I'm quite unsure of which example to use. Any help would be much appreciated!

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Hi, does anyone know the Winter Vac scheme assessment centre dates for Hogan Lovells?

 

[Chelsea101]

For people that applied to Taylor Wessing - how long was your cover letter?

 

[abc124]

Hi, does anyone know the Winter Vac scheme assessment centre dates for Hogan Lovells?

Have they started sending invites?

 

[iklawapps]

For people who took the HL Job Sim, how do you feel about it :’ ) I’m pinching myself because I don’t think it was as bad as it could’ve been but I know I made the stupidest mistakes and missed out on so many stupid little details and probably seemed so stupid and nervous. idk VIs aren’t my thing and I keep getting rejected at this point, but I’m wondering how other people are feeling and if anything felt this horrible but ended up passing to AC. Anyway, sorry for the ramble but good luck to everyone!!! < 3