TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[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
• K&L Gates

Potentially sponsor visa for VS since don't have DTC/alternatively offer DTC if your profile during process stand out and from emerging markets:

• Cooley
• Milbank
• Weil
• Cleary
• Dechert
• Skadden
• Davis Polk (PGDL/Law Students only)

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

• Taylor Wessing
• Travers Smith
• 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

 

[Andrei Radu]

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!

I do not think the fact that you attended an AC should significantly influence your decision to discuss the virtual event or not; in my opinion, this should simply come down to which of the two events was actually more impactful in terms of you realising the "fit" between you and the firm. If you learned more about the firm at the virtual event, you should not feel like you have to discuss the AC instead just because it is the more impressive achievement. As most people see it, ACs are not generally designed to make you learn the firm, but about assessing candidates who already know the firm is the right fit for them.

 

[Andrei Radu]

Hi guys, I am currently facing a scheduling dilemma and I figured it might be helpful for me to hear some advice and opinion in this forum.

So, I've got my first training shift at my current job on next Wednesday, 22nd. but there's a chance I might get invited to an insight day on the same day. I haven't heard back from the law firm yet, the application deadline was the 15th and today's the 18th, so I'm not sure if invites are still coming. The law firm said application is non rolling and they reviewed after deadline.

Now I don't want to seem unreliable with my new manager, and risk my reputation and first impression, but the insight day could be a great opportunity if it comes through. And now I'm not sure how long I should wait to confirm my availability to my current boss? Should I wait until next monday or Tuesday to confirm? Because if the insight day is happening on Wednesday, I doubt I will get invite on tuesday, which is a day before.

Would love to hear how others handled something like this. Ahhh
would really appreciate your help as well! )) @Abbie Whitlock

Hi @chiichii I agree that Monday is the latest you should wait to confirm - it would be highly unusual for a firm to send invites only one day before an event, as they know many applicants have to juggle busy schedules and to travel significant distances to attend. In case you are accepted, I would to be very candid and transparent but also apologetic when communicating with your new manager. I think you should address the situation upfront, specifying that you really want to avoid causing any inconvenience or starting off on the wrong foot and not appearing committed enough to your new job; but that a quite unique and important opportunity has appeared in your pursuit of your long-term dream of a career in commercial law. As such, you should try to explain that it would mean a lot to you if they would make an exception and allow you to start one day later so that you can attend the event; perhaps offering to also take an extra shift when they will need you to compensate for the present inconvenience. If you approach the manager in this manner, I think there is a high chance they will be very understanding and that they will try to accommodate your request.

 

[johnsmith]

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

I was wondering today if anyone knows anyone who's heard on next steps with Hogan Lovells

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

I think I kept to one page

 

[johnsmith]

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

I really enjoyed the tasks. Unsure how I'm performing with VIs yet, as not heard positively or negatively from any I've completed VIs for.

 

[londonlawyer]

I'm trying to draft a cover letter for a paralegal position, but I'm finding it quite difficult to explain my interest in corporate law without referencing the business advisory role lawyers take on. Could anyone please provide any insights into how a paralegal cover letter should look and how I can explain my interest in corporate law in the context of a paralegal? @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu Thank you!

 

[Andrei Radu]

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

Just to add to @Abbie Whitlock's great response here, I think what can make answers here really shine is including some comparisons with the firm's competitors. This will demonstrate to the graduate recruitment team that you have researched the legal market in depth and are able to identify Latham's rivals, and that you are also capable of drawing fine comparisons and you know what makes Latham unique even when compared to the firms that are most similar to it.

For instance, if you were discussing Latham's strength in private equity as a reason for joining the firm, you could explain how Latham's PE practice is appealing to you because (1) it is larger, more established, and more dominant than the practices of PE-focused US firms with smaller London offices (such as Sidley, Ropes & Gray, and Willkie); (2) offering a broader and more full service offering, as compared to the other giants in the PE world (such as Kirkland and Simpson Thacher); and (3) is exceptionally strong on both sides of the Atlantic, as opposed to the PE practices of its Magic Circle rivals.

 

[calebnash]

Does anyone know if OC give you scores/feedback for their test or if you have to wait until the deadline?