TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[jamsparkle]

Did you get a reminder to complete stage 2 from the vantage/candid system even though you've completed the assessment?

yes

 

[JBM]

Got a HSFK Disputes Open Day PFO

 

[stilltrying]

Been 2 weeks now since I submitted Freshfields app for DTC and I'm still waiting on the first test anyone else in the same boat?

 

[johnsmith]

Been 2 weeks now since I submitted Freshfields app for DTC and I'm still waiting on the first test anyone else in the same boat?

That's odd, my request came through 4 days after applying.

 

[johnsmith]

From what I remember hearing about it from some people who took them, it did not seem to deviate a lot from a "normal" commercial law interview, having a mix of motivational, competency, and some situational judgement questions thrown in the mix. Besides this, there were only a few aspects that stood out a bit:

• There seemed to be an expectation for you to have a strong grasp of and interest in PE and leveraged finance; thus, you I would advise you to be prepared to explain in simple terms how PE firms work, how a PE/lev fin transaction looks like, how lawyers assist and value-add in these deals, and how this work differs from other types of transactional work done in big law firms.
• There also seemed to be an expectation to have a strong understanding of PW's market position; as such, you should be able to discuss the firm's particular offering and client base, its strengths and any weaknesses, to draw comparisons with its main rivals, and to also have a view as to the firm's strategy, its risks, and what you see to be future opportunities.

hi! I did mine last week.

It is def like a normal AC interview - a bit about yourself, a bit about the firm and then a few "what would you do ..." type of things. I will say, I mentioned an element of sustainable PE that interested me and I got grilllllled on it. I dont think it was done to catch me out, but just to check that I actually knew what I applied for given how heavy PW is at PE. they are super nice tho!

and yes to add on to Andrei, in my interview we specifically discussed PW's growth in London and how it compared to other firms (I basically said it was like sidley in the proactive massive partner hires, and not as conservative as some other US firms)

Love this information, and that sounds like a great interview process, really focused and straight to the commercial growth points. I'm really hoping I make it through as well, as they really seem to value in-person interviews rather than all the online assessments. It really seems to fit how they are trying to set themselves apart as a brand in London - they really don't seem afraid to stand separate, even just down to choosing an office location in Soho.

 

[c.t.tc]

Does anyone know whether Osborne Clarke runs on rolling basis?

I believe they are similar to TW in the sense that they screen and review applications as they come in but don't fill all AC places until after the deadline - so still a big advantage to get it in early but not a lost cause as all applications will still get read if that makes sense!

 

[e_turbo2]

Got a HSFK Disputes Open Day PFO

Sorry to hear this news! Did you do any tests for this pls?

 

[msclm]

Love this information, and that sounds like a great interview process, really focused and straight to the commercial growth points. I'm really hoping I make it through as well, as they really seem to value in-person interviews rather than all the online assessments. It really seems to fit how they are trying to set themselves apart as a brand in London - they really don't seem afraid to stand separate, even just down to choosing an office location in Soho.

Yes was super nice - very like Sidley. I think maybe the us firms are moving away from rigid interviews and more towards a rounded balance!

 

[Harvey Specter]

Reed Smith Nov open day and Hogan Lovells Lift Off online test invite!​

 

[johnsmith]

Bristows IP Workshop invite my first successful application!

 

[johnsmith]

Yes was super nice - very like Sidley. I think maybe the us firms are moving away from rigid interviews and more towards a rounded balance!

I'm just really hankering to get in front of people in person. I've worked face-to-face with clients for years, and it's just where I feel at my most comfortable!

 

[James Wakefield]

Bristows IP workshop offer! 🎉

 

[elizabethkate]

Hey, just wanted to let you know - it's not rolling. I confirmed it at one of their open days.

oh i went to that open day i thought they said it’s hard deadline of 21st nov but still rolling?

 

[elliece]

Bristows IP Workshop invite my first successful application!

Me too! Congratulations!

 

[apap]

Bristows IP workshop invite! Spots for in person filled already apparently! Hope replying within 5 minutes secured a spot lol

 

[Andrei Radu]

If we haven't heard back for Paul, Weiss for their WVS, can we assume it's a PFO?

I would not necessarily infer this. I remember last year people had already started interviewing for PW's summer scheme for a week or so; and a friend who had applied was telling me he had surely been rejected since he had not heard back yet - only to subsequently be sent an interview invite and to end up receiving a VS and TC offer.

 

[s123]

Is it worth applying to Milbank still? Never got round to it last week and I know it’s rolling…

 

[s123]

That’s crazy! I’m convinced I’m toast but there doesn’t appear to be any rhyme or reason. When did you apply? Huge congrats!🙌

Applied agesss ago ! When it opened pretty much

 

[t.t.2004]

Were the Freshfields stage 2 video responses unlimited time prep or was it on a timer?

 

[bh.sa]

Is it worth applying to Milbank still? Never got round to it last week and I know it’s rolling…

Yes I think so! I spoke to them at a law fair, and they said they don't get back to people until Jan/Feb anyways