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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
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That's the only one I follow - can be some good content but also can be very toxic as its largely unmoderated!
Just to add a different perspective, I really believe in the idea of going where you’re appreciated. Sometimes the firms we love aren’t the ones that end up being the best fit, or they simply don’t see our potential. Staying open minded can make the whole process feel a lot more balanced, and you never know, you might be pleasantly surprised and end up at an amazing firm you least expected!
I wonder if the majority of commenters on UKLaw are associates in U.S/MC firms because they seem so heartless and ruthless in some of their responses and it makes me think, if they are claiming to know all of what they say because they work in these firms, are these firms full of emotionless humans who are wired to such toxic views.
Just to add to all of everyone's advice, last year when I did my first cycle a big mistake I made was thinking it was a weakness to feel sad about the rejections that hit the hardest! I absolutely think that because rejection is part and parcel of the game (otherwise everyone would be able to be a lawyer) it's easy to try to force yourself not to feel upset by rejections at all, but I really recommend allowing yourself to feel upset about the ones that make you feel that way, acknowledge your feelings, and then choose not to dwell on it because the right thing will come your way. Otherwise it's easy to later on get to a really burnt out stage of feeling completely hopeless amongst the inevitable rejections that happen as part of the journey. <3
Is UKLaw a website in its own right, or part of something else? Nothing seem to come up when I google it. Also, apart from the negative responses, what would you say are the benefits of that website? Have you learnt new things on it? TCLA is my only go-to for law relate advice, so I'm keen to know about other spaces!
Adding on to other valuable inputs given here, cognitive rephrasing and self compassion really helps me at such tough times. You've come a long way and you deserve credits for it. And, rejections never mean you're under qualified!
I believe compartmentalising things usually helps me here. I see each rejection as a standalone rejection (which most definitely are as no two reasons are similar) and try not to repeat them. Seeing it as a whole is worrisome, and stops me from processing it and getting over it, with implementable actions. This gives you a space to soak yourself in the moment, get over it individually and have better a outlook.
Another thing is finding the silver lining in everything. Rejection is definitely a redirection to things you never know you need. Baker's Open day rejection made me attend RPC Open Day, the best and most insightful of all 7 I've attended so far. I never knew I'm that aligned with the firm before it. So in the larger picture, everything would make sense!
It's odd isn't it? I’m surprised they'd have time for it outside their day jobs but Reddit does draw out some vindictive people! Either that or they are taking on a persona because they can hide behind anonymity or they aren't even at those firms but living a dream out.
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It's a sub-reddit on Reddit! You'd find it searching r/uklaw but honestly TCLA is a much better resource - I do sometimes pick up some interesting commercial awareness/legal market knowledge from uklaw but that’s about it.
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The subreddit good place if you feel miserable and want assistance. It gives a clear picture into the real "culture" beyond what's told in the public forums. But if you're enthusiastic/optimistic or clueless, the place seems brutal and unmotivating.
To be honest, I've felt somewhat validated over the past year because law firms haven't exactly practiced what they've preached.
You can probably guess what I'm alluding to here which does make me feel somewhat better lol.
Hello!
I would agree with other forum users on this point - I don't think that mentioning Paul, Weiss' developing litigation practice is a red flag in itself, especially if it is framed in a way that shows genuine awareness of the firm's broader strategy and focus areas. I think it is important to mention that you are also interested in the firm's core strengths (e.g. private equity), but as you have stated that you do mention an interest in this, I can't imagine mentioning litigation would be a problem
If you positioned it as one of several points (for example, acknowledging the firm's elite transactional work while expressing curiosity about how it's building out its litigation practice) I think this shows good commercial awareness. It shows you understand the firm's expansion and want to see how that integrates with its core practice areas.
As long as your application shows an interest in Paul, Weiss for its current strengths as well, it's unlikely your application will get binned for mentioning their growing litigation practice!
Hint: Paul, Weiss was heavily criticized for being the first firm to do this.
I'm not naive and I realize that law firms have to face commercial realities but it made me feel that values really are quite hollow when push came to shove. I guess it makes me feel better when I get rejected but I'd also face commercial reality myself if I was offered a role at a firm like Paul, Weiss as I would be the first to accept with really no qualms about it
Hey
I totally get where you're coming from - it really does sting, even when you know it's not personal at all. It's hard not to feel deflated after putting so much effort in, especially at firms you were most excited about.
I would really echo the sentiment from other forum users that rejection is redirection - I was devastated after each application I didn't progress for or VS I didn't convert but ultimately, I've ended up with a TC at the firm that is genuinely the best fit for me. Rejection doesn't mean you're not good enough - it just means that you weren't the right fit for that specific process at that time, and there are so many factors that go into these processes that have nothing to do with your potential or capability.
I think it's important to try to reframe it as part of the learning curve rather than setback. Each application makes you sharper and more confident - you start understanding how to tailor it better, communicate more clearly, and really refine your narrative and profile as a candidate. Even if it doesn't feel that way right now, you are learning and getting closer with every application. It's okay to take a breather before diving back in, and you can come back with more perspective and energy.
Everyone who eventually lands a VS or TC has had their fair share of "no's" along the way (and I've had more than I can count!). The most important thing in this competitive process is to remain reflective and resilient - all you need is that one yes!
You're clearly putting in the work and care - that will pay off! Sending lots of good vibes and encouragement your way, and we'll be here to cheer you on
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