TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[BM99]

People who applied for the Clifford chance insight day taking place Nov 12th, have you heard back?

There was a holding email on Monday that we should hear back tomorrow.

 

[DavidJC]

Anyone?

Hey, I spoke to Grad Rec a couple of weeks ago and was pretty candid about my own grades (albeit with mit circumstances) and they encouraged me to apply anyway, so I'd say to give it a shot, the tests may take some time but I think overall their application process still takes less time than drafting answers for the standard three questions in an application form. Hope this helps!

Why would they put this information on TikTok 😭

They've really been shilling their TikTok as far as I know, seems the same for other firms too As someone a little older who has never used TikTok and has no intention of using it, I can appreciate and agree with your sentiment 🤣

 

[l789]

There was a holding email on Monday that we should hear back tomorrow.

Never got the email, but I didn’t do the Watson Glaser because I completed it the last cycle, so maybe grad rec accidentally binned me off.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

@Andrei Radu Reed Smith">@Abbie Reed Smith I was wondering if we should mention non-selective law firm insight events we've attended at other law firms in our application as well as the events that pertain to that firm? Thank you!

Hello!

I think it’s definitely worth mentioning non-selective insight events if they have helped shape your understanding of the legal industry or confirmed your interest in a particular practice area. You can briefly reference them to show genuine engagement with the profession - just make sure the focus stays on why you are interested in that firm specifically!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

View attachment 7352

Jones Day WVS

PW WVS <3

Wooooo!! Amazing news, huge congratulations to you both! 🎉

I hope you both celebrate well!!

 

[BM99]

Never got the email, but I didn’t do the Watson Glaser because I completed it the last cycle, so maybe grad rec accidentally binned me off.

I don’t know too. I did not do the WG test too because I completed it the last cycle.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Is it at all worth applying to firms like linklaters if you do have a 2.1 overall in first year but some modules at 2.2 (because of mitigating circumstances). Like being realistic do you have a chance.

Hey!

I’d say it’s definitely still worth applying. If you have a 2:1 overall and the 2:2’s were due to mitigating circumstances, most firms will take that into account - particularly if your layer results show a clear upward trend.

The graduate recruitment team will understand that challenges can temporarily affect grades, and as long as you explain the context briefly and highlight that it is a one-off instance amongst higher grades overall, it shouldn’t hold you back

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Also does anyone know if IP is a seat option at travers? I can see that they have an IP and technology practice areas but nothing about which seats are available.

Hello!

IP is included in their Technology & Commercial Transactions (TCT) department! I sat in this department during my vacation scheme at the firm, and they had a couple trainees each seat rotation

 

[c.t.tc]

Hello!

IP is included in their Technology & Commercial Transactions (TCT) department! I sat in this department during my vacation scheme at the firm, and they had a couple trainees each seat rotation

Thank you!

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

does anybody have any idea how to answer this question, what sort of example to use: What motivates you? Please support this with an example of where you demonstrated your drive and motivation (300 words). I am literally so stumped atm, especially as I've already answered the firm's two other questions on leadership and teamwork... 😢

Hello!

I totally get where you’re coming from - that question can feel a bit tricky, especially if you have already covered similar areas. For the “what motivates you” question, try focusing on what genuinely drives you to perform well and improve - for example, problem-solving, client impact, continuous learning, or working on complex projects.

I would then link it to a specific example that demonstrates your persistence and enthusiasm. It doesn’t need to overlap with your other answers - for example, you could talk about:

1. Pushing yourself to improve academically
2. Taking initiative in a part-time job, society, or volunteering role
3. Committing to a long-term goal, such as preparing for a competition or gaining a qualification

The key part is to make sure your example demonstrates consistency and effort - something that highlights your inner drive rather than just teamwork or leadership skills.

I hope that assists!

 

[legallycurly]

phew passed DLA Piper WG!

Congrats!! Can I ask how you know this? Did you reach the next stage?

 

[Legallylinked]

Has anyone heard from Macfarlanes for the AC yet?

 

[yk1906]

Anyone invited to Freshfields AC?

 

[nosnehpets]

Did mine on the 5th and haven’t heard back either, have they even started sending out AC invites?

Yes they have started - unclear when they'll stop sending invites though

 

[BillSikes]

Is the Eversheds Sutherland Vac Scheme not open to final year students? It reads: We welcome applications from penultimate year law under-graduates, final year non-law graduates as well as candidates who've already graduated or taken different career paths.

Is this them excluding final year law students but letting everyone else have at it?

They never hire from direct TC so must be open for everyone

 

[RJ Ruban]

Anyone invited to Freshfields AC?

Any advice on the second stage questions? Were they more strength-based or freshfield and commerical related?

 

[manifestingthetc]

Fieldfisher holding email post assessment (completed a month ago)

 

[nonlawstudent98]

Covington PFO

 

[jojo23]

Covington pfo at 8:26pm... take a day off and have a social life😭

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Alas, Covington PFO.