TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Andrei Radu]

Hi @Andrei Radu @Amma Usman,

I’m re-applying to Gibson Dunn this cycle after reaching the AC last year and would really appreciate your advice.

I’ve re-written my “why commercial law” paragraph and fully refreshed my first “why Gibson Dunn” paragraph.

My question is about my two other reasons for wanting to join the firm: the disputes/transactions balance, and the training philosophy. My reasoning on those hasn’t changed — so is it acceptable to keep those broadly the same this year, or is that still too risky even if I lightly rephrase?

Separately, my final “why me” paragraph is currently focused on my university research achievement and my society leadership roles (I graduated two years ago). Should I keep the research award and add a recent achievement to show progression — or would you replace it entirely?

Would really appreciate your thoughts. I thought last year’s application was strong and I’d like to keep elements of it this year if I can.

A general rule when reapplying is that the broad theme of your motivations, interests, and skills can stay the same, but you should change how you elaborate on those underlying motivations, how you tie it to experiences, or at least the particular form in which you express these substantive points. I would advise you to therefore seek to connect these general why-the-firm reasons to any new pieces of research you can find (such as new deals/cases, rankings, awards, etc) or any new experiences you have had.

As for the second question, I think you should keep the experiences that are most impressive but change/add at least one new one - you certainly do not need to replace all of them. Finally, I would say that when you are reviewing your work, to ascertain whether the new application is different enough, I think you should ask yourself the following question: when looking at the application on the whole, does it look as a genuine new attempt or just as an altered version of the prior one?

 

[user55998384]

anyone else waiting for Simmons OD still?

 

[whywhy88]

I have seen a few posts about Jones Day AC invites. Are these for the spring or summer scheme? Applied for spring yesterday and am thinking it might have been a better idea to apply for summer if people are already getting AC invites for spring...

 

[Trophy]

Thanks for this!

Do you think Sidley winter vac scheme is more competitive to get on to, or the summer and spring scheme

Winter vacation schemes tend to be open for finalist and graduates only across most firms.

Most international students cannot apply to WVS due to visa and term date restrictions so you’ve already eliminated some “competition”.

I’d say sidley is always the first to open the applications and people tend to rush and apply within the first 3 days writing half hearted answers. Given their scheme dates this year it’s within holiday period (same with dechert) for most universities, many international students would be eligible to apply so the possibly makes it equally competitive as its other dates.

I’ve applied to vac scheme for a couple years and found no luck with winter but did with spring and summer not sure why but I found those who succeed (post winter scheme) and post on LinkedIn had a vs the previous cycle they did not convert or had a bit of work experience. But this is all my observation and waffle 😅

 

[lawstudent2]

If anyone is still applying for DLA Piper and has issues with uploading their CV, if you put it through dropbox it should work.
Fixed the issue immediately for me.

 

[MaryAra299]

Has anybody done the mayer brown sjt plus vi, was your camera turned on the entire time and was there numerical element. They said to keep a calculator but the problem is I use my phone to calculate don't have a calculator so if they see me using Mt phone during the numerical part would that have a negative effect? Is there anyone who used their phone as a calculator during the mayer brown numerical reasoning

 

[lelezb1]

Has anybody done the mayer brown sjt plus vi, was your camera turned on the entire time and was there numerical element. They said to keep a calculator but the problem is I use my phone to calculate don't have a calculator so if they see me using Mt phone during the numerical part would that have a negative effect? Is there anyone who used their phone as a calculator during the mayer brown numerical reasoning

i used my phone calculator during the numerical part and my camera was turned on during the entire test

 

[johnsmith]

Truly happy for you buddy!

Thank you! They're top of my list 😀

 

[LaDiva]

For Taylor Wessing online tests, is it just the verbal critical thinking test, or is there an element of numerical and/or SJT?

 

[Arv_329]

If I haven't got AC invite for Cleary should I assume PFO?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Guys... Any tips on how to manage anticipation anxiety?

I've never made so many applications and awaited for so many results, worrying about their outcomes. Life in academia was so smooth and I always got into wherever I wanted to.

Dealing with rejections for the first time, in bulk is mildly shivering but I'm getting past it well. It's the anticipation and uncertainty of not knowing anything I'm struggling with. I'm on my email page once in 20 mns refreshing... And it just spikes up my heartbeat and makes me feel nauseating.

If any of you have been there, I would like to know what helps you!

Thanks in Advance.

Hello!

I completely get what you are feeling. The waiting and uncertainty can be so draining - sometimes even more than facing the results themselves. This was something that I really struggled with last cycle, and I ended up spiralling when I would see people hearing back online when I was still waiting.

The mindset that really helped me (and might help you too!) was reminding myself that once I've done my part of submitting the best application I could, the outcome was out of my hands. The decision element was out of my control, so spending mental energy on it just amplifies anxiety without changing anything. There are so many elements and factors that go into the graduate recruitment team's decisions that it's impossible to predict how each individual application will do.

When that worry or restlessness kicks in, I always used to try to redirect my focus and energy toward the aspects I could control - such as working on university assignments, researching for applications, or practicing other elements of the process. This made me feel a bit more grounded, and felt like I was bringing the 'power' back into my own hands. It doesn't make the anticipation disappear, but it might help reclaim some calm and agency.

It is an incredibly tough process, and you've already shown a lot of strength by powering through! Hang in there, and be kind to yourself while you wait

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Can anyone clarify what is meant when firms say this (in the context of their online tests): "This assessment is untimed, however, please try to work through it as quickly as possible."
Does this mean the time we take to answer a question impacts the score we get? If not, I don't understand why they say it. Anyone know?

 

[M85672]

For Reed Smith, 9/9 for both applied intellect and digital mindset, but 4/9 for both grit and creative force... Is there still a chance?

 

[Lawlawland]

Thank you for all your responses! This did put things at ease for me mentally.

I much appreciate it✨!

 

[Lawlawland]

If I haven't got AC invite for Cleary should I assume PFO?

I'm assuming the same, as quite a few got it already!

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Would it be fine to apply for a VS before attending the firm's open day? The application questions aren't motivation based.

Other way around might be better. However, it really depends on the firm. Which firm are you applying to?

 

[tcaspirer25]

have any offers for w&c winter vs gone out ?

 

[FutureTraineeMaybe]

DLA piper interview invite

Congratulations! Is this for london?

 

[nonlawstudent98]

have any offers for w&c winter vs gone out ?

They said we should hear next week!

 

[applicant3000]

Does anyone know when Dechert's open event is/when they'll get back to us? Just says Nov on the website