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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Lawlawland

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Oct 4, 2025
200
275
Omg, are the VI questions commercial, competency or motivational? I'm so confused by their website...
It's competency related based on a given peculiar scenario. You really do have to think on your feet and there's a lot to read and prepare within 1 minute.

The issue here is the time limit rather than the questions themselves.
 
Last edited:

TCLA0322

Valued Member
Premium Member
  • Jan 24, 2024
    100
    185
    "Good morning,

    Thank you for your interest in A&O Shearman.

    We would like to inform you that the Summer Vacation Scheme is open exclusively to penultimate-year university students. As you have already graduated, your application does not meet the eligibility criteria for this programme.
    However, we are pleased to let you know that we have transferred your application to the appropriate Direct Training Contract route."😇 Get confused for the eligibility but still apply to VS... At least knowing that they are looking on apps now...
     
    • Like
    Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

    law123456789

    Standard Member
  • Sep 12, 2025
    8
    3
    "Good morning,

    Thank you for your interest in A&O Shearman.

    We would like to inform you that the Summer Vacation Scheme is open exclusively to penultimate-year university students. As you have already graduated, your application does not meet the eligibility criteria for this programme.
    However, we are pleased to let you know that we have transferred your application to the appropriate Direct Training Contract route."😇 Get confused for the eligibility but still apply to VS... At least knowing that they are looking on apps now...
    When did u submit ur app
     

    Jaysen

    Founder, TCLA
    Staff member
    TCLA Moderator
    Gold Member
    Premium Member
    M&A Bootcamp
  • Feb 17, 2018
    4,851
    9,031
    Hey everyone!

    A little reminder: Tonight at 6pm, I'll be joined by @ReedSmithBecca, Senior Early Careers Recruitment & Development Manager at Reed Smith, to help you to write a really good application to Reed Smith this year.

    You can register here if you haven't already.

    See you soon :)
     

    sinirs

    Standard Member
    Jan 25, 2025
    8
    5
    Hi, did anyone else face technical errors with regard to Freshfields summer vs submission via Vantage? The interface froze for me, and it auto-filled in answers from my previous applications before submitting the incomplete application with outdated answers. I have emailed the graduate team. Does anyone have any suggestions on who else I can contact? I am really nervous as I am quite committed to Freshfields and do not want this to disadvantage me, especially when I could not even access the 'supporting questions' section before the app froze.
     

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