TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Lawlawland]

So does that mean even if you passed the test last cycle and do not have to re-do the test again this cycle there is no guarantee that your app was even reviewed last cycle or will be reviewed this cycle?

I was informed that the WGT is for every cycle (that you can do it only once in a cycle). IDK if the last cycle scores would be carried over for this cycle.

And yes, there is no guarantee that they've read your application even if you've received the WGT pass mail.

 

[Lawlawland]

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

I hope you're doing well ✨
I would like to have some suggestions on how to answer this question:

"Why do you want to be a trainee solicitor in a transactional focused firm?"

 

[DavidJC]

Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
This may seem ridiculous but I was wondering how can I actually keep track of ongoing things in the market, like inflation / interest rates, trade wars and geopolitics etc - I feel like there's so much information, and with things like interest rates which keep changing how am I supposed to track when it changes and other things in relation to this?

Thank you

I'm not them but I personally use podcasts like FT News Briefing, Unhedged, and Non-Billable, and just read the Business news section of The Guardian (others recommend BBC and other outlets too) everyday and generally scroll LinkedIn for a shrot few minutes each day which helps me keep quite on top of stuff. It's kinda impossible to be on top of everything at all times but dedicating a few minutes a day really helps.

For interest rates specifically, the three main ones to keep track of are Bank of England (BoE), European Central Bank (ECB), and the Federal Reserve (Fed). Usually their relevant rate-setting committees (e.g. monetary policy committee for the BoE otherwise known as the MPC) meet approximately every 2-3 months which is when you'll get more commentary on interest rates and then an actual decision whether to hold, cut, or raise interest rates. For example, the BoE recently held interest rates at 4% at a meeting on Nov 6 with a 5-4 vote, and the deciding vote was cast by the Governor (Andrew Bailey) citing that he wanted to wait for the upcoming Autumn Budget (due Nov 26) and maintain the status quo until then before deciding on any further movement in interest rates. There's some level of depth available as to how and why interest rates are set (especially in relation to the Fed) but I think just knowing about interest rates and paying attention to them is a pretty good baseline level of knowledge already, particularly if you know how it affects borrowing which affects transactional activity and thus impacts law firms.

 

[Amgrad]

Does anyone have access to The Lawyer? I saw an article suggesting Ashurt are potentially merging with a US firm, but the content is paywalled, and I'd be interested to know if they've named the US firm in the article.

Well, I saw the articles that they tried to merge with Sidley Austin, Fried Frank and Latham & Watkins in the past, but failed. Now, they're trying to merge with another US firm and still checking the waves as this year awaits for good chance to merge. Let's hope they merge with firm which has good culture and reputation too, predominantly presents in the west coast but smaller international scale where most people are more friendly since they're considering firms with domestic focus. I'd say NYC firms like Cravath, Watchell, Quinn, Williams, Simpson, Susman, Wilmerhale, Perkins, and M'olveny are on their radar as well.

 

[TCLAUser1]

Hi does anyone know how long it takes CC to send their Watson Glaser test? Is it automatic and does it need to be completed by the 19th or do they give you a different deadline?

 

[zara elles]

PFO from Dechert open day - they wrote: 'We recognise this is a disappointing outcome but hope you remain interested in a career with Dechert LLP and encourage you to apply for our vacation scheme. Additionally, please keep an eye on our website for information about future Open Events in 2026.'

I'm wondering whether this is their standard pfo or whether I'm being too hopeful in assuming they are still encouraging me to apply for the VS lol

 

[Bbhu19]

PFO from Dechert open day - they wrote: 'We recognise this is a disappointing outcome but hope you remain interested in a career with Dechert LLP and encourage you to apply for our vacation scheme. Additionally, please keep an eye on our website for information about future Open Events in 2026.'

I'm wondering whether this is their standard pfo or whether I'm being too hopeful in assuming they are still encouraging me to apply for the VS lol

I revived the same PFO… anyone recieve anything different?

 

[jaccobbhx]

Hey everyone!

I’m trying to work out the best approach to the work experience section on applications, especially when there isn’t a separate section for extracurriculars, or open days/events attended.

What counts as ‘work experience? Is it only paid jobs, internships, and in-person legal experience? Should I include positions of responsibility (e.g. a role at a uni society) in that section too? I’m asking this in relation to A&O Shearman (TC App), but the questions apply more broadly as well.

I’ve done several Forage courses (including A&O) attended open days, insight workshops, webinars, panel presentations etc. I thought these could show my interest and commitment to a career in law, however, I’m never quite sure if these should be included under WE.

For context, I’m an LLB and LLM Corporate Law grad, work full-time in financial services for alternatives (PE, RE etc.), but I have almost no legal work experience. I’m wondering whether including these courses/events in my WE section would be beneficial.

Also, how many experiences is too many if the firm doesn’t have a limit and are bullet points for this section a ‘no-go’?

@Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu @Jaysen Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

 

[futureharveyspecter]

This might sound dumb- but how exactly do you tailor your CV to specific firms? @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu

 

[GKT]

Anyone heard back from PW for November Open Day?

 

[futuretrainee101ac]

For Reed Smith, I scored mid for both Verbal and Numerical reasoning. 3 for grit, 6 for Applied Intellect, 4 Creative Force and
6 Digital Mindset. I’m not too sure how I did in the VI and fear I sounded slightly nervous. Has anyone had similar scores or know of any success stories or would it be best to prepare for the rejection … thanks !! @Abbie Whitlock

 

[Prudentia]

PFO from Dechert open day - they wrote: 'We recognise this is a disappointing outcome but hope you remain interested in a career with Dechert LLP and encourage you to apply for our vacation scheme. Additionally, please keep an eye on our website for information about future Open Events in 2026.'

I'm wondering whether this is their standard pfo or whether I'm being too hopeful in assuming they are still encouraging me to apply for the VS lol

Seems like a stock answer. I got a similar message from White & Case when I got a PFO. I wouldn’t read too much into it. Focus on making your vac scheme application as strong as possible!

 

[NorthernerInLondon]

CMS WG!

Anybody know if this is timed?

 

[RJ Ruban]

I applied for ReedSmith like two days ago, how did it take to hear back from them?
Also I received CMS WG - anyone knows if the format is like Simmons and Simmons?

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Is 80% a competitve score for watson glaser tests?

 

[lawstudent2]

What is Reed Smith's position on grades - do they require 2.1s in all modules

 

[mg42guy32]

Anyone heard back about the Meet Cooley event in December?

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

could anyone give an insight on how to structure the answer- Why do you want to become a commercial lawyer at (redacted) law firm and what do you think are the key skills and qualities required for success? i heard mixed reviews on if they wanted us to talk about why commercial law first then why the firm and the rest. I'd appreciate some insight! @Abbie Whitlock

 

[routetotrainingcontract]

What is Reed Smith's position on grades

Quite lenient in my opinion, I progressed and I have terrible grades lol. I think they view your applications holistically though which is lovely!

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

Has anyone had the opportunity to complete A&O Shearman's Direct TC application? Any tips on how to best leverage the work experience section? How did you find the video interview? I can help with White & Case and Hogan Lovells!