TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Harvey Specter]

We miss her too!

Currently Kirsty is managing things over on the Willkie thread and the new graduate recruiter joins on Monday

Will this have an impact on Willkie’s recruitment process and approach to hiring future trainees? I believe Gemma introduced the CV blind process to their graduate recruitment process. It’s sad to hear she has left Willkie. Looking forward to the future of Willkie with the new graduate recruiter though!​

 

[Dannie]

I did the first one around 1,5 weeks ago in the morning, and they sent me test 2 invite in the evening the same day

does that mean pfo if you didn't get the second test...

 

[Trophy]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

I have met Gemma and I can say she was one the most genuine graduate recruitment person I’ve ever met and I’ve been to lots of firms. Such a shame she championed inclusivity from the jump. No matter the university, disability or background you were not overlooked. One of the reasons I applied to Willkie was because of the culture and the trainees were a representation of that. Hopefully that stays the same she did a great job.

I’m sure she’ll crush her role at rare technology.

 

[Kirsty Wilkins]

Super sad that Gemma Baker has left Willkie. I feel like it’s been a quiet exit but she’s one of the best recruiters!

I wonder who’s taken over at Willkie? Anyone know?

Hi @James Wakefield

I'm temporarily looking after Graduate Recruitment since Gemma left Willkie, but our new Graduate Recruitment Manager joins us on Monday. In the meantime applications are being reviewed as usual.

Thanks!

Kirsty

 

[Lawlawland]

I have a few questions regarding Freshfields application.
1. I realise there is no questions in the form, how are we gonna display the motivation?
2. Do we have to do an interview in the first stage of application (aka the online SJT/WGT)

 

[LCamilaPG]

Anybody knows until when we can take the WG for DLA Piper?

 

[yk1906]

does that mean pfo if you didn't get the second test...

I honestly don't know

 

[yk1906]

I have a few questions regarding Freshfields application.
1. I realise there is no questions in the form, how are we gonna display the motivation?
2. Do we have to do an interview in the first stage of application (aka the online SJT/WGT)

There will be some video elements in the second stage of the test (aka job sim). You're not supposed to show motivation at the app stage, as I've understood.

 

[addy2004]

For Ashurst's summer vac scheme question 'Based on your research of Ashurst, what do you understand to be the biggest opportunity for one of the sectors in which we specialise?', how would you recommend structuring the answer using all 300 words? Thank you!

 

[anonymous.15]

documenting my rejections which I am collecting like pokemons -
BCLP post interview (haven't gotten feedback as in why I was rejected so atp idk)
PW post app
Akin post app
DLA post app
CMS post WG
Covington post app
HSFK post test
Bird and Bird post app
Reed Smith post app
Gibson dunn post test
Links post app
WnC post app
FF assuming PFO bec blabbered nonsense in the VI
MB assuming PFO
Jones Day post app
HL post job sim
Davis polk post app
Mac post 2nd test
A and O post app

I have no ounce of hope left and I hope my rejections help someone feel better that you are not alone in this.

 

[Trophy]

documenting my rejections which I am collecting like pokemons -
BCLP post interview (haven't gotten feedback as in why I was rejected so atp idk)
PW post app
Akin post app
DLA post app
CMS post WG
Covington post app
HSFK post test
Bird and Bird post app
Reed Smith post app
Gibson dunn post test
Links post app
WnC post app
FF assuming PFO bec blabbered nonsense in the VI
MB assuming PFO
Jones Day post app
HL post job sim
Davis polk post app
Mac post 2nd test
A and O post app

I have no ounce of hope left and I hope my rejections help someone feel better that you are not alone in this.

Slow down. It’s November and you’ve applied to more firms that I have in two cycles!

You get better writing them the more you know what forms want and understand the process. Most of these are rejections after application. Which means you’re either rushing the tests or the application itself.

The next 5 you apply to try and gather information from at least 3 different websites. Look for a case that interests you and hone on that. Use AI as a tool not as a reliance. Ask it to judge what you’ve written in the past and what you can improve then put that into your other applications. No need to rush even if it’s rolling just plan a day. I’ve done applications last day of a rolling firm and been successful.

You’re not alone and there are plenty of firms left keep your head up

 

[c.t.tc]

Are people still doing the TW test this week that applied to Spring?

 

[BobThebIlly]

CC emailed me to inform them of my reasonable adjustments within 24 hrs. I sent them my info at 9am and haven’t heard anything back from them — should I be worried? I need extra time for the WG 😅

 

[Kirsty Wilkins]

Not the most important thing rn but I’m guessing this might extend the time to hear back after VI?

Hi @Goodbyetc

Applications are being reviewed as usual so we don't expect any significant time delays in anyone hearing back after video interview, but there will be a couple of days where our new Graduate Recruitment Manager has to get set up on all our IT systems etc., so just keep an eye on your emails over the next couple of weeks.

Thanks!

Kirsty

 

[Harvey Specter]

Clifford Chance PFO post WG. These online tests are hit or miss for me. 🥲​

 

[Kirsty Wilkins]

Anyone heard from Willkie post app recently?

Hi @ExcitingEasting

Applications are being reviewed as usual, but it takes a long time to read each one thoroughly and wonderfully we've received a large number so far, so it's taking me some time to get through them all. Rest assured you will hear from us.

Thanks!

Kirsty

 

[jacksollaf]

documenting my rejections which I am collecting like pokemons -
BCLP post interview (haven't gotten feedback as in why I was rejected so atp idk)
PW post app
Akin post app
DLA post app
CMS post WG
Covington post app
HSFK post test
Bird and Bird post app
Reed Smith post app
Gibson dunn post test
Links post app
WnC post app
FF assuming PFO bec blabbered nonsense in the VI
MB assuming PFO
Jones Day post app
HL post job sim
Davis polk post app
Mac post 2nd test
A and O post app

I have no ounce of hope left and I hope my rejections help someone feel better that you are not alone in this.

I applied to about 75 firms so far, and I got rejected from 12 so far; im going to join you soon, and catch up! 😂 😂

 

[CharlesT47]

Have people starting hearing back from Sullivan & Cromwell yet?

 

[Lawlawland]

A general tip for research:

Thomson Reuters Practical law is an insanely good database for research as it's clearly organised and have knowledge maps to navigate interlinked concepts. Additionally, it also has almost every single sample documents across sectors.

IK it's insanely expensive, but I would suggest to sign up for a 7 day free trial and use it for the important application research. I got lucky and sourcing it from my employer.

 

[Lawlawland]

Clifford Chance PFO post WG. These online tests are hit or miss for me. 🥲​

I heard they have two different sets, one tougher than the other.