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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Kirsty Wilkins

Star Member
Graduate Recruitment
Oct 18, 2025
27
48
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
 
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yk1906

Legendary Member
Aug 26, 2024
308
265
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.
 

anonymous.15

Star Member
Feb 6, 2025
37
52
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.
 
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Trophy

Esteemed Member
Oct 29, 2025
89
150
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
 

BobThebIlly

Valued Member
Premium Member
Dec 6, 2024
113
166
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

Star Member
Graduate Recruitment
Oct 18, 2025
27
48
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
 
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jacksollaf

Legendary Member
Dec 17, 2024
293
609
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! 😂 😂
 

Lawlawland

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Oct 4, 2025
174
239
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.
 

Harvey Specter

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
703
2,646
I heard they have two different sets, one tougher than the other.​
To make things worse, they made sure to email me three separate rejections with the following text as the header in all capitals: CLIFFORD CHANCE REJECTION: FAILED WATSON GLASER. That did rub salt in the wound for real lmao. 😂​
 
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Prudentia

Distinguished Member
Oct 21, 2025
57
128
Clifford Chance PFO post WG. These online tests are hit or miss for me. 🥲​
So sorry to hear this! WG is an annoying test, but it can be mastered. Use AI to your advantage. I failed my first mock woefully, but used ChatGPT to explain what the test is actually asking and how to find the right answer.
 
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