TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[FutureAntitrustLawyer]

There is no clear consensus on this point from what I am aware, and I expect this is an issue that can depend significantly on the particular recruiter's opinion and on the context of the points you are making (i.e. if you are making points that could have easily been connected to many more recent transactions, it is more likely that graduate recruiters will not like the fact you chose to discuss an older deal). Nonetheless, I have never heard about recruiters complaining about transactions that took place 3 years ago. Personally, if I were to draw a line for a general "safe to discuss zone" I would say to not go back more than 5 years.

This makes perfect sense. Thanks Andrei

 

[yk1906]

Btw, any news about King & Spalding DTC? They said they would uplod the application from Nov 17 and there's nothing.

 

[Trophy]

Yes, finally someone who understand it clearly. Seems like you rock 'WG recognising assumption' questions 🤭

Haha it’s my favourite section 🕺

 

[mg42guy32]

Would also appreciate insight into this! I applied on Oct 22, received the WG on Oct 30, and passed it on Nov 3 with my report saying I scored very highly, but I haven’t heard back from them since. Now I’m wondering whether my application was the issue and if I should expect a PFO soon, but they haven’t rejected me yet, so is it still early days?

Hey did you get a feedback report on Oct 30?

 

[User22022002]

Thank you! After how many days did you receive the test invite on submitting your application? I'm trying to gauge how I can space out my app submissions.

Just checked it was 6 days

 

[Anon145]

is there any point even applying to Skadden if you go to a RG uni but not an Oxford?Cambridge/ top London Uni lol

had a dinner with them last year at a RG that wasn't London/Oxbridge which indicates they cast a wider net. Also, one of the trainees there was from a non-RG.

 

[abc124]

Does Willkie not want our GCSE grades or is my portal glitching? For me it looks as if they only wanted country, year, name of school but no space for the actual grades?

 

[mg42guy32]

I haven’t received a confirmation email or feedback report from DLA after completing the test today. Should I be concerned that I may not have passed?

 

[Dogecoin GC]

Clifford Chance emails were a rollercoaster.

Essentially saying I'd passed the WG.

Then inviting me to complete it.

Then saying I'd passed it (again).

Then asking me to do it.

Finally, saying I didn't have to.

 

[panda1989]

She did not say you will be automatically rejected you’ve assumed that. If it was a requirement they wouldn’t allow your application to be processed without it.

It’s just highly encouraged to do so. I know slaughters like to send an email asking applicants to resend their module breakdown as it’s not often included in the application. As it’s nearing the end of the application window they may not want to do that for every single person who has not included it specifically if they have graduated. Key word graduated. You’ve not graduated therefore this wouldn’t even apply to you therefore you cannot infer an automatic rejection

Yes they expect you to upload it, in fact highly encourage if you have graduated. They won't be spending more time reviewing candidates who don't show their breakdown anymore like couple of weeks ago. See TC thread to find out how it went.

Okay thanks for your response but as a penultimate year student this does not apply then/is this just for DTC? as this is what it said under the section 'Academic transcripts if you have not already provided a full breakdown of results on the application form'

 

[Amgrad]

Okay thanks for your response but as a penultimate year student this does not apply then/is this just for DTC? as this is what it said under the section 'Academic transcripts if you have not already provided a full breakdown of results on the application form'

Yea yh, no worries if you haven't graduated yet

 

[firmfirm]

Hey did you get a feedback report on Oct 30?

I got it on Nov 1

 

[yk1906]

Guys, anyone who was present at Eversheds OD, do you know if they have special requirements for the Work section and open questions?

 

[lawyersum]

ffs dla piper pfo after passing wg two weeks ago😭

 

[WeGotThis!]

Just checked it was 6 days

Thank you!!

 

[user55998384]

does anyone know for the freshfield deadline whether that entails just the online application or whether you have to do test 1 before the deadline?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Could someone advise me on firms that do a one week vacation scheme?

Also are there any direct TC applications open now that make a decision before summer? I know many decide in the summer but would rather live than drown in assessments in summer.

Hey!

As a couple other users have mentioned, they are less common but there are still a few! To add to the ones that have been mentioned, the ones I can find that are one week are:

• Reed Smith
• Davis Polk
• Fladgate
• Gateley
• Mishcon de Reya
• Penningtons Manches Cooper
• Squire Patton Boggs
• Withers

I hope that assists!

 

[LawAspirer]

DLA PFO after passing WG with top on all 4 categories 😐

 

[Trophy]

Hey!

As a couple other users have mentioned, they are less common but there are still a few! To add to the ones that have been mentioned, the ones I can find that are one week are:

• Reed Smith
• Davis Polk
• Fladgate
• Gateley
• Mishcon de Reya
• Penningtons Manches Cooper
• Squire Patton Boggs
• Withers

I hope that assists!

Stunning thanks didn’t know Davis Polk did a one week scheme 😦

 

[bh.sa]

Btw, any news about King & Spalding DTC? They said they would uplod the application from Nov 17 and there's nothing.

I emailed grad rec about this and this was their response:

'We are still in the process of launching our new online application system. This will be live by the end of the month, please keep an eye on our website.'