TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[applicant457]

should I assume PFO from Taylor Wessing spring if I didnt hear today

 

[Freshcutgrass]

Hiya, can I ask when you received the invite? Also congratulations!!

Thank you so much! 🥺 I got it yesterday at 11am.

 

[Freshcutgrass]

Hey!

Huge congratulations on the AC invite - what an amazing achievement!! Your first assessment centre can feel daunting, but try to approach it with confidence. Remember, you’ve been invited because they already believe you have the potential to succeed. Go in with a positive mindset, trust your abilities, and focus on doing your best!

Whilst I have not completed an assessment centre at A&O Shearman before, I have quoted a post below on some advice I have previously given based on the exercises involved in their assessment centre - hopefully it is a useful starting point!

In terms of the technical knowledge required, it's helpful to brush up on recent commercial news (particularly major developments such as the Budget) and think about how these events might affect law firms. Go a step further by considering how these commercial issues could impact A&O Shearman's core client base, and what A&O Shearman might do to support clients in navigating those challenges.

You're not necessarily expected to have economist-level expertise; rather, aim to show a clear and practical understanding of how broader economic and commercial trends influence businesses (and, by extension, law firms).

Best of luck - you've got this!!

Off of the back of this, what are some of the best ways to find out more about a firm’s clients?

 

[Rads]

Hello, as HL and Reed Smith are rolling, should I still apply for their summer vacation schemes?

 

[beanss]

anyone heard back for hl lift off?

 

[yk1906]

Jump scared by Skadden’s email merely notifying that they’ll start reviewing apps. God. 😁😁

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Jump scared by Skadden’s email merely notifying that they’ll start reviewing apps. God. 😁😁

I got jump scared by their 7:30am start for the written exercise! Haven't woken up that early since like year 11 at school

 

[Afuturetrainee]

Jump scared by Skadden’s email merely notifying that they’ll start reviewing apps. God. 😁😁

Lmaooo same🤣🤣

 

[1stCycleApplicant]

Also, in their view, how confident should I be to book London accom during the Christmas season without any guarantees of securing a WE? 😂😂

Is it in person??? Surely it's online given how unreasonable the turnaround/timings are!
Does "start making accommodations" not just mean that you should be available during those hours for an online WE?

 

[yk1906]

Is it in person??? Surely it's online given how unreasonable the turnaround/timings are!
Does "start making accommodations" not just mean that you should be available during those hours for an online WE?

No, sorry, I have just woken up, and my head was a mess... Going crazy already 😂

 

[Amgrad]

I got jump scared by their 7:30am start for the written exercise! Haven't woken up that early since like year 11 at school

Well, I think that suits international candidates outside the UK, mainly in continental Europe or Asia.

 

[elliece]

Did anybody go to the IP workshop at Bristows? I have the STEM students one this week and was wondering if anybody would be able to give insight into what the day involves!

I did the recent virtual one! (Unfortunately, did not reply to the email quick enough to get an in-person place lol). The day was: 10am -> Intro, 10:20am -> Welcome & Q&A with Adrian Sim (Joint Manging Partner), 11am -> What is IP presentation, 12pm -> Lunch, 1pm -> Trainee Q&A panel, 2pm -> E-tray exercise, 2:40pm -> Break, 3pm -> Case study session (IP Litigation), 4:30pm -> App & Interview session with Grad rec, 5:15pm -> Finish and final Qs

 

[Jaysen]

Hey everyone!

The recording from last night's Ropes & Gray session is live here.

Tonight at 5:30pm, you can join BCLP's office hours (a text based chat with grad rec) here.

Tomorrow at 5:30pm, we're running a session with Willkie on 'How to Stand Out in Law Firm Interviews' (register here). Just an early heads up that this one won't be recorded, so please try to make it if you are interested.

Hope you're all managing okay this week!

 

[yellowponytwin]

CRS Open day PFO

same - chelt office.

 

[Suii]

What is Eversheds test is it a WG?

 

[maylawwww]

Congrats! Is this for Spring or Summer?

spring!

 

[JasmineM9]

Anyone waiting for the Weil VI? I submitted on 15th November? 🤞

 

[yk1906]

What is Eversheds test is it a WG?

I think their next stage is VI, according to their website at least...

 

[RJ Ruban]

Anyone waiting to hear back from CMS I did the WG nearly 2 weeks ago now.

 

[Mara]

Hi, is Arnold & Porter's Spring VS open to graduates? It seems a bit unclear from their website